By the time they’re 35 years old, two-thirds of American men will have some degree of hair loss. More than half of women will also experience hair loss. Although it’s a common health condition especially as one ages, it can have a detrimental effect on self-esteem.
There are many solutions for hair loss including hairpieces, medications, and transplants. However, there’s also a cosmetic treatment that can create the illusion of a full head of hair and restore confidence: scalp micropigmentation.
Scalp micropigmentation involves tattooing the scalp to give the appearance of additional hair follicles. Here’s everything you need to know about the innovative solution for hair loss.
What is Scalp Micropigmentation?
Scalp micropigmentation involves placing microdot tattoos into the outer layer of the scalp, making the pattern look like hair follicles. For men, the treatment can make it look like they got a haircut cut very close to the scalp. For women, the procedure can help make the area where they part their hair look fuller.
Just about anyone with hair loss is a candidate for scalp micropigmentation. It’s particularly helpful for cancer patients who may experience lingering hair thinness after their chemotherapy treatment has ended.
Benefits of Scalp Micropigmentation
There are many benefits to receiving this cosmetic treatment. For starters, there’s no wig or hairpiece to wash, groom, and maintain in addition to taking the time to place it on your head properly. Tattoos don’t wash away, so the pigmentation will stay even through repeated shampooing of the hair that’s present.
Scalp micropigmentation also allows patients to create their own custom tattoo hairline. It can extend how far the hairline looks on your face, making it look like your hairline has not receded at all. The color will also match your natural hair color.
It can also bring back your lost confidence and because it looks very natural, no one needs to know that you’ve lost any hair at all.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Before you have scalp micropigmentation done, you’ll receive a consultation with a trained technician and discuss where you’d like your hairline to be and the general effect you’re hoping to achieve.
The technician will give you instructions on whether to wash your scalp and shave any surrounding hair before your appointment. You may also bring earbuds to listen to music to help you relax during the treatment.
Many people wonder if scalp micropigmentation hurts. Although everyone’s pain threshold is different, it usually doesn’t hurt as much as a traditional tattoo because the pigment is deposited into the outer layer of the scalp. However, your clinic may apply a numbing cream to your scalp so the procedure is more comfortable.
Most scalp micropigmentation sessions take four to five hours to complete and you may need to return for a few sessions to achieve your desired effect.
You will be given specific instructions on how to care for your sensitive scalp following the treatment. These usually include not exposing your head to water for a few days and staying out of direct sunlight.
Scabs usually form over each tattoed dot. This is normal, and they will fall off on their own after five to ten days. As the skin cells on the scalp shed over time, you’ll need to have the procedure repeated every five or six years.
Scalp Micropigmentation Can Be Life Transforming
For those who are good candidates for the treatment, scalp micropigmentation can work wonders on thinning hair and receding hairlines.
If you want to learn more about the latest procedures to enhance your appearance and boost your self-esteem, check out our other Lifestyle posts.
