Sly Bald Guys Forum

Discussions About Being Bald => Tattoos and Piercings => Topic started by: okiebald on March 29, 2016, 06:51:58 PM

Title: Still want an earring
Post by: okiebald on March 29, 2016, 06:51:58 PM
So I've been "lurking" with even a comment or two in the past on the piercing posts.  I've wanted an earring for a long time but haven't done it so far.  My wife is not on board with the whole idea- I even broached the subject last summer in a joking way.  She let me know in no uncertain terms that was not a good idea.  We have a great relationship- 32 years married- and with two grown children.  BTW, I'm 62, fully retired and active in church.  I'm very conventional in every other way except for my desire to have a piercing in my left ear. So I guess my question, if I have one, is- is there a way to get a piercing and have it just about invisible for the healing period?  I've read on other forums of some kind of retainers that are almost invisible.  Also, any advice to bring my wife around?  I love her more than life itself and would not want to hurt her, but this desire (obsession?) just won't go away.
Thanks for any suggestions you have.
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: Sir Harry on March 29, 2016, 09:11:57 PM
Welcome back, Okie

I realize that (at least according to your previous posts) that you are very active in your church, and that's a good thing. However, your wife's concern may be the reaction of others but I would just have a talk with her and see why. That said, some fantasies in life sometimes may have to stay just that- fantasies. You may unfortunately have to give up your dream of an earring if it causes too much of an issue with your wife.
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: AJ Q-Ball on March 29, 2016, 09:26:02 PM
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. I'm wanting and plan to get both of my ears pierced when I get out for summer break. I've been wanting some silver hoops to go along with the bald and bearded look.

The way I look at it with your wife is that it's not fair to you. I'm sure she has freedom to do what she wants with her hair for example and doesn't have to ask your permission. I feel like you should have freedom to get something as little as an earring. That's just coming from a single man FWIW.
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: mrzed on March 30, 2016, 08:39:02 AM
I'm almost 63. Got my left ear pierced about 3 years ago. Your bio seems similar to mine.  I'll PM with some suggestions which may help.

I did not get too much push back from my wife. Our girls thought it was great. 

At church, there may be one or two other guys with an earring, so I'm not mainstream in that area, but I've not received negative push back.

To answer your specific question about healing ... Generally you need to leave the original piece of jewelry in place for 2 months for healing.  After that, there are some spacers which you can use to hold the piercing open, but look almost invisible.  You could try that. These are usually non-metal pieces.  More prone to infections, so not recommended during healing.

Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: mrzed on March 30, 2016, 09:40:02 AM
You might check this link,

http://www.amazon.com/Clear-Plastic-Ear-Piercing-Retainers/product-reviews/B0092TZ14K
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: okiebald on March 30, 2016, 09:50:18 AM
Thanks, guys.  I appreciate the support and advice.  Please continue to comment as I've committed myself to eventually getting the ear pierced.  Also, if anyone has had resistance from wives or loved ones, please reply.
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: Semi-Sly on March 30, 2016, 11:53:18 PM
Well I am 61 and got my ears pierced about a year ago.  First the left ear and about 6 months later the right ear.

Today I got a second piercing in the left ear.  I really like the way this looks and will probably stop with these three.
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: paperclip on March 31, 2016, 12:14:38 PM
I have had resistance from my wife with regards to my earrings.
when I met my wife about 20 years ago I had pierced my left ear but didn't wear anything in it at the time due to religious reasons. so she knew I had a pierced ear but didn't really say anything about it.
When I turned 40, I got the urge to wear the earring again and started wearing one in my left ear. she didn't really comment but when I pierced my right ear, she freaked on me, said I looked "gay". I was very upset so I took out both earrings and put them away.

When I turned 50 last year, I started wearing an earring in my left ear again then took the bold step and pierced my right again. It was more common for guys to wear earrings in both ears now and I wanted to be part of the trend.
I hid the new piercing from my wife for about a week and waited until she was in a good mood and started wearing them in her presence. she didn't really say anything this time just "oh you wear two earrings?". she didn't freak out

Recently her friend (an older woman at church) commented on my earrings at church asking me why did I wear them. My wife said to her friend, "I don't like them, but I probably do things he doesn't like"

so I just wear them and she doesn't comment (so far)

Maybe you could try getting the earring and she might just get used to you with it. someone mentioned earlier that it isn't fair that you can't do what you want to do in this regard. As long as you aren't hurting anyone, why can't you have the freedom to express yourself?
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: Paul on April 02, 2016, 12:40:47 PM
I'm 64 Okie and had both ears pierced for years.  I have only had positive from my lady and absolutely no issues from either friends at church or at the school where I teach.   If it is that important to you can always do it, blame it on male menopause and tell you wife at least you didn't buy a red jaguar! ;D
Title: Now at 10 gauge
Post by: mrzed on May 05, 2016, 08:09:08 PM
Just slipped a 10 gauge cbr in place of my 12 gauge cbr which has been in place since the fall. No pain. No struggle to get it in. It just slipped into place. I'll probably stop at this size.
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: Semi-Sly on May 05, 2016, 11:29:04 PM
I'm 64 Okie and had both ears pierced for years.  I have only had positive from my lady and absolutely no issues from either friends at church or at the school where I teach.   If it is that important to you can always do it, blame it on male menopause and tell you wife at least you didn't buy a red jaguar! ;D
Oh no - don't stop with just the earring.  As long as you are blaming it on mid-life menopause go for the red Jaguar too!
Title: Re: Now at 10 gauge
Post by: zetaeffe on May 06, 2016, 10:20:49 AM
Just slipped a 10 gauge cbr in place of my 12 gauge cbr which has been in place since the fall. No pain. No struggle to get it in. It just slipped into place. I'll probably stop at this size.

Keep going!!  O0
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: mrzed on May 06, 2016, 11:11:50 AM
Lol. Noo. 10 gauge is enough. I still want the option to wear some studs for more formal occasions.

But I do really like this 10 gauge. Nice weight.

Dan

Sent from my XT1028 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: slybeard on May 06, 2016, 12:51:38 PM
Question for you guys with the big ones:  Does it fee like someone is constantly tugging at you ear?
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: mrzed on May 06, 2016, 07:27:02 PM
Not at 10 gauge. I can feel it if I turn my head quickly, but not otherwise. It feels like just the right size.
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: BaldWriter on May 09, 2016, 06:30:23 AM
Looks great!
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: zetaeffe on May 09, 2016, 10:56:47 AM
Question for you guys with the big ones:  Does it fee like someone is constantly tugging at you ear?

My rings are thick, I usually wear 5 or 6 mm rings, but can't feel any tugging.
I guess it depends mostly on the material the rings are made of: titanium is much lighter than steel.

Like said by Mrzed  I can feel them if I turn my head quickly, but not otherwise
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: Medic aka Rocko on May 29, 2016, 07:47:55 AM
Question for you guys with the big ones:  Does it fee like someone is constantly tugging at you ear?

My rings are thick, I usually wear 5 or 6 mm rings, but can't feel any tugging.
I guess it depends mostly on the material the rings are made of: titanium is much lighter than steel.

Like said by Mrzed  I can feel them if I turn my head quickly, but not otherwise

This is interesting, I've been working my way up from 16 g a couple months ago, just got my 12 g in the other day. For some reason I quite like the feeling of the heavier weight each time I go up in size. You get used to it after a few days though. I wear horseshoe barbells in each ear.
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: Razor X on May 29, 2016, 08:20:48 AM
I have had resistance from my wife with regards to my earrings.
when I met my wife about 20 years ago I had pierced my left ear but didn't wear anything in it at the time due to religious reasons. so she knew I had a pierced ear but didn't really say anything about it.


This seems to be a common reaction from some people, and when you stop and think about it, it really doesn't make any sense.  An earring is not a religious, anti-religious, political or any other kind of statement.  It's just a piece of jewelry.  It's a matter of personal preference, nothing more, nothing less.  It's amazing that it's still such a polarizing issue with so many people.  There is no Biblical basis that I am aware of that prohibits them.  If I am mistaken, please quote me the chapter and verse.
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: mrzed on May 30, 2016, 09:03:10 AM

This is interesting, I've been working my way up from 16 g a couple months ago, just got my 12 g in the other day. For some reason I quite like the feeling of the heavier weight each time I go up in size. You get used to it after a few days though. I wear horseshoe barbells in each ear.

Medic, Do you have a photo with your rings in? The lady at the shop where I upgraded to 12 gauge would not seel me the horseshoe barbels. Said I was too old for that style. Instead gave me a CBR. I wore that for about 6 month, until I bought some pliers to assist with setting it in place.

I'm really enjoying the new 10 g. Where do you stop?
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: TheSlyBear on May 30, 2016, 10:13:17 AM
Said I was too old for that style.
That's ridiculous. The bent horseshoe is my favorite style and it's what I wore when I had my piercing. If I were to have it re-pierced, it's the style I'd choose regardless of whether anyone else thought I was "too old" for it or not.
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: mrzed on May 30, 2016, 11:31:31 AM
Well, that was just her opinion. I REALLY like the CBR. Happy to have it suggested.
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: Medic aka Rocko on May 30, 2016, 11:50:15 AM

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs33.postimg.org%2Fdsh2c00z3%2Fimage.jpg&hash=46d0dc05e565a04f2899a81840b3b884f3a171e4) (http://postimage.org/)

Too old??? :*)) :*)) :*))
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: Cobranet on May 30, 2016, 06:30:55 PM
I used to play music for a living back in the 80's early 90's and had my ear pierced and wore an earring everyday for probably 10 years...at one time I had my right ear pierced as well and got a second pierce in my left ear too.....I stopped wearing anything in the second group of piercings right away as I didn't end up liking the look. If I remember correctly you need to wear the stud in your ear for quite a while after piercing so the hole can heal before you can remove it. That may be a problem for you if you want to have it unseen soon after getting it done. I don't wear any earrings anymore and haven't since I moved out to Las Vegas over 20 years ago but I do have a number of tattoos that at one time caused me some "Issues" as far as working goes since some of them are visible unless I wear long sleeves....that no longer is an issue really since tats are so common place now and even though I live in a city where a lot of strange things fashion wise compared to other places don't really cause any excitement I would imagine that an earring on a man will not really cause anyone any issues at all....except your wife of course. Earrings are not that big of a deal and if she really hates it after you get it all you have to do is remove it and eventually it will heal/hole will shrink and nobody will be the wiser.

Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: Razor X on May 30, 2016, 09:07:23 PM
So it seems that the current fashion calls for both ears to be pieced and not just one?
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: warhawk on May 30, 2016, 09:42:27 PM

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs33.postimg.org%2Fdsh2c00z3%2Fimage.jpg&hash=46d0dc05e565a04f2899a81840b3b884f3a171e4) (http://postimage.org/)

Too old??? :*)) :*)) :*))

Hi Rocko:  Welcome back.

WARHAWK O0
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: Cobranet on May 31, 2016, 06:24:23 AM
No, it is not the new standard, I had them both pierced because I was a band member trying to go with a look. One is probably still the thing for guys.... I am out of touch with what the young crowd does for style since I'm old now. My point is if you want one nobody should have any strange reactions, it's just an earring... Not something shocking anymore. If you really want one you should get one. If you don't like it take it out and it's like it never happened.
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: paperclip on May 31, 2016, 01:03:00 PM
I have had resistance from my wife with regards to my earrings.
when I met my wife about 20 years ago I had pierced my left ear but didn't wear anything in it at the time due to religious reasons. so she knew I had a pierced ear but didn't really say anything about it.


This seems to be a common reaction from some people, and when you stop and think about it, it really doesn't make any sense.  An earring is not a religious, anti-religious, political or any other kind of statement.  It's just a piece of jewelry.  It's a matter of personal preference, nothing more, nothing less.  It's amazing that it's still such a polarizing issue with so many people.  There is no Biblical basis that I am aware of that prohibits them.  If I am mistaken, please quote me the chapter and verse.

You're right, it doesn't make any sense. The church I was going to 20 years ago was very strict and did not allow men to wear earrings. I am no longer a member of this church and go to another church and I wear my earrings each time I go and no one has said anything (well one comment from an older lady, but that was the exception). I see other guys with earrings as well at church so I don't fell out of place really.

But you're also right. there's nothing biblical that prohibits men wearing earrings. It is just a jewelry choice, like a watch or ring.

My wife has just resigned herself to the fact that I wear earrings, but she doesn't really like them. she doesn't really say anything about them though, she's probably hoping I'll get bored with them and take them out. That's not happening any time soon.

My 14 year old son thinks I'm "cool" (he doesn't have any earrings). His school friend noticed my earrings last week when he was over at our place for dinner. He just asked if I had both ears pierced (my wife said "yesss"). He said they were cool and he said he wanted his ears pierced as well.

That's a great feeling when you can be inspiration for someone else to get their ears pierced. They see that you have the nerve to do it and it emboldens them to get it done themselves.
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: Semi-Sly on June 01, 2016, 11:34:22 PM
So it seems that the current fashion calls for both ears to be pieced and not just one?

Yep, pretty much.  The whole "left ear/right ear" thing was really just a myth sprung out of homophobia. 


These days most men pierce both ears.  But, it is up to you; do what makes you happy.
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: paperclip on June 02, 2016, 08:23:12 AM
So it seems that the current fashion calls for both ears to be pieced and not just one?

Yep, pretty much.  The whole "left ear/right ear" thing was really just a myth sprung out of homophobia. 


These days most men pierce both ears.  But, it is up to you; do what makes you happy.

I agree. there's nothing wrong with only piercing one ear if that's what you're comfortable with but it's a little old fashioned. Most guys nowadays get both ears pierced.

Where I work (office/warehouse) there are about 7 guys who wear earrings and all have both ears pierced (including me).

but like what was mentioned, what's important is doing what feels comfortable for you and makes you happy.
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: okiebald on December 18, 2016, 08:03:36 PM
Any updates from those considering piercings or adding any?  I have not pierced my ears btw yet, though still thinking about it.
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: okiebald on June 23, 2017, 03:17:14 PM
After what seems like forever, I finally pierced my left ear this week. It feels-and, I think, looks- great. Wife has said nothing and my other hesitation, church, I haven't had to face yet.
I'll wait and see what happens next.
So thanks to all who've been encouraging. I already feel lopsided. What will happen next?
So anyone else taken the plunge?
When I figure out how to post pics, I will.
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: mrzed on June 26, 2017, 05:29:09 AM
Yes, it's been a year and a quarter since you first mentioned  it here.

Did you have it done at a full fledged piercing shop or a mall shop?  Did you start with a stud? What kind?

Give it a full 8 weeks to heal before changing up to other pieces of jewelry.

Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: okiebald on June 26, 2017, 04:01:58 PM
sent you a pm. thanks
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: Semi-Sly on July 11, 2017, 09:46:24 PM
Stretched up to a 0 gauge tunnel today - wow, still pretty sore!  I don't know if I will go larger than this or not.

Any of you guys go to a 00 Gauge?
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: slybeard on July 12, 2017, 08:35:04 AM
Semi - how long id it take you to get to 0 gauge?
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: Semi-Sly on July 16, 2017, 01:34:05 PM
Hello Slybeard:

Well, I did it what I  consider to be the "smart" way because I want to be able to shrink back to a less noticeable size if it turns out that I do not like it.

You can have your ear punched with a dermal punch and go pretty large right off the bat and spare yourself a lot of stretch suffering.  But, the punched out hole will be permanent and will never shrink down much below the size it was punched at.  Still, if you are sure that  you want an earring that is larger than the conventional pin hole, a dermal punch is the way to go.  One and done!  And it is no more painful than the conventional pin hole even though it would seem so visually!  I have had a dermal punch done and it wasn't bad at all.

If you go the stretching route, you can go rather quickly through the small sizes, about 2 to 3 weeks for each.  Once you get up to a 6 gauge it begins to get painful so please allow yourself at least full month before you to up again.  Two months is better, but if you manipulate the jewelry a lot to stretch your hole you can go as  fast as one a month.

I just went up to 0 guage last week and this time it is pretty painful.  It is still swollen and sore!

I have been told that if you try to move through the larger sizes too quickly you will likely wind up getting a blow-out on the back of your ear when you get up to the big sizes, (like an inch or more in diameter).

I have no intention of going really large.  I am trying to decide if I should stay here with the 0 gauge or if I should go up one more size to the 00 gauge.  What do you recommend?

I was in hospital twice already this year and both times they made me take out all of  my piercings.  The holes shrink really quickly so i had to start over twice.  the whole process has taken about one year.
(https://s4.postimg.org/pywacnue5/earring0.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/vn2l3jyqh/)
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: Dragon on July 16, 2017, 03:42:47 PM
I really like the tunnels, if only I was brave enough. Yours looks great.  However I don't think they look so good when the tunnel starts to make the lobe bigger than it was originally. So possibly stay as you are.

Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: VOT on July 16, 2017, 04:10:40 PM
agree with Dragon. I think they look good until you actually start stretching the shape of your ear so would stick as you are (http://agree with Dragon. I think they look good until you actually start stretching the shape of your ear so would stick as you are)
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: mrzed on July 28, 2017, 07:06:25 PM
Semi-Sly, when I went from 8 to 6, I used the taper for about 5 minutes per day each day for about a month. Each day the taper went in a little further. After about 30 days, the 6 gauge ring just went it.  You don't have to cram the taper in and stretch a full size all in one sitting.

Your current size looks nice. Also like the small ring beside the plug.
Title: Re: Still want an earring
Post by: Semi-Sly on July 29, 2017, 11:58:26 PM
None of the professional piercers I know or have used willallow the use of stretching tapers.