Participating in sports while wearing earrings can be tricky. The constant movement and contact involved in athletic activities mean there is a risk of your earrings getting pulled out or caught on something.

However, you may not want to remove your earrings altogether if they hold special meaning or you have trouble getting them back in. Taping your earrings is an easy solution to keep them in while playing sports.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly tape earrings for sports:

Choose Appropriate Tape

The first step is selecting the right type of tape to use:

• Medical tape – Hypoallergenic and designed for the skin, the medical tape is a good option. It comes in paper or cloth styles. Paper tape adheres well but can detach easier with moisture. Cloth tape withstands moisture better but may not stick as tightly.
• Athletic tape – Designed for immobilizing joints and muscles, the athletic tape sticks tightly and holds up well to moisture. It can be fairly rigid, so use caution when applying near the delicate earlobe area.
• Bandages – Adhesive bandages or band-aids can work in a pinch. Opt for flexible, breathable types without rigid parts near the earring.

Avoid duct tape or packing tape, as these can damage the skin. Select hypoallergenic options free of dyes, scents, and latex for tape that touches the earlobe.

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Clean Earrings and Earlobes

Before taping, thoroughly clean the earrings and earlobes using rubbing alcohol, antimicrobial wipes, soap, and water. Removing dirt, oil, and debris ensures the tape will adhere properly. Make sure your ears and earrings are dehydrated before applying tape.

Tape Backs of Earrings

Wrap a small piece of tape around the backs of your earrings to keep them securely fastened. Cut a strip about 1-2 inches long, depending on earring size. For studs, place the tape vertically covering the earring back or post. For hoops or dangling earrings, position the tape horizontally across the back. Press the tape ends together firmly.

Tape Earlobe Area

Cut two more strips of tape a few inches long. Press one along the top curve of your earlobe, extending it just past the earring. Smooth the second piece along the bottom of the earlobe. The earlobe should be surrounded by tape with the front earring exposed.

Check Tape Tightness

The tape should be snug enough to keep earrings immobile but not constrict circulation. Before playing sports, do test movements like running in place or shaking your head. Make sure the earrings stay put, and the tape feels comfortable. If either starts to detach, replace it with fresh tape.

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Reapply as Needed

Since sweat and motion can cause the tape to loosen over time, plan on reapplying every 1-2 hours if participating in lengthy sports sessions. Bring extra tape with you or keep it on hand near playing areas. Replace any tape that becomes too dirty, wet, or detached.

Remove Carefully Afterward

When finished with activities, remove the tape from the ears and earrings carefully. Slowly remove it from the skin and jewelry rather than ripping it off. Use fresh pieces to replace any that remain stuck. Wash ears and earrings again to remove adhesive residue.

Tips for Taping Earrings

• Apply a small piece of gauze under the tape near the earlobes for sensitive skin.
• Ensure hair is pulled back and out of the way before applying tape.
• Trim the lace edges of athletic tape to avoid scratching skin.
• Test different tapes to find one with optimal stickiness and comfort.
• Use a mirror the first few times to check placement and tightness.
• Rotate earrings giving each earlobe a break if participating in sports for multiple days.
• Avoid wearing freshly pierced earrings that are not fully healed.

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Benefits of Taping Over Removal

While removing earrings altogether prevents any risks during athletic activity, taping has some advantages:

• You don’t have to worry about losing your earrings.
• Keep sentimental or expensive earrings on rather than storing them elsewhere.
• Prevent holes from closing up if ears were recently pierced.
• Avoid irritation or infection risks from changing earrings often.
• Quicker and easier than constantly removing and replacing earrings.
• You can wear favorite or “lucky” earrings during a game or match.

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Sports that Benefit from Taped Earrings

Here are some common sports where taping earrings are recommended:

• Basketball – Jumping and contact make earrings vulnerable.
• Football/Rugby – Physical collisions mean earrings could catch or tear.
• Wrestling – Close grappling puts ears in harm’s way.
• Gymnastics/Cheerleading – Flips and aerial tricks can snag earrings.
• Volleyball/Tennis – Diving for balls can pull loose earrings.
• Lacrosse/Field Hockey – Fast pace, sticks, and balls jeopardize earrings.
• Martial Arts – Grabbing, pins, throws can rip out earrings.
• Weightlifting – Earrings may catch on equipment or bars.

So if you want to keep wearing your favorite earrings while staying active, taping them securely is an easy, effective method. With the proper preparation and precautions, you can play sports without worrying about your sparkling studs or dangling hoops getting damaged in the action.