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Hickeys—those reddish-purple marks left behind after intense kissing or sucking—are just bruises. They happen when tiny blood vessels under your skin break, leaking blood that pools beneath the surface. While they’re not harmful, they can be embarrassing. If you’re trying to make that love bite disappear ASAP, you may have heard of the popular toothpaste hack. But does it work? Let’s break it down.
How to Remove a Hickey with Toothpaste: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide
Toothpaste is one of the most talked-about home remedies for hickeys, thanks to its soothing ingredients and cooling properties. The menthol, baking soda, and peppermint oil commonly found in white toothpaste can help stimulate blood flow and reduce inflammation. This may encourage the bruise to fade faster, but it’s important to apply it the right way and with care.
What You’ll Need:
- Mint-based white toothpaste – Avoid gel-based, colored, or whitening formulas, as these may irritate. Look for classic white toothpaste that contains menthol or peppermint for the best effect.
- A clean cotton swab or your fingertip – For sanitary and precise application.
- A damp, soft cloth – To remove the paste gently without further irritating the skin.
- Mild facial cleanser (optional) – To prep the skin before applying toothpaste.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
| Step | Action | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clean the area | Ensures proper absorption |
| 2 | Apply white, mint toothpaste | Stimulates blood flow |
| 3 | Let it sit for 10–15 minutes | Allows ingredients to work |
| 4 | Wipe off gently | Avoids skin irritation |
| 5 | Repeat 1–2 times daily | Speeds up the healing process |
Step 1: Clean the Area Thoroughly
Start by gently washing the skin around the hickey using warm water and a mild soap or cleanser. This removes oils, dirt, and sweat, which ensures the toothpaste can penetrate more effectively. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Why this matters:
Clean skin helps prevent any reactions caused by trapped dirt or bacteria under the toothpaste layer.
Step 2: Apply a Small Amount of Toothpaste
Squeeze a tiny pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto your fingertip or a cotton swab. Dab it directly onto the hickey, making sure to cover the full bruise area. You should feel a slight cooling or tingling sensation shortly after applying.
What to avoid:
Do not rub the toothpaste in roughly. Avoid broken or irritated skin, as toothpaste can cause stinging or burning.
Step 3: Let It Sit for 10–15 Minutes
Allow the toothpaste to rest on the hickey for about 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, you may feel the tingling intensify. This is due to increased blood flow, which may help disperse the pooled blood under your skin.
If you experience:
- Burning or redness → remove it immediately.
- No sensation → You may need to try another remedy or a different brand of toothpaste.
Step 4: Gently Wipe It Off
After 10–15 minutes, use a soft, damp cloth to gently remove the toothpaste. Avoid scrubbing the area. Once the paste is removed, pat the skin dry again.
Optional: You can follow up with a soothing aloe vera gel or a light moisturizer if the skin feels dry or irritated.
Step 5: Repeat Once or Twice a Day
To see visible improvement, apply the toothpaste once in the morning and again before bed. Most people notice a change within 1–2 days, though it may take longer depending on the severity of the hickey.
Important Notes:
- Results vary—some people may not see much difference.
- Toothpaste can irritate sensitive skin, so do a small patch test on another area first.
- Never leave toothpaste on overnight, as it may dry out or damage the skin barrier.
Beyond Toothpaste: Best Hickey Removal Tricks That Help
If toothpaste isn’t enough, here are other go-to methods to fade a hickey faster:
- Cold Compress: Apply a cold spoon or wrapped ice for the first 24 hours to minimize swelling.
- Warm Compress: After the first day, switch to a warm cloth to boost blood flow and healing.
- Massage the Area: Use circular motions to help disperse the pooled blood under the skin.
- Arnica Cream: A homeopathic remedy known to speed up bruise healing.
- Vitamin K Cream: Helps absorb pooled blood, making the hickey fade quicker.
Lesser-Known but Popular DIY Hacks
Looking for creative methods people swear by? These might surprise you:
The Toothbrush Method for Hickies
This odd but common trick involves gently brushing the area with a soft-bristled toothbrush. It may help break up the clotted blood.
How to do it:
- Gently brush the hickey in different directions for 5–10 minutes.
- Wait a few minutes, then apply a cold compress.
- Repeat twice daily.
Caution: Don’t press too hard or you’ll worsen the bruise.
The Cylindrical Object Trick
Some swear by this compression technique to disperse blood under the skin.
How to try it:
- Use a lipstick cap or pen cap.
- Place it over the hickey and press down firmly.
- Twist the cap in a circular motion for 5–10 minutes.
This method increases circulation but might irritate sensitive skin.
The Coin Method for Hickies
It might sound strange, but a simple coin can act like a scraper to help spread out the blood.
Instructions:
- Stretch the skin around the hickey flat using two fingers.
- Use the edge of a coin to gently scrape the hickey outward.
- Repeat for about 5–10 minutes.
Again, be gentle—this should not hurt or break the skin.
When All Else Fails: Hide It Like a Pro
If none of these methods make your hickey disappear fast enough, conceal it with:
- Concealer: Use a green-toned concealer first (to cancel out the red), then apply your skin-tone concealer.
- Scarf or Turtleneck: Old-school but effective.
- Hair Placement: If it’s near your neck, long hair can work wonders.
Makeup Spray: Use a setting spray to keep your concealer in place all day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’S)
Q1: How long does a hickey last without treatment?
A. Typically, a hickey fades within 5–12 days, depending on how severe it is and your body’s healing speed.
Q2: Is it safe to use toothpaste on sensitive skin?
A. Toothpaste can irritate sensitive skin. Always do a small patch test first, and avoid if you have eczema or broken skin.
Q3: Can hickeys cause any permanent damage?
A. No, hickeys are generally harmless. In very rare cases, intense suction may cause blood clots, but this is extremely uncommon.
Final Thoughts: Act Fast and Be Gentle
While toothpaste might provide a quick fix, combining it with other circulation-boosting remedies can help you see results faster. Whether you try a cold spoon, a toothbrush, or a trusty concealer, the key is being gentle and consistent. And remember, if you’re going to leave or receive a hickey, maybe plan next time!
