so I'm at a 1 & 1/8, I wanna go to 2inches but I wanted to get some tips from people who actually stretch their ears safely. people I know have torn their ears so I'm terrified lol. what do you guys recommend?

also my finger tattoos don't hold the ink very well, ink recommendations? also yes I understand they fade easy but mine fade way too quickly. my friend did hers and they look good, she's had them for a good time. but I had mine done a year ago and re-done in January. they faded terribly a few days to a week later. he even went pretty heavy. is it just my skin?