Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) has become a popular treatment for baldness, thinning hair, and receding hairlines. The process is like getting a hairline tattoo on your scalp, as it involves adding special pigments that match your natural hair color. A finished SMP treatment looks like a buzz cut or short hair stubble. It replicates the appearance of hair follicles and can last for several years before needing a touchup.
How Long Do Hairline Tattoos Last?
A hairline tattoo is meant to last for years. The treatment uses indelible pigment that is safe for your scalp and body. To achieve the best look, you’ll need multiple procedures. Once the last tattoos are added, you can enjoy the results for four to six years.
Some clients may notice fading after about six years, but the pigment doesn’t change color. If you notice fading, a retouch is all you need to regain the fresh appearance of a buzz cut. Consider scheduling a touchup every six years or so to keep the micropigmentation from fading. Working with an experienced scalp tattoo artist can also help guarantee long-lasting, high-quality results.
How To Make Hairline Tattoos Last Longer
Hair tattoos that were done by an experienced artist can last for many years, but most pigments eventually start to fade. This is natural; every day, your scalp is exposed to different materials and elements. As external factors affect your scalp and new layers of skin naturally grow, the pigment will lighten.
You’ll need occasional retouch (once or twice a decade) to maintain the fresh-cut look. Your tattoo expert will also advise you on maintenance tips. Most clients who get a hairline tattoo keep short hair to complement the look. You can use SMP to conceal your scalp beneath thinning hair.
Here are maintenance tips to help you keep the appearance fresh:
1. Hire an Experienced SMP Artist
The best way to guarantee long-term results for your SMP treatment is to hire an experienced tattooist. SMP is a complex process that requires skillful artists who can replicate the positions of natural hair follicles. If you pay for cheap treatment or hire a novice artist, the pigment is more likely to fade or even bleed through the skin unevenly.
Getting your service from an expert gives you the best chance of achieving desired outcomes and maintaining the appearance long-term. There are plenty of talented practitioners who can give you a customized, top-quality SMP treatment. Look for the best in your area; it will be worth the investment.
2. Choose Premium Quality Ink
The pigment quality is another determinant of how long your hair tattoos will last. Premium quality ink will last the projected term, usually several years before beginning to fade slightly. Your body naturally metabolizes the pigment, so it will become light over time. Low-quality pigments are metabolized faster and may fade significantly. This can be disheartening, especially after all the time and money you’ve invested in the look.
During your consultation or first appointment, ask the artist about the quality of the dye that they use. If you’d like time to properly assess all of your options, research the kinds of dyes used by practitioners in your area and compare the quality. This is a treatment you’ll be enjoying every day for years to come; you deserve to have the best results possible.
3. Shave Your Hair Regularly
Unless you’re using SMP to help thin hair look less noticeable against your scalp, the treatment looks best with a short buzz cut. Male pattern baldness and alopecia occur in phases, so even if one area of your scalp is balding, you’ll likely have hair growing in other areas. This can result in an uneven, unnatural look.
To maintain a clean, even appearance, keep your hair short. The tattoos don’t rise beyond the scalp, so having long hair will not look as natural. A buzz cut will help the pigmented hairline look like real, short hair follicles. It will also be easier for you to take care of your scalp and keep the skin healthy so that it retains the pigment.
Experience Hairline Tattoo Artists
Many people experience hair loss and look for sustainable solutions. Scalp tattooing can be a straightforward, top-quality procedure with long-term benefits. If you’re considering SMP, do your research on local facilities. Working with a leading hairline tattoo company is the best way to guarantee great results. Experienced scalp tattooists know the right pigments to use and have perfected their trade over the years. They’ll be able to personalize your treatments and help you enjoy the results for years to come.
