Hair Micropigmentation
Hair micropigmentation is an advanced non-surgical technique in cosmetology based on the injection of pigments into the scalp. In micropigmentation, various shades of color and angles of penetration are used to give the appearance of depth and texture. The uses of this technique are quite varied and range from hairline restoration to covering diffuse alopecic spaces in the scalp.
In addition, micropigmentation is used in other hairy areas such as eyebrows and beards and is an excellent alternative to other treatments (see hair grafting on eyebrows and beards) for cases of scarred alopecia in that area.
How does hair micropigmentation work?
Although hair micropigmentation is a cosmetic procedure, it must be performed by an expert to obtain the expected results and avoid adverse effects such as scars, spots and false appearance.
During hair micropigmentation, various shades of pigment are applied to the scalp, eyebrows or beard through a high precision technique using an instrument called a demographer. Some of the shades are in accordance with the hair color so that it gives the appearance of greater volume while the rest of the shades, darker by the way, are used to give depth and texture to the finish.
Hair Micropigmentation Procedure
Micropigmentation is a fairly simple but delicate technique that must be carefully planned because, if it goes wrong, the consequences can be irreversible.
Before the procedure
First, before performing the hair micropigmentation it is necessary to go to the specialist to determine whether or not we are candidates to undergo this type of tattoo. Usually, the ideal candidates are those people who for different reasons cannot be submitted to a hair implant procedure or need to cover only certain areas of diffuse alopecia.
In addition, during the first consultation a procedure called visagism is performed which is indispensable to achieve a natural finish. This consists of making a sketch of the final work on mannequins, templates or the patient himself so that the latter can forge his own expectations. In this phase, the feedback with the specialist will allow the micropigmentation to be completely adapted to the patient, both in his anatomy and in the expected results.
During the procedure
Once the hair micropigmentation has been planned, the number of sessions and their duration will depend on the area to be covered. On average, 2 micropigmentation sessions are usually carried out, the first to define the surface to be worked on and start applying the base colors that match the hair tone and the second to refine details and apply contrast colors to give depth and texture to the finish. In some cases, at the patient’s request, a third session is usually applied to intensify the colors.
During hair micropigmentation, the patient may experience discomfort when the dermograph is punctured, and may also experience redness and slight swelling that disappears in a few days.
Recovery
Finally, during the hair micropigmentation recovery stage it is important to follow the specialist’s indications, which include
- Avoid washing the area with potentially irritating substances such as shampoos or tonics
- Do not engage in sports or strenuous activities to avoid excessive sweating
- Do not immerse in water of any kind, with or without chlorine
- Avoid direct sunlight
After 3 weeks, approximately 90% of the patients need a touch up of the hair micropigmentation. This does not indicate a failure of the procedure, but is used as a way to enhance the colors that when absorbed by the dermis in the first phase can become slightly opaque.
Hair Micropigmentation: pros and cons
Advantages of hair micropigmentation
The advantages of hair micropigmentation are diverse. However, among the most important are
- The pigments used do not compromise health and are bio-absorbable
- It is not a surgical procedure, which implies that it is an outpatient procedure and we should not enter an operating room
- It does not require constant maintenance in short periods of time. Even after the first touch up after three weeks, the color intensity usually lasts over time
- It is associated with few adverse effects, as long as the recommendations established by the specialist are followed
- The recovery time is quite short
- The results are immediate and you don’t need to wait long to notice them
- Can be used in combination with other procedures such as hair grafting
Disadvantages of hair micropigmentation
The disadvantages of micropigmentation are not usually a determining factor in rejecting this technique and are related to the procedure itself.
- The experience of doing a tattoo on a delicate area of the scalp is not very pleasant, but a little less painful than a conventional tattoo.
- The aftercare involves not getting your head wet or sweating for three days after the procedure. It would mean limiting any physical effort and keeping the scalp dry in the shower.
What does the price of hair micro-pigmentation depend on?
Calculating the cost of a hair micropigmentation is not a simple task because it depends on a series of factors to which it is related. Among the factors on which hair micropigmentation depends are
Treatment area
The scalp has an average of 100,000 hair follicles. Therefore, the more extensive the area of baldness, the greater number of follicles must be “simulated” with hair micropigmentation and the price will rise.
Skin type
When it comes to performing a capillary micropigmentation on dry or sensitive skin, additional measures must be taken, such as the application of topical treatments, to avoid injuring the patient during the procedure. These treatments are usually expensive and imply the increase of the price of hair micropigmentation.
Presence of scars
Scar tissue can be an inconvenience, especially when the scars become whitish or form keloids. When they are found in very little quantity there is no inconvenience, but when the number is high it is necessary to take certain precautions, such as increased use of pigments, so that this does not affect the finish of the hair micropigmentation.
Hair density and style
When hair micropigmentation is used to cover areas of diffuse alopecia, the density of the hair needs to be taken into consideration, since the lesser the density, the greater the amount of pigments needed and therefore the price will increase. However, the hair style will determine the technique needed to achieve a natural finish, many of these techniques involve the use of various types of needles and the use of a greater variety of pigments.