How Long Does Scalp Micropigmentation Last?

More and more people are discovering scalp micropigmentation, which has quickly caused it to become the worlds leading hair loss solution. This non-invasive procedure is changing the lives of men and women across the world by implanting micro dots of pigment into the scalp to replicate hair follicles, which can make a full head of hair loss look like a full head of cropped hair. One of the most frequent questions clients ask in regards to scalp micropigmentation is, how long does scalp micropigmentation last?

The pigment will last more than 20 years, but fading will begin long before that at around the 3 to 5 year mark. But scalp micropigmentation is a tattoo right? And tattoos are permanent, so why isn't this?

Why Does It Fade? And what can I do to prolong fading?

Scalp micropigmentation is a form of tattooing and is performed similarly to traditional body tattooing, Scalp Genesis Micropigmentation Clinic also agrees that there are some big differences which are the reasons why traditional tattooing holds the pigment better.

• The biggest difference, which is the main reason why one fades and the other doesn't, is the depth in which the pigment is implanted. Both are implanted into the dermal layer of skin but within the dermis there are two layers. The top layer is made up of collagen fibres that are denser and elasticated, this is called the papillary layer. This is where the pigment is implanted into for scalp micropigmentation whereas traditional tattoos go deep into the second layer called the reticular layer. The papillary layer holds the shape of the implanted pigment and the deeper the implant depth the more blurred the pigment becomes.

• Another fundamental different is the type of pigments, scalp micropigmentation pigments contain natural ingredients, unlike traditional tattoo ink which has more chemicals to create the vibrancy of the colours, something scalp micropigmentation doesn't need.

• The final difference is the needles. Tattoo needles are smooth, scalp micropigmentation needles have microscopic rough edges and the needles are much finer that those of traditional tattooing.

Everyone will experience fading and some people begin to notice fading a lot sooner than others. There are multiple reasons why this may happen. One reason could be that the pigment is foreign to the body, so naturally your body will begin to reject it. But the biggest factor of early fading is usually sun exposure. Directly exposing your scalp to ultraviolet rays will accelerate fading.

The best way to prolong fading is to moisturise the scalp daily. Avoid direct sunlight to the scalp and avoid any skincare products containing alcohol.

Don't panic and think you have to live with the fading. Touch up sessions are advised by all scalp micropigmentation artists between 3 and 5 years to keep your treatment looking fresh and realistic.