Earplugs

Ear Plugs: The Solid Version of Stretching Jewelry

The ear plug is one of the oldest forms of body jewelry and has established itself as an integral part of modern piercing culture. While tunnels allow the eye to see through the earlobe, the focus with a plug is on the front surface of the jewelry. This closed design offers space for intricate engravings, gemstone inlays, or the natural grain of organic materials. In technical terminology, they are often referred to synonymously as ear plugs, saddle plugs, or full plugs. They serve not only as decoration but also help distribute the weight of your stretching jewelry evenly across the piercing channel.

Designs and Closure Mechanisms

To ensure an ear plug sits securely in your ear, there are various designs tailored to the elasticity of your tissue:

• Single Flared Plugs: These have a wider rim only on the front side. The rear, straight end is usually secured with a rubber ring (O-ring). This shape is ideal for you if you are still in the stretching process or if your earlobe is less elastic.
• Double Flared Plugs (Saddle Plugs): These plugs have a distinct outward curve at both ends, while the middle section is narrower (saddle shape). They do not require an additional fastener. However, your earlobe must be sufficiently stretched to briefly overstretch the rim during insertion.
• Screw-in Plugs: Similar to tunnels, the back can often be unscrewed. This allows for easy insertion while maintaining a bold look.
• No-flared plugs: These are completely straight and are held in place on both sides by O-rings. They are very rarely used today.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Plugs

Choosing a solid ear plug comes with specific wearing characteristics:

Advantages

• Design variety: The solid surface allows for the use of materials like wood or glass, which would be too fragile in a hollow form.
• Heat retention: In winter, organic plugs (wood, horn) or stone plugs offer better protection against the cold for your earlobe than hollow metal tunnels.
• Stability: The solid volume evenly supports the piercing canal and prevents the stretching area from "collapsing" at very large diameters.

Disadvantages

• Weight: Plugs made of stone or stainless steel can become quite heavy at large diameters. This can further stretch the tissue over time, which you should take into account when choosing your size.
• Reduced ventilation: Since air cannot circulate through the jewelry, daily cleaning of the plug and your ear is essential to prevent odor buildup.

Materials and Their Properties

The choice of material determines how comfortable your ear plug feels to wear. Organic plugs made of wood or horn are breathable and reduce sweating. Stone plugs stand out for their weight and coolness, which many wearers find pleasant. Surgical steel 316L or titanium ensure maximum hygiene and shine. Those looking for a futuristic look often opt for glass plugs, which offer particularly smooth surfaces and are ideal for sensitive skin.

Proper Care for Longevity

To keep the surface of your jewelry smooth, you should regularly treat plugs made of organic materials like wood with special care oils (e.g., jojoba oil). Metal and plastic plugs can be easily cleaned with mild soap and water. Always make sure the jewelry is completely dry before reinserting it.

Ear Plugs

At Murostar, we offer plugs made from various materials and in a wide variety of shapes.

We’d like to introduce you to the individual materials here.

Acrylic: Their smooth surface allows for easy insertion; they are nickel-free and particularly suitable for people with allergies. Acrylic plugs are very lightweight and comfortable to wear. However, plugs made from this material are not breathable and tend to retain odors. Therefore, they should be cleaned regularly.

Silicone: Silicone plugs are more comfortable to wear than anything else. The soft material fits snugly, and you barely notice you’re wearing the plug. Like acrylic, silicone allows for many variations. You can purchase them in a wide variety of colors and shapes in our Murostar shop. When you choose a silicone plug, you’re buying a durable product with the best wearing comfort.

Wood: Wooden plugs create a truly cool aesthetic for ear-stretching jewelry and are growing in popularity. There are many materials to choose from, and when you look at the plugs, you’ll quickly notice that they go with everything. Wooden plugs are generally suitable for healed ears. Keep in mind that they are porous and therefore need to be cleaned regularly with a damp cloth and rubbed with jojoba oil. They can be easily damaged if not properly cared for; they should not get wet or be submerged in water and should be removed while showering, swimming, etc.

Steel: 316L surgical steel is a precious metal used in the medical field, e.g., for bone fixation screws, bone plates, wires, clamps, and even pacemakers. This material is very commonly used in piercing.

Titanium: Titanium weighs only half as much as steel and is therefore more comfortable to wear. Titanium is suitable for first-time piercings and as earring jewelry for those with nickel allergies.

Glass: The smooth surface causes less friction and ensures a comfortable fit.

Our plugs come in many shapes and colors.

Check out our Murostar Shop and get inspired. With our jewelry, you can enhance your outfit and adapt it to any occasion.