Self-Harm Scar Cover-Up Options that Work
Your self-harm scars belong to you; it is your choice when, if ever, to show them or hide them from the world. For those days when you would rather keep things under wraps, it's helpful to know what sort of self-harm scar cover-up options are at your disposal.
Self-Harm Scar Cover-Ups I've Used in the Past
Which options will work best for you will depend a lot on where your scars are and how visible they are to the naked eye. I consider myself lucky in that, while the majority of my scars are in a visible place (my arms), they are extremely difficult to see unless you're looking for them. The magical healing properties of time have rendered them small, pale, and almost invisible against my equally pale skin.
But of course, they weren't always that way. Back when I was still healing relatively fresh wounds, I used many of the typical (almost stereotypical) self-harm scar cover-ups.
I wore long sleeves, which is generally pretty effective but not ideal during summer in a tropical city like the one I grew up in. I wore bracelets and wrist bands, which can be effective. However, the bracelets should match your style (otherwise, you're drawing attention rather than deflecting it) and shouldn't get in the way of your usual activities. I wound up sticking mostly with cotton wrist bands because big, heavy bangles and charm bracelets made writing difficult.
I also used band-aids and excuses. I want to be clear here—I'm not condoning hiding your scars from everyone like this. Someone, hopefully a mental health professional (or at least someone who can help you), should know the truth. But it would be naive to ignore the fact that sometimes, you can't physically cover your scars but can't explain them honestly, either. Maybe you're speaking to a boss who could use the information against you, or you're speaking to a classmate who can't keep a secret.
If you need to explain your scars to someone you simply can't be honest with, I've found it's easiest just to make something up. It's awful, but it's true.
Other Self-Harm Scar Cover-Ups to Try
Another favorite tactic for covering up self-harm scars—one I never quite got up the courage to try—is tattoos. Ink is a commitment, and it can get expensive. Some people, like me, also have health-related reasons why they cannot, or should not, get a tattoo. But if you're open to it and you're well-informed about the potential consequences (it's silly, but some employers are still very closed-minded about piercings and tattoos), cover-up tattoos make for an artful alternative to long sleeves and bracelets.
If you like the idea of a tattoo but not the permanence of it, you might want to consider temporary tattoos, henna, or even—if you're artistically inclined—simply drawing or painting over your scars with non-toxic art supplies. (Just be sure, if you plan to show off your body art at work or school, that you won't be violating any dress codes.)
Similarly, you could use makeup to cover your scars as you would any blemish. Don't assume that you need an expensive, high-end brand—depending on the size and severity of your scars, a simple grocery store concealer might be all you need. However, if you have raised or prominent scars, a specially-designed scar concealer may be necessary to achieve the desired effect.
Laser scar removal and other medical procedures are also gaining traction as more people open up about their self-harm and recovery, and depending on your situation, these may be viable options. However, they are likely the most expensive option and are even more permanent than regular tattoos. Be sure you are confident in your choice before you commit to any such procedure. It might surprise you to know that some people actually grow to like their scars over time.
Have I missed anything? Let me know in the comments if you've tried other self-harm scar cover-ups besides these and, if so, how well they worked for you. You never know who you might be helping simply by speaking up.
APA Reference
Kim Berkley
(2021, July 8). Self-Harm Scar Cover-Up Options that Work, HealthyPlace. Retrieved
on 2024, November 16 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/speakingoutaboutselfinjury/2021/7/self-harm-scar-cover-up-options-that-work
Author: Kim Berkley
Hi, i don't really have scars from cutting myself but I do have scars from burning myself and I have fresh burns on my wrist and I don't know how to cover them up and I'm scared my dad's going to find out and he's going to send me away to the ridge or something and my friends are so worried about me and I feel so bad because I can't really tell them what's going on because I don't even know why I do it
hii i have jst done sh after a week of being clean and here in australia its beign sooo hot i cant wear a jumper.
I have some scars on my thigh and I'm going on family vacation to a beach in three weeks and need to cover them while wearing a bikini, does someone know how i could do that?
Hi, I've been struggling with self-harm in several ways since I was in about grade-5. I was clean for about a month untill last week. I drank with my friends and cut again. It's winter, but always feels like Summer since I'm in australia. Wearing a hoodie gets too hot, and I've been wearing short sleeves. I'm scared that someone will notice so I've been putting bandaids on, however it irritates my skin and hurts to pull off of surrounding cuts.. They also won't stop itching, I'm trying not to touch them but the urge to itch them is too strong. Drinking has gotten better since I don't have personal access to any alcohol. But what do I do?
I have a blood test tomorrow and the vein the doctor needs blood from is the one covered in cuts, from my wrist to elbow and my mum will be in the room. my makeup doesn't hide well and my cuts are bumpy and hard to hide, even if my mums not in the room I'm scared the doctor will tell my mum I've been self harming
I need advice asap, I have scars across my whole lower left arm and I have dance with a teacher who makes us wear leotards that show our whole arms and doesn't allow any layers. I don't have any plasters, makeup or bracelets and my scars are quite red and bumpy, any ideas?
Hi Em
This is long answer sorry.
I’m not sure how extensive, straight, fresh, color your skin, why makeup you have tried as I might have good suggestions. How obvious in general is it that these are not any other kind of scars? Easist is to pass it off on different injuries. Not at easy if you are actually cutting. Iis your family aware of your situation to a degree and would go along with skirting the truth with the teacher? He asks, say “I have a medical condition. My family and I are trying to have it treated.” If she gets nosey and says what.? Say “I’m sorry that’s in appropriate”. If you are from the states you can also tell her that it is also something frat falls under a reasonable accommodation for a person with a disability to make the modifications of allowing you to cover your arms. She can not ask you what your disability is. Self-harming behavior may be the symptom of a protected disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act
On the flip side when young I said some scars came from things that happened but no real injuries so I didn’t mess up. Like falling through a sliding glass door,th. As I became less and less and older and I had legitimate nasty scars from working with animals everyone assumed I cut. Not saying I hadn’t had a small lapse her or there but I I leaned full in. Told them nah just bad at my job. That on was a Rottweilers paw. He almost made it perfect so I just finished his work off couldn’t leave it with 3 nails what do you think?. When people whisper or even saw she desecrated her body lol when I’m in a sundress I say this is how I mark my memories “I couldn’t pick enough tattoos for all the memories, I wanted something more extreme. This are arm is the joy I don’t want to forget . This arm is so when I go to hell I know how many souls to bring with me 🤪. “Honestly I am a light hearted good girl but the pearl clutching is fun.. Evenif I know I am still often in pain inside. We all have different reasons. I never could remember emotional pain got better but physical pain did. So that’s why I did it. Now I’m tired of being reminded of all those times I was made to feel so voiceless. For years with my scars. You have good and bad days. You’re a dancer. Put your feelings into that. Volunteer somewhere. Wayne teach kids to dance? The things you hate someone will love. I have to hear it so many times a day. It drives many away. The right people it would though. The right will hold you tight when you feel so much you can’t find a way to get it out. If you want to talk IG:@katgirl18
Hey, I am on a school sports team and we take mandatory showers together after exercise, and I’m wondering how I cover fresh scars when I am having to change in front of everyone and be in the nude every day?
Hi. There can be medical exemptions for this. I suffered from severe full body Psoriasis as well as SH issues. It opened me up to the problem with bullying and further sh. I spoke to my pediatrician at the time and they wrote a letter stating that I should be allowed have my free period follow gym so that I could shower after the other people. They made accommodations for me from dressing to shower from 4th grade through high school. It’s worth looking into
Hi, Im stuggling to stop self harm, I do cheer and was 100 days clean till yesterday, And know I have cuts from my middle arm down to my wrist. I have to wear tanktops for cheer and therefor cant use anything to cover it up! Iv'e tried makeup and bandaids but they wont stay on, and makeup caused it too get infected! What do i do.
Hey, I hope you're doing okay and I just want you to know that I love you and I'm sending love your way- that may not help a lot since im stranger but I hope it atleast helps a little :) I know its bad- but hurting yourself is worse, but just know you're beautiful in every way and you are so strong <3 Next time I believe in you that you can stay clean longer, it'll be hard but so so worth it. Also a few options (I don't really know I havent sh'ed before today) are bracelets/bands/hairties - tight ones since I imagine move around a lot or if you have them- arm warmers or gloves that you could say your hands get very cold or theyre just comfy (im sure they wont be that questioning) lmk if these helps in any way <3
Hey maybe you could tell you’re cheer team and parents that you maybe need a bit of a break, i used to sh and i talked to my mom ab it and she helped me throughout it, maybe you can try doing that or wear skin colored type arm band things, you can get them of amazon! i hope that helps :(
I have lots of self harm scars all over my arm. I have Homecoming coming up, and want to cover them up. I already get lots of questions about where they came from, and I'm not comfortable with that. They're awfully dark, and I'm not sure if concealer will work. I'm also wondering if you know of any ways to help support the fading of scars? I really want them to go away, they're quite embarrassing. Thank you so much for this amazing article, I appreciate you sharing this.
i would use arm warmers if u have any or if not, then maybe buy some concealer or foundation.. i recommend buying arm warmers if u cant find any of those wear any long sleeved shirt, hoodie, jacket, etc. but yeah i hope that u stop hurting urself and ur beautiful
Thank you, Gyss. My friend is letting me borrow some long gloves. I'm working on stopping self harm, I was clean for 3 months but I relapsed last night. Thank you so much.
Never be embarrassed about your scars hun. They are there as a symbol of what you are going through and play an important part of your story. Mine symbolise strength. I am strong enough to do that to myself. I am strong enough to keep going. They are also a desperate cry for help. I told one person about them. She told me that words are more meaningful than actions. Cry out loud. Don't cut those cries into your skin. While it may be a helpful release, do it in a safe way and never ever be embarrassed about them x
Scar removal cream helps with the fading I've been using it and it has helped a lot, you don't need anything fancy or super expensive either.
I've been really struggling with sh since may of this year. I used to do it in 2021, but I stopped in January of last year. My parents discovered that I was getting drunk at parties and I thought they were going to take me out of school, they were both outside the country and weren't coming back home for a few days. I didn't know what I was about to do and how much it was going to affect me for the next 3-4 months. Ive had suicidal thoughts for a while, its been really difficult to me thinking about the fact that im getting worse than I was before in 2021. Im almost doing it everyday, and my parents know about it. Yesterday I almost decided to end it all, but I didn't, even though I got drunk at my own house when muy mom wasn't home, I couldn't feel anything to I relapsed really bad and now I have half of my arm with scars that I don't know how Im going to hide it for the next 2 or 3 weeks without anyone noticing. Some of my friends know that I relapsed, but not all of them. People are finding out about my scars and its been really uncomfortable, its like they are treating me diferent. I really don't know what im going to do if my mom finds out, or if anyone does. I just know that is she finds out she will probably get me out of that school, she knows that the people I love the most are there, and that I hate being in my house, it makes me feel alone, and sick, and I don't have anything do distract myself with so its just me and my thoughts, and the worse parti is I can't even cry, I don't know why. Tomorrow im going to a more specialist therapist, I really don't know how is it going to go, but im really nervous, i just want to be ok, happy and not waste my teenage years on this.
I have been going through a lot in my life and I have been cutting myself and I don't know how to cover it up because I don't want my mom to find out because I would be in a lot of trouble my boyfriend today was holding my had and decided to left up my hoddie sleeve and seen them and said I need to stop or he is telling on my and I don't want him to and I don't want to lose him so if you guys have any recommendations please help me.
Hey, I hear you. First I would talk to your boyfriend about how you feel. I would tell him maybe why you self harm, and open up to him why you are afraid of your parents finding out. Also explain to him that self harm is like an addiction, it's hard to stop and It's normal to relapse. I understand why you are afraid of your parents finding out, and I'm sorry that you're afraid that your parents will be mad at you. I really would open up to them if you could, because they might be able to find resources for you. I really hope that this helps you Chanel.
I've been doing self-harm for a long while now and I've been covering for a while now. However it's grown suddenly unbearably hot round where I live and the scars I have stand out a lot, and are puffy.
I tried using concealer, however it didn't help much.
I'm too young to get tattoos and things like that, and I can't complete any work such as writing, commissions or things like that without them getting in the way.
Moreover, the scars on my under-arms go from my wrist all the way to the elbow, which makes them hard to cover. My parents are getting too suspicious and I don't know what to do.
I wish I could tell them but they are still angry about me 'coming out'.
I'm moving to my other parent soon, who is more calm and won't make such a big fuss, so anything that can last me at least two months would be helpful.
(i am using a fake email so my parents don't get a notification, that's why the name is kind of weird)
I'm late to these comments but hopefully this will help someone. I massively self-harmed when I was younger. Thankfully, I'm now in a much better place, however, I still - 30 years later - am left with the aftermath of very large scars everywhere. Fortunately, there are more options than when I was younger. There is a industry movement towards clothing that protects you from the sun which also have cooling properties built in. I have a few SPF long-sleeved shirts, I have "cooling arms" meant for golfing, cycling, etc. I also (female) have loose, airy "boho" blouses in summer colours with camisoles underneath. Anyone who asks I say I'm sun sensitive and it's generally accepted. And just a final word to anyone still self-harming, don't give up on yourself.
hi,
i have scars on my upper thighs, which are typically covered by longer sweatshirts and pants, but i also have scars on my lower thighs (the area above my kneecaps). i am going to start playing soccer in august and am concerned about how i would cover the ones on my lower thighs, because i don't want to sweat makeup off and tons of bandaids will be suspicious. i am too young for tattoos or laser scar removal.
thanks!
junie
Hi, I have long scars (six-seven inches long or so) reaching from the middle of my hand down my wrist. I've been trying to wear a hoodie to cover them up, but now it's summer, and I don't own any long sleeve shirts because I don't like to wear them. I've tried wearing bracelets and watches, but the scars go too high on my hand. Do you have any ideas for me?
thanks!
try fingerless gloves.. they’re not everyone’s style, but they work as a cover-up. i think regular gloves would be too suspicious so other types can be good. i recommend ones that are made of thin material and go down your entire arm:)
hii, you can try makeup, green concealer cancels the red from the scars, and you can also look up YouTube videos for how to cover them up. Band aids can also be useful, you can say you had a accident to cover them up, hope this helpeddd
Hi, I'm Vinnie. I've been struggling with my mental health and self harm for several months already and I have been doing it on my upper inner arm close to the armpit. For summer I have been wearing baggy t shirts to help me put here, but summer vacation has started and I don't want to wear one pieces as it feels unnecessary when I have to wear shorts. What do I do? I can't find good long sleeved bathing suits without them being one pieced, and I want to look good as I want to be more confident. I don't know!
Type into google search: "long sleeved bikini swimsuit". It should show you a bunch of very cute options.
Hi, I’ve been self-harming for 3 years now so some of my scars are raised. I’m going to a surf camp in a couple months and it’s obv at a beach. I can’t get tattoos or surgeries since I’m only 14 and I never wear makeup ever so if I asked my mom if we could get makeup she would prob be suspicious. I’ve worn bracelets and scrunchies but now it’ll look sus since my scars are all around most of both my forearms. I also have some on my left shoulder. I’ve been wearing long sleeves and hoodies for three years straight and have gotten away with it. But, wearing a hoodie in the water and at the beach would definitely be really sus. I don’t know what to do since I’m afraid of judgement and the camp I’m going to is Christian. Do you know what else I could possibly do? If not, I could try to figure it out but right now, I have no idea.
waterproof bandaids might help. and you could say that you’re just clumsy and scraped it, or a pet scratched you. or if you spend time with a baby, you could say the scratched you. all of those things have actually happened to me lmao. but no matter what make sure you’re cleaning them as much as possible because that ocean water can’t be good.
You can also buy long sleeves swim suits, or 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. If it’s a Christian camp you could also say that your get burned easily. Or you could say that your very religious and that you don’t usually wear reviling clothes, this would make sense and I say this a lot, you can wear light white cotton t-shirts under your summer short sleeves, and light blouses over your tops too, it can look very nice if you look it up on Pinterest, and tell your mom that everyone at the camps have long sleeved swimsuits
For quick social interactions, I’ll throw fake tattoos on my arms and pass them off as a fun thing my friends and I did, completely “forgetting” the family whatever.
Hi, i've been self-harming for months now, and my thighs are absolutely mottled with scars, fresh and old. (it's a number-based thing for me, so i have a concerning amount, and a concerning amount more to do)
It covers the majority of the top of my legs, hitting just behind my knees, but my family likes hiking and swimming, and with summer coming, i need a way to hide them from my crazy mom (she's a whole 'nother can of worms). I don't know what clothes will fit, cover them, and not overheat me, and since i'm only 15, tattoos aren't an option either (not even temporary)
Do you have any possible suggestions? (the scars are rather dark, and very obviously scars, some are raised, and they look extremely intentional)
Hi! I understand this and went through this. Some tips I have learned is wearing your skin tone of tights and then shorts over top or cropped leggings
hi sorry my name is Aro and i have fresh cuts on the back of my ear that i would like to cover
my mom and dad already saw and punished me for when i use to self harm on my ankles so i had moved to behind my ear and im cutting my hair short so i cant use my hair to cover these scars anymore also i have been going back to on the ankle cuts and was wonding how i could cover them if i went swimming
Hi, so I have had one of the same things happen (just in a different spot/s) and I use waterproof concealer. You can also use waterproof plasters/band-aids. You can also buy flesh coloured plasters/band-aids to help. (You can cut them to size needed) I hope this helps! x
I’m trying to play basketball with my friends I wear hoodies so I overheat and I’m a trash shooter with them for no reasons but I need them covered up I don’t have makeup they are kinda puffy but they are small like a thumbnail width only my mom, dad, and brother know I keep them hidden to the best of my abilities but I overheat they are a pinkish purple and I scar very easily what do I do I feel weak with them I regret it so much they are like 1-2 years old I was numb and when I did it I felt pain but it was something to feel I’ve never told anyone why I did it and I hate talking about it what do i do?
hii, im sorry i dont know if ill be much help cus i just started self-harming, but i’ve heard that concealer and make up is very helpful. if swimming or like sweating a lot you can also get water proof makeup.
My scars are kinda puffy I’m a male so I can’t use makeup and I can’t use bandaid excuses because they are spreed out I want to play basketball with my friends but I get really hot because I wear many hoodies my scars are like 1-2 years old I stopped because I regret it so much I don’t feel normal I feel weak also my scars are a purple-ish pink and I have 6 of them what do I do
Hey I have the same thing except I'm a girl. I think you should ask a friend who is a girl to borrow her make up and tell her that you have a couple of scars from messing around and they make you feel embarrassed for being clumsy and if you have a sister just secretly use it or your moms actually. But if your skin type is different try blending it in with different shades of blush maybe or eyeshadow. I hope this helps.
My scars are kinda puffy I’m a male so I can’t use makeup and I can’t use bandaid excuses because they are spreed out I want to play basketball with my friends but I get really hot because I wear many hoodies my scars are like 1-2 years old I stopped because I regret it so much I don’t feel normal I feel weak also my scars are a purple-ish pink and I have 6 of them what do I do
Hi um basically i have been cutting for about two yrs now. In January I am joining university and do not necessarily want anyone to see my fresh cuts/scars. However it is very warm in the building and i an the average male with homophobic parents. So me buying makeup would be highly suspicious. Is there another way to hide scars without long clothes or makeup and bandages .
Hi Jaymmie,
Thank you for your comment. I understand your concerns (and I'm sorry your parents are homophobic). Would it be possible to buy the makeup under the pretense of buying it for a friend or someone else? If not (or if that seems too risky), long sleeves or accessories that might cover them are usually the safest bet, unfortunately. Thinking out of the box here—would temporary tattoos or body art work, or would that also trigger unwanted attention (from your parents or from others)?
(Also, please remember that you shouldn't apply makeup, temporary tattoos, paint, or anything else like that to fresh wounds, as it can cause infections and/or take longer to heal.)
The most foolproof method would, of course, be to stop hurting yourself entirely. I know that's easier said than done, but if and when you feel ready for that step, know that there are resources (here on this blog and elsewhere) that can help you get started.
I hope this helps? If you have any more questions/comments, feel free to reply here or elsewhere on the blog.
Sincerely,
Kim
So the one of the professors saw my scars and told my parents about them. So now i go to therapy. If i had seen this sooner i may have been able to avoid this situation however thank you for the suggestions.
Hi Jaymmie,
I'm sorry that your situation was revealed without your permission, but for many people, therapy can be a huge help in quitting self-harm and establishing a sustainable path of recovery. So even though the circumstances under which you were sent to therapy weren't ideal, I hope it turns out to be helpful nonetheless.
Take care,
Kim
Hello my name is ves, I have fresh scars on my arms and would like to know if covering it up with makeup will work. I am unsure if it well, I am extremely pale. It’s hard for me to even find the right type of makeup that matches my skin tone