Electronic Health Reporter

Chances are you’ve heard the word pigment and know it’s something to do with the color of your skin, and you’d be right. Micropigmentation is essentially the process of changing the color of small areas of the skin. You might better know it as permanent makeup, cosmetic tattooing, or permanent cosmetics. For the sake of this article, we will be focusing on scalp micropigmentation. So, if you want to know more you’ve come to the right place. (source)

The Process Scalp Micropigmentation

Scalp micropigmentation is a popular form of non-surgical hair loss treatment, and the process is suitable for both men and women. The best way to describe the process is by likening it to the process of a tattoo. Don’t be alarmed though, you aren’t going to be left with a beautiful mural over your scalp. Instead, a natural pigment is applied to the epidermal layer of the skin, which aims to replicate the natural appearance of hair follicles – the idea is to camouflage areas where hair loss has already begun.

You’re probably sat there freaking out about having a needle poked through your scalp repeatedly, but don’t worry as your technician will apply a numbing agent to the area. You will experience some discomfort, which varies from person to person.

What Do You Need to Do?

Before you have your procedure, you will have a consultation. The expert will talk you through the procedure and give you guidance on what you need to do before the day, to make your experience smooth:

• Moisturizing your scalp will keep your skin soft, meaning it will take to the needle better.
• Avoid anything that thins the blood – like caffeine, alcohol, and energy drinks. You will bleed more and dilute the pigment.
• Cut your hair the night before – you want to take your hair back to the skin. It’s important to do it before, otherwise, the follicles will be open still and it’ll hurt a lot more.
• Stock up on some food to keep your energy up – having a needle stuck in your head thousands of times will start to deplete your blood sugars.

As you can see, the guidance here is quite similar to prepping for a regular tattoo. When you have your consultation, make sure you ask any questions you may have and find out how much it will cost, so you aren’t stung with hidden charges.

What Happens After

You will be able to see results straight away, but for the best outcome, you might want to schedule in 2-3 sessions – once you get used to the process, it won’t seem such a big deal.

Once you’ve had your procedure, just as you were beforehand, you will be advised of things to avoid afterward:

• No swimming – just like after a tattoo, you should avoid soaking the area.
• Avoid steam rooms and saunas for at least 28 days – this will have the same effect as swimming.
• Avoid heavy exercise for at least five days after the treatment.
• Keep your scalp out of direct sunlight for at least 21 days.
• Avoid washing your scalp for 3 days – when you resume, using a fragrance-free shampoo.

Again, the aftercare advice is extremely similar to getting a tattoo, so if you’ve been under the needle before, then you should be a pro at this.

Whatever your reason for undergoing scalp micropigmentation, remember that it more than likely won’t hurt as much as you think it will. Follow the advice of your practitioner both before and after, and make sure you find out everything you need to know. If you’re still feeling unsure, just think of the benefits.