Inside: Hair Pigmentation & Why It’s More Than a Tattoo.
Hair pigmentation tattoos are more than just a work of art.
In recent years, people suffering from severe hair loss conditions such as alopecia, pattern baldness, hair thinning, etc. have been inclining towards hair pigmentation to achieve a healthier, fuller hair look minus the down time and risks associated with invasive procedures like hair transplants.
With hair pigmentation tattoos, people can get bald patches filled in to reduce the disparity between the hair follicles and the skin, creating an illusion of a natural shaved head or a short buzz cut.
Further in this post, we answer the question “what are hair pigmentation tattoos?” as well as what the treatment can do for you.
Read on to learn how this non-surgical treatment is changing the lives of people suffering from severe hair loss.
What Are Hair Pigmentation Tattoos?
Hair pigmentation is a popular cosmetic non-surgical treatment targeted towards people suffering with severe hair loss conditions. Just like any other body tattoo, hair pigmentation entails the injecting of ink or natural pigments into the dermal layer of your scalp using tiny needles.
The aim is to replicate the appearance of natural hair follicles to camouflage the surface area of the scalp where hair loss is prominent with a new hairline. Apart from concealing thinning scalp areas, a skilled artist can even perform hair pigmentation procedures to hide scars or birthmarks.
Unlike other hair loss treatments, these tattoos do not require anesthesia or surgery since they are non-invasive.
Hair Pigmentation Tattoos: Who Is It Good For?
Hair pigmentation tattoos are a kind of permanent makeup that can create the appearance of thicker hair in people experiencing:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a hair loss/thinning hormonal disorder among women
- Endometriosis – an ovarian cyst hair loss/thinning among women
- Alopecia areata hair loss/thinning autoimmune disorder
- Pattern baldness among men and women (e.g. crown baldness or receding hairline)
- Scalp show-through
- Chemotherapy related hair loss/thinning
- Scalp birthmarks or scars
What Is The Hair Pigmentation Procedure?
Before the treatment
Before getting a hair pigmentation tattoo, you can expect to do the following:
- Thoroughly washing of the scalp and hair before the appointment.
- An experienced technician will precisely mark the scalp areas that need pigmentation.
- For bald clients, the technician may draw a new hairline based on their age, head shape, and facial structure.
- A pigment matching your hair color will be picked by the technician. You can also choose a different color if you’re aiming for a more unnatural look.
- To make the entire process as comfortable as possible, numbing ointment is usually applied on the scalp. Since the needles are smaller and thinner compared to conventional tattoo needles, hair pigmentation is typically less painful than getting inked on any other body part.
During the treatment
A medical-grade pigment will be injected into the desired areas of the scalp by the technician. Each pigment deposit will vary in depth, angle, and size to give a more natural appearance. Getting a hair pigmentation tattoo usually takes up around four to six hours, depending on the treatment area’s size.
In general, clients require 3 or more sittings, spread between several weeks apart. During every session, more pigment is deposited to accomplish the appearance of thick hair.
After the treatment
Since hair pigmentation tattoos do not require anesthesia and are non-invasive, clients can go back to their daily life as soon as they are done with a session. Although there are not many side effects associated with hair pigmentation tattoos, some people do experience redness and a bit of discomfort on the scalp. But it lasts only few hours. Covering the scalp with a scarf or hat is often suggested by technicians.
Are Hair Pigmentation Tattoos Good?
If we compare hair pigmentation tattoos with other hair loss treatments such as transplant surgeries, we notice that the prior is more beneficial. Here are some of the reasons why getting this tattoo is a good idea:
- Lower cost
- No down time
- Non-invasive
- Lesser pain
- No anesthesia
We’d love to know if this post helped you in learning about this revolutionary tattoo type.
Learn More About Tattoos
- Tattoo Peeling Tips – Tattoo peeling is one of the least fun parts about getting a new tattoo. Don’t worry though, it is a natural part of the healing process and will not have a negative effect on your tattoo long term. While uncomfortable and at times a bit alarming, peeling is no big deal. Read our expert advice on what to do with tattoo peel.
- Tattoo Blowout – Tattoo blowouts are not super common, but when they do occur it is generally because of the tattoo artist applying too much pressure. The ink is placed below the surface of the skin and in turn is injected into the next layer of fat. This can cause a number of issue both with the tattoo clarify, longevity, and even some health concerns. Read more about how this happens and what to do.
- Hand Poke Tattoos – If you are interested in getting inked but aren’t too sure about the lifelong commitment, a hand poke tattoo might be the right answer for you. They are pretty cool looking when done professionally and last up to 10 years if done correctly. There typically isn’t as much pain involved if you have someone with experience. Take a peek at these hand poke tattoo designs.
I'm Victoria Hudgins founder of Tattoo Glee and managing editor. I'm a Tattoo Stylist and love helping others find the best way to express all the fun and joy that is within them! Follow along with my posts for all the celebratory style your next ink design is needing.