Understanding Scalp Micropigmentation Ink Coloring

Men with thinning hair or receding hairlines can undergo scalp micropigmentation to restore the appearance of a full head of hair. At Folicule, we produce colored ink specialized for micropigmentation to help artists create natural results for their clients. Here are some of the key features of our scalp micropigmentation ink:

Pigment Types

We carry three types of scalp micropigmentation ink: black, brown, and an organic neutralizing shade. Black ink is formulated with carbon to create a deep, dark pigment. The black can be diluted with purified water to match the natural hair color of clients with lighter features. Our deep brown pigment is used for clients with light brown, blonde, and red hair and fair skin complexions. Like our black pigment, the brown color can be diluted with extra water to help the ink blend well with the client's existing hair. Orange neutralizer tones add warmth to cool-toned pigment. This helps the micropigmentation ink match the client's features as closely as possible. Artists can blend one drop of this orange pigment with black ink during treatments for clients with fair, warm skin tones. This product also adds warmth and depth to healed, cool-toned scalp tattoos.

During consultation appointments, micropigmentation artists assess the hair and skin tones of potential clients. Then they recommend a complementary pigment type. This helps clients make informed decisions about their scalp tattoos and achieve results that meet their expectations. To help artists create custom shades, Folicule includes a pigment dilution card with each bottle of ink. This chart provides water-to-ink ratios for hair color levels 1-6 on the Fitzpatrick scale. It also includes a visual representation of the pigment intensities. This way artists know which candidates are a match for each dilution level.

Base Ingredients

Scalp tattoo ink has simple ingredients like water, glycerin, isopropyl alcohol, and pigment. The pigment can come from chemical and mineral compounds, like carbon and iron oxides. Carbon is an organic chemical material used in black inks to create a deep, dark pigment resistant to fading. Brown inks are formulated with inorganic mineral compounds like iron oxides, which add warm, earthy tones to the pigment. Folicule's deep brown pigment is achieved using a mixture of yellow, red, and black colorants that add natural depth and dimension to hair tattoos.

Our products have a shelf life of 2-3 years and should be stored away from heat sources in moderately cool environments with proper ventilation. This helps the formulations maintain their color quality and consistency between treatments. The ink should not be frozen, as this can cause the ingredients to separate and become less effective. Artists should wear protective gloves and wash affected skin thoroughly after contact to keep the highly pigmented mixtures from staining skin outside the treatment area.

Color Combinations

Micropigmentation ink is highly concentrated and must be diluted before it's applied to a client's skin. Unless the client requests extremely dark pigment, artists will add several milliliters of distilled water to the ink. This dilution creates more subtle, natural shades. Some artists may combine brown and black pigment to create a deeper brown. Others may add a drop of orange neutralizer to the black pigment to create a warmer dark tone. Artists should mix several small batches of ink throughout treatment sessions to avoid wasting product. 

To create a tattoo that replicates natural follicle density across the treatment area, artists can use multiple ink shades. Lighter pigment mixtures and more space between each follicle are ideal for small fill-in treatments and subtle results. Clients who want bold results benefit from darker pigments and less space between follicles. A mixture of pigment shades and densities across the scalp creates the appearance of natural hair-growth patterns.

Application Methods

Scalp micropigmentation artists will conduct a pre-treatment consultation with each client to determine their hairline design, follicle density, and pigment color preferences. They may use digital imaging to test different hairlines and pigments and create mockups of potential results. These images help clients visualize what they can expect from the tattoo and agree on a treatment plan with the artist. The artist then maps out the tattoo on the client's scalp and applies the custom ink blend in tiny dots on the skin. If the treatment area is large, the artist may schedule several appointments to confirm the quality of the results and allow the skin time to heal between sessions. This allows artists to verify that the pigment complements clients' natural hair and skin before completing more sessions. 

Explore Our Scalp Micropigmentation Ink Products

Folicule has been supplying micropigmentation artists with high-quality pigment since 2015. Working with over 12,000 micropigmentation clients allows us to continually improve our products and make them as effective as possible. We carry a range of inks, micropigmentation tools, and aftercare products that enhance the scalp tattoo process for artists and clients. Contact our team today to learn more about our ink and other products.