Do nipples stay permanently hard after weaning from breastfeeding ???

Just curious, but my son is about 6.5 months old right now and I weaned from breastfeeding and pumping completely right about the time he turned 6 months.

The first couple weeks after stopping were pretty painful as my breasts were still making milk, it was dreadful having to push through it. As of right now, I’ve noticed they’re pretty much back to my pre-pregnancy breast size which sucks haha but at least the pain is gone and I don’t have to worry about breastfeeding and pumping all the time.

But the main thing I’ve noticed since weaning is that my nipples are always hard!? Pre-pregnancy they would soften more often than not and only harden up when stimulated or cold lmao… but now it seems like they’re always hard. Is this permanent? I kind of hope it is, I used to want my nipples pierced for this reason 😂 or is this only temporary because its only been about a month since I weaned? My nipples were NEVER soft during the time I was breastfeeding and pumping. They’d always be showing through my shirts lol

Someone please share your experience with this!!! 😂😂🙏