You can get a hair tattoo to conceal a scar, address hair loss, or restore density to thinning hair. The tattoos are created using a special pigment and deposited into the skin, resulting in long-term outcomes. Whether you’re addressing male pattern baldness or enhancing a patchy beard or hair, scalp tattoos offer effective, non-invasive alternatives to transplants. Here are some techniques behind hair and scalp tattoos:
Scalp Microneedling
To deposit the pigments into your skin, scalp tattooists use tiny needles, also known as microneedles. The technique creates a hair tattoo that resembles the natural size, shape, and color of your follicles. You can use scalp micropigmentation (SMP) to address baldness caused by alopecia or autoimmune conditions.
The treatment blends scars with existing hair, diminishing their appearance. SMP populates the scarred skin with tiny pigments that resemble natural hair follicles. Microneedling helps to cover visible skin in thinning hair, creating the illusion of thick, dense, full hair. The dots are placed to mimic your follicular spacing, making them discrete and hard to distinguish from natural hair. To achieve dense hair, you’ll need a couple of sessions spaced out to avoid over-saturation.
Pigment Selection
Before you undergo SMP treatment, your practitioner will choose a pigment that matches the color of your hair follicles. SMP uses special pigments designed to offer semi-permanent results that retain their color for several years. Unlike regular tattoo ink, SMP pigments are more resilient to discoloration. The tattoos require occasional retouching to maintain the look and adapt to your evolving hair color. You can choose a pigment that matches your skin tone to create a seamless, realistic appearance.
Tattooists also use multiple shades and blends to mimic natural follicular variation. SMP mimics the look of a freshly shaved head but can add the illusion of density to thinning hair. The tattoos are created using a micropigmentation machine similar to a tattoo machine, but more precise. Specialized single or triple-pronged microneedles are used to control depth and spacing. Carbon-based pigments are diluted to create unique shades with stable colors resilient to cleansing agents, UV rays, and regular washing.
Hairline Design
You can use SMP to achieve personalized hairline designs and address receding hairlines or balding crowns. To recreate a youthful hairline, SMP artists follow your natural follicles. You also have the option of choosing a low anterior hairline, cowlick, or widow’s peak. This flexibility enables you to personalize your style and express yourself through unique hairlines and hairstyles. An SMP design also complements your facial structures, giving you a desirable frame.
The treatment begins with a consultation where your SMP practitioner assesses your needs. SMP artists may also take images of your head or beard to capture the hair loss and skin tone. They then develop a design to help you achieve the desired hairline shape and density. You can choose age-appropriate styles or opt for any design you prefer. Styles range from bold, defined lines to soft, faded, or uneven hairlines.
Session Spacing
You can achieve a desirable look after the first session because SMP results are immediate. To get an even better appearance, schedule multiple sessions. SMP sessions are spaced apart to allow healing and assess the results before another round of pigment is applied. The first session outlines your hairline and builds density, while future sessions help fill in any areas after the pigment has settled in and the scalp has healed. You may also need additional sessions later on to adjust the pigment as your hair color changes as you age.
Avoid or limit sun exposure between sessions and use recommended scalp moisturizers to aid healing. Resume normal activity once you’re fully healed after the last session or when your practitioner permits it. You should also schedule touch-up sessions to maintain or adapt the appearance to your evolving needs. Touch-up timeframes vary based on your needs, lifestyle, and UV exposure. Always wear sunscreens designed for scalps and follow the recommended aftercare to maintain your results.
Speak To a Hair Tattoo Artist Today
SMP treatment offers a semi-permanent solution for hair loss, thinning or patchy growth, and other issues. While mostly used for balding heads and receding hairlines, SMP also enhances beards and sideburns. Contact an SMP practitioner today to learn more about hair tattoo techniques.
Lexy Summer is a talented writer with a deep passion for the art of language and storytelling. With a background in editing and content creation, Lexy has honed her skills in crafting clear, engaging, and grammatically flawless writing.
