Description
Micro Dot Pigmentation, or Scalp Micro Pigmentation or just scalp tattooing, is a relatively new hair loss treatment for men. Once completed, the effect will look like very short hair. In fact more of a buzz cut that actually effectively camouflages thinning hair and scars, and even gives a fuller look to hair transplants. The illusion is so realistic that you actually believe that you have more hair and so does everyone else. Ultimately shaved hair appears as thousands of small dots on the scalp, and Micro Dot Pigmentation aims to replicate this effect using pigments that are effectively tattooed into the skin.
This cosmetic procedure for hair loss, is a highly detailed procedure that creates an incredible natural simulation of micro hair. That is if it is applied by a skilled specialist then the technique can look extremely realistic. The extent to which real hair dots can be replicated is quite astonishing actually, so it is easy to understand how scalp micropigmentation has grown in popularity so rapidly.
What can Micro Dot Pigmentation do for you?
Besides that Micro Dot Pigmentation can create the appearance of a fuller, thicker head of hair, and recreate a natural hair line, it can also camouflage the symptoms of hair loss. More so, this technique is for people that are in the late stage of balding where treatments such as Regaine and Third Generation Follicular Unit Extraction transplants will be ineffective. Micro Dot Pigmentation is also a solution for men, such as Matt Lucas, who suffer from alopecia universalis.
More so, this technique can hide birthmarks, accidental scars and burns.
Furthermore, this technique can be combined with a hair transplantation for a more natural appearance.
In the end this technique can restore the confidence that is often severely affected by loss or thinning of hair, for both men and woman.
More about the procedure
You will need a consultation to decide on the hairline shape and position, your required density and a study of the condition of your scalp before you can go ahead with the procedure.
Pigment dots are layered over several sessions to gradually increase the density and darkness until the correct blend is achieved. The equipment used varies from place to place, but ultimately involves the use of a specialist pigment gun and needle.
In fact, the treatment will take 6 to 10 hours. This is split over 2 to 4 sessions, with about a week apart each session. Time will depended on the style you want, the extent of the area, and the size of your head.
After each session the patient is required to keep their head dry and refrain from washing or shaving it for a period of around five days. After a week or so, another session can be applied, if required. Between each session, the pigments from the previous session settle and the skin heals, and so the dots become softer, lighter and less distinct, and any redness or bruising subsides.
The most important considerations are the design of the hairline, as this area is the most noticeable area of hair, and the shade and density match where the pigmented area meets the hair. Different companies use different methods but ultimately for maximum realism, the hair must match the pigment dots as closely as possible.
Some considerations
Fading of the pigment
The pigment that is used will fade. For each dot applied there is a tiny wound in the skin that scabs over in order to heal itself, with the pigment deposit held underneath. As the scabs fall away, they take with them a portion of the pigment. In addition to this, the pigments are attacked by the immune system and subsequently shrink. But unlike tattooing the fading will not be that dramatic.
Your personal rate and extent of fading doesn’t really influence the final result, but it can impact on the number of sessions you require to complete your transformation. It is thus best to get a full quote for the treatment instead of costs per session as per session might work out to be pricey.
Also, as you grey you will need to go back for touch-up to match your own hair.
The pain factor
Yes this treatment will be uncomfortable, although not necessarily painful. You might receive pain killers and a numbing cream, but the experience will be similar to having a tattoo done.
This procedure can be a time-consuming. You will have to commit to a series of session before you can see the final results.
