Will A Scalp Tattoo Work With Alopecia?

At Scalp Micro USA, we provide our clients with scalp micropigmentation to lessen the appearance of balding and hair loss. Health conditions like alopecia or other autoimmune disorders can change the appearance of your hair. Here’s how a scalp tattoo helps with alopecia:

Will a Scalp Tattoo Cover My Alopecia Areas?

A scalp tattoo provides the appearance of hair for both men and women experiencing alopecia. Micropigmentation hair tattoos disguise hair loss by darkening sparse areas with tiny dots. This technique is called stippling. Our technicians know how to recreate the look of existing hair follicles by utilizing a specialized ink pigment. This is because we tattoo at a different depth than other artists, only half a millimeter deep compared to about one or two millimeters. The ink pigment we use is designed for scalp tattoos instead of traditional materials for standard tattoos. Traditional tattoos can sometimes expand or fade over time if they are set too deeply. The scalp tattoos that we offer will last anywhere from four to six years.

How Long is the Hair Tattoo Recovery Time?

Recovery time can depend on multiple factors, such as the condition of the skin or how the scalp is treated after the micropigmentation treatment. To help improve the healing time, we recommend not scrubbing or shampooing the area for at least four to five days after the process. Because our tattoos will not affect your existing hair or hair follicles, you’ll be able to return to work or school right away. Hair follicles are located deeper within the dermis layer of the skin, connected to the blood vessels. An experienced artist will only place tattoo ink at the surface of this skin layer, and we set ink closer to the surface of your skin. After treatment, there may be some redness, but it will quickly subside within a couple of days. Clients are welcome to wear hats as they will not affect their recovery time.

Do Hair Tattoos Stimulate Hair Regeneration?

Micropigmentation treatments can’t restore a hair follicle when it stops producing hair. For those with alopecia, the body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles directly, causing hair loss. The severity of the condition varies from person to person, as some individuals will experience regrowth. Our treatments offer coverage for areas that experience hair loss and regrowth cycles. If your hair grows back after a flare-up, it will grow through the pigment. This is why traditional tattoos on the arms or legs are usually shaved, allowing the illustration to show fully.

How Long Will My Hair Tattoo Last?

Your hair tattoo will last four to six years. Depending on the size of the affected area and the condition of the skin, we require two to four sessions to complete it. When you’re ready, we can also provide additional treatments to refresh your tattoo. To extend the life of your hair tattoo, we recommend that you wear protective clothing and sunscreen. The sun’s ultraviolet rays (UV) can lighten the ink like traditional tattoos. Sunburns damage the surface layer of your skin, causing discomfort and shedding the affected layer. This removes the pigment on your scalp, making it look lighter than it was previously.

What if My Alopecia Gets Worse?

Certain individuals may experience flare-ups, which are episodes of additional or recurring hair loss. There may not be a direct cause for a flare-up, although stress could be a factor. If you have a flare-up after your hair tattoo is complete, you are welcome to reach out to us for adjustments. We can fill any additional balding areas, adjust your hairline, and even assess thinning facial hair. We’ll help match the color of your hair to make the tattoo blend in seamlessly.

Schedule Your Free Scalp Tattoo Consultation

At Scalp Micro USA, we provide hair loss solutions for both men and women. We offer services for hair loss, beard enhancements, scar camouflage, and those struggling with Alopecia. Our artists will help style a hairline that works for you based on their experience with shape and age. Our clinics are currently located in New York City, Los Angeles, Houston, Austin, Chicago, and South Florida. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about the process and how it will benefit you.