Removing Failed Scalp Pigmentation / Scalp Tattooing / Trichopigmentation
Scalp pigmentation (also known as scalp micropigmentation or trichopigmentation) has been around for many years. It is a highly sophisticated PMU technique that can be used to create a very natural-looking simulation of hair on the scalp (primarily to conceal bald spots or thinning hair). When performed skillfully, this technique can offer a wonderful and affordable alternative to other treatment methods for permanent hair loss.
The term trichopigmentation (or scalp pigmentation) comes from Latin: “tricho” = hair, “pigmentation” = to give color, to dye, meaning “to give hair color” or “to pigment the scalp.” It is arguably the most modern non-surgical method for concealing hair loss or baldness.
A high-quality, professional simulation of scalp hair through pigmentation results in a very realistic, harmonious overall appearance that looks deceptively real and can give the client a new lease on life. Thinning hair appears thicker (female clients in particular benefit from hair thickening through trichopigmentation), and male pattern baldness becomes less noticeable.
Another advantage is the ability to pigment scarred tissue as well. This not only achieves the visual effect of existing hair, but the scars can also be color-matched to the rest of the scalp.
Over time, the pigmentation fades. It can then be refreshed, or - if the client’s own hair grows back or the hair simulation is no longer desired for other reasons - simply allowed to fade completely.
Unfortunately, reality often falls short of our expectations. If the procedure isn’t performed correctly, this well-intentioned experiment ends with patchy, blurry, and mismatched results. In such cases, the disappointed customer wants only one thing: to have the scalp tattoo removed so they can finally go out in public without a cap again…
Fortunately, scalp pigmentation can be removed (either completely or partially) using our PigmentOff Remover. Depending on the initial condition, this procedure sometimes requires a great deal of patience, time, and cooperation from the client.
With the PigmentOff Remover method, pigments are removed from the skin in a similar way to how they were originally implanted. That is, they are brought to the skin’s surface and do not remain in the body.
When applied professionally, this method is quick, scar-free, and highly effective, as pigments of any type and color can be removed.
The number of sessions depends on several factors:
- Have the hairs/dots been tattooed deep into the scalp or only superficially pigmented?
- Has scalp pigmentation caused scarring? (This is often the case when hair simulation was performed using microblading.)
- Were skin tones used in the scalp pigmentation, or only brownish and gray pigments?
- Were there unsuccessful attempts to remove the scalp pigmentation using a laser?
- Was a laser treatment performed that led to color changes in the pigmented hair?
- Is the scalp pigmentation a complete failure, or are there isolated areas that appear blurry or have an unnatural color?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question either. The key factors are the area to be treated and the number of sessions required. As a general guideline: the initial treatment (including home care products) costs approximately 200–250 euros (duration: about 1.5 hours), and each follow-up treatment costs 100–150 euros.
If the pigments are implanted superficially in the scalp, 2–3 removal treatments are usually sufficient to remove them or lighten them as much as possible. However, if they are deeply embedded in the skin and/or accompanied by scarring, you should expect up to 10 sessions at intervals of 3–4 weeks.
Examples of scalp pigmentation removal
