How to Safely Hide Your Piercings with Retainers

Piercings are a fantastic way to express yourself, but there are times when showing them off just isn’t practical. From workplace dress codes and school policies to medical procedures or sports, you may need to temporarily conceal your body jewellery without letting your piercing close up. That’s where piercing retainers and hider plugs come in.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what retainers are, when and how to use them safely, the types available, and practical tips to keep your piercings healthy while staying discreet.

What Are Piercing Retainers?

Piercing retainers are jewellery specifically designed to be discreet or invisible. Unlike decorative jewellery, retainers are usually clear, translucent, or skin-toned, blending in with your natural appearance. Their purpose is to hold a piercing open without drawing attention.

They are available in a variety of sizes and styles to suit different piercings: from simple clear labret studs and nose screws to hider plugs for stretched lobes and flexible tongue retainers. By using a retainer, you can comply with rules or safety requirements while still protecting the integrity of your piercing.

When Should You Use Retainers?

Retainers should only be used in fully healed piercings. Fresh piercings are vulnerable to irritation and infection, and switching to a retainer too soon can slow or prevent healing. If you’ve recently been pierced, stick with implant-grade metals or glass until your piercer confirms you’re healed.

Once your piercing has healed, retainers can be used in many everyday situations:

Work or school: Many workplaces and educational institutions still enforce rules against visible piercings. Retainers are a discreet workaround, allowing you to stay professional without losing your piercing.

Sports and physical activity: Contact sports and fitness environments can make metal jewellery risky due to snagging or impact. Silicone retainers are safer, flexible alternatives.

Medical procedures:For X-rays, MRIs, or surgery, metal jewellery often must be removed. Non-metal retainers, especially glass or silicone, are safe options to keep the piercing open.

Formal or family occasions: Sometimes you might just prefer a toned-down look for weddings, interviews, or family gatherings. Retainers provide that flexibility.

Types of Retainers

Different retainers suit different piercings and needs. The most common materials include:

Clear Acrylic Retainers

Lightweight, affordable, and nearly invisible. Great for short-term use, but not ideal for long periods, as acrylic is porous and can harbour bacteria.

Glass Retainers

Smooth, hypoallergenic, and easy to sterilise. A great option for sensitive skin and longer wear.

Silicone Retainers

Flexible, soft, and comfortable, making them ideal for sports or sleeping. Not recommended for stretching, but excellent as temporary wear.

Skin-Toned Hider Plugs

Specifically for stretched lobes, these plugs are made to blend with natural skin shades for maximum discretion.

Tips for Safe Use

Always switch gently, don’t force retainers into your piercing. If the fit feels tight, consult your piercer for resizing.

Keep them clean. Retainers should be cleaned as often as decorative jewellery. Use saline solution or mild soap to avoid build-up.

Limit acrylic use, stick with glass or silicone if you need a retainer for more than a few days.

Plan ahead, if you’ve got a job interview or surgery coming up, practise inserting your retainer a few days before so you know it fits comfortably.

Match to your piercing. For oral piercings, glass or flexible retainers are safest; for stretched lobes, opt for skin-tone hider plugs that keep your lobes looking natural.

Why Retainers Are Essential

Think of retainers as your piercing insurance policy. They allow you to adapt to situations where jewellery isn’t appropriate without risking closure, irritation, or awkward explanations. They’re small, affordable, and versatile - making them a must-have accessory for anyone serious about their piercings.

Retainers also help you balance self-expression and practicality. You don’t have to choose between the piercing you love and the expectations of work, sport, or family - you can have both.

Final Thoughts

Piercing retainers and hider plugs are invaluable tools for every piercing enthusiast. They provide the flexibility to keep your piercings safe and open while meeting life’s practical demands. Whether it’s hiding a nose stud at work, protecting your lobes on the pitch, or swapping jewellery before an MRI, retainers keep your body mods worry-free.

At Custom Plugs, we stock a wide variety of retainers and hider plugs in high-quality, safe materials designed for comfort and discretion. Explore our range of piercing retainers today.