By the time they turn 35, approximately two-thirds of men in the U.S. experience some level of hair loss. By the age of 50, that number jumps to 85 percent of men.
If you’re currently going bald (or have completely lost your hair), you’re not alone. You don’t have to just accept your hair loss, though.
Scalp micropigmentation is a great option to improve your appearance and boost your confidence. Read on to learn more about this procedure and have all your most pressing questions answered.
What Is Scalp Micropigmentation?
This is a non-invasive treatment for those who are dealing with hair loss. During this procedure, a trained and licensed micropigmentation specialist will use micro-needles to deposit pigment onto the scalp.
Essentially, they’re giving you tiny tattoos on your scalp that mimick the appearance of hair follicles. As a result, it’ll look as though you have fuller hair, and your hair loss or hair thinning will be less noticeable.
Who Should Get Scalp Micropigmentation?
Whether your hair loss is hormone-related or just genetic, scalp micropigmentation might be a good option for you to consider. There are certain people who are better candidates than others, though, including the following:
- Those who have receding hairlines
- Those who have thinning hair
- Those who have scars from transplants
- Those who are totally bald and want the appearance of close-cropped hair (buzz cut)
- Those who have not responded to other hair restoration treatments
- Those who cannot afford or do not want hair transplants
If you fall into any of these categories, there’s a good chance you can benefit from this procedure.
What Does Hairline Ink Cost?
As we mentioned above, scalp micropigmentation can be a good option for folks who cannot afford hair transplants. This procedure is much more affordable.
On average, micropigmentation costs between $400 and $1,000. For comparison, hair transplants start at around $2,000 per session.
How Long Does Scalp Micropigmentation Last?
This procedure is considered to be semi-permanent. The effects last up to eight years before they need to be touched up.
The area that’s treated will fade over time, though. This is due to the natural exfoliation process that the skin goes through.
Keep in mind, the color will fade, but it won’t change. If this happens, it means that the incorrect pigment was used during the micropigmentation process. As long as you work with a licensed and experienced professional, you shouldn’t have to worry about this happening.
How to Prevent Scalp Micropigmentation Fading
If you’re hesitant about investing in scalp micropigmentation because you’re worried about fading, the good news is that there are steps you can take to minimize this issue.
Here are some effective strategies to prevent and reduce the severity of your fading:
- Avoid excessive sweating for at least 30 days after each micropigmentation session
- Avoid vigorously scrubbing your head for at least 30 days after each session
- Avoid swimming for at least 30 days after each session
- Avoid prolonged and unprotected sun exposure
- Wear sunscreen or a hat when spending long periods of time in the sun
- Avoid applying alcohol- and bleach-based products to your scalp
- Moisturize your scalp daily with a light, non-greasy lotion
These practices will not totally prevent any fading from taking place. They can significantly reduce the amount of fading that you experience, though.
How to Find a Scalp Micropigmentation Specialist
If you’re interested in getting a hair tattoo, it’s imperative that you find a trained professional to handle the procedure for you. That will help you ensure you see the best results, and it’ll help you avoid early fading, color-changing, or any other potential issues.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when you’re looking for a scalp micro pigmentation specialist:
Ask Around
Do you have friends or family members who have had scalp micropigmentation done? If so, ask them which specialist they saw for their procedure and find out whether or not they’d recommend them to someone else. In general, you’ll get more accurate information from people close to you than random strangers on the internet, so asking for referrals is a good place to start.
Look at Portfolios
Once you have a few people on your list to check out, head to their website, and look at their portfolios. Do they have before and after pictures available for you to see? This can help you get an idea of their work and what you can expect if you decide to work with them.
Check Their References
Be sure to ask each specialist for references, too. This is especially important if you don’t have any friends or family members you can talk to about their experience. Reach out to each reference, find out if they were satisfied with their treatment, and ask if they’d work with this particular specialist again in the future.
Schedule a Consultation
Most specialists will offer free consultations in-person or over the phone to help you get to know them and learn more about the procedures. If the person you’re considering working with offers this option, be sure to take them up on it. It’ll give you a chance to ask any lingering questions you have and decide if scalp micropigmentation is a good fit for you.
Consider Their Prices
During your consultation, ask about each specialist’s prices, too. Each person will have a different pricing structure, and it’s important to know exactly how much you’ll be paying for the procedure before you agree to have it done. This will help you to budget properly and ensure you can afford the treatment.
Are You Interested in a Scalp Micropigmentation Tattoo?
Now that you know more about the scalp micropigmentation process, how long it lasts, and what you can do to maintain it, does it seem like a good option for you? Keep the information outlined above in mind as you weigh the pros and cons and make a decision for yourself.
Do you want to learn more about hair care for yourself or for a loved one? If so, we have lots of other articles on our site to check out, including this one on hair extensions.
