Scalp micropigmentation after a hair transplant serves to visually fill out the donor area. However, scalp pigmentation is also a good first step for smaller bald spots or gradually thinning hair. As an inexpensive, almost painless alternative, it is also ideally suited as a substitute for permanent make-up and does not need to shy away from any before and after comparison.
What is scalp micropigmentation?
Scalp micropigmentation is a procedure in which tiny colour pigments are inserted into the scalp with a very fine needle. It lasts an average of three to five years and then needs to be refreshed.
Not only the needles but also the colours used in hair pigmentation are different from those used in permanent make-up. Also, unlike tattoos, the colours do not fade into blue over time. The fine pigments in the epidermis look deceptively real even from close up. They look like hair which is intentionally kept short. Surrounded by other hair, they make the hair appear thicker and fuller.
What should be taken into consideration before scalp pigmentation?
One week before hair pigmentation, all stimulating and energising substances should be avoided. These include caffeine, which is found in coffee and cola, but also theine from tea and taurine from energy drinks.
Alcohol, nicotine and other drugs should also be avoided, as they can affect the blood vessels. The same applies to spicy foods: What is super helpful against the heat in summer can irritate the scalp.
Furthermore, cosmetic treatments of any kind should be avoided in the week before hair pigmentation, including peelings and other abrasive skin treatments. Cosmetic treatments of the scalp should also be avoided during the treatment and for at least 2 weeks afterwards.
Very important: The skin must enjoy sufficient sun protection before, during and after scalp pigmentation. Therefore, only go out in the sun with a hat until the treatment is completed.
What does the procedure look like?
As with all aesthetic treatments, a preliminary consultation is first held to determine the expected expense and also to ask about the patient’s desired hairstyle. The pigmenter will then draw the new hairline on the scalp and, if the patient is satisfied, begin work.
Unlike hair transplantation, the main hair is not shaved for scalp pigmentation – unless the patient wants to wear such a hairstyle later. The initial treatment begins with a pigment test to determine which colour pigments are the best choice for the desired result. If desired, the scalp can be lightly numbed with an ointment, but most patients describe the procedure as almost painless even without it.
The procedure is an outpatient treatment. And unlike hair transplantation, it is not a surgical procedure. The patient can therefore participate in everyday life again immediately after the hair pigmentation. Depending on the required effort, 3 to 4 sessions of one to four hours each may be necessary.
About 2 weeks after the last session, everything should have healed completely. Until then, you should use gentle care products that gently cleanse the scalp and hair and avoid sunlight, coffee, tea and alcohol.
How soon can I have scalp micropigmentation after hair transplant?
Scalp micropigmentation after a hair transplant should only be carried out once the affected areas have healed. Even if all hygienic standards are maintained, it cannot be completely ruled out that infection may occur if hair pigmentation after hair transplantation is done before the grafts and the donor site have healed thoroughly. It is recommended to wait at least ten to twelve months for the final result after hair transplantation and for all wounds to be completely healed.
Can there be allergic reactions to scalp pigmentation?
The colours used in scalp pigmentation are hypoallergenic and usually do not cause allergic reactions. However, those who suffer from certain allergies and intolerances should clarify beforehand whether they are allergic to any of the ingredients. Of course, this also applies to the anaesthetic ointment.
How long does scalp micropigmentation last?
One of the disadvantages of hair pigmentation is that it does not last forever. You can usually enjoy visually fuller hair for about 3 to 5 years. When the pigments fade, they can be refreshed in just one session.
How much does it cost?
The costs cannot be named as a lump sum, but are often about half of the cost of a hair transplant. How much scalp pigmentation costs depends on the effort, the size of the area to be treated and the number of sessions.
Is it an alternative to a hair transplant?
If there is only a little hair loss in localised areas, scalp pigmentation can visually contribute to a fuller head of hair. Especially if the bald spots are only shimmering through the hair, scalp pigmentation makes the hair look fuller. Scalp pigmentation can also help with diffuse hair loss if no exact diagnosis can be found.
Hair pigmentation can also be a cheaper alternative for particularly short hairstyles and blend in seamlessly with the existing hair. In a before and after comparison, hair pigmentation is usually not noticeable on very short hair (less than three millimetres in length) and provides a harmonious result.
The disadvantages of hair pigmentation compared to hair transplantation are no longer noticeable with short hairstyles. Even under existing hair, the pigmentation is not visible. It looks like a natural shadow of real hair and the bald spots are reliably covered.
Hair pigmentation after hair transplantation
After a hair transplant in Istanbul, hair pigmentation can enhance the desired effect of the transplanted hair and make the transition between the grafts and the existing hair smoother. Especially in the growth phase of the hair directly after the procedure, the pigments reliably conceal the transition.
Scar tissue in the donor area can also be well covered with professional hair pigmentation. This way, no one can see from where the grafts of the hair transplant were taken and the joy of the new, full hair sets in early.
Scalp micropigmentation is also a good recommendation during the shedding phase after hair transplantation. The hair follicles enter the resting phase after the transplant and the hair is shed. In this phase, hair pigments can serve as a good bridging measure. They can also give the appearance of a deliberately short hairstyle until the real hair has grown back.
