What’s the Process of Getting a Hair Tattoo?

A hair tattoo is a treatment option for those experiencing hair loss. It works by filling thin or balding areas with micropigmentation. These small tattoos mimic existing hair follicles, creating the appearance of fuller hair. The process of receiving a hair tattoo is as follows:

Consultation

We offer free consultations so you can learn about how micropigmentation can help with your hair loss. During your consultation, we will discuss your goals and give recommendations on styles of hairlines for scalp and facial hair. We will then provide a customized quote based on your needs.

If you are unable to meet with us in person for your consultation, we also offer consultations over the phone. You can send us a few images of your hair loss and one of our specialists will contact you with their recommendations. For a more personal conversation, we use the FaceTime application to speak with you over a video call.

The Step-By-Step Process

The sensation of getting a hair tattoo is minimal and much less than a traditional tattoo. Each hair tattooing session typically takes between two to four hours to complete, depending on the size of the coverage area. The step-by-step process is:

Preparation

Before you arrive at your appointment with us, you should wash your hair and scalp with soap and water. Avoid taking any anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen before your treatment as they thin your blood, which could cause scabbing. Alcohol, energy drinks, and caffeine should also be avoided for this reason.

We recommend that you eat a healthy meal and drink water before your appointment as each session may take a few hours to complete. Once you are seated, we will outline your hairline and get your approval. Our technicians will then prepare the area with an antimicrobial solution before they begin tattooing.

Tattooing

The tattooing process requires at least two to four sessions to complete with each session spaced ten to 20 days apart. One of our technicians will professionally place pigmentation on your scalp with a specialized tattooing machine. This blending technique creates the authentic appearance of real hair follicles.

Micropigmentation is different from traditional tattoos as we use an art form called stippling. Stippling uses numerous small dots to cover an area, replicating the appearance of hair follicles. Traditional tattoos tend to use linework and various layers of color to create images on the surface of the skin. We also do not place pigment as deeply as traditional tattooers would.

Results

Hair tattoos are a permanent cosmetic solution for thinning hair. Once you have completed all of your treatment sessions, your results will last between four to six years. We use specialized ink that contains no additives or additional colors, so your tattoo will only lighten over time and won’t change color. Fading is a natural aspect of tattoos, which is why we offer touch-up services for our clients.

Touch-ups may also include adjustments to your hairline or the density of the micropigmentation. Some clients are able to maintain a longer length of hair depending on the extent of thinning areas. We recommend that you keep your hair shorter if you have larger areas of hair loss as this treatment only covers the color of your scalp.

How to Care for Your Hair Tattoo

After you have finished your treatment session, you may return to your daily routine but make sure to follow the aftercare instructions. You should avoid direct sunlight, high-intensity workouts, and public pools. UV rays can damage your hair tattoo, which causes the pigmentation to fade. Pools and excessive sweating may also expose your new tattoo to bacteria, which can lead to infections.

We recommend that you do not scrub, shampoo, or shave over the treated area between four to five days after your treatment session to prevent irritation. You may wear hats to protect your skin and the longevity of your tattoo. Once your tattoo has healed, you will be able to use sunscreen normally.

Candidates for Hair Tattoos

Micropigmentation will work for all skin tones for both men and women. Our technicians can match the hue of your follicles, including gray, by diluting the black pigment we use. For clients with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, we require your skin to be clear and healthy for treatment sessions. Tattoos should not be placed on open or irritated skin as it may aggravate the area further.

Scalp Micro USA Locations

Our clinics are currently located in New York City, Los Angeles, Houston, Austin, Chicago, and South Florida. The Scalp Micro USA team has the combined experience of treating more than 10,000 clients since we first opened in 2015. If you reside in another state, our specialists can respond to your questions via email, phone, or FaceTime.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

At Scalp Micro USA, we offer permanent hair loss solutions for our clients with micropigmentation services. We can treat clients experiencing general hair loss, scarring, alopecia, or other conditions. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.