Tattoos to 'FIX' baldness?
What if there was a solution to hair thinning and baldness that did not require the use of a wig, hair pieces or makeup? That is the goal of a new tattooing process. While it is called many different things, like Cosmetic Trans-dermal Hair Replication, scalp micro-pigmentation, or Cosmetic Hair Follicle Replication, the process is basically using very small tattoo marks under the skin to mimic the appearance of hair.
The process involves using a very small needle, like those used for cosmetic tattoos. The needle is also not rounded, so that a more jagged mark is made that more closely resembles a true hair follicle. Typical tattoo ink is also not used, as it tends to turn blue with age. Instead, the dye is matched to your hair color to help with a more natural appearance. The ink is very shallow. Just deep enough to keep it in the skin yet not so deep that it could spread and lose the precise lines of hair.
The process can be beneficial to both men and women. It can be used to hide a man's thinning hairline or even baldness. For women, it can be used to mask the effects of thinning hair or Alopecia.
If you are considering getting tattoos to mask any hair loss or thinning hair, there are several things to keep in mind. For men, consider that you will need to be ready to maintain a shaved head. If you don't keep your head shaved, you may look a little silly when your hair grows out in all the areas except where you have been tattooed. The other consideration for men is that you will eventually go grey. While it is possible to have the die changed to a color that blends better as you age, it is a costly and time consuming process.
For women, consider that the color that you have your scalp pigmented will be there forever. If you start with dark brown pigment but then want to go beach blonde, the pigmentation may be pretty obvious. Like men, you too will eventually go grey. So unless you are willing to keep up with dying your remaining hair or undergoing the process to have the dye altered, it may not be a great hair loss solution for you.
Considerations that both sexes should keep in mind are first, that it is a relatively new procedure. It is unknown whether or not the ink will fade, or if it has any long term effects. You will also want to keep in mind that hair may continue to thin or recede, making it necessary to return to repeat the procedure. If for any reason you want the marks removed, this is possible, but very tedious and pricey.
Before undergoing this procedure, ask the tattoo parlor if you can see previously done work. If possible, talk to those who have had this done and see what they do or don't like about it. Ensure that the parlor uses new needles, and that the dyes are formulated to be safe for the scalp. It is also important to remember that this will do nothing to help you regrow hair, and that the "follicles" will not grow.
