Stretch It Body Jewellery
SIBJ is one of the world's leading online specialist retailers and wholesalers in ear stretching kits, plugs, aftercare and body jewellery. We have over 10 years of experience in selling high-quality, unique ear stretching jewellery providing the knowledge, expertise and tools to stretch up confidently and safely.
"Cartilage takes its time. So, plan on waiting a good 3-6 months between septum stretching sizes. And if things feel tight? Hold off even longer."
Septum stretching is growing in popularity beyond the ear stretching community. Now, septum stretching is also a firm favourite in its own right, regardless of whether you’ve already gone rogue with other piercings or not. Perhaps, it’s your turn to level up and join the gauging septum crew?
And why not? Having a stretched septum ring is a rare combo. It’s edgy enough to be a statement, yet surprisingly furtive when it needs to be low key. For this reason, it can be work-friendly by day, while flying your freak flag at night.
But, wait! Isn’t a septum piercing stretch just a bigger version of a regular septum piercing?
The answer is NO. Because we’re talking cartilage with a stretched septum. Not flesh. So, things get a bit spicier.
You’ll need to learn the technique, choose the right jewellery to make or break your look, and as for patience… It’s non-negotiable when you’re aiming to go up septum stretching sizes.
Ready to get into the nitty gritty? Follow your nose and let’s go.
Discussed In This Post
What is Septum Stretching?
Stretching most definitely doesn’t mean shoving bigger jewellery into your piercing as soon as possible. Conversely, it’s a gentle septum piercing stretch over time, allowing your body to adapt as you go.
Patience is key with your septum, because septum cartilage can be a bit more of a diva than the fleshy tissue in your earlobes. You’ll feel it, like, really feel it, if you push too hard – and not in a fun way!
But, it’s not all grinning and bearing it. On the cooler side, septum piercings have this amazing ability to stay open without shrinking once you reach your goal size, even if you leave them bare. So, it’s a pretty permanent mod. No going back unless you decide to let your nose naturally shrink over time. But hey, who’s going back?
Where is the ‘Sweet Spot’ for Your Stretched Septum Ring?
Placement is a massive factor when you’re planning a septum piercing stretch. You’re looking for what pros call the ‘sweet spot’. This is the zone in your alar cartilage, right near the tip of your nose. It’s so important to get it right, because the sweet spot is soft, flexible, and it won’t make your septum stretching journey too painful!
The problem is, not every nose is the same. You might be blessed with an ample sweet spot, or not so much. But it can feel like hitting a brick wall if your septum piercing stretch is even slightly off. So, your stretched septum ring MUST be high and tight.
How to Stretch Your Septum
Time to get technical when you’re plotting how to stretch your septum. Just like ear stretches, septum stretches have their own set of ‘go-tos’ and ‘don’t-you-dares’.
Here are the main methods, and how they differ when you’re working with cartilage instead of skin.
1. Tapers & Pinchers
There’s a lot of chatter out there about whether tapers are safe. Well, here’s the scoop. Tapers can (and should) be totally safe for stretching your septum once you know what you’re doing.
So, why do tapers get the side-eye? Simple. Most people use them wrong. Tapers are tools, not jewellery, and that’s where things can start going to shit!
Tapers as They’re NOT Meant to Be Used
You might see some folks walking around with tapers in their septums. But it’s a complete no-go area! The thing is, light tapers might seem ok for a short stint. But they’re not designed to hang around decoratively. They’re supposed to be for stretching; your trusty, behind-the-scenes ally, not the main attraction!
Nor does it mean you should crank up a gauge every other week, just because you got a taper kit with every size under the sun!
So, beware! Tapers are notorious for tempting you into the ‘bigger, faster’ mindset. But don’t be fooled by its sleek slope. Ramming tapers into your nose on the reg is a surefire way to end up with pain, bleeding, or worse.
The True Purpose of Tapers
Tapers are the gentle nudge of the gauging septum community when used right, helping you effortlessly glide into the next size.
Think of it like this. A good taper doesn’t exist to make your stretch bigger, but to guide a stretched septum ring into place, with minimal resistance and maximum comfort.
Why Good Tapers Are Worth It
You might be wondering if quality even matters when tapers are just tools.
Yes, it absolutely does.
Cheap tapers are usually rough around the edges (pun intended!), making insertion a rocky, uncomfortable experience. Instead, opt for surgical steel or titanium tapers, which slide in smoothly without snagging.
2. Dead Stretching
Alright, dead stretching - the method separating the rookies from the legends. It’s the OG approach when you’re serious about septum stretching. Simple, effective, and totally safe when done right. Plus, you don’t need fancy tools or tricks. Just patience and respect for the gauging septum process.
Dead stretching lets your body do the work for you. This means waiting until your current jewellery feels loose before attempting to size up to larger septum stretching sizes. No forcing. No ramming. Just sliding in the next gauge when the time’s right. It’s as close to foolproof as it gets when you do it patiently.
The idea of dead stretching being risky is a complete myth. Because you’re way off the mark if you’re trying to cram a supersized stretched septum ring into a tight hole. On the contrary, it’s about waiting until the next size practically slides in on its own. Think of it as the slow and steady approach, with less risk of tearing or irritation.
Septum cartilage takes its time adapting to each new gauge. So, this isn’t a weekly activity. Only upgrade to the next septum stretching sizes when your current piece starts moving freely and rotating easily. Attempting dead stretching before this point? You’re asking for it!
Why Lighter Jewellery Means Longer Waits
The weight of your jewellery helps when dead stretching. This is because the weight adds gentle pressure over time, naturally coaxing your gauging septum to widen.
Yet septum jewellery is generally lightweight (especially at smaller gauges). So don’t expect quick results. This slow build-up might feel endless. But you’ll know it’s worth it when your next stretched septum ring slides in effortless.
Remember, dead stretching is the go-to of septum stretching for a reason. It’s straightforward, low-risk, and achieves a clean, comfortable stretch. So, grab a good book, settle in, and let your septum stretch on its own schedule.
3. Get Ready to Gauge
Here’s how to keep it safe and smooth when you’re gearing up to stretch your septum:
Prep the area
Clean hands. Clean nose. Use warm water and mild soap to make sure everything’s spotless.
Lube It up
Grab a lubricant like LobeLove™ Premium Ear Stretching Balm and slather it on both your piercing and your pincher, taper or ring. This will make everything glide through pain-free.
Ease in the Stretched Septum Ring or Taper
Gently work the taper or jewellery through your piercing. Follow the curve and stop if there’s any resistance. Stretching should never be forced.
Switch to jewellery
You’re good to go if you’ve used the dead stretching method. Or if you’ve used a taper, you’ll need to guide your new jewellery in right behind it. Make sure it fits comfortably and doesn’t feel forced.
4. Septum Stretching Sizes and Timeline
Cartilage takes its time. So, plan on waiting a good 3-6 months between septum stretching sizes. And if things feel tight? Hold off even longer.
In terms of size guidelines, the following are common denominators (always bearing in mind your nose knows!):
- Starting out - Most septum piercings are around 16g – 14g.
- Moving up - You’ll hit thicker gauges like 12g – 10g and beyond.
- Going bold – Some septum stretching connoisseurs reach up to 15-20mm.
And always, always take each size in order, in small 0.5mm or 1mm jumps towards that goal size. Skipping sizes is a fast track to trauma. Don’t even think about it.
Don’t Just Base Your Jewellery Choices on Style
The gauging septum crowd knows there’s no point going through all the effort for cheap, low-quality pieces. So, what should you look for in pinchers and rings?
Surgical steel - It’s non-porous and ideal for fresh stretches.
Titanium - Lightweight and hypoallergenic, titanium is perfect for anyone with sensitive skin. Stick with ASTM F136 implant grade.
Glass - Smooth, sterile, and won’t irritate a fresh stretch.
Warning: Avoid acrylic like the plague in the early days! It’s not worth the irritation (or worse). Save the funky stuff like bone, horn, or wood for when you’re fully healed.
When to Experiment
You can look forward to branching out with different materials once your stretch is solid (usually after that 3-6 month mark).
Just remember, whatever you choose needs to be as smooth as butter to stay as irritation-free as possible.
The Lubrication Lowdown
Septum stretching is not a dry business. So, go for the slickest, gentlest lube you can get your hands on. This means skipping the household oils and opting for specialist lubricants like LobeLove™ Premium Ear Stretching Balm or LobeLove™ Organic Golden Jojoba Oil.
Lube makes jewellery insertion easier. But additionally, it also stops your septum piercing stretch from getting a raw, stretched-too-far feeling.
A little goes a long way. So, apply a small amount along your jewellery and go slowly.
Listen to Your Nose
Now, let’s talk about discomfort. Stretching cartilage isn’t entirely pain-free. This is ok and part of the process. But there’s a difference between discomfort and ‘call an ambulance’ levels of pain.
Here’s what to expect and how to know if you’re ready to move up to a heftier stretched septum ring or pincher:
Pain versus progress
A gentle soreness or feeling of pressure? This is normal. Blinding pain that makes you want to cry? Not normal. Also be prepared for your fresh stretch to feel painless when it’s done, but you’ll feel soreness sneak up a few days later. And a little pressure is fine. But ripping or tearing isn’t. The moral of this story? When in doubt, wait it out.
Playing a waiting game and knowing when to size up
Cartilage is stubborn. This is why your septum piercing stretch might feel looser, rather than look any different, unlike lobes, which usually show a visible gap when they’re ready for a stretch. Signs you’re ready to size up include:
- Jewellery rotating more freely
- Lack of tightness
- General ease of movement
Listen to your body. It’s the best judge of when it’s time.
Denting and Drooping
Stretching too far too fast? You might experience denting, where your jewellery presses into the harder cartilage around your septum, causing an uncomfortable indentation.
Another nasty side effect you really want to avoid is septum droop, where the bottom of the nose bows out due to large gauges. Love the look? Go ahead. Not a fan? Go slow to dodge the droop!
Every Septum Stretching Journey is Unique
It’s easy to get carried away with focusing on your goal size. But remember, every stretch is a mini-journey. You’ll have times when the stretch feels easy, and others where your nose seems to be playing for time. So, expect downsizing, waiting longer than intended, or even hitting plateaus. Because they’re all part of the process.
The important thing is to prioritise comfort over speed. Don’t push it if your nose loves the size it’s at. And always go with your gut on your own personal stretching path, because no two noses stretch the same.
At Stretch It Body Jewellery, we’ve got your back (and your nose!), whether you’re taking your first steps or aiming for your next size. The thing is, a happy septum makes for an awesome stretch journey and a killer look. So, head over to our website when it’s time to up your septum stretching game, for our full lineup of sick jewellery, stretching balms, and all the essentials you need.
Stretch bold. Stay smooth. And own that alternative edge.
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