Hair loss is something that most people experience at some point in their lives.
Whether you’re dealing with male pattern baldness, thinning hair, or even postpartum hair loss, treatments like hair tattooing or scalp micropigmentation are a great for restoring hair density.
The most common misconception about hair tattooing is that it can only be done on a completely shaved head, so let’s finally put those rumors to an end and take a look at how hair tattoo with long hair is done, plus who can benefit from it.
Is Hair Tattoo with Long Hair Possible?
Yes!
Contrary to common misconception, you can maintain a longer hairstyle and still be a candidate for hair tattooing.
People with short hair are generally considered the best candidates for treatments like scalp micropigmentation because the procedure mimics a buzz-cut look.
However, scalp micropigmentation is a highly customizable procedure, so no matter the length and color of your hair, thinning spots can be easily concealed.
Keep in mind that the effectiveness of the procedure itself depends on the skill and experience of your chosen artist or technician, but also on the degree of your hair loss.
Image source: Instagram @aestheticsinternationalph
How Is Hair Tattoo with Long Hair Done?
Hair tattooing on long hair can be done through 2 different methods – scalp micropigmentation (or SMP) and hairline microblading. Let’s take a look at the differences between these procedures:
Scalp Micropigmentation
SMP is done by tattooing small dots that mimic hair follicles with a specialized pigmentation machine into the scalp, between the existing hairs.
The scalp micropigmentation procedure begins with a consultation where your chosen technician will assess the hairline and explain the best treatment plan for you.
Before the procedure begins, your technician will draw out the hairline and apply a numbing cream to the treated area to make the whole process as comfortable as possible.
When the numbing cream begins to take effect, the technician will start the tattooing. This can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on the size of the treated area.
When the tattoo process is done, you will be able to see the results of your treatment instantly, but be prepared that you will probably need to come back for an additional touch-up session(s).
The reason for this is that during the first session, it is impossible to achieve the desired pigment saturation. Touch-ups are usually scheduled about 2 weeks after the initial procedure, until the desired look is achieved.
Learn more about the scalp micropigmentation procedure here.
Image source: Instagram @j.beauty_smp
Hairline Microblading
Hairline microblading is an alternative treatment for a long hair tattoo which gives the look of hair strands instead of just follicles.
In contrast to SMP which is performed with an electric tattoo device, hairline microblading is done in the same way as eyebrow microblading, with a handheld tool with thin blades to create hair-like incisions and fill them with pigment.
The procedure can last 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the treated area, and a touch-up can be done 1 year after the initial procedure to prolong the results.
It’s important to note, however, that hairline microblading isn’t really recommended as the number one hair tattoo procedure because of retention issues.
The properties of the skin of the hairline can cause the strokes to blur and merge together into a shade that doesn’t look natural, so if you have oily skin, this treatment isn’t the best option for you.
Hairline microblading or scalp microblading is a procedure that is most commonly practiced in Asia.
Learn everything about hairline microblading here.
Image source: Instagram @mones_beautystudio
Who Is a Good Candidate for Long Hair Tattoo?
To achieve the best results when getting a hair tattoo with long hair, you should satisfy certain requirements and criteria. Let’s take a look at who is a good candidate for a long hair tattoo:
- Someone with a relatively intact frontal hairline.
- Someone who has at least 50% coverage in the crown area.
- Someone who has hair thinning rather than balding in one concentrated area.
Remember, scalp micropigmentation doesn’t add any physical length to your existing hair, so in order for your artist to achieve the most natural-looking results, there must be a complete distribution of existing hair.
Image source: Instagram @archangelsmp
Can Hair Tattooing Damage Hair Follicles?
No.
This is a common misconception and a cause of concern, especially for people with alopecia areata.
Scalp micropigmentation is a non-invasive treatment during which the artist or technician will deposit cosmetic pigments into the skin on your scalp, but not so deep to reach the bulb of the hair.
This action won’t cause any damage to hair follicles, so rest assured that your hair will continue to grow normally even after getting this procedure done.
Who Can Benefit from a Long Hair Tattoo?
If you’re experiencing thinning across your scalp, SMP can create the illusion of depth and fullness, bringing back some of that lost volume. Let’s take a look at which conditions can benefit the most from getting a hair tattoo with long hair:
Men with Diffuse Thinning & Receding Hairlines
Diffuse thinning is something that most men experience at some point in their lives and is essentially the shedding of hair across the scalp.
Scalp micropigmentation can benefit men who don’t have drastic thinning, as well as those who have a receding hairline, as long as they have reasonable hair density in those affected areas.
They are not required to shave their scalp in order to lessen the severity of hair recession, so maintaining a longer hairstyle is a possibility.
People with Alopecia Areata
Alopecia can be successfully camouflaged with hair tattoos.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that attacks the patient’s hair follicles, causing round hair loss patches across the scalp.
The good news about this specific type of alopecia is that hair regrowth is possible and can be noticed around a year after the initial hair loss has happened.
This regrowth creates stubbles of hair follicles inside the patch and enables scalp micropigmentation to conceal areas with noticeable thinning.
Women with Female Pattern Baldness & Hair Thinning
Female pattern baldness is a common form of alopecia that occurs as a result of aging or genetics. It is recognized as noticeable thinning along the hair part and the back of the hair.
Women can also experience a form of traction alopecia when tying their hair often with a strong hair tie. SMP can be a great solution for concealing loss of volume, provided that you already have sufficient hair density.
For women and men with long hair who have receding hairlines, there is also the possibility of getting hairline microblading to achieve a more voluminous look.
Image source: Instagram @makeupbyalinenemer
Final Thoughts on Getting a Hair Tattoo with Long Hair
If you’re looking to maintain a long hairstyle even after experiencing thinning across your scalp or in your hairline, scalp micropigmentation can help you achieve natural-looking density.
Hairline microblading can also work, but its downsides are something to be aware of.
For a hair tattoo with long hair, it is essential to seek out a skilled artist who has plenty of experience with the technique, to create the best possible result for your specific condition.
Cover image source: Freepik
