Photo: New Africa / Shutterstock.com Do you realize that your brush has more hair than before? If your ponytail is not as stable as it wa...
Photo: New Africa / Shutterstock.com
Do you realize that your brush has more hair than before? If your ponytail is not as stable as it was before, you are not alone. Although we associate the problem more with men, according to the American Hair Loss Association, nearly half of Americans who deal with thinning hair are women. Although sparse hair treatments are abundant, most do not provide immediate results. (See: Everything You Need to Know About Hair Loss )
For this reason, the layering of the scalp, which allows for an immediate change in the appearance of your hair, is becoming increasingly important. (ICYMI, the tattoo is also under the eyes ).
You've probably heard of the exaggeration of eyebrow microdisiliation: the semi-permanent tattoo technique that mimics the look of real hair to give thick sparse eyebrows. Well, in recent years, the same procedure has been adapted to the scalp to camouflage hair loss. We talk to experts to get the deets. Read on to learn all about this new treatment.
How does this work?
As with microblading eyebrows, scalp microperfecture is a temporary tattooing procedure in which cosmetic pigments are incorporated into the dermis (as opposed to a permanent tattoo where the ink is deposited under the dermis). The idea is to restore natural features that reproduce the appearance of real hair and mask the waning areas of the scalp.
"Microblading can be helpful to those looking for aesthetic improvement in hair loss, but it's important to understand that hair will not regrow," Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, dermatologist and founder of Whole Dermatology . Conversely, the method does not inhibit hair growth because the penetration of the ink is superficial and not as deep as the hair follicle itself.
According to Ramon Padilla, Founder and Creative Director of the EverTrue Microblading Show in New York, the most dramatic results are visible when the treatment, which requires two sessions, a first and a "refining session" six weeks later, is performed on the part and on the hairline temples.
A tattoo on my scalp? Will not that be so bad?
Padilla vows that the procedure involves minimal discomfort. "We use topical numbness, so there is virtually no sensation." Uf.
So is it safe?
"The risk of microblasts in the scalp is similar to a tattoo," says Dr. Kanchanapoomi Levin. "Any foreign substance deposited on the skin can cause an allergic reaction, an infection or an inflammatory reaction." (Related: This woman says she has a "life-threatening" infection after microblading treatment )
Dermatologists generally do not conduct microbiological studies, so it is important to choose a highly qualified provider. Ask questions about their references: Where were they trained? How long have you been practicing the microblasts of the scalp? If possible, look for a technician who works in the case of a possible complication in the office of a dermatologist, says dr. Kanchanapoomi Levin.
Above all, your provider must work in a clean and sterile environment. "As with any tattoo, hygiene standards must be at the highest level to avoid microbial contamination from needles, devices, and appliances," Dr. Kanchanapoomi Levin. Counseling is a great way to get information about the safety practices of a microblading expert. Remember to ask: Will you do a patch test to detect possible allergic reactions? Do you wear gloves during the procedure? Do you use sterile disposable tools and dispose of them after treatment?
It's also a good idea to ask questions about the pigments they work with: all ingredients must be FDA approved for cosmetic purposes. Also look for pigments that contain botanical dyes that can change color over time and become a clay that does not match your natural hair.
Who should get the microblading of the scalp?
"If you have a skin condition like eczema, psoriasis, or vitiligo, it's important to consult your dermatologist, as microdeletting can aggravate these conditions," Dr. Kanchanapoomi Levin. There are also risks for people with herpes simplex virus, he adds, since microdiffusion can potentially reactivate the virus that causes epidemics. Anyone who has had hypertrophic scars or keloids in the past should completely avoid microlam.
In addition to these concerns, the treatment, according to Padilla, provides the best results for people with existing hair. Microblading is the artful blend of tattooed facial features with your natural hair that lets you recreate the realistic effects of a healthy, lush mane in areas where hair growth is still present. If your hair loss is more severe in larger bald spots, then scalp microbialization may not be the best option.
"Customers with very oily skin are not good candidates for treatment," says Padilla. For greasy skin, the pigment tends to discolor, making the illusion of hair strands difficult.
How does the recovery process work?
"There is no downtime," said Padilla. He can go to work, to the gym or to a cocktail on the day of his veto . Remember, however, that you should avoid washing your hair for a week to soothe the color. And do not be afraid of color if the treated areas of your scalp initially appear darker. This is a completely normal part of the healing process: the color lightens to the desired shade. "Because the ink is superficially placed on the dermis of the skin, the immune system naturally removes the pigment over time," says Dr. Kanchanapoomi Levin. (Related: People tattoo the lower part of their eyes to cover dark circles )
Dr. Kanchanapoomi Levin recommends using a water-based lotion or cream. When you are in the sun, do not forget to use a wide, waterproof sunscreen to protect your scalp (and prevent fading of the dye).
How long will the results last?
For up to a year, says Padilla, results can vary depending on skin type, sun exposure, and the frequency of shampooing.
How much does it cost?
You may need to open the piggy bank that you saved on a rainy day. Treatments can cost between $ 700 and $ 1,100 depending on the size and extent of the scalp. However, if you feel really discouraged by the hair loss, it pays off to spend a little time on the scalp's defatting: Nothing is more valuable than being comfortable with your skin. tattooed or not.
