What is Tricopigmentation?
First of all, it is important to explain what this aesthetic treatment is. Tricopigmentation falls into the category of skin micropigmentation , also used for permanent makeup or tattoos, but it was developed to simulate the presence of hair on the scalp, giving a shaved appearance or covering areas subject to androgenetic alopecia or other forms of alopecia.
But is this a common tattoo?
Those who are not in the industry may confuse tricopigmentation with a regular tattoo, since the equipment used seems very similar and involves depositing pigment into the skin. However, the differences between the two techniques are significant for several reasons:
- The tools are specifically designed to treat the scalp , a delicate area, with motors calibrated to specific rotation speeds and frequencies.
- The needle used differs from that of common tattoos: it has a smooth tip for piercing and a porous wall that allows the pigment to be released in controlled quantities.
- The pigment is deposited in a much more superficial layer of the skin than traditional tattoos, where the color penetrates deeper into the dermis.
A crucial aspect of tricopigmentation is the control over the amount of pigment and the depth in which it is deposited. An excess of pigment can cause deformations in the dots drawn, leading to enlargements or changes in color , thus compromising the aesthetic result.
Another distinctive element is that the pigment is not permanent, but reabsorbable over the course of 12-24 months.
Types of treatment
Scalp tricopigmentation can be used to address a variety of hair loss issues , but the main treatment modalities can be divided into these basic categories:
Shaved effect
This treatment reproduces the appearance of a shaved head of hair on the skin by creating small dots that simulate hair that has been cut to zero. If performed by an expert operator, the aesthetic result can be indistinguishable from natural hair.
It is particularly indicated in cases where the areas affected by alopecia are too extensive for other tricopigmentation techniques. Although there is no real three-dimensionality, since the dots are simply drawn, the results can be extremely realistic .
Density effect
This treatment, as the name suggests, visually increases the density of thinning hair. The contrast between the hair and the scalp is reduced, eliminating the visibility of white areas of the skin and thus giving the hair a thicker and more voluminous appearance.
This type of treatment allows you to keep your hair at normal lengths , unlike shaved-effect tricopigmentation , which simulates the look of hair that has been cut to zero.
Scar correction
This treatment allows you to cover areas of the scalp that have linear scars, where hair cannot grow back naturally. These scars can result from surgical procedures, such as hair transplants with the FUT technique (where a strip of skin is removed, leaving a scar), or from injuries of various kinds.
Thanks to the deposit of micropigments , we try to reduce the chromatic contrast between the hairless skin and the rest of the scalp, improving the aesthetic appearance.
How is it done?
The process begins with a consultation with the operator, during which the feasibility of the treatment is verified and the optimal design of the hairline is planned.
The initial treatment usually requires up to 3 sessions to achieve the desired coverage effect. Afterwards, boosters are performed once or twice a year to maintain the results, since the pigments are reabsorbable and the color tends to fade over time.
The duration of the initial sessions varies from a minimum of 1 hour to a maximum of 3 hours , based on the extension of the area to be treated and the skin’s reaction to the absorption of the pigment. Maintenance sessions are much shorter.
Usually, tricopigmentation is not painful, but for those who are more sensitive, it is possible to apply anesthetic creams .
Temporary or permanent tricopigmentation?
It is an absolutely legitimate question that anyone who approaches the world of tricopigmentation for the first time will have asked themselves. It is easy to think that, by using a permanent color like in tattoos, maintenance sessions could be avoided, saving the time and money needed to go to the most qualified operators.
However, as mentioned above, most professionals in the sector today prefer semi-permanent tricopigmentation , which uses pigments that are reabsorbable in a period of between 12 and 24 months .
In my opinion, this approach is the most correct. You have probably noticed people with old tattoos that, over the years, have undergone a change in color (for example, black tending to become bluish or greenish) or a widening of the lines , compromising the sharpness of the design.
These changes can occur not only because of the pigment used, but also because of the characteristics of the skin, a living tissue that continually regenerates. If these problems were to occur on a visible area such as the scalp, the aesthetic damage would be significant. The dots drawn could expand and change shape and color, a defect particularly harmful for a shaved effect tricopigmentation , where the precision of the dot is essential for the natural appearance.
For this reason, it is essential to always turn to qualified personnel and not to simple tattoo artists or, even worse, improvised operators.
There are also professionals who offer permanent tricopigmentation , which uses pigments similar to those of classic tattoos, designed to remain in the skin indefinitely. However, this methodology still has some disadvantages:
- Permanent tricopigmentation does not disappear without expensive and sometimes annoying laser sessions .
- Permanent tricopigmentation also requires maintenance . Although 1-2 sessions per year are not required as for semi-permanent, a touch-up session every 3-4 years is still necessary.
- It doesn’t take into account age-related changes: a hairline drawn at 25 years old may look unnatural once you reach your 50s or 60s.
- It does not take into account the appearance of white hair with aging. If someone has opted for black tricopigmentation, this could become a problem.
Semi-permanent tricopigmentation is the best choice. The color does not have time to deteriorate in the skin, since it is regularly renewed with maintenance sessions, always ensuring a fresh pigment . In addition, in case of problems, the pigment fades completely within 12-24 months , offering greater safety and flexibility.
Alternative to prosthesis
Many users of hair prostheses choose to undertake the tricopigmentation process , since today prostheses offer truly extraordinary results in terms of aesthetic results .
However, hair prostheses require long weekly maintenance and, as time goes by, many users tire of this routine, opting for the more practical shaved look obtainable through tricopigmentation. It is necessary to follow specific procedures: usually, the prosthesis must be removed at least a month before the session to allow the skin to return to a normal state . In fact, the adhesives and glues used to keep these prostheses in place often cause irritation and inflammation of the scalp.
Can you continue to use lotions or other remedies to cover up thinning hair?
Many people who undergo tricopigmentation want to continue treating their baldness with topical products, such as minoxidil or topical finasteride , to preserve the remaining native hair. However, they fear having to suspend these treatments after micropigmentation. In reality, except for a suspension of about ten days before and after the sessions, it is possible to continue the treatments against androgenetic alopecia without any problems .
Those who undergo density effect tricopigmentation , thus bringing their hair to normal lengths, may want to further improve the aesthetic effect by using concealers , such as keratin microfibers. Even in this case, respecting the precautions before and after the session, it will be possible to use these remedies to camouflage baldness.
Does tricopigmentation cause damage to miniaturized hair?
This is a common doubt. Those who undergo tricopigmentation often already have hair compromised by androgenetic alopecia , and the fear that hundreds of holes could damage the remaining hair is understandable. However, we can reassure you: the needle used for tricopigmentation deposits the pigment in a much more superficial layer than the follicles, so it does not cause damage, as long as you turn to qualified professionals .
In fact, according to many transplant experts , the holes created by the needle stimulate a greater blood flow , bringing more nutrients and oxygen to the treated area. This principle is similar to that of the Dermaroller , so you can rest assured: not only does tricopigmentation not damage hair, but it can even bring some benefits!
Tricopigmentation: what are the Pros and Cons?
After this reading, hopefully not too boring, I imagine that you have formed your own idea about this aesthetic treatment. Below, however, I will present a summary of what for us are the Pros and Cons of tricopigmentation:
PRO
- It is not painful: The treatment is generally well tolerated and does not involve significant pain.
- No surgery: Since it is not a surgical procedure, there are no complications related to recovery.
- Cheaper than hair transplant: Tricopigmentation is a more accessible solution in terms of costs than transplantation.
- Continuity of therapies: Topical therapies and the use of concealers can be continued, except in the immediate pre- and post-treatment period.
- Greater convenience and freedom: Compared to cosmetics and prosthetics, tricopigmentation offers greater freedom of use.
- Complete reversibility: If you opt for semi-permanent tricopigmentation, the treatment is completely reversible.
AGAINST
- Repeated maintenance sessions: Maintenance sessions are required, generally up to twice a year.
- Hair care: In the case of shaved effect tricopigmentation, for an optimal aesthetic result, the hair must be cut to zero at least twice a week, to avoid an obvious break with regrowth.
- Lack of three-dimensionality: If you run your hand over treated areas that are completely hairless, you will still feel the skin is smooth, but there is no three-dimensionality.
We have seen, tricopigmentation is a treatment that can be easily integrated with the use of topical lotions and keratin microfibers.