Is Scalp Micropigmentation Painful?

Scalp micropigmentation is a procedure that uses micro needles to implant micro dots of pigment into the scalp to replicate hair follicles. I suppose needles and scalp are two words that people don't expect to hear in the same sentence and that is why questions such as 'Is scalp micropigmentation painful?' are so common.

Everyone's pain tolerance is completely different. Something that you find doesn't cause any pain at all may be really uncomfortable to another person. Like traditional tattooing, some find it practically unbearable, whereas others love having tattoos done on themselves and scalp micropigmentation is also known as a hair tattoo after all.

There are a few reasons why scalp micropigmentation can be more painful for some than others.

Your Mindset

Stress and anxiety leading up to the treatment will make you more susceptible to pain during the treatment. Your first time getting scalp micropigmentation may be really unnerving. Again we're talking about a needle and scalp in the same sentence. The best thing I can say about this is DO NOT OVERTHINK IT! I know, easier said than done, but your technician will do everything in their power to make the experience as comfortable as possible. The more calm, relaxed and less tense that you are, the less likely it is to hurt.

Hair Follicle Size

Everyone's hair follicles are different sizes some have large follicles while other have much smaller ones. The size of the replicated follicles can effect you pain levels. The smaller the follicle then the smaller the micro dots, smaller dots mean less pressure and less pressure means less pain.

Location

Obviously SCALP micropigmentation is performed on the scalp, but we have many different areas of the scalp, each with a different pain tolerance. The areas that will be more uncomfortable are the frontal hairline, the crown and the temples. Fun fact, the areas closer to your face are often more sensitive and can actually trigger your senses and make you sneeze.

Thickness And Tightness Of The Skin

The thicker and tighter the skin is the less likely it is to cause more pain. If your skin is thin and loose then the artist will have to use more pressure to penetrate the skin which can cause more discomfort.

Skin Condition

If you suffer with dermatitis or dryness of the scalp you are likely to have an unpleasant experience as the scalp micropigmentation may irritate the condition causing more pain for you.

So lets answer the question, is scalp micropigmentation painful? The best answer I can give you is that it is not unbearable and in some clinics like Scalp Doctor have had clients fall asleep as they found it therapeutic. But the majority of people find the pain to be more of a discomfort, rather than painful. The main thing to focus on is bearing the pain because the results are so worth it. Any highly trained, professional scalp micropigmentation artists will use numbing anaesthetic cream to help minimise the pain and will tell you that you are more than within your rights to ask for a brief break, if you feel the pain is getting too much. Just try stay distracted, play on your phone, read a book, anything to keep your mind off the procedure in hand.