Advanced Tricho Pigmentation (ATP) is a type of pigmentation treatment that delivers tiny, almost microscopic dots that look just like hair follicles onto the scalp or eyebrows, creating the illusion of hair. When used on the scalp, the result is the appearance of a fully shaved head, whereas when used on the eyebrows, it delivers delicate strokes that replicate brow hairs. While it works similarly to scalp micropigmentation, ATP scalp pigmentation is an extremely refined process that uses specialised tools to deliver a natural, client-specific result.
It is quite different from a hair transplant, which involves surgically moving healthy hair follicles from one area of the scalp to another, where they continue to grow naturally. Instead of restoring hair growth, ATP creates the visual impression of (very short) hair, helping to fill out a hairline or create a fuller-looking set of brows. Many individuals may choose ATP instead of a hair transplant because it’s less invasive and doesn’t require a supply of healthy donor hair follicles.
How ATP Works
ATP scalp pigmentation is a highly refined process that requires a skilled practitioner as well as specialised tools for perfect, natural placement. If you decide to get ATP, here are the steps you’ll go through.
- The Consultation
To start, you will attend a consultation with a practitioner. This is an opportunity to discuss the exact results you are looking for, including the details like the colour of the pigment, the density of the follicles, and the shape of the hairline. It will also be established whether you are a good candidate for the hair loss pigmentation treatment.
- Choosing the Right Pigment
The next step involves the practitioner selecting the exact right pigment, which is essentially the colour of the ink. The shade is based on your skin colour, your previous hair colour, and your overall goals. The ink itself is resistant to shading and bioabsorbable to ensure the colours stick around and the client tolerates the pigment.
- The ATP Procedure
Once the practitioner understands the results the client is looking for and has the pigment picked out, the procedure can begin.
The tool used for this procedure is a specialised microneedling pen that is designed to replicate hair-like dots exactly. It is lightweight with adjustable needle depths, giving the practitioner unwavering control over the results. With this needle pen, the practitioner uses a dotting technique, delivering very small amounts of pigment that perfectly mimics the appearance of shaved hair.
The placement and technique are crucial for replicating natural hair follicles. The dots are administered meticulously with the aid of machines and software, with the machine adjusting the microneedling pen’s depth and angle depending on the area of the scalp – this is particularly important for avoiding that helmet-looking appearance. They create a gradient with a three-dimensional look, which mimics natural hair when shaven.
It is important to note that many clients require multiple sessions to achieve the desired result.
Who is a Good Candidate?
Are you wondering if this more advanced scalp micropigmentation alternative is right for you? Here are some traits of a good candidate.
- Thinning Hair: Both men and women who experience thinning hair may benefit from Advanced Tricho Pigmentation. For thinning hair, it can help fill in the gaps, creating the illusion of scalp hair where there isn’t any.
- A Receding Hairline: ATP scalp pigmentation is also helpful as a hairline enhancement. An individual who still has a head of hair but has thinning at the front can get ATP, which mimics the look of a natural hairline, This helps to rebuild the appearance of fullness.
- Presence of Scarring: Advanced Tricho Pigmentation is also useful for covering scars on the scalp or brow area, as the pigment will cover the scar with what looks like hair follicles.
- Thinning or Balding Eyebrows: As well as covering thinning hair on the scalp, Advanced Tricho Pigmentation is also commonly used to conceal thinning or balding eyebrows. The technique for this is slightly different, as the pigment is used to create delicate strokes that replicate natural eyebrow hairs.
Who isn’t a Good Candidate?
It is crucial to keep in mind that not everyone is a good candidate for ATP. Here are some factors that may get in the way of your being able to get this treatment.
- Scalp Conditions: Several scalp conditions can mean that ATP is not the right solution, including scalp psoriasis, severe acne on the scalp, and raised scars.
- Being Pregnant or Breastfeeding: Those who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding should also not opt for Advanced Tricho Pigmentation, as the hormonal changes during these times can influence the outcome and even cause potential risks to the foetus.
- Specific Medical Conditions: Specific medical conditions can stop a person from being a good candidate for ATP. These conditions include autoimmune diseases, diabetes, skin cancer on the scalp, and blood disorders.
- Having Unrealistic Expectations: Advanced Tricho Pigmentation is not just a tattoo – it’s a precise procedure that naturally mimics hair follicles. However, it’s not for anyone looking to grow their hair longer. In these cases, an ATP or scalp micropigmentation alternative like a FUE hair transplant may be the better route.
The Benefits of Advanced Tricho Pigmentation
Advanced Tricho Pigmentation has become an increasingly popular treatment option for those with hair loss, hair thinning, and scarring, and it makes sense when you consider all of the following benefits.
- It Offers Natural-Looking Results: One of the main benefits of ATP (and why so many people opt for this treatment option) is the natural-looking results it provides. The refined technique and specialised pen mean that the pigment ends up looking exactly like shaved hair follicles.
- Both Semi-Permanent and Permanent Options: We have both semi-permanent and permanent options to suit you, both of which use specific types of pigment that last a particular amount of time.
- Minimal Downtime: Unlike more invasive hair treatment options, Advanced Tricho Pigmentation leads to minimal downtime so that you can return to your daily life before too long.
- Managed Pain Levels: The procedure itself is not too uncomfortable. Plus, practitioners do everything they can to manage pain levels.
- A Safe Procedure: ATP is an incredibly safe treatment option that comes with minimal risk, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to avoid surgery.
As you can see, ATP is a safe treatment that focuses on natural results. As such, it makes an excellent scalp micropigmentation alternative, as scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is not as precise as ATP. With ATP, we use custom machines that completely control the outcome, giving the most realistic look possible.
Treatment Process & Pain
Advanced Tricho Micropigmentation is often chosen because it is not too invasive. However, many clients are still (understandably) worried about pain. After all, having a needle go into your scalp or eyebrows is going to cause at least some discomfort for most people.
The good news is that ATP practitioners use several ways to lessen this discomfort and make the treatment as pain-free as possible.
Local Anaesthetic: Typically, a local anaesthetic is used to help reduce the pain felt during the ATP process. Alternatively, if clients do not want a local anaesthetic, practitioners can instead use a numbing cream, which is very effective.
Number of Sessions: Depending on the level of coverage needed by the client, several sessions may be offered. Doing this can help reduce the pain, as having a full scalp covered in one go may be overwhelming to some individuals, leaving them feeling too sore.
Taking on Board Your Comfort Levels: Your practitioner will always take on board your particular pain tolerance and what you need to be comfortable.
Recovery: Your practitioner will offer advice and post-procedure care to help reduce pain following the ATP treatment. Instructions include things like no direct sun exposure and no scratching the area. Complete healing is expected in around 10 days.
The Cost of ATP
The cost of Advanced Tricho Pigmentation varies greatly due to the nature of the procedure. Some people only need a small area covered. In contrast, others may want full scalp coverage. In general, expect ATP to cost anywhere from £800 to £3,500.
If you want to know exactly how much your ATP will cost you, schedule a consultation with one of our hair specialists.
Results of ATP
Following Advanced Tricho Pigmentation, here’s what to expect.
- The First Few Days: The first few days involve a lot of healing. At this stage, you must avoid the sun, exercise, and touching the area. The colour will look quite dark.
- 7-10 Days Following Treatment: After about a week, the dark colour should have faded, with the shade looking a lot more natural. You should now be able to rinse your scalp gently.
- 10+ Days: At this stage, you can typically resume your typical routine, including washing your hair.
- 1-12 Months After the Treatment: This is when you will enjoy most of the results. Results typically last anywhere from 12 to 18 months.
- After 18 Months: It’s at this stage that you might begin to notice some fading and will need to schedule another appointment to keep up the results.
ATP FAQs
Advanced Tricho Pigmentation is not considered very painful, but it can be mildly uncomfortable for some clients. The practitioner will make you as comfortable as possible by offering things like numbing cream or a local anaesthetic.
Advanced Tricho Pigmentation is typically semi-permanent, with the pigment fading over time, so most clients opt for a top-up within 18 months following their first treatment. However, we do offer a permanent option in which the pigment does not fade as quickly.
It usually takes about 10 days for the scalp to heal and for the colour to have faded into the desired shade.
Yes, ATP is safe. The risks are very low, especially if you choose high-quality practitioners like the ones we have here at Harley Street Hair Clinic.
The cost of ATP ranges anywhere from £850 to £3,500. It depends on your specific treatment.
ATP is used to treat either hair or brow thinning (or cover scarring in those areas). So, if you want to create the appearance of shaved hair follicles or realistic brow hairs, this treatment will work for you.
Schedule a Consultation for ATP Today
Advanced Tricho Pigmentation is a safe, minimally invasive, client-tailored solution to receding hairlines, thinning hair, and eyebrow loss. If any of those are affecting your confidence, schedule a consultation with our expert team today, or give us a call.