A Comprehensive Guide to Hairline Tattoos: Benefits, Risks & What to Expect
Your hair is a major part of your appearance and it can be difficult to see it start to thin. Both men and women can experience hair loss. It might be happening sooner than you expect as well. Male pattern baldness, for example, affects about 1 in 5 men in their 20s. But you don’t have to take thinning hair lying down! These days, there are a raft of hair loss solutions at your disposal.
One such popular hair loss solution is a scalp micropigmentation hairline tattoo. But why is a hairline tattoo a popular solution right around the world? Well, from scalp micro in the USA to Australia, there are a lot of reasons why this option is so popular! But it stems from the fact that this treatment is semi-permanent and is suitable for pretty much anyone.
So, if you are experiencing hair loss, a hairline tattoo should certainly be one of the procedures you consider. Before you jump in with both feet, however, let’s explore more about hairline tattoos, so you have all the information to make the best decision for you.
What is a Hairline Tattoo?
A hairline tattoo is a non-invasive solution that can provide the illusion of a natural hairline. The process is also known as scalp micropigmentation (SMP) and involves using a fine needle to inject pigment into your scalp, similar to that of a tattoo.
Scalp micro pigmentation can recreate your hairline and cover any bald spots you may have. It can be a highly personalised solution and is perfect for those where natural hair growth is out of the picture. An SMP hairline tattoo can provide you with a buzz-cut look that is easy to maintain.
Benefits of Hairline Tattoos
There are clearly many benefits of a scalp micropigmentation hairline tattoo to treat hair loss, otherwise, it wouldn’t be such a popular option! We’ve gone through and found some of the most influential benefits and discuss them below
Thicker Appearance – The Illusion of Hair Follicles
Scalp micropigmentation hair tattoos will give the illusion of tiny hair follicles, that make your overall head of hair look thicker. The cosmetic procedure doesn’t give you your real hair back but provides the appearance of thicker hair. No matter if you have a receding hairline, scars you would like covered or complete baldness, a scalp tattoo can give the appearance of fuller hair.
Customisation – Not a One-Size-Fits-All Approach
The tattooing process is completely customisable. Tattoo artists specialising in scalp micropigmentation will listen to any concerns you have, look closer at the skin on your scalp and choose the correct pigment ink, to ensure it resembles the style you had previously (or the new style you want!).
Confidence Boost – Time to Look & Feel Your Best
Addressing hair loss as quickly as possible is important, so you can get your confidence back. Losing your hair certainly is not a fun experience, but hairline tattoos can provide an excellent solution. No need to hide behind a hat! You can go out and live your best life with a quick recovery time. Resembling as close to real hair as possible, others really wouldn’t know the difference!
Non-Invasive & Low Maintenance – Get Back To Doing What You Love
While ink is being injected into your scalp, the process is not as invasive as other solutions (like a hair transplant, for example). You likely won’t have to take any medications and can get back to your normal life quickly. You may feel some discomfort during the course of treatment, but it is usually minimal and the healing process is reasonably fast.
Hairline Tattoo Procedure for Thinning Hair
For this hair loss solution to be as effective as possible and restore natural-looking hair, there is a procedure that needs to be followed carefully. There are key steps you need to be aware of before, during and after the procedure. The process of getting a scalp tattoo includes:
Before Scalp Micropigmentation Tattoo Treatment
The process involved beforehand includes the following steps:
- Wash your scalp and hair properly.
- Your tattoo artist will mark the required areas of the skin on your scalp.
- Balding men or those who are completely bald may have a hairline created based on aspects like the head of your head, overall facial structure and age.
- You and your tattoo artist will choose the pigment that will be tattooed into the skin on your scalp.
- The artist will apply numbing cream to the treatment area so that only mild discomfort is felt.
During Scalp Micropigmentation Tattoo Treatment
During the treatment, the scalp micropigmentation provider will use a needle to inject pigment into the desired area, essentially tattooing your scalp. The dots they inject will differ in size, depth and angle, as this provides a more natural look.
After Scalp Micropigmentation Tattoo Treatment
One of the best things about scalp micropigmentation is post-procedure care, as it is very low maintenance. You don’t usually need to rest or take any medications as this course of treatment doesn’t involve surgery. You may experience some redness on your scalp, but other than that, there aren’t many side effects. You should avoid direct sunlight and excessive sweating after the treatment.
Risks & Potential Downsides
With anything, there are going to be risks. You must be aware of these risks and see for yourself if the benefits outweigh the risks. We’ve listed the three main risks associated with a scalp micropigmentation hair tattoo below:
Colour-Matching Issues
There is the possibility that there will be colour-matching issues with the tattooed area. If the scalp micropigmentation artist doesn’t take the necessary time to look at your scalp and skin, the pigment they choose may be incorrect. Colour-matching issues can be one of the biggest scalp micropigmentation regrets individuals have.
This is why our SMP artists take extra time and care to make sure this issue doesn’t happen with you!
Multiple Sessions & Touch-ups
Straight off the bat, you should know that scalp micropigmentation for hair loss isn’t a permanent solution. Initially, you will likely require multiple sessions to get the desired hairstyle you are going for. After that, you may require additional sessions, to keep the tattoo looking fresh.
Long-term Considerations
A hairline tattoo is cosmetic tattooing and therefore there are long-term considerations. While the scalp micropigmentation tattoo will fade over time, as it is essentially a tattoo (like permanent makeup) you will have to stick with that shaved-look hairstyle for a while.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Hairline Tattoo?
It’s not just men, women experience hair loss too. So, women can also be a good candidate for hairline tattooing. Almost anyone in any situation can be a good candidate for hairline tattoos, including individuals suffering from:
- Hormonal conditions
- Male pattern baldness
- Thinning hair (with scalp showing)
- Chemotherapy-related hair loss
- Alopecia
- Scalp scars
Choosing a Hairline Tattoo Artist
This hair loss solution is semi-permanent and a big step, so choosing the right professional is one of the most important things you can do. To start off, it’s a good idea to do some research, look at reviews from verified previous clients and understand their process. Their reputation is important and if previous clients have had a positive experience this is a big tick.
Find out what qualifications they have in the industry. You could even ask and see how long they have been performing hairline tattoos. Your hair loss should be treated seriously and therefore a consultation is important. This helps you and the provider get on the same page about your hair goals.
Cost of a Hair Tattoo
It is important to know the cost of a hair tattoo, so you can understand if this is a viable option for you. As the hair loss treatment is highly personalised, it is difficult to give an exact cost. However, as the procedure is minimally invasive, the cost will likely be lower compared to that of a hair transplant, for example. The best providers will be upfront about the cost of this hair loss solution and there won’t be any hidden fees or anything like that.
Conclusion
Is it decision time? If you think hairline tattoos are an ideal option for you, the next step is to reach out to a provider. They will likely walk you through all the information already included in this article, so you will know what to expect every step of the way.
If you’re looking for a non-invasive hair loss solution that can give you the look of natural hair and your confidence back, then a hairline tattoo could be the one for you. Reach out to the team at INKDSMP today to get your hair restoration journey started!
