HPT® Basics

  • What is HPT®?

    HPT® is an acronym for Hair micro-Pigmentation Treatment. HPT® is a revolutionary semi-permanent micro-pigmenting technique that offers an alternative option for both men and women suffering from hair loss who are not appropriate candidates for hair transplant surgery or who do not want it. HPT® involves the use of a digitally controlled needle which applies medical grade hypoallergenic colour pigment into the scalp. As well as male pattern hair loss, HPT® can create the illusion of hair for patients suffering from a host of scalp conditions including scarring alopecia’s, alopecia areata, totalis and universalis, as well as hair loss due to injuries and burns or disguising surgery scars.

  • Does it look real?

    Yes. HPT® scalp micro-pigmentation will create the illusion of a shaven head or 5 o’clock shadow, but it is not actual hair. On very close inspection or touch, you will not feel the stubble as you would with real hair. Some patients choose to have some FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) surgery to create the feel of stubble if the donor hair is available.

  • Is it permanent and how long will it last?

    HPT® scalp micro-pigmentation is designed to last a number of years and typically we would expect this treatment to last between 1-3 years with some minor touch ups. However, it is impossible to predict the exact length of time it will last, as each patient is different, and lifestyle choice and other variables can effect the treatment in individual cases. However, some patients may have the remnants of this treatment for a longer period.

  • Is it like a regular tattoo?

    No. Unlike a traditional tattoo that would use ‘ink’, HPT® scalp micro-pigmentation is performed using specially designed pigments that will not have the colour change or migration (blurring) that is commonly seen with a body art tattoo. Although it may appear to be a similar technique, the needles and treatment depth into the skin are very different. Both use needles to implant colour, but that is where the similarity ends. This treatment will need a small amount of maintenance or ‘touch up’ treatments to keep it looking even and fresh over the years to come.

  • Is it safe?

    Yes. We use sterile one-time use needles and all other materials used are disposed of immediately after treatment.

  • Will it hurt?

    The treatment is not painful as the depth the pigment is implanted is only in the dermis and not deep like a body art tattoo. We advise not working in longer than 4 hour sessions, as it is a residual build up of ‘irritation’ that can eventually make the scalp feel sore. We would also advise bringing some music to listen to, to help pass the time.

  • Can I take pain relief prior to treatment?

    We don’t think you need to, but you can take paracetamol, ibuprofen or co-codamol. Do not take anything containing asprin as this will thin the blood and increase bleeding during treatment. Additionally, it is advisable not to drink alcohol 48 hours prior to treatment.

  • Will it damage my existing hair?

    No. In fact there is evidence to show that HPT® scalp micro-pigmentation can be beneficial for patients suffering with alopecia as this treatment creates hyperaemia, bringing blood flow to the surface as a by-product of micro trauma to the area. In some cases this means that natural hair re-growth can occur in the areas treated, but this is not something we can guarantee in all cases.

  • What if I lose more hair?

    At the consultation we will discuss in depth all the possible outcomes. We work in such a way that if there is more hair loss we can blend in the work and increase the treatment area.

  • Can it cause transplanted hair to fall out?

    No. HPT® scalp micro-pigmentation is totally safe and will not induce ‘shock loss’. However, we would recommend waiting 3 months after surgery if you require additional density from scalp micro-pigmentation.

  • What if I want hair restoration surgery later?

    HPT® scalp micro-pigmentation will enhance any transplant surgery, either FUT or FUE, by creating the illusion of thicker ‘hair’ at a root level. This treatment works very well with hair transplant surgery and many clients use HPT® as a way to create coverage whilst waiting for surgery as the result is instant and a financially effective option.

    • HPT® Appearance

  • Does it look real?

    Yes. HPT® scalp micro-pigmentation will create the illusion of a shaven head or 5 o’clock shadow, but it is not actual hair. On very close inspection or touch, you will not feel the stubble as you would with real hair. Some patients choose to have some FUE to create the feel of stubble if the donor hair is available.

  • Will my hairline look natural?

    The hairline is the most important part of your scalp micro-pigmentation treatment, as this is the focal point, and will determine the overall look. If not done correctly the treatment will look unnatural and fake. Our experienced technician will work with you to design, mark, measure and approve each hairline before any pigment is implanted. Some patients may wish for a very defined hairline, but we often advise them to try a more natural look that takes into account age-appropriateness and ethnicity.

  • What happens if I turn grey?

    Because the pigments are designed to fade, we can adjust the tone and change the hairline to be more ‘age appropriate’ to suit our patients as they mature. You often find that even if hair does turn grey, when it is shaved the natural hair follicles or roots may still be darker in appearance.

  • Will my head turn a funny colour?

    Traditional body art tattoos do have the tendency to change colour. If it was black to start with, very often they will turn blue as a result of migration (blur), which is due to the type of ink used, and the tissue level the tattoo was implanted. HPT® scalp micro-pigmentation is not implanted at a deep level on the scalp and the simulated hair follicles are implanted in the very top layers of the epidermis. Factors such as sun exposure will have an effect on colour retention, which is why it is important to adhere to the aftercare instructions for your HPT® treatment and to use a high factor sun block every day. The explanation for an ashy or green/grey appearance can be likened to how blood vessels appear green under the skin; the increased absorption of the red spectrum of light gives rise to this phenomenon explained by the trichromatic theory of colour vision (i.e. if you absorb red you will perceive green). The light propagation through human tissue has also been modelled to show the greater decrease of red spectrum remission. In short, there is no ‘true’ perception of black when the pigment is deposited beneath the skin. The greater depth of pigment deposit, the greater the potential change in colour perception.

  • What if I lose more hair?

    At the consultation we will discuss in depth all the possible outcomes. We work in such a way that if there is more hair loss we can blend in the work and increase the treatment area.

    • HPT® Treatment

  • Do I have to commit to the treatment in one go?

    No. If you are not sure if HPT® scalp micro-pigmentation is for you, then we would suggest that you have a small test patch of approximately 1 cm, in a location to be agreed by you and your practitioner, which is usually where the balding scalp meets the side hair. This way you can see what the treatment will look like and if you decide not to proceed with the whole treatment it will not be noticeable. We would never undergo any treatment unless we felt that you were fully aware of all options and are 100% happy with the treatment plan.

  • How long does the treatment take?

    The first treatment takes the longest and depending on the size of the area to be treated can take around 2 – 4 hours. The second treatment is usually shorter and if a third treatment is required it is shorter still.

  • When do you schedule my follow up treatments?

    We recommend at least 7 days between HPT® scalp micro-pigmentation treatments to ensure a true colour match. That way we can amend the colour and make any minor changes during the next treatment to guarantee the best possible results.

  • Will it hurt?

    The treatment is not painful as the depth the pigment is implanted is only in the dermis and not deep like a body art tattoo. We advise not working in longer than 4 hour sessions, as it is a residual build up of ‘irritation’ that can eventually make the scalp feel sore. We would also advise bringing some music to listen to, to help pass the time.

  • Can I take pain relief prior to treatment?

    We don’t think you need to, but you can take paracetamol, ibuprofen or co-codamol. Do not take anything containing asprin as this will thin the blood and increase bleeding during treatment. Additionally, it is advisable not to drink alcohol 48 hours prior to treatment.

  • What will I look like immediately after treatment?

    You will look like you have hair. If you have a lighter complexion, your scalp will have ’redness’ for approximately 24-48 hours after treatment. On darker skin this does not tend to show at all. The results are immediate, so you will have the appearance of a closely shaven head although it may take 2-3 applications for the completed look. The pigment colour may appear darker until it has had time to settle and you have washed off the excess pigment, approximately 5-7 days.  Again this is more noticeable on lighter skin. It is not uncommon to lose implanted colour, which is why you will require 2-3 treatments to ensure an even colour match all over.

    • HPT® Aftercare

  • Is there anything I should avoid doing immediately after treatment?

    Do not pick or scratch the tattooed area as disturbing it while healing may cause fading. After a few days you may notice some peeling, there is no need to panic. It also might start to itch this is just another sign of healing. Instead of itching your head just pat or tap the area to take away the itch.

  • What can I do in the first 4 days following my treatment?

    We would advise you take it easy and relax. No Sweating, no running, weight lifting. Additionally no water, shampoo or lotions should go on your scalp; it should be kept dry and clean. You can go to work as normal and carry out normal household tasks, however, nothing that would make you sweat.

  • What can I start doing by the end of the first week?

    You can now wash your scalp gently with water or gently under a shower. If you have a power shower do not let it spray onto your scalp. The water from the shower should only gently run over your scalp. You can also use shampoo by day 7, do not scrub the shampoo into your scalp, and again just gently rub it over your scalp. When you leave the shower pat your head dry. You can use a light fragrance free moisturiser at this point too.

  • When can I shave my head?

    You can shave your head after 10 days and we advise that you use an electric foil shaver. Be careful not to shave off any scabs that are still on your head. Leaving your scalp to heal until day 14 before shaving is probably the safer option.

  • When can I start exercising again?

    After 10 days you can use the gym and follow your exercise programme as normal.

  • When can I use anti-shine lotions?

    After 14 days it is safe to start using an anti-shine lotion like, L’Oreal Pure, Headblade Headlube or a matte lotion.

  • What can I do a month after my HPT® scalp micro-pigmentation treatment?

    You can carry on as you did before treatment. You can go on holiday, swim in the ocean or swimming pool.  However, when out in the sun it is important to always protect your head with an SPF 30 to 50 and to wear a cap, whenever possible, to protect the pigment colour.