Hair Restoration Tattoo for those unsuitable for hair transplantation
Permanent cosmetic tattoo has been established as an acceptable form of cosmetic enhancement in many societies. Eyebrow, eyeliner, and lip tattoos are common practices in many Australian beauty salons. Hair restoration tattoo is a permanent cosmetic tattoo that mimics the short hairs of a closely shaved scalp.
Hair restoration tattoo offers a alternate treatment option for patients who are not hair transplant candidates or as a choice to men who do not want hair transplant surgery and are willing to keep their hair very short or closely shaven.
Some medical conditions such as alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, and scarring types of alopecia may benefit cosmetically from hair restoration tattoo. It is also be applicable in camouflaging suboptimal results from early transplantation techniques that have left old plugs, or scalp reductions scars, and other scars from previous hair surgery. It can help smooth out hairlines, cover up scarring alopecia, and surgical scars.
Hair restoration tattoo is not a substitute for real hair or a complete solution for the hair loss problem, and it can only enhance the look of very short hair styles.
Even in the right hands, hair restoration tattoo does have its limitations. The pigment can change colour over time. Whatever colour that has been chosen to match that of the patient’s natural hair and scalp colour, it is subject to have a greyish or greenish tint. When examined closely there is no true perception of depth and sharpness, as seen with real hair roots.
The pigment’s intensity and colour do not remain the same permanently. It fades to a lighter shade, which is accelerated by sun exposure. This will require touch-ups or even removal by laser ablation, if so desired by the patient.
The pigment may ‘bleed’ from one spot to another. This is technique dependent and can spread into the depth of the skin as well as across the surface of the skin.
Another potential limitation is the eventual greying of the patient’s hair. The hair restoration tattoo should blend into the patient’s greying hair stubbles. If the hairstyle remains short and closely shaven, grey hairs should not be a problem. Otherwise, the use of hair dye is an option.
Hair Restoration tattoo is not a new technique and has been used by the permanent makeup industry across Asia, Australia, Europe and the United States. It is also used by hair restoration doctors across the world. Despite its limitations, it does benefit some patients. For the right candidate and in the right hands, hair restoration tattoo does create a cosmetic enhancement that is potentially life-changing for patients.