How Long Does Micropigmentation Last?

I get this question all the time from people considering micropigmentation to conceal hair loss. Unfortunately, there is no single, straightforward answer. The human scalp varies from person to person—I’d even say that our scalps are as unique as our DNA.

After working with hundreds of clients, I can confidently say that I have never seen two identical types of scar tissue. Even among individuals of the same ethnicity, while there may be similarities in skin thickness or water content, the variations go far beyond that.

So, How Long Does Micropigmentation Last?

The longevity of micropigmentation depends heavily on the characteristics of your scalp. Let’s break it down into three main categories based on my experience:

1.Thick Epidermis & Dry Scalp (Best Retention)

People with thicker scalp epidermis and low water content tend to have the best pigment retention. In these cases, micropigmentation can last 5 to 7 years before a touch-up is needed. The pigment remains well-defined, and fading happens at a much slower rate.

2-Thick Epidermis & High Water Content (Moderate Retention)

Individuals with a thick epidermis but high water content in their scalp experience slightly lower pigment retention. The excess moisture in the skin can cause the pigment to fade faster.
For these cases, I need to spend more time working on each impression, typically ensuring that the needle remains in the skin for about 2–3 milliseconds per application.
To maintain optimal results, these clients should:

• Minimize sun exposure, as UV rays accelerate pigment breakdown.
• Use healing creams between sessions to support pigment retention.

On average, they may need their first touch-up session around 3 years after the initial procedure.

3-Thin Epidermis & High Water Content (Lowest Retention)

This is the most challenging category in terms of pigment retention. Clients with a thin epidermis and high water content often require more sessions than initially planned.
In these cases, we cannot increase needle depth or prolong application time, as doing so could lead to undesirable results. Instead, we need to go over the impressions multiple times throughout the process.

Because the pigment fades more quickly, these clients usually require their first touch-up session within 1 year of the procedure.

Conclusion: What Determines How Long Your Micropigmentation Lasts?

The durability of your micropigmentation is heavily influenced by your unique scalp type. Unfortunately, it’s not something we can determine with just a visual inspection. While we can make an educated guess, the real answer comes only after creating some impressions on your scalp and seeing how your skin reacts.

If you’re considering micropigmentation and want to know what to expect for your specific case, come see us for a consultation. We’ll assess your scalp, explain the process, and guide you toward the best possible results.