How to Hide Self Harm Scars

Co-authored by Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: August 10, 2024 Fact Checked

If you have scars from self-harming, there may come a time when you want to cover them up before heading out for the day. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can camouflage your scars to keep them hidden. If you are still self-harming , consider reaching out to a mental health professional to learn healthy coping mechanisms.

1

Try foundation or concealer for everyday wear.

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Makeup can temporarily cover up your scars while you’re out. Dab a color corrector, like a green concealer, over your scars, then pat it in with your finger. Use a blending sponge or your fingers to pat on your full coverage foundation or concealer, then blend it into your skin in small, circular motions.
- Makeup works best on small, flat scars that aren’t raised.

2

Apply Dermaflage on uneven scars.

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If you have raised scars, Dermaflage can smooth out your skin. Gently squeeze out the product and pick it up with the applicator brush. Smooth the product onto your scar, then blend it into the skin around it. Press the texture pad that came with the product over the Dermaflage to give it the impression of real skin.
- You can find Dermaflage at most drug stores for around $40.
- Dermaflage is flesh-colored, but you can apply makeup on top of it if you want to.
- Dermaflage is flexible, so it will move with your skin as you walk around.

3

Wear clothing to cover your scars.

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It’s the most obvious solution, but it can get a little tricky sometimes. If you’re going to the beach, try wearing board shorts or men’s swim trunks to conceal scars on your legs . If it’s warm out and you can’t wear long sleeves, put on a mesh or silk long sleeve shirt instead. If you have scars on your chest , consider accessorizing with a scarf or a statement necklace. ^{[1]
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- Wearing tights is a good way to cover scars on your legs while you’re wearing a short skirt.
- Long skirts and maxi dresses can cover you from head to toe in the summer while keeping you fairly cool.

4

Try bracelets to conceal scars on your arms.

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Long sleeves aren’t always an option. If you have scars on your wrists , put on a group of bracelets or bangles to cover them up. No one will question why you’re wearing them, and you can even mix and match with fun colors. ^{[2]
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- Look for cuff style bracelets for the most coverage. There are lots of styles available, from men's leather cuff bracelets to women's engraved silver or gold cuffs.
- Even if the bracelets don't hide all of the scars, the presence of a brightly-colored bracelet might distract people from the smaller, less bright scars.

5

Use a flesh-colored bandage on small scars.

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Look for waterproof ones that stay on all day. If you have a small patch of scars that you need to cover, pick out a bandage that matches your skin tone. People probably won’t question a bandage, so even if they notice it, it won’t be a huge deal. ^{[3]
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- Waterproof bandages are a great way to cover scars while you’re swimming or at the beach.

6

Get a medical tattoo.

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It will blend your scars into the surrounding skin. Find a licensed dermatologist to do the procedure, then make an appointment to talk about what you’d like to have done. Your doctor will use a medical tattoo machine to color correct your scars and blend them into the skin. Medical tattoos need to be refreshed every 3 to 5 years, so you may have to get it touched up every now and then. ^{[4]
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- Medical tattoos are meant to look like your normal, natural skin. If the tattoo is successful, it won’t look like you have a tattoo at all.
- Most medical tattoos aren’t covered by insurance. You may have to pay up to $350 an hour for a medical tattoo.

7

Cover scars with an actual tattoo.

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It’s a permanent way to cover your scars for good. Find a licensed tattoo artist and let them know that you have some scars you want to cover up. Make an appointment with them to pick out your design and cover up your scars. ^{[5]
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- While it’s usually possible to cover scars with a tattoo, it depends a lot on the size and the placement of the scar itself. Your tattoo artist will let you know if it’s possible or not.

8

Visit a dermatologist for a permanent solution.

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Dermatologists can give you a medical treatment for your scars. Depending on the amount of scars you have and where they’re located, you might be able to use lasers, needling , or even scar surgery to reduce their appearance. If you want your scars gone permanently, this is your best bet. ^{[6]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Needling involves punctuation the skin with small, sterile needles to make small wounds. As your skin heals, the scars will lessen in appearance.
- Laser therapy is the most common treatment option for scars since it works on almost every type. It involves treating the scars with lasers to reduce their appearance over time. ^{[7]
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  Expert Source
  
  Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD
  Board Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist
  
  Expert Interview. 8 October 2020.}
- Scar surgery involves cutting the scar out with a scalpel and closing the wound with small stitches. The end goal is a smaller scar that heals better and doesn’t leave as large of a mark.

9

Don’t hide your scars at all.

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They can be a sign of strength and willpower . If you no longer struggle with self-harming, consider not worrying about covering them up. You might get a few comments or questions here or there, but for the most part, people probably won’t notice. ^{[8]
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- If someone close to you does ask about them, you can tell them the truth if you’d like to.
- If a random stranger asks you about your scars, don’t feel obligated to tell them what really happened. You can just say they’re an old injury and that you don’t really want to talk about it.

10

Practice other coping strategies.

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Self-harm isn’t the best way to make yourself feel better . If you’re working through strong emotions or trauma, a mental health professional can help you work through your feelings in a healthy way. If you feel the need to self-harm, try taking a walk, doing exercise, eating something with a strong flavor, or taking a cold shower instead. ^{[9]
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- It can take a while to overcome the urge to self-harm, but it can be done. If you have the help of a mental health professional, you can overcome it even faster.

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If you still struggle with self-harm, talk to a trusted adult to get the help that you need.

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If you’re having suicidal thoughts, tell a trusted adult or call emergency services. If you're in the United States or Canada, call or text 988 to reach a suicide crisis helpline.

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How to Hide Self Harm Scars

Steps

Try foundation or concealer for everyday wear.

Apply Dermaflage on uneven scars.

Wear clothing to cover your scars.

Try bracelets to conceal scars on your arms.

Use a flesh-colored bandage on small scars.

Get a medical tattoo.

Cover scars with an actual tattoo.

Visit a dermatologist for a permanent solution.

Don’t hide your scars at all.

Practice other coping strategies.

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