Scalp Micropigmentation Regrets

There are lots of hair restoration treatments out there to help people feel more confident in their skin. This makes sense when you consider how prevalent hair loss is. When 85% of men and 50% of women experience hair loss at some point during their lives [1], it helps that there are several options to suit different people’s needs. One solution is scalp micropigmentation, a type of hair tattoo that mimics real-life hair.

What is Scalp Micropigmentation?

Scalp micropigmentation is a cosmetic procedure that’s a lot like tattooing. The process involves tattooing minuscule dots onto the scalp where a person has experienced hair loss. This permanent ink is meant to look like scalp hairs, giving the effect of fuller, thicker hair – it basically acts as a hair loss concealer. It’s a minimally invasive procedure lasting only 2 to 5 hours and doesn’t require anaesthesia or surgery, making it a popular hair loss solution.

Satisfaction Rate of Scalp Micropigmentation

Like with any procedure, there are things that can go wrong with scalp micropigmentation (which we will go into further down). However, it’s important to note that the satisfaction rate for scalp micropigmentation is very high! [2]

That said, it’s always important to understand the common regrets of an SMP hair tattoo before going forward with it.

 

The Most Common Scalp Micropigmentation Regrets (and How to Avoid Them)

Want to avoid micro hair pigmentation regrets? Learn about them first.

A Rushed Job

The most common reason for scalp micropigmentation going wrong is a rushed job given by the technician. The results will look unnatural, blotchy, and sometimes even wonky. Basically, it will look nothing like actual, real hair. This usually happens when people go to a technician that they haven’t done much research about. To avoid ending up with hair micropigmentation that’s been rushed, it’s essential to do your research on the technician beforehand and look at previous patient reviews.

A Poor Scalp Micropigmentation Hairline

One of the biggest goals of a scalp micropigmentation technician is to create a natural-looking hairline. When this doesn’t happen, the results don’t look quite right – it might be too low down, too straight, or simply follow a hairline that isn’t anything like yours. Again, it’s crucial to research your technician first. Also, spend some time during consultations understanding where they will be tattooing – you want the result to be natural, so discussing the SMP hairline is essential.

The Wrong Pigment Shade

The shade is incredibly important when it comes to successful scalp micropigmentation results. Skin tones vary greatly, so the clinic cannot use the same shade on everyone. Instead, they must generate a specific shade to closely match your skin tone. Discussing the shade and swatching it against your skin before the procedure is a great way to avoid this regret.

Only Booking One Appointment

Many people believe that scalp micropigmentation can give perfect results in one session, but it often requires a handful of sessions for the patient to achieve perfect results. It’s important not to book a single session and assume you’ll be done – you might have to pay more and spend more time in the clinic to be happy with how it looks.

Not Following Aftercare

The hair micropigmentation process might be minimally invasive, but you still have a lot of aftercare instructions to follow. Not following them would lead to huge regret. The clinic practitioner will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your scalp after the procedure, and you must follow these instructions to a tee. One important one is not scratching your scalp too much. Your scalp will itch – that’s a basic fact – but scratching that itch will ruin the visual effects!

Having Unrealistic Expectations

Some people go into scalp micropigmentation with their expectations way too high. Yes, the results can look great, but that doesn’t mean it will be just like real hair. After all, it’s a tattoo! You can’t run your fingers through it or grow it out. Having unrealistic expectations will only set you up for disappointment, so avoid that.

One expectation from many patients is that it will provide perfectly permanent results. While, as a form of tattoo, scalp micropigmentation is permanent, it will still fade somewhat over time. Take a look at these images of scalp micropigmentation after 5 years (and beyond) to understand what to expect.

Not Trying Other Hair Loss Solutions First

The simple procedure of permanent makeup to cover a hair loss area sounds very tempting to many. However, it’s not the best solution for all. Many other hair loss solutions might be the better option for you! Trying out something like a hair restoration medication like minoxidil or even a hair-boosting oil like rosemary or pumpkin seed oil might be the better solution.

For more extreme hair loss, something like a hair transplant might also be the better route, especially if you don’t just want the buzz-cut look.

Scalp Micropigmentation Gone Wrong: In Photos

As you can see, the results of scalp micropigmentation can vary greatly. Some of these images that have gone wrong show slight mistakes that create an unnatural effect, whereas others don’t look like hair in any way.

How to Avoid Scalp Micropigmentation Regrets

Luckily, it’s actually very simple to avoid scalp micropigmentation regrets. You don’t have to end up with a result you dislike when following these tips.

• Look Into Other Hair Restoration Methods

Before settling on scalp micropigmentation, consider other hair restoration solutions and weigh up the pros and cons of each. Other methods include minoxidil, finasteride, hair transplants, and treating nutritional deficiencies.

• Do Your Research

Don’t just blindly choose the first clinic you can find. Instead, do plenty of research into several clinics to see which one will give you the best results. When researching the clinic, don’t forget to look at images of their previous work, as this will give you an idea of the expected results.

• Choose Advanced Tricho Pigmentation

There is a very similar procedure to scalp micropigmentation on the market: advanced tricho pigmentation. Generally, it’s better to choose this method, as it creates finer, more natural-looking strokes that actually look like real hair follicles. The procedure may take more time, but it’s worth it for something that will last forever.

• Get a Hair Transplant

A hair transplant is a more involved procedure than scalp micropigmentation; there is no denying that. However, a hair transplant actually gives you real-life hair that grows naturally. With a hair transplant, you can enjoy long hair that grows over time, providing the most natural result possible. If you want to avoid regretting a hair tattoo, a hair transplant might be the best alternative hair restoration solution!

The Pros and Cons of Scalp Micropigmentation

Still wondering whether you should get scalp micropigmentation? It’s a good solution for many, but it doesn’t satisfy absolutely everyone. Here are the pros and cons summed up to help you decide.

Pros:

• It’s cheaper than some other hair restoration options.
• It restores confidence.
• It’s incredibly safe.
• It is a permanent solution.

Cons:

• It’s not suitable for every scalp.
• It will never grow.
• It doesn’t feel like hair.
• Some results can look unnatural.

Do You Have Scalp Micropigmentation Regrets?

It can be hard to come to terms with a cosmetic procedure gone wrong. If you have scalp micropigmentation regrets, you don’t have to put up with the results. While the tattoo is permanent, there are ways to cover them up for a more natural effect.

Covering the Scars

Do you have scalp micropigmentation regrets? In particular, do you have scarring that makes you feel self-conscious? You are not alone. The good news is that you don’t have to deal with visible scars for the rest of your life, as there are solutions.

One option is using a FUE hair transplant for hair scar repair. The procedure involves grafting individual hair follicles from a healthy section of the hair and then placing them into the area with scar tissue. Over time, hair will grow there, completely covering the scars. You’ll also get to enjoy the effects of hair growth.

Scalp Micropigmentation: Is it Worth it?

Whether scalp micropigmentation is worth it entirely depends on your individual situation. That’s why it’s so important to do plenty of research and ask lots of questions during the consultation. Remember – the results are permanent, so you want to be sure you’re going into the procedure with as much knowledge as possible.

Have scalp micropigmentation regrets, or prefer the idea of a hair transplant? At Harley Street Hair Clinic, we offer hair scar repair through the FUE hair transplant technique, a revolutionary method that provides the most natural results. Book a consultation with us today to speak to one of our top doctors about whether this treatment is right for you.

Sources:

1. 10 Surprising Truths About Hair Loss
2. Scalp Micropigmentation: A Concealer for Hair and Scalp Deformities