A minimum of 4–6 weeks between every stretch. Some people need longer, especially at larger sizes. Your lobes need time to heal and rebuild tissue at the new diameter before they are ready for more pressure. Rushing causes thinning, blowouts, and permanent damage.

Your current jewelry should move freely without resistance. Your lobes should feel completely comfortable, with no soreness, redness, or tightness. If anything feels off, wait longer. There is no prize for stretching fast.

No. Mild pressure and a warm sensation are normal during a stretch. Sharp pain, burning, blood, or tearing means you are forcing it. Stop immediately and go back to the previous size. Pain is your body telling you to slow down.

A blowout is when the inside of your piercing pushes outward and forms a ring of scar tissue on the back of your lobe. It happens from stretching too fast, skipping sizes, or using jewelry that is too large. Avoid it by following the 4–6 week rule, never skipping sizes, and downsizing immediately if you feel pain.

No. Even with long wait times, skipping sizes forces your lobes to stretch too far at once. This causes thinning and blowouts. Always go up one size at a time in order.

Once your stretch is fully healed and well-established, usually several months at the same size. Tunnels with a flared design are not for fresh stretches. The flared rim requires a settled, comfortable stretch to insert safely.

Once or twice a day for daily maintenance. Always apply it before a stretching session as a lubricant. Healthy, well-hydrated lobes stretch more easily and are less likely to tear.

Both products do the same job. Jojoba oil is lightweight and absorbs quickly, ideal for daily hydration and as a stretching lubricant. The balm is thicker and offers deeper conditioning, especially helpful when lobes feel dry or tight. Either one works well on its own. Many stretchers use both together for full coverage.

At smaller sizes (under 0G), your stretch can shrink quickly if you leave the jewelry out. Always have a plug or tunnel in place. At larger sizes, stretches become more permanent but can still shrink. If you want the option to close the stretch later, stop at 0G or smaller.

Downsize to the previous gauge immediately and let your lobe heal completely before trying again. Apply your aftercare product daily to support recovery. If the irritation gets worse, develops discharge, or you see signs of infection, contact a piercing professional.

Stick to jojoba oil or a dedicated stretching balm. Avoid petroleum jelly, lotions with fragrance, or kitchen oils. These can clog pores, trap bacteria, or irritate the skin.

Yes. Both the jojoba oil and the stretching balm are made from gentle, natural ingredients. They are non-comedogenic, free from alcohol and harsh additives, and safe for daily use on sensitive skin. If you have a known allergy to any ingredient, do a patch test on your inner wrist before applying to your lobes.