What scalp micropigmentation is
Scalp micropigmentation applies pigment into the superficial dermis of the scalp using very fine needles, reproducing the mark a shaved follicle leaves on the skin. At normal viewing distance, thousands of those dots read as short, dense hair.
It is equally important to understand what it does not do: it does not stimulate the follicle, does not recover lost hair and does not replace medical treatment of alopecia. It is visual camouflage, most often used alongside — not instead of — medical treatment or a hair transplant.
It differs from a conventional tattoo in the pigment used, the depth of application (more superficial) and the size of the dot. Because the deposit is shallower, pigments are gradually reabsorbed by the body, which is why the result is temporary.
When it is indicated
Assessment always begins with diagnosing the cause of the hair loss. Only then is it decided whether micropigmentation is the right step, on its own or combined.
- Male pattern hair loss where the patient prefers to keep the hair very short or shaved
- Diffuse thinning, in men and women, to reduce the contrast between scalp and hair
- Camouflage of scalp scars, including the linear FUT/strip scar and FUE extraction dots
- Limited apparent density when the donor area cannot cover the whole recipient area
- As a complement after a hair transplant, once healing and growth are established
How a session works
The first session sets the hairline, the density and the pigment tone, matched to your natural hair colour and skin phototype. The approach is deliberately conservative: we start lighter and less dense, then build up in later sessions.
Each session usually lasts 1 to 3 hours depending on the area. Discomfort is mild and topical anaesthetic can be applied. There is no hospital stay and you return to your routine immediately, following the first-days aftercare restrictions.
- Session 1 — design, tone test and first layer of dots
- Session 2 (2 to 4 weeks later) — density adjustment and tone correction after healing
- Sessions 3 and 4, when needed — refinement of transition zones and scars
- Review 4 to 6 weeks after the final session to confirm the pigment has settled
Aftercare
For the first few days the scalp may look red, and the dots appear darker and larger than the final result — the tone lightens as the skin heals.
- Do not wash or wet the area for the first 3 to 4 days, as advised by the clinic
- Avoid heavy sweating, the gym, swimming pools, saunas and steam rooms for around 2 weeks
- Do not scratch or pick scabs; let them come away naturally
- Protect the scalp from the sun and use sunscreen long term — sun exposure is the main cause of pigment fading
Risks, limitations and contraindications
Micropigmentation is safe when performed with sterile, single-use material and after proper assessment, but it is not risk-free. Possible issues include allergic reaction to the pigment, local infection, colour change over time (for example, a shift towards grey or blue tones) and unnatural results when the hairline is designed too low or too rigid.
It is not advised, or requires specific prior medical assessment, in cases of keloid tendency, active inflammatory scalp disease (psoriasis, a flare of seborrhoeic dermatitis, folliculitis or infection), known pigment allergy, uncontrolled autoimmune disease, poorly controlled diabetes, anticoagulant therapy and recent isotretinoin use. During pregnancy and breastfeeding the procedure is postponed as a precaution.
In alopecia that is still progressing, the camouflage can fall out of step with ongoing loss. That is why the plan starts with medical control of the alopecia, and the aesthetic component is considered afterwards.