Once you’ve first started the stretching process, the most important part is to wait. If you stretch your ears too much and too fast, you can tear or injure your ear cartilage.

Here are some tips during the stretching process and after you’ve finally reached your desired gauge:

Wash your piercing at least twice a day with warm water and chemical-free soap.

Soak your earlobes at least twice a day in warm, clean water with about 1/4 tsp of salt for every 1 cup of water.

Massage your earlobes at least once a day with coconut oil, jojoba oil, or another safe oil to keep it moisturized and promote healing.

Wait at least 6 weeks between streches, but keep an eye on your piercing. Don’t go up to the next gauge if you notice any redness, swelling, or irritation after 6 weeks. It may take longer based on your own healing process.

Don’t touch the piercing with dirty hands to avoid introducing bacteria.

Be careful not to get anything caught or stuck in the piercing that can pull or stretch it, like a loose thread.

Don’t worry about a little odor. A gauged ear can smell a little bit because of dead skin cells that can’t be flushed out of the piercing while you’re stretching. This is totally normal. But if the odor continues after washing, seek medical attention.

You shouldn’t see too much redness or swelling during the ear stretching process. If you do, you may have torn or damaged your ear skin. Make sure to follow your piercer’s aftercare directions. If you think you’re developing an infection, see your doctor.