Microblading has become a popular technique to help fill out sparse eyebrows, in order to create a fuller, well-groomed, and sculpted brow look.
The great effects that can be achieved using this technique on the eyebrows have led some to wonder what other “hair-mimicking” applications might exist. Enter scalp microblading.
However, even though this may sound like a pretty good idea, there are some potential downsides to this procedure, and it might not be a good fit for everyone experiencing hair loss.
Below, we will detail the specifics of just what microblading for hair loss is, the difference between microblading and micropigmentation, who may be a good candidate for this procedure, as well as the potential downsides to consider.
Scalp microblading is a form of temporary scalp tattooing, with the end goal of adding in the look of hairs laying across the scalp.
The process itself is completed by hand by a technician that uses a fine blade or stylus to make shallow cuts in the scalp which are filled in with pigmented ink color-matched to your hair. Once the cuts heal, some of the pigment is retained inside to give the look of fine strokes, or individual “hairs”. Basically, it is a shallow precision scalp tattoo.
The process is generally done in two visits. The first visit can take 2-3 hours to lay down the initial pigment, commonly followed by a “touch-up” visit 4-6 weeks later lasting 1-2 hours. The effects of microblading may last for 12 - 18 months and will gradually fade over time.
There are a few points that make microblading and micropigmentation different from one another. While they are both forms of tattooing that can be placed on the scalp to help with the illusion of more hair, there are some key differences, as outlined below.
Microblading is trying to mimic the look of hairs laying down across the scalp.
Micropigmentation is trying to mimic the look of dotted hair follicles in the scalp, like what you would see if someone had a very close-cropped hairstyle, but you could still see a “shadow” from the individual follicles.
Microblading looks like individual strokes upon close inspection, usually placed to go along with the angle, thickness, and color of the existing hairs still growing on the scalp.
Micropigmentation will look like tiny dots upon close inspection, to copy the look of growing hair follicles with a close cut.
With microblading, a technician uses a fine blade or stylus to individually apply the ink in strokes across the scalp, one by one.
With micropigmentation, a technician uses a tool with multiple needles to place evenly spaced dots of ink on the scalp using an up and down motion.
Microblading will commonly be used in situations where the look of hairs laying down can blend in seamlessly with the current hairs present. Eyebrows and the temples of the scalp with thinning hair are common areas where you will see microblading.
Micropigmentation is more commonly used in men or women who have a very closely cropped or shaved head, where dotted hair follicles can give the appearance of a denser head of hair. For example, men with a shaved head where you can still see a ring of hair around the sides and back of the head, but with a no-follicle bald look on top may opt for micropigmentation.
Microblading is commonly done in 2 sessions, with the first session being 2-3 hours, and a follow-up touch-up visit done in 4-6 weeks lasting 1-2 hours.
Micropigmentation may be done in a few more sessions and may take a longer time. This may look like 2-3 sessions completed over many weeks, and the sessions themselves may take 3-5 hours.
The appearance of microblading may last from 12-18 months.
The appearance of micropigmentation may last from 8-10 years, and may require touch-ups every 3-5 years to maintain.
Microblading is seen more commonly in people that have thinning sections of hair, like on the temples, but still have enough hair remaining to help the microblading blend in and give off a more natural look.
Microblading does not lead to more hair on the scalp, it simply applied a tattooed illusion of thicker hair when blended with the existing hair. So, people that are fully bald in certain areas of the scalp will likely not achieve a believable look from microblading on those areas.
If you have very oily skin, you may not be able to achieve a crisp hair-like stroke from the process, due to the pigment spreading out and looking too blotchy.
People who are considering scalp microblading in areas like the temples, may also want to consider pairing this treatment with medications that may help preserve the existing hair.
As with most things, there are some potential downsides to undergoing this procedure. While not everyone will experience these effects, or find them a negative, it is important to know all of the factors when deciding if this is a good fit for you.
Here at Strut, we do not perform hair loss procedures like microblading, but we do offer an array of prescription oral and topical hair loss medications to help slow the rate and extent of male and female pattern hair loss.
Some people opting to undergo microblading procedures use medications to help preserve the existing hair that will blend with the microbladed areas to help them look more natural for longer.
If you are interested in seeing if a medication using ingredients like Minoxidil, Finasteride, Dutasteride, Spironolactone, Tretinoin, or Biotin is a good choice for you, you can have a free online questionnaire and image-based telemedicine visit with our U.S. licensed doctors today. Most of our hair loss medications are customizable and can be adjusted to suit your hair needs and personal preferences.
If you are a good candidate for treatment, your medication will be shipped to your front door with our free shipping.
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