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How to Get Rid of a Hickey ASAP

Got a little carried away last night? Here’s how to get rid of a hickey fast because no one’s got time for that.

Nothing screams makeout session like a hickey. No matter how many times you've gotten one, hiding a love bite never gets easier. Unfortunately, there still aren’t any miracle cures for making a hickey disappear overnight, even the viral whisk removal trend isn't 100% reliable. So, what's the best approach? Cover it up to let it heal faster. Just scroll down to find out how to get rid of a hickey fast.

HICKEY 101: WHAT IS A HICKEY AND HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

Hickeys are bruises due to skin trauma from sucking and biting. Over time, they may change in color from deep red to dark purple to yellow green, just like any other bruise. They typically remain visible anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks, depending on the severity of your mark. Avoid taking any blood thinners, like aspirin, which will only make hickeys worse. 

HOW CAN I HEAL A HICKEY FASTER?

COMPRESS IT: According to advice from dermatologist Dr. Hirsch on Parade, you should immediately apply a cold compress on it for about 10 minutes a few times a day - but only for the first day or two. Then, switch to a warm compress for the rest of the healing process. If you’ve heard of hacks like using a cold spoon, this is essentially the same concept; applying light pressure on the site with something cold.

SOOTHE IT: You can also apply topical creams that contain skin-soothing ingredients, such as aloe vera, cocoa butter, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and essential oils. Most everyday men’s grooming products contain similar ingredients, like Anthony Skin's Oil Free Face Lotion and After Shave Balm. If you’re unsure about the ingredients of a skincare product, just look it up online or check the back of the bottle. You can also try rubbing arnica gel on it, which is typically used for bruise relief to reduce discoloration.

HOW TO HIDE A HICKEY ON A GUY’S NECK

#1 THE MAKEUP METHOD

Concealer for men is the holy-grail item for camouflaging hickeys in just seconds. They typically look like pens, such as Stryx's Concealer Pen and Polished Men's Blemish Concealer Stick, so it even looks discreet in your back pocket. 

First, prep the area with any facial lotion or makeup primer. Dab the concealer pen directly on the hickey, and gently blend out any noticeable harsh lines with your finger or makeup brush. That’s it!

OPTIONAL: Want more coverage? Before using concealer, blend a green color corrector over the area to cancel out redness. If you’re wearing face makeup, like the Stryx's Tinted Moisturizer, you can also apply it over the concealed spot so that it seamlessly matches with your face. To really lock everything in place, you can finish with any makeup setting spray or powder. If you’re going to be sweating, look for waterproof concealer makeup to prevent melting and cracking.

How to Get Rid of a Hickey with Makeup

#2 THE CLOTHING METHOD

Clothing is one of the easiest and quickest ways to cover a hickey, especially since you can use items you already own. Here are some tips from our style editors on hiding hickeys with pieces that look trendy year-round.

  • High-Neck Tops: High-collared tops are essential for covering hickeys, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick with only bulky sweaters. You can also find trendier options, like leather ponchos, funnel neck hoodies, or high-neck coats. If you live in a hot/tropic area, try a sleeveless turtleneck or high-neck crop top. 
  • Collared Shirts: If your hickey is on the lower area of your neck, collared button-down shirts are another method. They’re also more practical for the summer. Avoid unbuttoning your shirt too low, or else it’ll defeat the purpose.
  • Scarves: Chunky scarves are a great cover-up method if you're outdoors. If you're staying indoors, accessorize with fashionable scarves in lightweight cotton, satin, or silk to hide your hickey without feeling suffocated.
  • Necklaces: Consider choker necklaces that are wide enough to cover the area. Chunky necklaces put the attention on your jewelry rather than your hickey.

How to Get Rid of a Hickey with Clothing

#3 THE BAND-AID METHOD

If all else fails, put a band-aid on it, and find an excuse. You cut yourself shaving. You got a bad bug bite. You burned your neck cooking. Whatever floats your boat. Just make it believable.

Know how to make a hickey go away with another method? Let us know in the comments below!