Scalp tattoos, a solution to mask balding

PUNE: Scalp micropigmentation (SMP), a technique used to mask bald patches on the scalp, is seemingly gaining popularity among those with receding hairlines, crown balding, and extreme hair loss.

Commonly referred to as scalp tattoos, the procedure involves using organic tattoo pigments to create a dot-like pattern resembling hair follicles to create the appearance of a close-shaved head. Vimannagar resident Rohit Sandbhor, who underwent SMP about two years ago, swears by the procedure. “It was the best option for me and has low maintenance. It also lasts for a couple of years,” he said.

The procedure is done on the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis, and the spacing of follicles is predicted after analysing follicles.

“We use vegan ink, which does not turn green like regular tattoos. If the crown area is balding, the procedure is done in such a way that it transitions into the natural hairline,” Shilpa Sonawane, founder of Scaled Ink and Allure Studios in Koregaon Park, said.

A combination of hair transplants and SMP is also used for some people.

“SMP can give a high-density look for people with scanty hair and women who do not want too much of their scalp to show in their hair parting,” Dr Pallavi Jadhao, founder of Dots and Strokes, an SMP and PMU clinic in Baner, said.

Hair transplant consultant Dr Shalthiel Sathe of Eva Pimples, Hair and Skin Clinic in Wakad said he is seeing a lot of seniors opt for SMP. “Women typically take mid-scalp SMP procedures,” he said.

Most of these SMP procedures take three to four sessions, and touch-ups are needed once every two to three years. Experts said touch-ups are required because the tattoo pigments can change colour over time or there may be diffusion in the surrounding skin, and further pigments may be required to cover extra hair loss.

“There is no extra care to be taken to maintain the look. It fades into a greyish colour after 2-3 years, so there needs to be a touch-up done at that point,” said a resident of Baner who had done this procedure a few years ago. The cost of the procedure ranges from Rs 30,000 to Rs 80,000, depending on the area to be covered.