What Is A Hair Tattoo For Men?

Are you a man struggling with male pattern baldness? Have you tried multiple hair loss treatments but nothing works?

Hair tattoo for men or male scalp micropigmentation (SMP), is an advancement in the cosmetic industry. It provides an alternative to hair restoration treatments.

In this article, we will cover all aspects of male hair tattoo technique, its costs, benefits, side effects and success rates.

What Is Male Hair Tattoo?

Hair tattoo for males is a popular hair restoration procedure. It works similar to microblading, and creates micro tattoos on the scalp with the help of an electric tattoo device. This technique creates black dots on the scalp to replicate the hair follicles.

It is usually done on hairline, areas of low hair density, and bald spots to create an even, defined look like natural hair growth.

What Are The Benefits Of Hair Tattooing?

There are multiple benefits of getting a scalp hair tattooing procedure. Some of these are listed as follows:

• • Affordability: It is a cheaper hair loss solution than hair transplants.
  • Long Term Results: Long lasting results that can last up to 10 -15 years.
  • Enhanced Appearance: It significantly improves your aesthetic appearance giving you a youthful look.
  • Rapid Recovery: Rapid recovery time and you can return to work in a few days.
  • High Satisfaction: It has high satisfaction rates among the patients of different ages.
  • Early Results: The outcomes are visible in a short time span.
  • Appearance: It gives a realistic appearance of hair.
  • Low Maintenance: You do not need to have an extensive hair care plan to keep your scalp appearance intact.

Ideal Candidate For Scalp Micropigmentation

Male hair tattoo technique works best for those looking to camouflage their bald scalp. You may be an ideal candidate, if you have:

• • Male pattern baldness with hair loss on the vertex and frontal area
  • Diffuse thinning of hair
  • Permanent hair loss due to chemotherapy
  • Bald spots
  • Scarring as a result of hair transplant
  • Uneven hairline

How Hair Tattooing Performed?

Scalp micropigmentation or SMP is a procedure that works on the principle of pointillism. Tiny, layered dots of multiple shades of black are used to replicate the appearance of hair on the scalp. Here what to expect:

Scalp Micropigmentation Prerequisites

The prerequisites of the procedure are as follows:

• • Physical Examination: An appointment is set with your doctor. Your surgeon will physically examine the scalp condition.
  • Planning: A plan is devised based on your age, scalp conditions, preferences and needs.
  • Pigment Selection: Medical grade pigments are selected for tattooing based on the natural color of your hair.

Here are the main steps involved in the procedure of scalp hair tattooing:

• • Anesthesia: Even though the procedure is less painful than traditional tattooing, a numbing cream is still applied to the scalp. This is to keep you pain free and comfortable during the procedure.
  • Actual Procedure: Your aesthetician or surgeon will carefully place the dots or micro pigments on the scalp in the area of need. They are placed in a way of variation in depth, size and angles to create an illusion of realistic hair.
  • Duration: The procedure can take up to 5 hours depending upon the tattoos required. You are typically required 3 sessions with a gap of several weeks in between.
  • Successive Sessions: More pigment is added in the tattoos to create an impression of thicker and denser hair.

Scalp Micropigmentation Aftercare

After the procedure of scalp hair tattooing, you should expect the following:

• Side Effects: This procedure is safe in respect for very few side effects of burning, redness and itching that last only a few hours.
• Back To Work: You can return to work in a few days as this is not an extensive procedure.
• Aftercare: A small aftercare plan is advised which includes:
  • • Avoid direct sunlight exposure to your scalp.
    • Keep your head clean and dry.
    • Avoid swimming and bathing unless your surgeon allows you.
    • Do not get involved in strenuous exercises.

Male scalp hair tattooing has a very high satisfaction rate among patients with male pattern baldness, alopecia areata, bald spots, hair thinning and receding hairlines. The success rate of scalp micro pigmentation is about 95-99%. Most patients are content with the outcomes.

Some patients experience minimal fading of micro pigments at 32 weeks follow up appointment.

How Much Do Hair Tattoos For Men Cost?

Hair tattoos are relatively cheaper than other hair restoration surgeries. The costs may vary depending upon the country you choose and the clinical settings. The skills and experience of the surgeon also contribute to the cost of the SMP.

The scalp area to be covered by hair tattooing also influences the price. In Turkey, it costs around $500 for a smaller area and up to $2000 for the larger area.

What Are The Downsides Of Hair Tattooing?

As with any kind of procedure, hair tattooing for males also brings its downsides with it, such as:

• • Time Consuming: Each session takes about 5 hrs and you may require multiple sessions to achieve the desirable outcomes.
  • No Hair Growth: Scalp tattooing does not actually induce or encourage hair growth, compared to other hair restoration techniques.
  • Unrealistic Appearance: With progressive balding, the hair shedding continues and the hair tattoos start to appear unrealistic.
  • Not For Everyone: Only suitable for black or brown hair types. Blending with natural blondes, redheads or some greys is difficult.
  • Temporary Results: Although the results are long lasting, it is not permanent and requires touch ups after every few years as the pigment fades with time.
  • Side Effects: You might experience some side effects of the procedure itself which includes:
    • • Infection
      • Uneven hairline
      • Allergic reaction to the pigment components

How To Take Care Of Your Scalp After A Hair Tattoo?

Though the procedure is low maintenance, you should follow a simple scalp care routine, to maintain results and prevent complications. Here are some tips:

• Limit your sunlight exposure.
• Use sunscreen on your scalp.
• Use moisturiser to keep the dryness and itching away.
• Get regular checkups with your doctor.
• Take good care of your remaining hair.
• Get touch ups every 5-6 years to keep the intensity of the pigment intact.
• Wash your head regularly.
• Avoid excessive scrubbing, itching on your scalp.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does hair tattoos last?

Hair tattoos can last as long as 10 to 15 years. However, you are required to get touch ups every 4-5 years because the pigment fades away over time. 

What are other hair restoration options besides hair tattoos?

You can get hair transplantation, platelet rich plasma therapy and low level laser therapy for hair regrowth and permanent results. Alternative temporary options are use of wigs, camouflaging hairstyles and head caps/hats to cover the bald head. 

Does SMP hurt?

As microneedles are used during the procedure, it may hurt a little. But a numbing cream or topical anesthesia is applied to your scalp to keep the pain level minimal. 

Can hair transplantation be combined with scalp hair tattoo?

Yes, SMP can be combined with hair transplantation to enhance the appearance of the scalp. Hair tattooing along with FUE or DHT gives an appearance of thicker hair and fuller head.