Today, you have options to change the appearance of your scalp. One option involves light layer scalp micropigmentation. Have you wondered, “what is scalp micropigmentation?”

If you’re unhappy with how your head looks, it’s time to explore treatment options. Continue reading to learn about scalp micropigmentation. This could be the answer you’ve been searching for.

What Is Scalp Micropigmentation?

The cosmetic scalp micropigmentation procedure can help men and women of all ages. The result is a fuller-looking head of hair or a hidden scar. This will help you feel confident and more like yourself.

Placing cosmetic pigmentation in the scalp creates a 3-dimensional effect. This decreases the appearance of bald areas, thin hair, and scars.

Who Is a Candidate for Micropigmentation?

Many patients who undergo cancer treatment experience hair loss. This is a common side effect of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplant. While working to kill the cancer cells, the hair cells are also damaged.

This hair loss occurs all over the body. The medical term, alopecia, means hair loss.

Once the treatment ends, the hair regrows for most people. Yet, it may be thinner or leave bald patches. If your treatment required surgery to the head or brain, you will have a permanent scar.

The good news is that there are treatment options for many of these problems. Scalp medical tattoos or scalp micropigmentation can improve these side effects.

The International Journal of Dermatology examined how satisfied patients were with this treatment. They reported patient satisfaction scores of 4.8 on a 5-point Likert score with 5 being the highest.

This shaved style micropigmentation approach lets individuals choose where to create their hairline. This impacts the framing of your face. This technique makes thin hair look stronger and bald areas denser.

By color matching your hair follicles, the artist decreases the visibility of scars. These small “hair follicle” deposits cause the scar to blend in with the rest of your scalp.

How Do You Prepare for the Procedure?

Your practitioner or artist will give you instructions to follow before your treatment. In general, you may shave or pluck your hair within 48 hours of having the treatment. Some procedures don’t require any shaving or plucking.

It’s important to eat a meal before your procedure begins. You may also bring snacks and drinks. If you feel nervous, ask about listening to music or watching a movie to distract you.

How Is Scalp Micropigmentation Performed?

This treatment involves placing microdot tattoos in the outer layer of the skin. This stippling pattern gives the effect of hair follicles. It looks like you have cut your hair close to the scalp.

Similar techniques introduce colors into scars allowing them to blend with your scalp. The artist chooses colors that closely match your natural skin tone.

These procedures involve a high level of detail. Depending on the extent of the micropigmentation needed, it can take 4 to 5 hours. Often, individuals choose to have this completed over 2 to 3 sessions.

Now let's discuss each step of the scalp micropigmentation process.

The Artist Consultation

You may conduct your consultation in person with the artist. This is often the best choice so they can look at your scalp and give you recommendations. If needed, you may have this consult over the phone or by a video chat.

Treatment Planning

During the consultation, the client and artist work together on planning the desired effect. You will discuss pigment color, placement of the hairline, and other details. It’s important to ask questions and make sure you understand the plan.

First Treatment

The purpose of the first session is to create the foundation for your new look. A tiny needle places the color in the outer skin layer. This creates microdots of color intended to look like hair follicles.

Additional Sessions

During the second and future sessions, more microdots and placed. The procedure completion time depends on when you have your desired outcome.

Do These Treatments Hurt?

Many people worry about the pain involved with scalp micropigmentation. Since only the outer layer is treated, this is less painful than a traditional tattoo.

Each person experiences pain differently. Thus, it’s important to tell the artist if you’re uncomfortable.

Care Instructions to Follow After a Treatment?

After each treatment, your practitioner or artist will give you specific care instructions. The following describes commons post-treatment care.

During the first 4 days after a treatment session you should:

• Not touch the treated area

• Avoid showering because you don’t want the water hitting the treated area

• Not shave the treated area for at least 10 days

• Avoid activities that cause you to sweat a lot

• Stay out of direct sunlight

• Not go swimming because you don’t want the area soaked with water

• Avoid hot tubs, steam rooms, and saunas because they cause you to sweat

• You must also refrain from using moisturizers or shampoo on the treated area.

• The overall goal is to keep it clean and dry.
  
  
  

Beginning of the fifth day after your session, gently wash your head with cold water and mild soap. Put a non-perfumed moisturizer on your scalp three times a day. This will help avoid excessive dryness and flaking.

It’s also important to avoid letting your hair grow too long. This will recreate the appearance of patches and thinness. Use an electric shaver instead of a manual razor. Be sure to avoid any wet shaving with a razor blade during the first 10 days after the treatment.

What to Expect After the Procedure?

Most clients have little to no problems following treatment. The Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery states that some redness and slight swelling can occur. This should go away within a couple of days.

If the area becomes more swollen, red, and painful, this could indicate an infection. Infections can also cause you to have a fever. If you have any of these symptoms, call your practitioner or artist immediately.

What Are Possible Scalp Micropigmentation Side Effects?

The most common side effects of scalp micropigmentation are redness and itching in the treated area. This usually goes away in a few days as the skin on the scalp recovers. In some rare cases, clients may experience more serious side effects.

Some of these “side effects” are, in fact, caused by poor technique of challenging skin types.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

The lymph nodes filter abnormal cells from the blood. Enlarged lymph nodes occur when they fill with cells the body views as dangerous.

A swollen lymph node feels like a firm, moveable ball. The lymph nodes that drain the scalp are located at the base of the skull, behind the ears, and down the neck. They may or may not feel painful when touched.

Swollen lymph nodes often signal an infection. They can also swell in response to the pigments used.

Scalp Tightness

Some clients complain of their scalp feeling tight. As the skin heals, tiny wound scabs form which aren’t as elastic as normal skin. As these wounds heal and lose their scabs, the skin loosens and feels more natural.

Oversized dots

As mentioned, scabs form over each micropigment dot right after treatment. The scab will have the pigment color in it. This makes the dot look larger at first.

After about 5 to 10 days, these scabs fall off and the true size of the dot appears. Once it’s completely healed, it will look like a normal hair follicle.

Quick Fading of the Pigmentation

Some clients mistake the healing loss of the scab as fading pigmentation. They may not have the look they expected. If you have this experience, speak with your practitioner or artists.

Dots Changing to a Blue Color

If the practitioner or artist uses regular tattoo ink and injects it too deep in the skin, the color may change. Pigments break down and turn blue when they’re deep under the skin. This can also happen if the equipment becomes contaminated.

If you notice any signs of infection, including swollen lymph nodes, contact your medical provider. It’s also important to make sure you find a practitioner or artist who’s highly qualified.

Long-Term Care

To avoid future problems, there are several long-term care strategies you should follow. One of the most important rules is to always use an SPF sunblock when going outside.

Reapply during prolonged outings or if your head gets wet or sweaty. Exposing the treated area to the sun can cause the pigment to fade quicker.

Using body lotion on your scalp routinely will help keep the skin more vibrant. Also, avoid swimming in chlorinated pools for the first 28 days after treatment. Paying close attention to protective measures will extend the life of your treatment.

Is Scalp Micropigmentation Permanent?

The answer to this question is no. As time passes, our skin grows and sheds the outer layer. Thus, in time, the pigmented follicles will fade.

Most treatments last between 5 and 6 years with proper care.

How Much Does Scalp Micropigmentation Cost?

One question on many people’s minds is, “how much does scalp micropigmentation cost?” It varies based on the level of treatment and your geographic location.

Basic treatment focused on a small area may range from $1,500 to $2,000. More extensive procedures may cost between $2,000 and $4,000. You can expect to pay more in cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Salt Lake City, and Austin.

Treatment cost is also impacted by your practitioner’s or artist’s level of experience. Skilled artists produce better results and often charge more.

Many facilities offer payment programs to help you afford this service. Ask about payment options during your initial interview.

Questions to Ask Before Having Scalp Micropigmentation

Always take a list of questions with you when meeting a new practitioner or artist. The following is a list to help get you started.

• What training have you completed?

• How many procedures have you completed?

• Do you have some pictures of clients you’ve treated?

• Where will the treatment be performed?

• Who will be doing the treatment?

• Have you worked with cases similar to mine?

• What type of pigments do you use?

• How deep do you place the pigment?

• How long does the treatment session last?

• Do you usually give clients anything for pain?

• Can I bring a friend with me for the treatment?

• Can I use headphones or watch a movie for a distraction?

• How many treatments do you think I will need?

• How long does the scalp micropigmentation last before it must be redone?

• How much will the treatment cost?

• Do you offer payment plans?

• Do you charge an initial deposit?

• Do you offer any type of guarantee and can I get that in writing?

• What is the contingency plan if there’s a problem with the treatment?

• Never leave your consultation or commit until all your questions are answered. If you feel awkward or rushed, you may want to consider speaking with someone else.

Does Scalp Micropigmentation Interest You?

Are you ready to seek help for scalp balding or scarring? This article provided answers to the question, “what is scalp micropigmentation”. You now have the knowledge to seek out a qualified and reputable source to provide treatment.

At Scalp Co. we have revolutionized the art of scalp micropigmentation for scar camouflage. John Chandler and our team have treated over 5,000 clients for scalp problems. He's now viewed as one of the most skilled scalp micropigmentation artists worldwide.

Another member of the team, Britteni Chandler, has also received worldwide recognition. She placed as one of the Top New Artists at The Meeting of the Minds in Manchester, England in 2018. Ms. Chandler also helped organize and present the first World Scalp Micropigmentation Awards in Orlando, FL in 2019.

We are excited to share our skill and artistry with you. Get started today by contacting us to ask questions and make an appointment.