Scalp tattoos can do way more than just leave you with a skull-and-bones inking. For many people, a little ink on the scalp can camouflage hair loss when it’s done as part of a new-fangled procedure known as scalp micropigmentation (SMP).
You’ve probably heard of regular micropigmentation, a tattooing technique for drawing on freckles and transforming volume-starved brows into full-bodied arches. Well, that was just the beginning. Now, this procedure has traveled a few centimeters north to the scalp, with cosmetic artists inking on thousands of tiny dots to mimic hair follicles — and for good reason.
Some 30 million women in the United States suffer from hereditary hair loss, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. That figure doesn’t, however, include the millions struggling with thinning hair because of stress, menopause, and other factors.
Losing your hair can be terrifying and comes at a huge emotional cost. And even though there are plenty of options out there if your ponytail is skinnier than it once was — from over-the-counter topical products like minoxidil to in-clinic hair transplants and PRP – they’re often expensive and time-consuming. Crucially, they also won’t cause an immediate change in your hair’s appearance, which is what makes scalp micropigmentation so appealing for those bugged by thinning strands.
“The aim is to bring back confidence,” Scalp micropigmentation is also a great option when in-clinic treatments and hair transplants are financially out of reach or don’t work as well as expected.”
For this reason, it’s true that scalp micropigmentation was often marketed at folks with male pattern baldness who wanted to create the illusion of stubble and a buzzed haircut. However, more women are opting for the treatment now that it’s going mainstream.
But what’s really involved and how invasive a treatment is it?
Scalp micropigmentation is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses a pen-like tattoo machine to “create micro-dotted impressions on the scalp that mimic hair follicles,” And yes, in case you were in any doubt, it’s permanent, so if you’re planning on getting this treatment, be as specific as possible about what you want.
Much of the confusion that surrounds scalp micropigmentation is caused by folks lumping it together with microblading, but they don’t actually do the same thing. “Microblading relies on small strokes, semi-permanent ink, and a blade that cuts into the skin – it’s totally different,”
It’s also easy to get lost in the jargon around tattoos. “Essentially, we’re tattooing just like a body tattooist, except we’re strategically using smaller, finer needles to replicate the size of tiny hair follicles,”
A needle for this procedure only penetrates 1.5 to 2 millimeters into the top layer of the dermis. “This is the sweet spot for scalp micropigmentation,” “If the needle only hits the surface layer of skin, cell turnover causes the pigment to quickly fade. Go too deep into the subcutaneous layer and the pigment loses its shape and spreads out, staining the scalp with round blotches.”
Overall, scalp micropigmentation can be useful for someone seeking a purely cosmetic improvement for hair loss, “But it’s important to understand that it doesn’t cause hair to regrow,” adding that scalp micropigmentation won’t damage the hair follicle either. “If someone has a tattoo on their arm, it doesn’t become an alopecia area, so the procedure shouldn’t inhibit hair growth.”
Who is a good candidate for scalp micropigmentation?
Those dealing with hair thinning, alopecia, and visible scalp scarring from hair transplants or surgeries will benefit most from scalp micropigmentation. “A main area of concern for men is the hairline and crown,”. “For women, it’s usually the temples and the spot where they consistently part their hair.”
If you have an underlying skin condition though, proceed with caution. “The type of patient who may want to speak to their dermatologist first has a lot of keloid scarring and gets what we call a ‘spontaneous keloid’ from something as tiny as an acne scar,” There are also possible risks for those with active eczema or psoriasis, since they have a tendency to flare up in areas of trauma.
Does scalp micropigmentation work if you already have hair?
The short answer is definitely. There is a range of options depending on the pattern of hair loss. Those with a thinning head of hair can have follicles tattooed onto areas where there is still hair growth to create the appearance of lush volume (also known as “Hair Density Scalp Micropigmentation”).
What about aftercare?
Following scalp micropigmentation, there’s no required downtime. “Your scalp will feel tender for the first week but after that, you’re basically back to normal,” During this time, you’ll need to forego washing your hair and scalp to let the color settle. “Also avoid any activities such as exercise or saunas that cause your body to overheat and metabolize the ink particles before they solidify in the scalp,”
While any redness will subside after the first two days, expect to experience some scabbing by day three. We recommend using a petrolatum-based moisturizer such as Aquaphor or Vaseline twice a day. “These help to keep the area well hydrated and prevent new scabs from forming, thereby speeding up the healing process,”
As for salves, the all-natural Membrane Post-Care MicroBalm, which is great for post-procedure inflammation and ink retention.
When it comes to upkeep, it’s vital to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen when you go outside to protect the scalp. Supergoop’s Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder SPF35, which is a bit like dry shampoo but with UV protection, and Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Face Serum SPF60+ because “a serum is easy to apply to the scalp and won’t leave a greasy residue,”. For the same reasons, a spray-on such as EltaMD UV Aero Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF45 as it’s “convenient for those with long hair who’ve had density treatment.”
