HAIR LOSS AND HAIR MICROPIGMENTATION IN SINGAPORE

Hair loss might not seem like a big deal, especially as you grow older. Two-thirds of men experience hair loss before hitting 40 years old, while 40% of women experience hair loss by the same age. So, it seems reasonable for people to experience hair loss as they grow up.

Research, participated by Singaporean men and women, revealed that among 45 to 54-year-old men, hair loss is a primary concern, even more than weight. In fact, 15% of them said that they would give up one year of their life to be free from hair loss.

While hair loss might not be that common in women than in men, women are more critical about losing their hair. They are less likely to participate socially because of this. These data show that, while hair loss might be normal, experiencing is still a big deal for people.

Causes of hair loss

So, what does cause hair loss? Commonly, age plays a massive part in it. However, hair loss is not only an age thing. Even younger people can experience hair loss as well. Several factors could lead to a person losing his hair:

Heredity
Male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness, the most common cause of hair loss, is a hereditary condition. If there is a history of balding in the family, signs of hair loss might appear as early as puberty.

Change in Hormones
Hair loss happens because Testosterone creates another hormone called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which affects the follicle cycle. But hair loss does not only happen to men. Hair loss occurs in women because of hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and discontinued use of birth control pills.

Medical Conditions
Alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that attacks the hair follicles, can be a significant cause of hair loss. Other medical conditions, such as thyroid diseases and scalp infection, can lead to hair loss.

Medication
Hair loss can be a side effect of particular medicines, such as those used to treat cancer, high blood pressure, arthritis, depression, and heart problems.

Stress
Once a person’s head got into some physical shocks, such as an accident, high fever, or extreme weight loss, hair loss might occur. It also happens when a person goes extreme emotional stress. Though this hair loss is commonly temporary.

Hair products and treatment
Hair products like wax and hairspray do not automatically cause hair loss, but too much use and improper washing of the product may lead to scalp irritation. Hot oil treatments and perms can lead to inflammation of hair follicles, which also causes hair loss. Hairstyles that pull the hair, like cornrows and braids can also cause hair loss if it is excessively done.

Solutions

How can hair loss be treated? Fortunately, there are many possible ways of treating hair loss. One of the more accessible treatments is taking medication.

If a medical condition causes hair loss, the disease should be treated first. If it is a side effect of a certain medication, the doctor might ask you to stop taking the medicine for at least three months.

If the hair loss is a result of pattern baldness, medications are available to prevent it. There is Minoxidil (Rogaine), a nonprescription medicine for both men and women that is rubbed into the scalp. There is also Finasteride (Propecia), a pill prescribed for men.

A person experiencing permanent hair loss can go under hair therapy. Here, plastic surgeons implant patches of skin, containing several hairs, into the balding areas. It is recommended for people who have inherited baldness. It also takes several sessions to achieve the desired effect.

Another way to treat hair loss is scalp reduction. Here, the part that lacks hair is removed. The plastic surgeon folds the part of the scalp with hair to cover the bald patch.

Another hair loss treatment that is growing in popularity is Hair Micropigmentation.

Hair micropigmentation

Hair Micropigmentation, also known as Scalp Micropigmentation, is a cosmetic procedure wherein it replicates the look of hair using pigments, similar to tattooing. The micropigmentation artist creates small dots in the scalp to recreate the look of small hair follicles.

For men who are experiencing pattern or complete baldness, the procedure would result in a look resembling a short shaved hairstyle. For women and men, who are not experiencing complete baldness, the procedure would lessen the color contrast of the scalp and the hair, making the hair look fuller.

Hair Micropigmentation does not only resolve hair loss problems, like balding and receding hairlines. The procedure also helps in covering scars and blemishes from surgeries and accidents. It also helps in blending birthmarks into the natural color of the hair.

A person undergoing Micropigmentation needs at least 2-3 sessions to achieve the desired result. Each session usually lasts from 2-3 hours. However, the time still differs for each person; those people with bald heads would take more time for their session. The sessions will continue until both the artist and the client are satisfied with the results.

Why hair micropigmentation

So, why is Hair Micropigmentation better than any other hair loss treatment? Here are the following benefits of the procedure:

Affordable
Hair Micropigmentation costs less compared to other hair loss treatments, such as hair transplants. You also don’t need to spend money on expensive maintenance products after the procedure.

Safe
The procedure is safe. It does not use harmful chemicals with side effects. It also does not inject the needle deep into the skin, so infections are less likely.

Fast Procedure and Recovery
Hair Micropigmentation sessions do not take a long time like other medical surgeries. It only lasts a couple of hours. It also takes a short recovery time. People who undergo the procedure usually go back to work two days after surgery.

Little Maintenance
There is no need to use expensive hair products to maintain the look after the procedure. You only need proper washing of the pigmented area, and you are good to go.

Hides Imperfection
Hair pigmentation does not only hide hair loss. It is also a way to cover scars and other scalp problems, in a way that other medical surgeries cannot.

Preparation for scalp micropigmentation

By now, you are probably interested in Hair Micropigmentation. If you decide to undergo such a procedure, here are the following things that could help you prepare for it:

Shave
For men who are planning to have a shaved look, shaving your head beforehand would help you see the results of the procedure right away. It would also help to spot any scars or discoloration immediately.

Moisturize
Make sure that your scalp is in the best condition. A dry scalp will make it hard for the artist to do the procedure, and it might not achieve the desired aesthetic result.

Pain Relief
Hair Micropigmentation is not the most painful procedure, but it still can cause discomfort. It is recommended to take paracetamol or ibuprofen before the surgery to ease the pain.

Avoid Alcohol, Coffee, and Certain foods
Drinking alcohol, caffeinated drinks, herbal teas, and eating garlic, and oily fish makes the blood thinner. Intaking these foods before the procedure could result in more bleeding.

Avoid Working Out
Working out before the procedure is not recommended. It causes excessive oil in the skin, which can affect the pigment retaining to the skin.

Hair micropigmentation aftercare

To maintain the procedure’s result, here are the following tips that could help you:

Shower
You could have a shower three days after the treatment. Also, make sure you do not wash your hair until the end of the shower. Avoid hot baths and swimming in chlorinated water. It is suggested to only shower for 5 minutes to avoid too much steam. Direct contact with water can cause the pigment to fade.

Avoid Direct Sunlight
UV lights can cause the pigments to fade. So, avoid sun exposure for at least four weeks after the procedure. If you are going out, make sure to wear a hat.

Avoid Sweating
Sweat can affect the fading of the pigments. Avoid heavy workouts or activities that will make you sweat a lot.

Do Not Scratch the Pigmented Area
Scabs and dry skin in the treated area are normal. Let it exfoliate naturally. Do not pick or scratch it because it might lead to scars, loss of color, and inconsistent results when healed.

Things to consider

Just like any other medical procedure, there are things that you need to consider before deciding to undergo Hair Micropigmentation:

Fading
The results of Hair Micropigmentation would usually last around 4-6 years. Regular touch-ups are necessary to avoid the ink from fading.

Continuous Shaving
For men with patterned baldness, whatever hair that will grow should be continuously shaven.

No Change to Hairstyle/ Color
Hair Micropigmentation is similar to a tattoo. The color does not change, so the hair color might not match, especially as you grow older. It also restricts a person to change hairstyles. Certain hairstyles could expose the traces of the procedure.

Not 3D
Hair Micropigmentation might look like real hair, but it does not achieve the real texture that hair has.

Hair micropigmentation in Singapore

Many people, both men and women, in Singapore experience the problem of hair loss. Many of them seek to Hair Micropigmentation to solve it. It is not that hard as well, considering that many cosmetic studios in Singapore are offering the procedure. They work with state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained artists and technicians to ensure quality service for their clients. Another important thing to look for is the right pigments. One popular pigment brand in Singapore is Swiss Color.

Swiss Color is a global company that offers an array of pigments. The company invested in years of research and development to come up with their pigments that are safe and free of heavy metals. Swiss color introduces a wide array of pigments, in different shades, for various micropigmentation procedures, including hair micropigmentation, to achieve your desired result. The brand also believes in the importance of technique and device for great micropigmentation. So, it holds training for aspiring micropigmentation artists. Swiss Color is available in 54 countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore.

So, if you are considering to undergo Hair Micropigmentation, go for it! It is not that hard to find the perfect cosmetic studios and artist for you. In no time, you will gain back your crowning glory.