Hair Tattoos: What You Need to Know

A hair tattoo is an increasingly popular option whether you want to cover up bald spots, hide scars or improve the density of your hair.

Hair tattoos involve the application of tiny, tattooed dots on the scalp to mimic the appearance of hair follicles.

The results are long-lasting, but ongoing maintenance is required.

In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about hair tattooing.

We’ll explore the entire process and answer all of your burning questions.

Additionally, we’ll highlight before and after photos to showcase what results you can expect!

1. What it is
2. Is it right for you?
3. Costs
4. The process
5. Before-after photos
6. Benefits
7. Risks
8. Aftercare

What are hair tattoos?

A men’s hair tattoo is when hundreds, sometimes thousands, of tiny pigment deposits are tattoed into the upper dermis of your scalp.

Otherwise known as scalp micropigmentation (SMP), a hair tattoo for a bald spot requires training and specialist equipment to achieve great results.

Despite its name, it differs entirely from traditional tattoos on arms or legs.

An SMP technician uses a specialized microneedle to perform the tattoo, matching the natural shade and pigment of your scalp to create the appearance of a closely-shaven scalp.

These tattoos may cover receding hairlines or be specially targeted to improve the appearance of bald spots.

Scalp micropigmentation is fast becoming a popular treatment for men and women suffering from various hair conditions.

It is non-surgical, almost painless, and can achieve outstanding, natural-looking results in a very short time.

Is a hair tattoo suitable for your type of hair loss?

A hair tattoo for men can be an excellent hair loss solution for most people. More than likely, you will make for an ideal candidate.

Patients include those with early signs of a receding hairline, who have genetic conditions, are suffering from alopecia (like alopecia areata), or are receiving medication that results in hair loss.

Why are tattoos popular all of a sudden? Unlike transplants, for example, scalp micropigmentation is a safe procedure with minimal downtime.

It can add density to thinning areas, cover bald spots effectively, and is suitable for various skin types.

But you should only consider receiving a hair tattoo for bald head from a trained professional.

The haircare industry is constantly evolving, and scalp specialists, including trichologists, are continually expanding the field.

Only by attending a consultation with a specialist can you know for sure the most appropriate treatment to pursue.

Can you get a hair tattoo if you’re completely bald?

Hair tattoos do not require any pre-existing hair, so they are a highly effective option for both men and women who’ve lost significant amounts of hair or are battling a sizeable receding hairline.

They can also be an excellent option for completely bald people, giving the appearance of a “buzz-cut” hairstyle, as seen below.

Can hair tattoos cover scars?

A hair transplant can be a life-changing solution to hair loss. But depending on your procedure, you may have some noticeable scarring as a result.

This is especially true if you’ve undergone a Follicular Hair Transplant (FUT).

This is when a surgeon removes a strip of skin from the back of your scalp to harvest hair follicles.

This invasive procedure often leaves noticeable scars along your scalp.

Many people grow their hair long to cover these scars.

But a scalp tattoo can improve and mask these scars, giving you the option to keep your hair short if you want.

That said, a Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a less-invasive transplant procedure that is arguably the preferred choice for many patients.

Donor hair follicles are taken individually from donor areas, leaving virtually no scarring to worry about.

How much does a hair tattoo cost?

Cost can be one of the deciding factors for choosing to undergo a hair tattoo or not.

Below are five factors that can influence its price:

1. The extent of your hair loss and the size of the treatment area
2. The amount of remaining hair and its density and quality
3. The amount of blending required to achieve a natural result
4. The skill and reputation of your practitioner
5. If any scars need to be covered over, too

Let’s take a look at the most common scenarios to estimate costs:

• The cost of a standard scalp micropigmentation for diffuse or thinning hair can start from £2,500.
• Scar camouflaging may cost around £500.
• Extensive hair loss may cost as much as £2,800 to £3,400.
• Top-up treatments typically cost £300.

That said, only by attending a consultation, where a specialist can examine your scalp closely, will you know for sure how much your tattooing will cost.

3 steps: What it’s like to get hairline tattooing as a man?

Curious about what a hair tattoo entails? We’ll explain briefly what a typical treatment plan involves.

Remember that some patients require two, three, or more appointments for successful scalp pigmentation.

1. Consultation
   
   Every hair tattoo process starts with an initial free consultation. Here you will be encouraged to ask any questions about the procedure.
   
2. First session
   
   The first tattooing session lays down the foundations for your hairline tattoo. It will be small-scale and gives you a taste of how the procedure is conducted. Expect to heal from the session in only one or two days.
   
3. Second treatment
   
   Your follow-up session will see your tattooist treat a larger area of your scalp, applying different pigment shades to create natural-looking hair texture and colour on your scalp. In the majority of cases, patients will only need two sessions.
   
   You may need additional sessions to achieve the desired appearance if you have dark natural pigments on your skin.

Hair tattoo before and after photos

Take a look at the best hair tattoo before and after pictures.

What are the advantages of hair tattoos?

If you are losing hair, a tattoo can offer several advantages to help restore confidence and self-esteem. These include:

• Great appearance from afar: From a distance, scalp micropigmentation creates a natural-looking result. It is hard to tell that it’s actually a tattoo hair design.
• Volume: As well as adding coverage to your full head appearance, strategical hair tattooing can add volume and depth to areas with thinning hair.
• Lasting results: Scalp micropigmentation can last up to 7 years and requires less maintenance than similar treatments like wigs and hairpieces.
• Affordable: Depending on the extent of your hair loss, small hair tattooing can be more affordable than other treatments.
• Almost painless: While hair tattooists use a tattoo machine, it is typically less painful than receiving a traditional tattoo. Most often, your skin will be numbed using a gel beforehand.
• Quick recovery: Expect to heal from your scalp tattoo in about 10 days. Then, the final results will be visible.

What are the risks associated with hair tattoos?

As with any cosmetic treatment, there are some risks involved with getting a hair tattoo for baldness.

These range from little to no results to health and safety concerns that you must be made aware of.

They include:

• Your hair won’t naturally grow back: scalp micropigmentation adds an illusion of hair density, but there will be no increase in real hair or effect on hair growth.
• Improvement only from a distance: hair tattoo for hair loss is effective at long distances. Up close and personal, people may be able to see the tattooing for themselves. Furthermore, the treated areas will feel differently than the actual hair.
• Problems resulting from treatment: Although this is rare, some people may develop an allergic reaction to the ingredients used in the tattoo. Their scalp may also suffer an infection if contaminated equipment is used.
• Metals: The metals used in the tattoo’s pigment may cause complications when receiving an MRI scan.
• Lack of research: As a new type of treatment, there is still so much we don’t know about the long-term effects and results of hair tattooing. Some studies have found a link between pigments travelling to other body parts. There are also no concrete studies on the potential carcinogenic properties of hair tattooing.
• Lengthy procedure: A typical hair tattoo can take anywhere from 4 to 5 hours on average, making it an extensive treatment. For this reason, many people undergo several sessions to achieve coverage on their full head.
• Non-permanent: Although a hair tattoo may last up to 7 years, many people require regular touch-up sessions to maintain results. This means the cost of hair tattooing can continue to increase and go beyond your initial budget.

What happens after your hair tattoo treatment?

You may experience some mild discomfort during and after your hair tattoo treatment. The tattooist’s needle penetrates the skin deeper than other treatments.

Following your session, you may see red dots appear across your scalp. Don’t panic – this is a normal phenomenon and is only a temporary phase.

Soon enough, dots on your skin will dry and fall off and are often painless.

That said, it’s worth remembering that although scalp micropigmentation procedures heal fast and are less invasive than surgery, results are not everlasting.

Bald areas will remain bald; you only create the illusion of hair.

There are some aftercare instructions you must follow after a tattoo hair loss treatment. These include:

• Moisturizing your scalp for several days afterwards
• Refrain from regular haircare regime (like shaving) for 2 weeks
• Avoid direct sunlight for at least 1 month
• Use sunscreen to preserve the colour of the pigment
• Avoid intense exercise or hot environments (like saunas), as sweat can affect pigmentation
• Avoid swimming, where harsh chemicals can irritate the scalp

Despite it being a non-invasive treatment, you must still take time to rest and protect your scalp after any SMP treatment.

Your technician will explain all the steps you need to follow during recovery, including what you can and can’t do.

What are other treatment options available for thinning hair?

Hair tattooing is just one hair loss solution you might consider. Below are some recommended options:

• Hair restoration surgery
• SMP procedures
• Rogaine for men
• PRP treatment
• Laser treatments
• PRF treatment

Hair Tattoos FAQ