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Do Scalp Tattoos Affect Hair Growth? Learn More About Hair Tattoos

ScalpMasters RI • December 8, 2021

Will a Hair Tattoo Affect My Hair Growth?

If you are looking into alternative treatment options for hair thinning or hair loss, you may be considering a scalp tattoo. A scalp tattoo is a non-surgical procedure that can offer you the appearance of tiny hair follicles on your head — which in turn, minimizes the impact of bald spots or pattern baldness. However, if you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of hair loss, you may be wondering if scalp micropigmentation impacts hair growth. Here's everything you need to know:

What is a Scalp Tattoo?

A scalp tattoo is a non-surgical treatment option for pattern baldness, hair thinning or permanent hair loss. This treatment is also sometimes referred to as scalp micropigmentation. This innovative option is ideal for those who are looking for a minimally-invasive way to combat the signs and symptoms of hair loss. During this procedure, a technician will insert pigment into the scalp that will give the appearance of a tiny hair follicle. It can be used to address pattern baldness, hair thinning or hair loss, but it also can hide scarring on the head or sculpt a receding hairline.


Many people are looking to scalp micropigmentation over other hair regrowth treatments and procedures, largely because of the precise, long-lasting results. However, some people are left wondering, do head tattoos affect hair growth? It's important to get the answer to this question before you determine if scalp micropigmentation is the right option for you.

Do Scalp Tattoos Affect Hair Growth? 

There are people who are considering scalp micropigmentation but are hesitant because they worry this procedure may inhibit hair growth. In reality, scalp tattoos have no impact on the hair follicle and its ability to grow.


One of the main reasons that you can be confident that this procedure will not have a detrimental impact on your future hair growth is that the pigment is not injected into the skin near the follicle itself. The hair follicle is located about 4 mm below the scalp, and the pigment is inserted approximately 2 mm deep. The needles that are used for this procedure are incredibly small, and the precise technique of the experienced technician ensures that the pigment never reaches the follicle itself. Therefore, it cannot prevent future hair growth.



It's also worth noting that the pigment used for this procedure is a specialized ink that is different from standard tattoo ink. Scalp micropigmentation ink is designed to give the impression of fine hair follicles at the surface of the scalp, ultimately creating the look of a fresh buzz cut. The ink does not in any way prevent the future growth and development of hair on your head.

Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle

One common misconception about the scalp micropigmentation procedure is that it slows down the growth and development of hair. It's important to know that this is a myth. Anyone who seems to notice that their hair growth has slowed after the scalp micropigmentation procedure is likely in a slower phase of the hair growth cycle.


If you are considering scalp micropigmentation, it's important to be aware of the different phases of the hair growth cycle:


  • Anagen Phase — This is the first stage of the hair growth cycle, and it's the most active phase. When a hair follicle is in this phase, it will grow continuously for three to seven years. 
  • Catagen Phase — The catagen phase is the next phase of the hair growth cycle. During this phase, hair growth begins to slow down significantly. This transitional phase lasts for four to six months.
  • Telogen Phase — The telogen phase is sometimes called the resting phase. In this phase, the hair growth has stopped and the hair will fall out. Then, the follicle begins to prepare for new hair growth.



You have nearly 100,000 hair follicles on your head, and each follicle is in a different phase of the hair growth cycle. If you are feeling like your hair growth has slowed after your scalp micropigmentation procedure, it's merely a coincidence. The majority of your hair follicles are likely in the catagen or telogen phase, and soon, your hair will be growing at its normal rate.

Will A Scalp Tattoo Limit My Options for Regrowth Treatments?

For the most part, people with balding tattoo hair who invest in the scalp micropigmentation procedure are very satisfied with their results, particularly if they partner with an experienced technician with a proven track record. However, if you still are interested in pursuing other hair regrowth treatment options, you will not be limited because of your scalp micropigmentation procedure. We do recommend that you take time to heal after your scalp micropigmentation procedure before deciding to pursue other options, such as a hair transplant, but you will still be able to consider any further medicinal or surgical treatments that you feel may help you address pattern baldness or hair loss.

Find Out if Scalp Micropigmentation is Right For You

Hair loss is more than just an inconvenience — it can have a significant impact on the way that you feel about yourself. If you are looking to combat the symptoms of pattern baldness or the signs of hair loss, and if you want to take control of your image once again, then scalp micropigmentation may be the perfect option for you. This non-surgical procedure can be customized to meet your needs and offer you long-lasting results. For more information about this innovative procedure and to find out if you are a good candidate for it, contact Scalpmasters today.

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