Tricopigmentation vs. Scalp Micropigmentation
If you’re struggling with hair loss, you’ve probably spent hours researching how you can get your hair and your confidence back. Maybe you’ve even gone a step further, trying out everything from specialized shampoos to herbal supplements that promise to give you a full, healthy mane in just a matter of weeks.
Perhaps some of these solutions worked for you, or maybe you’re looking for the next great thing. One of the most popular up and coming solutions to hair loss is a technique called scalp micropigmentation. According to Lacey Michael PMU, this process is a part of the trend of permanent makeup that started with eyebrows and has evolved to scalps to take the beauty industry by storm.
However, an offshoot of scalp micropigmentation, called tricopigmentation, has become a popular procedure in recent years. Offered by beauty pioneers like Debbie Clifford, tricopigmentation may be a more flexible alternative to scalp micropigmentation for some.
Intrigued? Learn more about the differences between these two procedures down below.
The Similarities
Upon first glance, scalp micropigmentation and tricopigmentation may appear to be very similar procedures. In both treatments, pigment is applied to the scalp in order to create the appearance of a much fuller hairline. For those experiencing total hair loss, the pigments can even be applied to mimic the look of a recently shaved head.
No matter what procedure you go with, you’ll walk away with a more complete hairline and more confidence. Additionally, these are some of the only hair loss procedures with guaranteed results, so you won’t have to go through the agonizing waiting time to see if your money was well spent.
The Differences
As previously stated, however, scalp micropigmentation and tricopigmentation differ significantly. Unlike scalp micropigmentation, tricopigmentation is not a permanent procedure. The results from a typical tricopigmentation procedure usually last around 2-4 years. The reason for the temporary nature of tricopigmentation is that our bodies are constantly changing over time. The scalp that you have at the initial procedure may be morphologically different from the scalp that you have in 2-4 years. With a temporary procedure, you’ll be able to modify your hair without being confined to the same look for a long period of time.
Another key difference between scalp micropigmentation and tricopigmentation is the needle used during the procedure. The tricopigmentation needle is unique in that it is specifically designed for use on the scalp, rather than just general usage on the entire body. Thus, the tricopigmentation needle is the perfect option to ensure that the delicate skin on the scalp remains in tact and all pigment is applied accurately and precisely.
Finally, tricopigmentation utilizes a unique pigment called “Universal Brown” pigment. This pigment mimics the color of hair growing out of the follicle, and unlike other pigments, it does not turn blue or green overtime. Additionally, whenever the pigment fades, it does not leave any leftover residue or dots. Thus, when the pigment has faded, you’re ready for your next treatment.
To put it simply, tricopigmentation is a flexible and adaptable procedure that leads the customer with options.
What is hair restoration surgery and should I get it?
Also known as a hair transplant, hair restoration surgery involves removing part of the scalp and grafting it to another part of the scalp where there is no hair growth. This stimulates growth in that area and allows a full head of hair to flourish.
It’s certainly not a one-size-fits-all procedure, though. If you’re not sure if this is the right choice for you, check out these pros and cons, and see what side of the fence you fall on.
Pro #1: Effectiveness
The majority of clients who receive a hair transplant leave the procedure satisfied with the results. Said results are immediate, so the client can instantly see the transformation. There’s no waiting around for weeks on end, hoping that it was a success. If someone craves immediate gratification, this procedure can give them just what they need.
Con #1: Cost
This is a medical procedure, typically done under some sort of anesthesia. As such, it’s not cheap. A typical transplant can quickly cost thousands of dollars. Almost every insurance company views this as a cosmetic procedure rather than a medical one, so it must be paid for completely out-of-pocket.
Pro #2: Longevity
Hair transplants allow the follicles to maintain their regular growth cycles. This makes it so the hair can continue to grow back naturally. Except for a few rare cases, growth is not stunted after the procedure.
Con #2: Scarring
This procedure involves many shallow incisions being made throughout the entirety of the patient’s scalp. Usually, scarring is rare and minimal, even invisible the majority of the time. Though, these scars can be made visible if the patient decides to shave his or her head.
Pro #3: It’s Natural
The hair being transplanted is taken directly from the patient. It’s always going to look natural because, well, it is. The hair is bound to be a perfect match every single time, right down to the length, color, and texture.
Con #3: Hair Loss
Slight hair loss can be a side effect of this treatment, as the hair goes into a shock of sorts. This is normally temporary, but is permanent in rare cases. There’s always the risk of the transplanted hair shedding with no signs of regrowth.
Final Verdict
After weighing the pros and cons, it’s safe to say that there’s an argument to be made for both sides. However, I can’t make that decision for you. This is something unique for everyone, so make sure you’re fully confident in whatever choice you make.
If you’ve read through these and decided against hair restoration, there are still options available. Permanent cosmetic training has ushered in a new wave of hair styling. Scalp micropigmentation has quickly become a popular method of styling thinning hair. It can appear identical to real hair, and it a much more affordable option than hair restoration surgery. On top of that, it is less invasive and doesn’t have any sort of recovery period. No matter which method you decide to go with, I’m sure you’ll make the right choice.
Caring for a Bald Head
For many people, choosing to shave their heads can be a freeing experience. It can feel absolutely liberating to get rid of the hair that used to weigh you down. For other people, having a bald head allows them to make a bold fashion statement they were unable to articulate before.
Just because you have a bald head, however, doesn’t mean that you still don’t need to take care of your head. There are a variety of steps you can take to keep your freshly shaven head clean and healthy — read more about them down below!
Scalp Moisturizer
With your hair no longer there to protect the rest of your scalp, your scalp can become rather dry. This makes sense, as your hair is now far more exposed to the elements. You may notice that your scalp gets particularly dry during the colder months, much like our lips get really chapped when it gets chillier outside. You should invest in a scalp moisturizer to make sure you don’t have to deal with uncomfortable, unsightly dryness,
Sunscreen
In the sunnier months, however, you will have to make sure that your scalp is protected from the sun at all times. Even with hair, scalps are at risk of being sunburnt, so making sure that your scalp is protected with no hair at all should be your utmost priority. Buy a sunscreen that can protect you during the sunniest moments.
If you no longer want to rock a shaved head…
If the bald look isn’t doing it for you anymore, you still have options. If your hair loss is due to a medical issue, you could use scalp micro-pigmentation that will create the allusion that you recently shaved your head and have hair growing back in. Companies such as Hairline Ink offer this service.
Read MoreWays to Make Your Shaved Head Stand Out
If you’re looking to make a change in your life, one of the things that you can do is change up your hairstyle. Many people go for a major haircut or dye their hair when they want to spice up their everyday look. Other people choose to shave it all over and rock a shaved haircut. There’s even a group of people, like the team at Inkrease SMP, who perform a tattoo procedure on the scalp!
Now, there are a lot of different ways to style a shaved head. It’s not the case that you can only have one type of shaved look. Here are a few of the different ways to style a shaved head!
- Bleach or dye your hair. If you still have a little bit of hair left after shaving, bleaching it can make a huge statement. Short, bleached hair is making a big comeback and it takes almost no time to do. If you want to go darker, Scalp Artist International recommends going for a scalp micropigmentation. This process involves injecting pigment into the scalp to create a natural-looking dye job. This is perfect for anyone who wants a low maintenance style with tons of personality.
- Shave a design in. Certain patterns or cuts along the hairline can set your hair apart from all the other shaved heads out there. A simple line near the hairline will frame your face and add dimension. This does require a little bit more upkeep so the design doesn’t grow out, but it’s nothing major and is generally fairly inexpensive.
Don’t go completely bare. Shaved heads aren’t always completely hairless. Fiddle with the settings on your razor until you find a length that works for you. This could be completely smooth, or you may end up with a surprising amount of hair left! Either way, remember to shave a little bit at a time and not to rush.
Read MoreAnemia and Hair Loss
Anemia is the most common blood disorder in the United States. Defined as a deficiency in red blood cells and hemoglobin, anemia impacts right around three million Americans.
One of the most common symptoms of anemia is fatigue. Because anemic blood cells don’t have adequate oxygen, even small bursts of movement can wear an anemic person out very quickly, comparable to the way an otherwise-healthy person feels after an intense workout. In addition to fatigue, one common sign that someone is anemic is if they frequently feel dizzy when standing up too quickly.
Another, less common symptom of anemia is hair loss. While it hasn’t been confirmed yet that anemia can lead to hair loss, some studies suggest a potential link.
Because the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to keep everything function at peak performance, it has to focus on the most vital systems. As a result, hair is put on the backburner and can become weaker and more prone to shedding.
How to combat anemia hair loss
If you think you may have hair loss related to anemia, contact your doctor and schedule an appointment. Your doctor may suggest an iron supplement to combat your low iron levels, and they will almost always encourage you to eat more iron-rich foods in your everyday diet. Doing do will help your body produce more red blood cells and hemoglobin.
If you’re concerned that your hair loss is noticeable to those around you, there are a few ways to battle this. Ultimate Image Ink recommends scalp micropigmentation, or injecting pigment directly into the scalp, to help reduce the appearance of bald spots and patches. Additionally, protective styles and hats can help heal your follicles and protect them from outside damage while you wait for your hair to grow back.
Read MoreCombatting Hair Loss with Fish Oils
If you’ve experienced hair loss for whatever reason, you’ve probably tried every method in the book to stimulate hair growth. While researching tips and tricks to combat hair loss, you’ve probably run across fish oils.
But, can fish oil really help those who have lost their hair? Keep reading to find out.
Understanding Fish Oil
Before discussing fish oil and hair loss, we need to understand what makes up fish oil. Derived from the oil of fatty fish, fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids. This vitamin can be found either in soft gel pills or in a liquid form.
Omega-3 fatty acids are not produced naturally by the body, but you can obtain them either through supplements or your diet. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are, of course, many varieties of fish, eggs, and walnuts.
Fish Oil and Hair Loss
Is fish oil helpful for those who have experienced hair loss? Well, it’s a bit complicated. Taking fish oil supplements won’t make your hair grow in an instant, but rather it helps improve the balance of the hair cycle which helps combat hair loss.
Don’t skimp out on a proper hair care routine simply because you’re taking fish oil supplements. Make sure to give your hair the nourishment it needs by using shampoo and conditioners without sulfates and avoiding applying heat to hair whenever possible. If you must apply heat, use a heat protectant!
Other Options Maybe fish oils aren’t for you and you’re worried you can’t incorporate enough omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. You may still be experiencing hair loss and may be in need of a solution. Consider taking pills or using topical treatments. You may also try micropigmentation services like Team Micro which can tattoo your scalp to make it look like you recently shaved your head.
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