Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 6: Cover scars with makeup
• Method 2 of 6: Strategically hide scars
• Method 3 of 6: Consider tattoos
• Method 4 of 6: Hide temporary scars
• Method 5 of 6: Choose not to hide your scars
• Method 6 of 6: Get help for self-injury
• Warnings

Self-harm or self-harm is when someone intentionally inflicts physical pain on themselves in order to deal with an emotional or psychological trauma. Most people who self-injure or who have wanted to in the past don't want others to stare at their scars, but these scars can be difficult to hide, especially if they are on places like the wrists, thighs, or chest. There are several ways to hide scars from self-harm.

To step

Method 1 of 6: Cover scars with makeup

1. Choose a thick make-up. There are many brands that make their makeup specifically to cover up tattoos or discoloration, and these are also the best ones for trying to cover scars. You may find these in specialty stores or online.
   • Look for a brand with a good variety of shades to choose from. You want to match the shade you select to the skin around your scar, not the scar itself.
   • Look for a brand that specifically claims to cover or camouflage tattoos or scars; there are several highly rated products you can search online or in stores. If you can't find these in stores near you, try a "full coverage" or "maximum coverage" foundation or concealer, as these often cover more than the liquid varieties.
2. Use a brush to apply the makeup. Brushes provide the smoothest application and help blend makeup into wrinkles.
   • Look for a small, rounded brush advertised as a concealer.
3. Apply a small amount first. Using the brush, gently dab a small amount of concealer or foundation on your scars and surrounding skin. Add another thin coat if one coat isn't enough.
   • If you want, you can top it off with clear pressed or loose powder to make it last longer.
4. Try using a scar camouflage kit. A kit generally contains several products designed to work together to cover scars. These kits can be more expensive than regular makeup and more expensive to apply. But if you have an important event, such as a wedding or job interview, this can be a good investment.
   • Search online for "tattoo kit" or "scar kit" to find many different options, along with user reviews.

Method 2 of 6: Strategically hide scars

1. Wear bracelets to hide scars on your wrists. This can be an easy way to hide relatively small scars, and as an added bonus, wearing a lot of bracelets is a big fashion trend right now.
   • Look for cuff style bracelets for the most coverage. Many styles are available, from leather cuff bracelets for men to engraved silver or gold cuffs for women. Some stylish brands include Rustic Cuff and Fossil, but you can get original, beautiful cuffs handmade from the Etsy craft website or even learn to make your own.
   • Even if the bracelets don't hide all the scars, the presence of a brightly colored bracelet can distract people from the smaller, less bright scars.
2. Wear long-sleeved shirts. This can hide the scars on your upper arms and, depending on the length of the sleeves, even hide scars on your wrist.
   • Try shirts with thumbholes. This is a trendy look that helps by pulling down your sleeve so your wrists aren't inadvertently exposed. You can make your own by punching a hole in the sleeves of a shirt that is too long for you, or you can buy them online. Simply search for "shirt thumb hole" on a retailer site such as Amazon.
   • In the summer, look for light, gauze-like material such as silk or thin cotton. These are breathable to keep you cool. Keep in mind that if you wear long-sleeved shirts on hot summer days, you might get questions from people wondering why. This can also be a red flag for concerned parents.
3. Wear swim shorts while swimming. If you're a girl with scars on your thighs, a traditional swimsuit will expose them, but you can wear swim shorts to cover them.
   • If the scars are on the top of your thighs, most board shorts will hide them and since they are actually made for swimming, you probably won't get many questions from your friends.
   • Board shorts come in all lengths, so if your scars are lower on your thighs, try longer board shorts or even men's swimming trunks.
4. Try other swimwear options. If board shorts aren't enough to cover your scars while swimming, there are other options for you.
   • You can also wear a swimsuit-style swim top to cover scars on your arms while swimming. These are available in short and long sleeves and are available for men and women; long sleeve surf tops can even cover your wrists with scars. If someone asks, you can say that you are extra careful with sun protection.
   • Try searching the Internet for women's "modest swimsuit" options that cover a lot of skin. Because these are generally sold for religious people (such as Muslim, Mormon, or Orthodox Jewish women), they often cover more skin than regular swimwear.
5. Wear half-calf socks, knee-highs or tights. If you have scars on your lower legs and need to hide them, all of these options will work. With this one, you don't have to wear pants every day of the year.
   • There are many fun, stylish options for high socks or tights available at major chain stores, malls and online. You can incorporate them into your personal style by choosing fun prints or colors.
   • You can try using waterproof makeup to cover other visible scars while swimming, or use a bandage when all else fails.
6. Choose clothes to hide scars on the chest. Some self-damaging scars can be on the top of your chest. There are several clothing options for hiding them, but keep in mind that choosing most of these during warmer months can make people suspicious.
   • Try a stylish scarf. There are many options for scarves, ranging from gauze-like cotton scarves in the warmer months to chunky knit scarves in the colder months. You can also try an "infinity scarf." This is a scarf that is knitted in a loop that goes over your head.
   • Try to button your shirt completely. This can be classy and fun, especially if you choose a cool oxford-type printed shirt (think Harry Styles).
   • Try a turtleneck or turtleneck. In the winter months, these are great options that will keep you warm and cover your scars.
   • Wear a statement necklace. Girls, in particular, can take advantage of the current trend to wear large, clunky necklaces called "statement necklaces." They come in all different colors and styles and are available online, in big box stores or in department stores. When searching online, try using the search terms "statement necklace" with the terms "bib", "fringe" or "thick".

Method 3 of 6: Consider tattoos

1. Determine if a tattoo is a good option for you. Tattoos are a popular way to permanently cover scars for people who no longer injure themselves without removing it completely. You will still be able to feel the edges of your scars under the tattoo, so it can serve as a reminder of what you've been through and where you are now.
   • A tattoo can be a good choice if you like the look of tattoos, are old enough (18 and above in most places), and you have a profession where a tattoo will not negatively affect your career.
   • Wait at least two years after you stop harming yourself before getting a tattoo. This is because the scars still heal and fresh scars do not always reliably absorb ink.
   • A tattoo can be relatively simple if the scars cover a small area, but larger areas affected (such as an entire thigh) require a large, complex tattoo, which can be more expensive and painful.
   • Be aware that some very substantial, large scars (from deep wounds) may not catch the ink. Talk to an experienced tattoo artist about whether your scars are likely to take the ink.
2. Choose a design. A tattoo is permanent, so it is important to choose something that you want to look at for the rest of your life. Depending on the amount of area covered by your scars, you may need a large, intricate design.
   • Many people who tattoo their self-damaging scars opt for a custom design that represents survival, overcoming, newfound confidence, or another positive perspective on life. This can be a great way to turn something that was once negative into something positive and reclaim your body.
   • Try searching online for keywords such as "tattoos to cover self-damaging scars." Some ideas include a phoenix, a mythological bird that dies and is reborn from its own ashes; a verse of poetry or other inspirational words such as "hope" or "just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly"; a bird escapes from a cage; or an intricate, beautiful design that you love.
   • You can always try out your tattoo idea as a temporary tattoo before you decide to make it permanent.
3. Find a reputable tattoo artist. Most people find their tattoo artist by asking someone who has done work that they admire. Feel free to strike up a conversation with a stranger if you don't know anyone and compliment them on their art. Most people with tattoos would like to know that others like it as much as they do.
   • See the studios of potential artists personally and make sure everything is clean with inspections and relevant certifications (depending on where you live, this can vary). Ask for a portfolio of pieces that the artist has recently created. Find out if the artist has any experience with scarring. If not, ask if they know someone who does; tattoo artists usually have large networks and want you to get the best work for your needs.

Method 4 of 6: Hide temporary scars

1. If you have small temporary scars on your hands, try writing over them with a pen. This looks relatively normal as you could have written a note for yourself.
   • This works especially well for bite marks, which are generally quite small and can therefore be overwritten.
2. Use small drawings to cover slightly larger areas.
   • You don't have to be a great artist for this, try simple designs like flowers and skulls.
3. Use temporary tattoos for a bruise that could last for a few weeks. These will stay for a while and don't need to be redone every day.
   • Face glitter stickers in temporary tattoos can be used to cover dark and more prominent spots
4. Try patterns and designs with henna or body paint to temporarily cover stains while still looking beautiful. Waterproof eyeliner works well for this too, and it can last for a few days.
   • This is a good idea for more formal occasions where you may need to wear a dress and cover marks on exposed arms and legs
   • Henna designs generally look nicer than writing or scribbling on your hands.
   • Liquid eyeliner also works for this, if you don't have Henna at home.

Method 5 of 6: Choose not to hide your scars

1. Make the decision to show your scars. Most people who hide their scars are still self-harming, but the decision to stop hiding your scars can help you gain confidence, be open about your struggles, and even spread awareness that self-injury is a serious condition is that affects many people.
2. Start small. You don't suddenly have to wear spaghetti straps or shorts that show your scars to everyone. You can feel comfortable with it by choosing to expose your scars in certain situations, or to certain people you trust in the beginning, with the aim of gaining enough confidence to get rid of the makeup and extra clothes for good to do.
   • Consider showing your scars at home. After school or work, take off the extra clothes or makeup and just be yourself, scars and all. This can be a difficult step if your parents or roommates don't know you hurt yourself. You may want to start by telling them you hurt yourself.
   • Choose a day to go public. Don't take extra steps one day a week to hide your scars. Whether it's a weekday or a weekend day is up to you.
3. Practice responding to responses. One reason many people hesitate to expose their scars to others is out of fear of what people might say. It is true that many people make rude or uncomfortable comments when they see your scars. Knowing how to respond at this point can help you feel more comfortable. Your response will likely vary depending on who is commenting (is it your boss, a child, your grandmother, a stranger?) And why (are they curious, ignorant, or deliberately trying to hurt you).
   • One option is to ignore them completely. Your body is nobody else's business and you are perfectly justified in ignoring rude or personal comments, just as you would ignore comments about your body size or facial features.
   • Tell the truth. If someone asks where your scars come from, you have the option to tell them the truth, but in an appropriately abbreviated form. You may not have the time or the desire to tell your entire personal story, and that's OK (it's really none of their business). But you can say, "I cut myself" or "I cut myself when I was struggling" and leave it at that. Most people will not print for more information.
   • Let the commentator mind his own business. You can do this in a polite or not-so-polite way, depending on how you prefer to respond, who the person is, what their relationship is with you, and whether they were polite to you or not. A polite way to respond is to say, "I really don't feel comfortable talking about that." A less polite yet effective option is "None of your business."
   • Try a sarcastic, humorous, or biting response. If someone is rude in their approach, this can help them see how wrong their question is. Try something like "Do you always ask other people personal questions or am I just lucky?" or "These scars? I was attacked by a herd of rabid caterpillars." Then roll your eyes and walk away.

Method 6 of 6: Get help for self-injury

1. Understand why you hurt yourself. There are many reasons people injure themselves, and most of them are related to psychological trauma. If you're using self-harm as a way to deal with something else in your life, identifying the real problem can help you find ways to quit.
   • Some people turn to self-harm as a way of dealing with current or past abuse. If you are using self-injury to deal with current abuse, talk to a counselor or police officer and seek help.You can also read this wikiHow article for tips on dealing with abuse.
   • There are many other reasons why people self-injure, ranging from being bullied and feeling rejected to feelings of low self-confidence, guilt, or numbness. Sometimes self-harm has been linked to drug use, as certain drugs can cause depression and feelings of worthlessness.
2. Tell someone. It's incredibly difficult to tell someone if you hurt yourself. But if you're struggling with self-harm, telling someone can be the first step in recovery.
   • If you are in the Netherlands, call the 24-hour National reporting center for suicide prevention on 113.
   • Talk to your parents or other loved ones. Telling someone you trust can help ensure you get the help you need.
   • Talk to your doctor. If you don't have anyone else to talk to, tell your school nurse, doctor or school counselor. These people can refer you to a therapist or psychiatrist for an evaluation.
3. Practice other coping strategies. Most people who self-injure do this as a way to get a fast stream of endorphins, a feel-good chemical that helps fight problems like depression and anxiety. This can be calming, distracting, or a way to vent. It's a coping strategy to deal with everything from terrible living conditions to mental illness. Finding other ways to deal with this can help you overcome it.
   • Talk to a therapist. A therapist can help you devise strategies for dealing with stress and also address the root cause of your self-harm, such as a traumatic past or bullying your colleagues. You can find a therapist by talking to your regular doctor or school counselor and asking for a referral.
   • Move. Doing daily aerobic activity, such as using the elliptical or rowing machine or just running, can give you a similar burst of endorphins and is a great way to deal with stress and anxiety.
   • Try to eat something with a strong flavor. If you injure yourself because you feel isolated and numb, eating hot peppers or peppermint can give you the same feeling of life without the risk of injuring yourself. Or try taking a cold shower in a similar way.
   • Talk to your therapist about trying music or art therapy to help you deal with stress and replace your need for self-harm. Expressing yourself is an important part of recovery.

Warnings

• In the Netherlands, call 112 or the National reporting center for suicide prevention on 113 if you have suicidal thoughts.