There are a variety of reasons one might need to hide a piercing. Some of
those reasons include a new boss or job, sporting event rules and regulations,
or even simply your friends and family do not appreciate your piercing the way
you do. Whatever your reason, here are some suggestions on ways to have your
piercing discreetly.
The most common piercing that needs hiding is the tongue. Many companies make
acrylic tongue retainers now in a variety of sizes, and are usually priced quite
reasonably. Acrylic tongue retainers replace your barbell or ring in your tongue
and are clear, pink, or red in color. They are great for a quick fix in a “no
metal” area, such as MRIs and x-rays. Another fix is the flesh colored
retainers. Various jewelry companies make them (under various names, of course),
but they can be expensive if you need to “hide” your piercing for only a short
while. They come with a surgical steel rod, with flesh-colored discs on each
end. And last but not least, clear or red acrylic discs or balls on your
barbell. Not as effective as the two previous recommendations, but work well in
an emergency.
Labrets and lip piercings can be hidden in much the same way as a tongue
piercing. Both can be hidden with specially made acrylic retainers, similar to
tongue retainers, but shorter. And, like tongues, lips and labrets can also be
hidden with clear balls or discs on the end of a labret stud. In extreme
circumstances where you only need it out for a short while (like a job
interview), removing the ball off a labret stud will do the trick.
Unfortunately, for those with a ring, there is no quick fix such as previously
mentioned.
Another piercing that may need hiding is the eyebrow. Most jewelry companies
make a small metal retainer that looks like a miniature crochet hook. They do
the job, but if your piercing is shallow, or if you have little brow hair, they
can be almost as visible as the piercing jewelry. There are a few companies that
are making acrylic retainers, which are practically invisible. These retainers
are more difficult to find, and tend to be a little more expensive, but
worthwhile for virtual non-detection of an eyebrow piercing. In a pinch, a
barbell can be used to hide your eyebrow piercing – just unscrew the balls!
Occasionally, navel piercings also have to be hidden – usually for sports events
and procedures such as MRIs or x-rays. For those who need a non-metallic form of
discretion, there are some companies that make acrylic retainers for your navel.
Very similar to the acrylic eyebrow retainer, it has the appearance of a
miniaturized golf tee, only the stem is curved not straight. It also has a
little rubber o-ring on the end, to keep it secure. Keep in mind, these curved
acrylic retainers tend to be a more pricey than their straight cousins, mostly
because they haven’t become a mass-market product yet and not every jewelry
company makes them.
Every so often, someone needs to hide a nipple piercing. Usually, it for special
occasion outfit, in which the piercing shows through – such as a wedding. For
events such as these, there are also nipple retainers. They are bell-shaped, but
flat – think of it as if you drew a picture of a bell on a piece of paper.
Generally, you can find them in different sizes and colors, and they are not
very expensive. In addition, a navel retainer does a good job here too. And it’s
acrylic, so you can use them for MRIs and other places where metal might be an
issue. There is usually just enough metal showing as to keep it open.
Nostril piercings are generally the most “socially friendly”, high visibility
piercings, other than ears. And yet there are still places where one must be
discreet. Unfortunately, this is one of the most difficult piercings to hide.
The only way to really hide it, short of removal, is a titanium or niobium
nostril screw, in peach color. The tint of peach can be lightened or darkened at
the manufacturer to blend into a variety of skin tones. If you can have
something “small”, there is now what is known as the Microbezel nostril screw.
It is a 20g nostril screw with a 1mm jeweled top, which is formed so that it is
flush with the skin in your piercing. The jewel is VERY tiny – so tiny that they
are very hard to see unless you really look for them. They can be a bit
expensive, so understand that these are not retainers, but can do the job if
needs be. Acrylic retainers are not made as thin as most nostril piercings need
them to be. A non-metallic obscurity is not possible for a nostril piercing.
Perhaps there will come a time when each person will be allowed to be an
individual. In the meantime, for those of you whose lives are such that
discretion is best, good luck and hopefully these suggestions have helped you to
be yourself, just more discretely..
Crazy Chameleon
56 Elm Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
1-413-442-7723
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