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Scalp tattoos can do way more than just leave you with a skull-and-bones inking.

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Well, that was just the beginning.

Losing your hair can be terrifying and comes at a huge emotional cost.

But what’s really involved and how invasive a treatment is it?

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Meet the Experts:

What is scalp micropigmentation?

It’s also easy to get lost in the jargon around tattoos.

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A needle for this procedure only penetrates 1.5 to 2 millimeters into the top layer of the dermis.

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“This is the sweet spot for scalp micropigmentation,” says Jara.

Who is a good candidate for scalp micropigmentation?

“A main area of concern for men is the hairline and crown,” Jara says.

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“For women, it’s usually the temples and the spot where they consistently part their hair.”

If you have an underlying skin condition though, proceed with caution.

Does scalp micropigmentation work if you already have hair?

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The short answer is definitely.

There is a range of options depending on the pattern of hair loss.

Practitioners can also just zero in on the hairline and improve how strands frame the face, says Jara.

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What is the process?

The week leading up to a micropigmentation appointment should be set aside forturning your scalpinto a smooth-as-possible base.

Jara recommends moisturizing and discontinuing use of topical hair products (medicated and non-medicated).

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Dr. Henry echoes this advice but also warns against using exfoliating products.

Once in the chair, be prepared to sit still for a while.

For the most dramatic results, two to three sessions are usually needed.

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Then a pen-style tattoo machine embeds the ink into the scalp.

Hernandez swears that it’s relatively painless.

There shouldn’t be any excessive bleeding involved during the procedure, but redness is normal.

What about aftercare?

While any redness will subside after the first two days, expect to experience some scabbing by day three.

Both Dr. Henry and Jara recommend using a petrolatum-based moisturizer such asAquaphororVaselinetwice a day.

The results can last between four to eight years with touch-ups in between.

While each dot won’t fade away completely, they can get extremely light.

The risks are similar to getting a tattoo anywhere on your body.

Since dermatologists don’t usually perform scalp micropigmentation, it’s important to choose a qualified cosmetic artist.

“They should hold a body artist license by the county and a current bloodborne pathogens certificate.”

How much does scalp micropigmentation cost?

Scalp micropigmentation isn’t a one-size-fits-all procedure and the pricing reflects that.

Expect to pay between $800 to $5,000, depending on the size of the area.

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