Is Microblading The Answer To A Receding Hairline?

We all wish it weren't true, but hair loss is inevitable with age, and for some women, that loss means a receding hairline. According to Verywell Health, "40% of women have hair loss by the time they reach age 40, according to the American Academy of Dermatology." The good news is, there are many options available to either regrow or create the appearance of hair.

Medication is a common treatment option for hair loss, such as over-the-counter minoxidil like Rogaine. This is one of the cheapest treatments available. In fact, GoodRx claims you can purchase Women's Rogaine for as low as $9. If money isn't an issue, hair transplant surgery is another option. WebMD claims the procedure can cost $4,000 to $15,000.

Another alternative, which is more expensive than medication but less expensive than surgery, is microblading (via PMU). Many women are familiar with the process as it relates to eyebrows, but it's less common as a receding hairline treatment. The question is, is microblading the answer to a receding hairline?

Before addressing the effectiveness of microblading, it's important to first understand what the process entails. MedicalNewsToday defines it as "a cosmetic tattooing procedure that fills in thin eyebrow areas to make them look fuller." Hairline microblading is very similar, as PMU explains. It involves using a special tool or machine that applies semi-permanent dye to the skin in fine, hair-like strokes to fill in bald spots or areas where hair is thinning.

Unlike the tools used for a standard tattoo, the needle used for microblading penetrates only the first layer of skin, the epidermis, according to Public Health. This is why the marking isn't permanent. PMU claims hairline microblading, also known as scalp microblading, typically lasts up to a year. The more often you shampoo your hair, the faster the color will fade.

Some women opt for scalp microblading to fill in a receding hairline or to make their forehead look smaller. According to Byrdie, the procedure costs between $1,000 and $3,000, but PMU says it's cheaper if you only need a small portion of your hairline filled, such as the temples.

Dr. Jeffrey S. Fromowitz, a board-certified dermatologist, says it can make certain skin conditions worse, so it's not recommended for people with psoriasis or eczema (via Health Guide). PMU adds that people with oily skin, potential pigment allergies, or complete baldness in the treatment area are also not good candidates.

Amy Gonzalez, a permanent cosmetic artist at Vampd Brow and Lash in Oviedo, Florida, told The List that "hairline microblading doesn't always heal well and can look unnatural after the healing process. Scalp micropigmentation might be a better option." Byrdie claims that unnatural results are more likely to occur if your artist is inexperienced.

So, is microblading the answer to a receding hairline? It could be, but it's certainly not a treatment option for everyone, and it's not permanent. If you decide to move forward with scalp microblading, just be sure the artist you choose is experienced. See if they have an online portfolio before even booking your appointment, and always look for reviews.