The following scalp pigmentation methods are currently in use:
- VHD (Visual Hair Densification)
- SMP (Scalp Micro Pigmentation) – Long-term pigmentation: the result only begins to fade after three to five years
- Point Touch Method
- Point Line Method
- HPP hair micropigmentation
These methods differ mainly in the durability of the pigments and the stitching technique. In the point-touch method, a point is placed under the epidermis, while in the point-line method, a small line is placed, i.e., a hair is drawn.
Side effects and risks
The hypoallergenic color pigments placed under the epidermis can be broken down very quickly by the body, so no side effects should be expected. The most common side effects are short-term swelling or the formation of trim crusts.
Nevertheless, direct UV rays should be avoided for about two weeks after such a cosmetic procedure. It is recommended that patients wear a hat or apply sufficient sun protection if they are to be outdoors for an extended period. Sweating should be avoided if possible. In order not to irritate the scalp unnecessarily, care and styling products should also be avoided for five days.
Pros and Cons of scalp micropigmentation
The new look is immediately ready for use; there is no recovery time, unlike a hair transplant.
Unlike hair transplantation, the effect is temporary. The scalp micro usa treatment must be touched up between six months and five years later depending on the method used.
No anesthesia is needed as the process is more like getting a tattoo than surgery.
The downside is that you are very limited in the length and style of your hair after pigmentation. Since the target length and desired effect are determined during the preliminary consultation, and the color palette and pigmentation intensity are adjusted accordingly, it is not recommended to cut the hair shorter or let them grow longer.
The hair pigmentation process is much more affordable than the classic hair transplant.
Pigmentation and treated skin often look unnatural when patients deviate from the original hairstyle.
Who is hair pigmentation suitable for?
Hair pigmentation is ideal for short hairstyles with light hair and advanced hair loss cases. Also, scalp micropigmentation is only recommended for male pattern baldness in most cases. Less dense or bald areas are filled in, so the hair looks thicker. The result of hair pigmentation is different from a classic tattoo or permanent makeup; it looks natural and does not look like it has been painted over.
Hair pigmentation is particularly suitable for creating a denser appearance in sparse areas on the crown or top of the head. Hair pigmentation is rather unsuitable for filling in receding hairlines as it is challenging to create a natural look. According to the Norwood scale, hair pigmentation is more suitable for advanced degrees of hair loss to increase density.
Hair pigmentation is unsuitable if you have bald areas with long hair. Since there is only an illusion of fuller hair, and the pigmented areas remain bald, the pigmentation would pop out and look quite unnatural. Hair pigmentation can nevertheless be helpful for long hair if you only want to improve the visual density of existing hair. Whether this method is suitable for you should be clarified individually during consultation before hair loss treatment.
Hair Pigmentation Procedure
Although hair pigmentation is not a surgical procedure, prior consultation is necessary. Depending on the establishment, it is sufficient to send photos for evaluation, and a Skype consultation may also be possible. During this preliminary interview, the trained specialist examines the hair density and asks the patient what length he would like to have. Depending on the desired goal, a treatment plan is drawn up, and an appointment is set. To obtain the most natural result possible, three to four treatment sessions are generally planned.
Before the first appointment, preferably a day before, the patient should have their hair cut to the length and style they want. This helps create a natural look that matches the hairstyle.
The appointment should be rescheduled in case of skin irritation, wound, or similar condition on the scalp. Although this non-invasive procedure is performed with meticulous attention to hygiene standards, infections cannot be ruled out. It is essential for patient safety that this treatment is not performed on skin that is not healthy and intact.
During the first appointment, a color test is carried out to determine the color palette of the pigments placed under the skin. Unlike a tattoo, there is little or no pain. However, the scalp can be numbed with an ointment depending on pain sensitivity, so pain can be avoided entirely with this method. The goals set during the preliminary consultation are implemented in three or four sessions, usually carried out at intervals of four to six weeks. After the two to four-hour treatment, the patient is immediately ready to go about their day with improved self-esteem.
Hair Pigmentation After Hair Transplant
One treatment does not exclude the other, and they can very well complement each other. A scar that may have arisen as a result of hair transplantation can be made almost invisible by visually extending the hairline over the transplanted area with the help of hair pigmentation. A hair pigmentation treatment can thus create an even more natural appearance following a previous hair transplant.
An alternative to scalp micropigmentation training can be a medically proven medication for hair loss, such as minoxidil or finasteride .
