Is scalp micropigmentation worth it?

[Tesar]

Hey everyone.
I'm due to undergo a HT to make my hairline (I hope) appear slightly less sparse (at present, it looks like I've been shampooing with Agent Orange.) I was hoping to get the thinning at the crown addressed as well, but the surgeon said it was a bit dicey, as I'd likely endure shock loss, due to the presence of existing hairs. Maybe it won't look as bad when my hair is much shorter, or at least I hope so (or perhaps I should simply just stop looking at the back of my head all together.) Alternatively, I was wondering about scalp micropigmentation. Has anyone had it done? Is it worth it? How long does it last? etc. Please let me know. Cheers.

 

[Bobbins]

Do you currently take any medication?

Finasteride is generally thought to offer good protection for remaining hair and is very effective on the crown, sometimes resulting in regrowth.

Forget that - seen you’ve answered elsewhere and are already on fin.

 

[Tesar]

seen you’ve answered elsewhere and are already on fin

Yeah, I think it managed to slow things down, but I've never been able to regain lost ground. I never went down the minoxidil route, and I suspect that it is too late now (nearly a decade). I've tried other things (GroMD Shampoo, rosemary oil, dermarollering, etc.) but with no discernible difference. Scalp micropigmentation is simply the latest thing that I've (belatedly!) heard of, so I thought I'd ask about it on here, to see whether it is worth either the time or trouble.

 

[Bobbins]

Yeah, I think it managed to slow things down, but I've never been able to regain lost ground. I never went down the minoxidil route, and I suspect that it is too late now (nearly a decade). I've tried other things (GroMD Shampoo, rosemary oil, dermarollering, etc.) but with no discernible difference. Scalp micropigmentation is simply the latest thing that I've (belatedly!) heard of, so I thought I'd ask about it on here, to see whether it is worth either the time or trouble.

Makes sense. I’ve never tried derma rolling but the general opinion seems to be that it makes topical application more effective (usually with minoxidil).

I’m probably stating the obvious, but just in case you’d missed it, there is a specific sub forum on here for scalp micro pigmentation

 

[Tesar]

I’ve never tried derma rolling but the general opinion seems to be that it makes topical application more effective (usually with minoxidil)

I read somewhere that dermarolling works on its own. I tried it with rosemary oil (which I also read works as well as minoxidil). Sadly, neither worked for me.

I’m probably stating the obvious, but just in case you’d missed it, there is a specific sub forum on here for scalp micro pigmentation

Many thanks. In my haste, I did manage to miss it.

 

[NZK Medical]

Yeah, I think it managed to slow things down, but I've never been able to regain lost ground. I never went down the minoxidil route, and I suspect that it is too late now (nearly a decade). I've tried other things (GroMD Shampoo, rosemary oil, dermarollering, etc.) but with no discernible difference. Scalp micropigmentation is simply the latest thing that I've (belatedly!) heard of, so I thought I'd ask about it on here, to see whether it is worth either the time or trouble.

Scalp pigmentation comes in a few forms. Mainly how long the pigmentation stays solid and enhances your look. As the pigment will fade over time. It is also important to go to a reputable provider to ensure not only the cosmetic look is natural. But the ink used is not going to change colour over time.

If you have full hair coverage but the density is diffuse. The SMP can increase the look of fullness. Adding pigment between the existing hair changes the complexion of the scalp. As a result, it gives the look of greater hair fullness. How effective can depend on your hair colour and skin complexion. The greater the contrast between hair and skin the more effective the pigmentation will be. For example, if you have fair skin complexion and light hair colour, blonde for instance. The contrast is low. As a result, adding pigment will have a low impact on the look of fullness. Whereas a fair complexion and dark hair. Adding pigment between the existing hair will give a greater impact on the look of fullness.

The shorter the hairstyle the greater the look of thinning normally. Until you get down to a level when the hair is so short there is little to see. Pigmentation when used to add the look of fullness generally works better when the hair is longer. Does not have to be very long, but a normal style where the hair lays over each other. Again, helping to add the look of fullness.

 

[Eugenix Hair Sciences]

Scalp micro pigmentation can help create an illusion of density if you do have a lot of pre existing hair. Even with longer hairstyles, there is a visual of fullness. However, once you go for SMP, you need to maintain it by getting it redone periodically as the ink tends to fade. It is a good thing that you have retained your pre existing hair using finasteride.

 

[Tesar]

Thanks everyone for all the information. There's definitely food for further thought here. My father has a little thinning at the crown too, but his hair is as white as wool, so it's practically undetectable (to all but the keen sensitized eyes of the follicly-challenged, that is.) My hair is still dark, so it tends to magnify the problem (perhaps I should dye it white.)

 

[Bigmac]

Hi Tesar. You posted a thread here saying you were 3 days post-op. Have you had a hair transplant or not?

 

[Tesar]

You posted a thread here saying you were 3 days post-op

If you check the thread, it's actually pdoc who said he was 3 days post-op. I'm booked in for early August.

 

[Bigmac]

Yes, you are correct, my bad. But your initial post reads as though you’re asking how to dry your hair after your HT as though you’ve already had one. But now I see you’re pre planning and checking it.

 

[Tesar]

Yes, you are correct, my bad. But your initial post reads as though you’re asking how to dry your hair after your HT as though you’ve already had one. But now I see you’re pre planning and checking it.

No worries. I'm just trying to get all my stressing over and done with early, so that I can relax nearer the time (I hope!)

 

[Bigmac]

Like HT clinics skill and artistry levels will vary. As mentioned by others, it can help create an illusion of density to existing hair. It looks better if you have the treatment covering the whole scalp as opposed to a certain area. If you don’t keep up with the top ups it will fade and some do change colour.