What is Scalp Micropigmentation?
Scalp micropigmentation consists of tattooing visual hair follicles or hair strokes into areas where the natural hair growth is thinning. This can correct scarring, fading hair lines, & bald patches.
What is the difference between shading and strokes from Scalp Micropigmentation?
Shading is when you tattoo individual hair follicles. This is mainly used on male clients with short hair/ full balding. Strokes are used predominately on female clients with thinning hairlines to creates hair strokes to minimize the appearance of fading. Strokes can be used on male clients; however, it is not highly suggested. As a male, if your hair is thinning, chances are you will be fully bald at some point; shading will look more natural as you continue to bald as opposed to strokes.
Does Scalp Micropigmentation hurt?
While a medical grade numbing cream should be used, Scalp micropigmentation does still elicit some pain. This is a tattoo on your head and the head I known to be one of the most painful areas to get tattooed, comparable to knees and elbows. You need to go into your Scalp micropigmentation appointment with realistic expectations.
What is the healing process like with Scalp Micropigmentation?
Scalp micropigmentation is an interesting healing process, as the head comes with a variety of factors. To begin with, many heads will still have hair. One of the leading questions is: can I wash my hair? Preferably, no. Shampoos and conditions have a certain level of chemicals in the product and this can disrupt the ink settling. In addition, the process of washing means you will be rubbing the scalp, and this can rub the ink out prematurely. Ideally, not washing hair until the scabs subside is best. With that being said, hair gets incredibly greasy, and the oils can push the ink out prematurely. There is a fine line between not washing and washing for the ink to fade. General rule of thumb is minimum 4 days. If you can go longer without your hair being incredibly greasy, then do so.
Next, your head will experience a bit of friction while sleeping; this is inevitable. Friction can also rub out your ink prematurely. It is important to be mindful of this during your Scalp micropigmentation healing process. It is suggested to sleep on a silk pillowcase. Minimizing bacteria while healing from your Scalp micropigmentation is key, as your head is essentially an open wound. Changing your pillowcase daily is recommended.
You need to avoid sweating for minimum 2 weeks post Scalp Micropigmentation. Meaning, no aggressive workouts, no spending time outside in the warm, etc.
You also need to avoid getting excessively wet. No long showers, no steam rooms, no swimming, etc.
Can I wear hair products while healing?
This is a hard no. no hair products while you heal from Scalp micropigmentation. No dry shampoo, no hair spray, no gels. Do not put product on your head.
Will I need to shave my head for scalp micropigmentation?
Many artists will prefer that you shave your head prior to Scalp micropigmentation, especially if you are tattooing full head. However, it is understood than many clients are only thinning, not fully going bald. In this instance, artists can tattoo around your hair. This does make the process a little more challenging from an artist perspective. For women, it is obviously not expected that you fully shave your head.
Can I wear a hat to shade the head/ cover the healing process?
NO. Hats create a warm environment for bacterial growth after Scalp Micropigmentation. You need to keep your head fully uncovered and able to breath.
Should I be using an ointment after Scalp Micropigmentation?
If you are having your full head tattooed, as you are bald, or you have very short hair, you should be using a post treatment ointment such as A&D. However, if you have hair that the ointment can get caught in, it is best advised to practice dry healing so that the oils don’t make your hair super greasy. Remember, we want to try to go as long as possible without washing the hair.
When is the best time of year to Scalp Micropigmentation?
The best time of year to get Scalp Micropigmentation treatment is anytime that you tend to avoid sun exposure. If you love summer days by the pool or have a tropical vacation scheduled, you definitely need to hold off on Scalp Micropigmentation until a time that you will be out of the sun. Even wearing a hat and using SPF can still result in premature ink fading. A lot of clients prefer to do Scalp Micropigmentation when they have a couple days of downtime where they can relax at home, all natural.
Do not get Scalp Micropigmentation immediately before a big event. This goes back to the concept of not being able to wash/ style your hair. Make sure you are scheduling your Lip Blushing minimum 3 weeks prior to any big events that will require full face makeup.
When can I style/ use heat on my hair again after Scalp Micropigmentation?
You need to keep your hair as natural as possible for minimum 2 weeks post Scalp Micropigmentation. Meaning, after your scabs heal, you can wash your hair, but let it air dry. Continue to avoid using products.
Is Scalp Micropigmentation permanent?
Yes, Scalp Micropigmentation is considered permanent makeup. A concentrated amount of ink is deposited into your dermal layer of skin. With that being said, Scalp Micropigmentation can still fade based on sun exposure, skin care regimen, and skin type.
How often will I need a Scalp Micropigmentation touchup?
Because of the various factors involved in Scalp Micropigmentation, a minimum of two treatments is needed. A qualified tattoo artist will do their best to color pack during your initial two Scalp Micropigmentation appointments but even the most seasoned artist cannot guarantee ink retention. It is normal to need 3-4 Scalp Micropigmentation treatments for full camouflage, especially if you are predominately bald.
I am not fully bald yet, but my hairline is continuously fading; what does this mean for my Scalp Micropigmentation?
If you would like to shave your head, you can do full scalp micropigmentation. However, if you would like to just tattoo the section that has bald-ed, you can do that. As your hairline continues to recede, you will need to come back to fill in the hairline with Scalp Micropigmentation. My suggestion is that if you are 50% bald or higher, you do full Scalp Micropigmentation at one time. If you just have a small patch, doing Scalp Micropigmentation on just that area for now may make the most sense.
How long does scalp micropigmentation take?
Minimum 3 hours. You have to consider that your Scalp Micropigmentation artist is tattooing each individual hair follicle, thousands of tiny polka dots in a dense concentration. This is a very tedious, involved process. I strongly recommend having a charge phone for entertainment coming into treatment and being patient with your artist.
How do I know I’m finding a good provider for Scalp Micropigmentation?
Finding a knowledgeable provider is key to a good experience with Scalp Micropigmentation. Some suggestions when finding a provider, ask questions! Utilize the knowledge you have gained from this blog to engage your provider in a few question-guided discussions. You want a provider that is well spoken and confident on Scalp Micropigmentation. Next, having a portfolio of personal Scalp Micropigmentation clients is a sign that the provider is experienced. In 2022, it’s rare that a provider does not have a social media presence; check out their page, look at comparison photos. It’s a bonus if their content provides educational, knowledgeable posts on the services as well. It’s always okay for you to ask a provider for their credentials.