Tricopigmentation and Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) are both considered safe options in the United States to treat and conceal male or female pattern baldness. Although they share many similarities, they have very distinct results. As you learn more about hair loss solutions while deciding which treatment is best for you, it’s important to understand how these pigmentation processes differ from each other.
Pigment Duration
Tricopigmentation was invented in Milan, Italy, where it is celebrated as a revolutionary application for testing artificial hairlines. The major difference between tricopigmentation and scalp micropigmentation is the type of ink that is used in each treatment. Scalp micropigmentation uses a unique kind of pigment that does not fade much over time, and it is considered a permanent solution for concealing hair loss. Tricopigmentation uses a different type of ink that begins to fade after several months, and the treatment needs to be reapplied every one or two years to maintain the look of the hairline.
Number of Treatments
Because tricopigmentation is a temporary solution, regularly scheduled treatments are highly recommended. This can be complicated if the pigment doesn’t fade consistently across the person’s scalp. For individuals who are committed to concealing their hair loss, the number of treatments and money required for the tricopigmentation procedure can quickly add up, making scalp micropigmentation a much more cost-effective solution. The ink is still delivered to the scalp using needles, so regardless of the method you choose, the body will go through a healing process after each treatment.
There are a few reasons why tricopigmentation exists. The impermanence of the procedure is appealing to many, as it offers a ‘trial period’ for the scalp micropigmentation process. Those unwilling to commit to a permanent procedure could try tricopigmentation to see if it’s something that they want to live with for the rest of their lives.
Risks
The use of needles to deliver ink to the scalp causes some people discomfort; therefore clients sometimes prefer fewer treatments. Scalp micropigmentation requires two or three sessions, with potential touch-ups every four to five years, while the tricopigmentation procedure must be repeated when fading occurs. Tricopigmentation does have a few real disadvantages, however. While laser treatment can fix a poor scalp micropigmentation job, the dye used for tricopigmentation is impossible to remove, and a patient must wait until it fades away. Because tricopigmentation is a relatively new procedure, it’s difficult to pinpoint how many times this treatment can be applied to the scalp without significant side-effects. That’s why some people choose to use tricopigmentation as a test-run before opting for scalp micropigmentation.
Overall, tricopigmentation is less expensive than micropigmentation. The initial cost is higher for scalp micropigmentation, which might initially deter people. However, in the long run, the constant maintenance and re-application required for the tricopigmentation process make costs much higher. If you want to continue with tricopigmentation, you have to pay to get it completely redone every year, while micropigmentation only requires touch-ups every 4-5 years. This makes micropigmentaiton much less labor and cost intensive in the long run. The repeated reapplication process for tricopigmentation can also result in an unusual helmet-like appearance.
While tricopigmentation may be tempting, the experts at Hairline Ink recommend micropigmentation in almost all instances. It’s long lasting, looks more natural, is cheaper in the long run, and can be reversed. Hairline Ink has been in the business of scalp micropigmentation for years and has skilled specialists with extensive knowledge of the process.
Our team of world-renowned experts at Hairline Ink is dedicated to delivering as much information to our clients as possible so that they can make the best decision for their unique situation. We offer Scalp Micropigmentation in over 50 US cities. Call or text us today at 833-HAIR-INK (833-424-7465) to schedule an appointment, learn about our pricing, or get a free quote!
