Are you ready to upgrade your stretched ears by putting in silicone tunnels? Many people love silicone tunnels because they’re soft, flexible, and comfortable to wear. But, if you’re not familiar with how to insert them properly, the process can seem a little tricky.
Inserting silicone tunnels isn’t difficult, but it’s important to do it right. You’ll need patience, proper preparation, and the right technique to make sure everything goes smoothly. Follow this guide to learn how to safely put silicone tunnels in your stretched ears without causing pain or damage.
Before we begin, let’s look at why silicone tunnels are a popular choice.
Why Silicone Tunnels?
Silicone tunnels are flexible and lightweight, making them a popular choice for stretched ears. Whether you’re looking for everyday comfort or an accessory for a special occasion, silicone tunnels offer some unique advantages over other materials like metal or glass.
1. Comfort and Flexibility
Unlike steel or acrylic plugs, silicone tunnels are soft and pliable. This makes them incredibly comfortable, especially when sleeping or wearing hats. The flexibility also allows your ear to breathe, which can reduce the chance of irritation.
2. Lightweight and Hypoallergenic
Silicone tunnels are much lighter than metal or glass plugs, which means less stress on your stretched lobes. If you’re sensitive to certain materials, silicone’s hypoallergenic properties make it a safe option for many people. Just make sure you use medical-grade silicone to avoid potential allergic reactions.
3. Variety of Styles
Silicone tunnels come in a variety of colors and sizes, giving you plenty of options to express your personal style. Whether you prefer bright, bold colors or subtle, skin-tone shades, silicone tunnels can match your aesthetic.
Preparing Your Ears for Silicone Tunnels
Before you attempt to insert silicone tunnels, it’s essential to make sure your ears are properly prepared. Stretching your ears is a process, and rushing it can lead to painful tearing or infections.
1. Wait Until Your Ears Are Healed
If you’ve just stretched your ears, give them time to heal before putting in silicone tunnels. It’s recommended to wait at least 6-8 weeks after your last stretch before inserting silicone tunnels. This ensures that your skin is healed and ready for a more flexible material like silicone.
Important Note: Never use silicone tunnels for stretching your ears. They should only be inserted into fully healed, properly stretched lobes to avoid tearing or irritation.
2. Clean Your Ears and Tunnels
Hygiene is key! Before inserting silicone tunnels, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to avoid introducing bacteria to your ears. Next, clean your earlobes with a saline solution or gentle soap to ensure there’s no buildup of dead skin or oils.
Also, make sure to clean your silicone tunnels. You can wash them with warm water and a mild soap, then dry them off with a clean towel.
3. Lubricate Your Ears and the Tunnels
Lubrication helps make the insertion process smoother and more comfortable. Use a skin-friendly lubricant like jojoba oil, vitamin E oil, or a specialty piercing lubricant. Apply a small amount to your earlobes and the silicone tunnels to reduce friction and help the tunnel slide in easily.
How to Insert Silicone Tunnels: Step-by-Step
Now that your ears and tunnels are prepared, it’s time for the main event—putting in your silicone tunnels! Follow these steps carefully to ensure a pain-free experience.
1. Squeeze the Tunnel into Shape
One of the biggest advantages of silicone tunnels is their flexibility. You’ll need to use this to your advantage. Begin by gently squeezing the tunnel so it forms a smaller, folded shape that can fit more easily into your ear.
- For larger tunnels, you can pinch it into a “taco” shape.
- For smaller tunnels, just gently compress it between your fingers.
2. Insert the Tunnel into Your Earlobe
Once you’ve compressed the tunnel, gently insert the narrow end into your stretched earlobe. This should be easy, especially if you’ve lubricated both the tunnel and your ear. Slowly release the pressure on the tunnel so it can expand inside your ear.
- Tip: If you’re struggling, try folding the tunnel more tightly or applying a little more lubrication. Take your time, and don’t force it.
3. Adjust the Tunnel for Comfort
After the tunnel is in, use your fingers to adjust it so it sits properly in your ear. You should feel the edges of the tunnel sitting snugly against both sides of your earlobe, without any pinching or discomfort.
It’s important to check that the tunnel is sitting correctly and not folded or twisted inside your ear. You should feel comfortable once it’s fully in place.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best preparation, you might encounter a few hiccups while inserting silicone tunnels. Here’s how to handle some common problems.
1. Tunnel Won’t Go In
If you’re having trouble getting the tunnel into your ear, don’t panic. It could be that your ear isn’t fully healed or stretched enough for the silicone tunnel. In this case, you may need to give your ear more time to heal before trying again.
Alternatively, try folding the tunnel into a smaller shape and use more lubricant. Always be patient—never force the tunnel in.
2. Tunnel Feels Uncomfortable
If the tunnel feels uncomfortable or painful after insertion, it could be sitting incorrectly in your ear. Remove the tunnel and try reinserting it with more lubricant or adjusting the fold to make the process smoother.
Note: If discomfort persists, take the tunnel out and give your ears a rest. Make sure there’s no irritation or signs of infection before attempting to insert it again.
3. Ear Is Swollen or Irritated
If your earlobe becomes swollen, red, or irritated after inserting silicone tunnels, it’s possible that your ear isn’t ready for them yet. Remove the tunnels immediately and treat your ear with a saline soak or an anti-inflammatory product like chamomile tea compresses.
You may need to revert to wearing your previous plugs or tapers until your ears are fully healed before trying again.
Caring for Your Silicone Tunnels and Stretched Ears
Once your silicone tunnels are in place, proper care is essential to keep your ears healthy and the tunnels in good shape.
1. Clean Your Ears Regularly
Make it a habit to clean your ears and silicone tunnels regularly to prevent infections or irritation. You can use a saline solution or a mild soap to wash your earlobes, and clean your tunnels with warm water and soap.
2. Avoid Sleeping on Freshly Inserted Tunnels
If you’ve just inserted new silicone tunnels, it’s a good idea to avoid sleeping directly on them for the first couple of nights. This gives your ears time to adjust and prevents any irritation from pressure.
3. Rotate Your Tunnels Occasionally
To ensure even wear and avoid buildup of skin oils or debris, rotate your silicone tunnels every so often. This also helps prevent your skin from sticking to the silicone over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Stretch My Ears Using Silicone Tunnels?
No, silicone tunnels are not recommended for stretching. Always stretch your ears with proper tools like tapers or weights and wait until they are fully healed before switching to silicone tunnels.
2. How Do I Know My Ear Is Ready for Silicone Tunnels?
Your ears should be completely healed from any recent stretching, which typically takes 6-8 weeks after your last size increase. If your ears are still tender or swollen, they’re not ready for silicone tunnels.
3. Can I Wear Silicone Tunnels While Sleeping?
Yes, silicone tunnels are great for sleeping because they are soft and flexible. Just make sure your ears are fully healed before wearing them overnight.
4. How Do I Clean Silicone Tunnels?
You can clean silicone tunnels by washing them with warm water and a mild soap. Dry them thoroughly with a clean towel before reinserting them into your ears.
5. Can Silicone Tunnels Cause Allergies?
Most silicone tunnels are made from medical-grade silicone, which is hypoallergenic. However, always check the product specifications to ensure it’s high-quality and doesn’t contain fillers that could irritate your skin.
Conclusion
Putting silicone tunnels in your stretched ears can be easy and painless if done correctly. With proper preparation, cleanliness, and the right technique, you can enjoy the comfort and style of silicone tunnels without any complications. Just remember, patience is key—never rush the process or force anything into your ears. With a little care, your ears will thank you!
