Plug Styles Decoded & A Bit About Stretching
Posted by Kelly Reumann on
Stretched piercings are some of the hottest looks around. Stretching your piercings isn’t even confined to just your earlobes, either! People are rocking stretched conchs, stretched lip piercings, and even stretched nostrils. But if you’re going to stretch your piercings, you’ll need plugs to put in them….and that’s where things can seem slightly confusing. That’s why we’re going to take a moment to discuss plug styles and some of the pros and cons of each.
First of all, let’s talk terms. Many plugs feature a charm end, with at least one larger lip to it that is too big to easily pass through the piercing and helps hold the jewelry in place. This is what’s referred to as a “flare”. Some plugs don’t have flares but have an hourglass-style shape to them. This helps keep them in while making insertion more comfortable. These are what’s known as saddle plugs. Plugs come in double flare and single flare styles. The single flare plugs have the flare in the front but have straight backs. They use O-rings to hold them in place. Plugs that have no flaring and use O-rings on both the back and front are called “straight plugs”. There are even plugs that have a flare on the front and a back portion that screws onto the jewelry to hold it in place. These are screw-fit plugs. Nearly all of these are great options for healed stretches. Double flare plugs are recommended for well-healed stretches only as it can take time for the tissue to relax enough to allow the flare to fit through the piercing.
There are a few other styles of plug, although they will largely be one of the shapes described above. First there’s tunnel plugs. These are any style of plug with a large opening that allows you to see through the piercing – exactly like the name says! There are also tunnel plug earrings. These aren’t actual plugs but hanging earrings that you would wear with a pair of tunnel plugs. There are ear weights, which are heavy charms that dangle from a plug or taper-shaped jewelry. These are designed to help continue stretching your lobes by allowing their weight to help stretch the skin. And then there are shaped plugs such as coffins, teardrops, and U-shaped jewelry called a “spreader”. These can all range from extremely simple designs to upscale and ornate.
Now that we understand style basics, let’s talk a bit about materials. Plugs come in a vast array of materials. The most commonly found would be metals like stainless steel, titanium, or gold. Stone, wood, and other organic materials are also widely used and offer a unique, and often one-of-a-kind, appearance. Glass is fantastic for stretching with, especially when using single flare plugs. It’s easily cleaned, allows for a smooth insertion, and removes any possibility of metal allergies. Silicone plugs are comfortable and lightweight but aren’t recommended for healing stretches. The lack of airflow to the skin can lead to issues with moisture and healing skin tissue. Finally, there are acrylic plugs. These are also lightweight and come in a wide range of styles but should also never be used for healing stretches.
If you’re going to be stretching your piercings at home, remember a few tips. Slow and steady is the way to go! Rushing the process can lead to tearing or even something called a blowout. A blowout is when the skin inside the fistula (piercing hole) turns itself inside out. You don’t want this. Keep your piercing well lubricated with a skin-friendly oil and massage the area regularly to aid with healing. Make sure you are well healed before attempting to size up and if you see bleeding or feel tearing, stop immediately.
Now you should have all the basic info you need to get started on your stretching adventure! Happy piercing!
BodyCandy COLLECTION
Ready to find out more about our new, and upcoming products? Sign up below.
Categories
- 13
- 14k gold body jewelry
- 14k gold jewelry
- 14k gold nose hoops
- 14k gold nose jewelry
- 14k gold nose rings
- 14k gold rings
- 14k jewelry
- 14k nose rings
- 14KT gold jewelry
- 14kt gold nose rings
- 14kt gold toe rings
- 18k nose rings
- 2015 gift guide
- 2016 body jewelry fashion
- 2016 christmas gift guide
- 2016 gift guide
- 2016 piercings
- 316L surgical grade stainless steel
- 420
- 4th of July
- 925 sterling silver
- accessorizing
- acrylic
- acrylic nose rings
- acupuncture
- add on charm
- adjust a belly ring
- after care
- aftercare
- aftercare time
- aftercare tips
- age
- Age of Utron
- ahs
- ahs body jewelry
- allergic reactions
- allergies
- almost free body jewelry
- alternative
- Alternative and Gothic Fashion Now
- alternative fashion
- America
- american
- American comics
- american horror story
- american horror story hotel
- american horror story season 5
- anchor
- ancient chinese medicine
- angel bites
- ankle bracelet
- annealed body jewelry
- annealed d rings
- annealed jewelry
- annealed metal
- annealed seamless rings
- annealed stainless steel
- annealed surgical steel
- annealed treatment
- anodized body jewelry
- anodized titanium
- anti
- anti tragus
- anti tragus piercing
- anti-tragus
- appearance standards
- art
- autumn body jewelry
- awards
- awareness belly rings
- babies
- baby
- back to school
- back to school body jewelry
- back to school list
- back to school shopping
- backgrounds
- bad luck
- ball captive ring
- ball captive rings
- ball removal tool
- bamboo tattooing
- barbell
- barbell earrings
- base metal
- baseball
- baseball body jewelry
- baseball season
- basic
- basic black
- basketball
- batman
- batman body jewelry
- batman jewelry
- batman v superman
- batman v superman blog
- bcr
- bcr gauge
- BCRs
- beach
- beach wear
- bead captive ring
- bee
- bells
- belly button rings
- belly chains
- belly piercing jewelry
- Belly Piercings
- belly ring
- belly rings
- belt
- belt buckle
- Belts and Buckles
- best friend belly rings
- best friend jewelry
- best friends
- best friends belly rings
- best friends day
- best friends necklaces
- bff
- bff belly rings
- BFF jewelry
- bikini
- bioplast
- bioplast nose rings
- birthstone body jewelry
- birthstone jewelry
- birthstone nose rings
- birthstones
- black
- black cats
- black friday
- black friday savings
- black friday shopping
- blood red
- blue topaz
- body art
- Body Art and Extreme Modification
- body candy
- body candy body jewelry
- body candy fans
- body candy jewelry
- body candy piercing videos
- body jewelry
- body jewelry fashion
- body jewelry gift guide
- body jewelry gifts
- Body Jewelry History
- Body Jewelry Information
- body jewelry list
- Body Jewelry Materials
- body jewelry parts
- body jewelry shopping
- body jewelry style
- body jewelry styles
- body jewelry tools
- body jewelry trends
- body mod myths
- body modification
- body mods
- body mods style
- body piercing
- body piercing aftercare
- body piercing care
- body piercing culture
- body piercing day
- Body Piercing Encyclopedia
- body piercing fashion
- body piercing gift guide
- body piercing healing time
- Body Piercing Interviews
- body piercing jewelry
- body piercing myths
- body piercing shopping
- body piercing tool
- body piercing trends
- body piercing video
- body piercings
- bodycandy
- bodycandy earrings
- bodycandy gift certificates
- bodycandy gift guide
- bodycandy gifts
- bodycandyfans
- bodymods
- bohemian
- bone body jewelry
- brand new styles
- breast cancer awareness
- breast cancer awareness belly rings
- breast cancer belly rings
- breast cancer research foundation
- bridge piercing
- broken mirrors
- brooches
- buckle
- buddha plugs
- bumble bee
- butterfly
- buzz
- candy cane
- cannabis
- captive ball ring
- captive bead ring
- captive jewelry
- captive ring
- captive ring sizing
- captive rings
- care for coated body jewelry
- care for plated body jewelry
- careers
- carolina panthers jewelry
- cartilage
- cartilage ear chains
- cartilage ear piercing
- cartilage earring
- cartilage earring piercing
- cartilage earring sets
- cartilage earring size
- cartilage earrings
- cartilage gauge
- cartilage jewelry
- cartilage piercing
- cartilage piercing jewelry
- cartilage piercings
- cats
- cbr
- celebrate body piercing
- celebrating women
- Celebrity Piercing
- ceramic coated body jewelry
- charm nose rings
- charms
- cheap gifts
- cheater plugs
- cheater taper
- chest dermals
- Chirstmas savings
- Christmas and Hannukah Jewelry
- christmas gift guide
- christmas tree
- circular barbell
- circular barbells
- circular ring
- circular rings
- citrine
- citrine body jewelry
- clip on
- clip on body jewelry
- clip on jewelry
- clip on nose ring
- clip on septum clicker
- clip on septum jewelry
- clip on septum ring
- closure ring
- closure rings
- clothes hanger cartilage earring
- clotheshanger earring
- coachella
- coated body jewelry
- cocktail rings
- college
- collegiate
- comics
- comics history
- concealing piercings
- concert
- conch
- conch cartilage piercing
- conch ear piercing
- conch piercing
- conch piercing experience
- conch piercing video
- conch video
- concha ear piercing
- concha piercing
- Coolest Piercings You May Have Never Heard Of
- cosmic
- counterculture
- covering piercings
- Crash Course
- creepy body jewelry
- crop tops
- cubic zirconia
- cubic zirconia body jewelry
- curved barbell
- Custom Jewelry
- custom tongue rings
- customized tongue rings
- cyber monday
- cyber monday savings
- CZ
- cz body jewelry
- d-ring
- d-ring body jewelry
- daisy
- daith
- daith body jewelry
- daith cartilage jewelry
- daith earring
- daith earrings
- daith headache cure
- daith jewelry
- daith migraine cure
- daith migraine piercing
- daith piercing
- dangle belly rings
- dangle body jewelry
- dangle earrings
- dangle industrials
- dangle plug set
- dangle plugs
- dangles
- darkness
- dawn of justice
- dawn of justice jewelry
- DC comics
- denver broncos jewelry
- deodorant
- dermal anchor
- dermal piercing
- dermal piercing video
- dermal piercings
- dermal project
- dermal tops
- dermal video
- dermals
- diagonal nipple piercing
- diamond nose rings
- digital downloads
- dimple piercings
- DIY
- diy gifts
- diy halloween costume
- dogs
- double
- double finger ring
- double helix piercing
- double nose piercing
- double nostril piercing
- double tongue piercing
- dream catcher belly ring
- druzy
- druzy belly ring
- druzy body jewelry
- Dyngus Day
- ear chains
- ear flat
- ear flat piercing
- ear hangers
- ear head piercing
- ear lobe
- ear lobe piercing
- ear piercing
- ear piercing information
- Ear Piercings
- ear stretching
- ear weights
- earlobe stretching
- earring
- earring gauge
- earring packs
- earring sets
- earrings
- earth
- Easter
- Elayne Angel
- electroplated
- electroplating
- elephant belly ring
- enamel coated body jewelry
- end of summer
- end of summer blues
- end of the summer fashion
- externally threaded
- extreme body mod
- eyebrow piercing
- Eyebrow Piercings
- eyebrow ring
- eyebrow rings
- face septum piercing
- facial piercings
- fact vs. fiction
- fake body jewelry
- fake nose ring
- fake piercings
- fake septum clicker
- fake septum jewelry
- fake septum piercing
- fake septum ring
- fall body jewelry
- fall fashion
- fall look
- fall style
- faq
- fashion
- fashion jewelry
- fashion jewelry trends
- fashion nose ring
- fashion sense
- fat tuesday
- fate
- faux
- faux body jewelry
- faux hoop nose ring
- faux nose hoop
- faux nose ring
- faux opal
- faux septum clicker
- faux septum clickers
- faux septum jewelry
- faux septum ring
- faux turquoise
- FCBD
- feather jewelry
- feather nose ring
- feminism
- feminist
- festival
- festival fashion
- festival season
- festival trends
- first time
- fishtail
- fishtail nose ring
- fishtail nose rings
- flags
- flat cartilage piercing
- fleur de lis
- flexible belly button ring
- flexible belly ring
- flexible cartilage earrings
- flexible navel ring
- floral trends
- flower
- flower belly rings
- flower child body jewelry
- flower nose ring
- forward helix
- forward helix cartilage piercing
- forward helix piercing information
- forward pinna piercing
- four twenty
- fourth of july belly rings
- fourth of july jewelry
- Free Comic Book Day
- free spirit body jewelry
- freedom
- frenulum linguae
- frenulum linguae piercing
- Friday the 13th
- friendship belly rings
- friendship bracelets
- funk off
- gabriel-kane day-lewis
- ganga
- ganja
- gauged ears
- gauged lobes
- gauges
- gauging earlobes
- gemstones
- genuine diamonds
- Get Social
- getting pierced
- getting piercings
- getting tongue pierced
- gift certificates
- Gift Guide
- Gifts
- girl power
- girly fashion
- give jewelry
- global jewelry
- gold
- gold jewelry
- gold plated
- gold toe rings
- goth
- gothic
- gothic fashion
- Gothic home decor
- gothic lifestyle
- gothic style
- grade 23 titanium
- Grammy Awards
- Grammys
- grinder plugs
- groovy body jewelry
- guide
- h2ocean
- Halloween
- halloween belly rings
- halloween body jewelry
- halloween bodycandy
- halloween costume ideas
- halloween costumes
- halloween costumes women
- halloween fashion
- Halloween Jewelry
- halloween looks
- halloween plugs
- halloween style
- halloween tongue rings
- handcrafted body jewelry
- handcrafted industrial barbells
- handcrafted jewelry
- handcrafted nose rings
- handmade nose ring
- hangers
- headache remedy
- headaches
- healing piercings
- healing time
- helix
- helix cartilage ear piercing
- helix cartilage piercing
- helix ear piercing
- helix earring
- helix piercing
- helix root piercing
- hello kitty
- hemp
- hemp leaf
- hide body piercings
- hiding nose piercings
- hiding piercings
- hiding piercings for school
- hiding piercings for work
- high ear lobe
- high lobe ear piercing
- high lobe piercing
- high nostril piercing
- higher perspective
- hinged segment rings
- hippie
- hippie body jewelry
- history of spring break
- hockey body jewelry
- hockey jewelry
- hoilday 2016
- holiday body jewelry
- holiday earrings
- holiday gift guide
- holiday gifts
- Holiday Jewelry
- holiday savings
- home decor
- honey
- honey bee
- hoop earrings
- hoop tunnel plug earrings
- hoops
- horizontal nipple piercing
- horizontal nipple piercings
- horn body jewelry
- horseshoe barbell
- horseshoe circular barbell
- horseshoe ring
- horseshoe rings
- how old do you have to be to get a piercing without parental consent
- how to
- how to guide
- how to heal piercings
- how to hide a nose ring
- how to hide body piercings
- how to hide piercings
- how to hide septum piercing
- how to measure
- how to stretch
- how to stretch your lobes
- hypoallergenic
- imitation septum clicker
- implants
- increasing gauge size
- independence day
- individual plugs
- industrial
- industrial bar length
- industrial barbell
- industrial barbells
- industrial fit
- industrial piercing
- industrial piercings
- Industrials
- inexpensive gifts
- ink
- inner cartilage piercing
- inner conch piercing
- inner helix piercing
- internally threaded
- international body piercing day
- international piercing day
- international women's day
- international women's history month
- ion plated jewelry
- ion plating
- ip body jewelry
- ip jewelry
- Japanese comics
- japanese fashion
- jewelry
- jewelry as gifts
- jewelry cleaning
- Jewelry Fashion
- jewelry making classes
- jewelry sensitivity
- Jewelry Sizing
- jewelry storage
- jewelry tools
- jewlery
- jim ward
- July 4th
- july birthstone
- justice
- kawaii
- know your materials
- know your metals
- Kristen Horner Warren
- l-shaped
- l-shaped faux hoop
- l-shaped hoop
- l-shaped nose ring
- l-shaped nose rings
- labret
- Labret and Monroe Piercings
- labrets
- lapel pins
- laws
- legal age for piercings
- leprechaun
- licensed body jewelry
- licensed jewelry
- licensed mlb jewelry
- licensed nfl belly rings
- licensed nfl jewelry
- Life in ink
- lip
- lip piercing
- lip rings
- live piercings
- logo nose rings
- love
- lower back
- lunar astrology
- lunar belly rings
- lunar eclipse
- make jewelry
- manga
- mardi gras
- marijuana
- marley piercing
- marsala
- Marvel comics
- Masters of Modification
- materials
- materials and metals
- maternity piercings
- measure cartilage earring
- measuring barbells
- medusa
- Men's Jewelry and Fashion
- metallic tattoo trend
- metallic tattoos
- metals
- micro nose rings
- microdermals
- migraines
- mismatched
- mix and match
- mlb
- Modification Around the World
- Modification Culture
- modified culture
- modified fashion
- modified lobes
- modified professionals
- monroe
- monroe piercing
- moon belly rings
- Mothers Day and Fathers Day Jewelry
- movies
- Multi Functional Body Jewelry
- music
- music festival
- music festival fashion
- music festival trends
- music history
- nape
- national hockey league
- National Jewel Day
- national piercing day
- national pink day
- native american
- native inspired
- native inspired body jewelry
- native jewelry
- natural body jewelry
- natural stone
- natural stones
- natural wood
- nautical outfits
- navel
- navel jewelry
- navel rings
- Necklaces and Pendants
- nerdy style
- new arrivals
- new belly rings
- New Body Jewelry
- new body jewelry styles
- new england patriots jewelry
- new fashion
- new jewelry
- new nipple rings
- new piercings
- new plugs
- new septum clickers
- new septum rings
- new styles
- nfl belly rings
- nfl body jewelry
- nfl navel rings
- nfl team jewelry
- nhl
- nhl body jewelry
- nhl jewelry
- nighttime
- nipple barbell
- nipple chain
- nipple jewelry
- nipple piercing
- nipple piercing experience
- nipple piercing reaction
- nipple piercing video
- nipple piercings
- nipple ring
- nipple ring sets
- Nipple Rings
- Non-Pierced Body Jewelry
- nose bone
- nose hook
- nose hoop
- nose hoops
- nose jewelry
- nose piercing
- nose piercing jewelry
- nose piercing materials
- nose piercing process
- nose piercing size
- nose piercing video
- Nose Piercings
- nose retainers
- nose ring
- nose ring decorations
- nose ring gems
- nose ring jewelry
- nose ring labret
- nose ring materials
- nose ring piercing
- nose ring sizing
- nose ring studs
- nose ring style
- nose ring styles
- nose ring types
- nose rings
- nose screws
- nose stud
- nose studs
- nose twister
- nostril piercing
- nostril piercing video
- nostril ring
- november birthstone
- o-rings
- ocean
- officially licensed mlb jewelry
- officially licensed nfl jewelry
- officially licensed nhl jewelry
- online shopping
- opal
- opal belly ring
- opal body jewelry
- opal jewelry
- opal nose rings
- opal rings
- opals
- Oral Piercings
- organic body jewelry
- organic wood
- organic wood plugs
- outer conch jewelry
- outer conch piercing
- oxidizing
- pain management
- paraskevidekatriaphobia
- parental consent for piercings
- part three
- pastel goth
- patriot
- patriotic body jewelry
- peace
- personality types
- personalized tongue rings
- philtrum
- physical vapor deposition
- Pick of the Day
- pier
- pierced and proud
- pierced ear
- pierced ears
- pierced fashion
- pierced gifts
- pierced pride
- piercing
- piercing aftercare
- piercing age
- Piercing and Aftercare Information
- piercing day
- piercing experience
- piercing experiences
- piercing guidelines
- piercing gun
- piercing healing
- piercing healing time
- piercing history
- piercing information
- piercing law
- piercing laws
- piercing minors
- piercing myths
- piercing pain
- piercing reaction
- piercing requirements
- piercing rules
- piercing shops
- piercing size
- piercing studio
- piercing style
- piercing styles
- piercing tongue
- piercing trends
- piercing video
- piercing videos
- piercing with parental consent
- piercings
- piercings 2016
- piercings named after people
- Piercisms
- pink belly rings
- pink body jewelry
- pink fashion
- pipe taper
- pittsburgh penguins
- plated body jewelry
- platinum
- platinum nose rings
- playing cards
- plug fashion
- plug life
- plug sizes
- plug style
- pluglife
- plugs
- Plugs and Gauging
- plugs and tunnels
- polytetrafluoroethylene
- polyvore
- pop of color
- popular body piercing
- popular piercings
- precious gems
- pregnancy
- pregnancy belly button care
- pregnancy belly button ring
- pregnancy belly ring
- pregnancy body jewelry
- pregnancy jewelry
- pregnancy navel ring
- pregnancy piercing
- prenancy belly ring
- pressure point
- professional piercing video
- project bar
- PTFE
- punk
- purple
- pvd body jewelry
- pvd jewelry
- quality 14kt gold
- quality body jewelry
- quality nose rings
- reactions to metals
- recycle
- red
- replacement balls
- replacement parts
- research
- retro
- right for you
- Rings
- Rising Stars of Modern Piercing
- rock n roll outfit
- rocker outfits
- romantic
- rook
- rook cartilage piercing
- rook ear piercing
- rook earrings
- rook jewelry
- rook piercing
- rook piercing jewelry
- rose gold
- rose gold body jewelry
- rose gold jewelry
- rose gold nose hoop
- rose gold nose ring
- rose gold nose rings
- ruby birthstone
- ruby red gemstones
- rustic jewelry
- Saint Patrick's Day Jewelry
- sales
- san jose sharks
- save the hooters
- scamp
- scapha artilage piercing
- scapha piercing
- scapha piercingsizing
- school shopping
- school supplies
- scrumper
- scrumper piercing
- seamless rings
- seasonal body jewelry
- seattle seahawks jewelry
- second nose piercing
- second tongue piercing
- segment ring
- segment rings
- semi precious stone
- septum
- septum clicker
- septum clickers
- septum hoop
- septum jewelry
- septum pierced
- septum piercing
- septum piercing jewelry
- septum ring
- septum rings
- sexy halloween costumes
- shop and save
- shop online and save
- shopping guide
- sideburn piercing
- sideburn tragus
- silver plated
- similar-posts--back-to-school-essentials-are-waiting-for-you-at-bodycandy-com
- similar-posts--ear-stretching-guide-part-1
- similar-posts--ear-stretching-guide-part-2
- similar-posts--ear-stretching-guide-part-3
- similar-posts--encyclopedia-of-body-piercings-conch-cartilage-piercing
- similar-posts--encyclopedia-of-body-piercings-daith-cartilage-piercing
- similar-posts--encyclopedia-of-body-piercings-forward-helix-cartilage-piercing
- similar-posts--encyclopedia-of-body-piercings-rook-cartilage-piercing
- similar-posts--encyclopedia-of-body-piercings-scapha-outer-conch-cartilage-piercing
- similar-posts--encyclopedia-of-body-piercings-standard-helix-cartilage-piercing
- similar-posts--feminine-macabre-how-piercing-culture-is-playing-a-role-in-fashion
- similar-posts--get-your-style-in-shape-with-summer-beach-body-jewelry
- similar-posts--get-your-summer-glow-on-while-you-still-can
- similar-posts--gone-goth-back-never-a-few-quick-tricks-for-dorm-room-gothification-that-year-round-halloween-feeling
- similar-posts--halloween-body-jewelry-part-2-zombies
- similar-posts--hitting-the-mark-arrow-native-american-inspired-style
- similar-posts--internally-threaded-vs-externally-threaded-body-jewelry
- similar-posts--jewelry-fashion-fix-the-world-through-halloween-colored-glasses
- similar-posts--jewelry-fashion-trending-the-native-american-mystique
- similar-posts--keeping-up-with-the-threads
- similar-posts--nightmares-before-christmas-fashion-s-black-swan
- similar-posts--piercing-experiences-ashleigh-s-nose-piercing-video
- similar-posts--piercing-experiences-jacqui-s-tragus-piercing-video
- similar-posts--piercing-experiences-liz-s-second-nose-piercing-video
- similar-posts--piercing-experiences-skella-s-conch-piercing-video
- similar-posts--piercing-experiences-troys-septum-piercing-video
- similar-posts--piercing-fashion-flash-wicked-cool-witch-house-style
- similar-posts--quick-take-keeping-up-with-the-threads
- similar-posts--the-modern-modification-lifestyle-trending-for-halloween-2013
- similar-posts--the-nose-knows-a-style-guide-for-nose-piercing-fashion
- similar-posts--trending-for-summer-sweet-on-the-southwest
- similar-posts--witch-crafts-and-fashion-guide-tips-and-tricks-for-a-witchy-aesthetic
- sizing
- sizing up
- sizing up gauges
- skeleton belly ring
- skeleton body jewelry
- skin diver
- skull
- skull belly rings
- skull body jewelry