Living with alopecia can be challenging, impacting your physical appearance and self-esteem. Alopecia areata (AA) is a type of autoimmune hair loss disorder. This means that the person’s own body has begun to mistakenly attack itself. It often results in patchy or complete hair loss, affecting not only your scalp but also your eyebrows and eyelashes, two prominent and visible features of your face.
However, you don’t have to deal with the loss of facial hair if it makes you uncomfortable. Various cosmetic treatments are accessible to address alopecia areata and help conceal the effects of hair loss.
This article will explore some of these semi-permanent cosmetic options in detail so keep reading to find out more.
Microblading
Microblading has grown in popularity enormously over the past ten years. It’s a procedure carried out to create semi-permanent natural-looking eyebrows. During it,, a dermatologist or aesthetician will use a compact device with tiny blades containing ink to create micro-incisions over the top layers of the skin. The ink, also known as a pigment, is added to give a fuller and more well-defined eyebrow look.
You can expect an initial eyebrow tattooing session in Melbourne to take at least a few hours and you’ll need to visit again for a follow-up to refine the shape. The results from microblading will fade in about a year, but you can maintain the look by getting periodic touch-ups after a few months.
One of the reasons clients love microblading is because it is less painful than traditional tattooing. However, if you have alopecia areata, you must consult your dermatologist to check whether this treatment is right for you. If you’re an eligible candidate for eyebrow tattooing, it can help you to change your appearance and regain your confidence. That being said, always remember to choose a qualified dermatologist or aesthetician to get optimal results from the treatment.
Nano Blading or Microshading
In recent years, there have been a series of innovations within the microblading industry. Two of the prominent ones include – nano blading and microshading.
Nano Blading makes use of even finer needles than traditional microblading, which results in extremely fine lines, mimicking natural hair. You can also seek more detailed eyebrow enhancement in the form of 6D microblading. It is a revolutionary procedure that gives the appearance of additional hair using a combination of long as well as short strokes.
Microshading, also known as micropigmentation, is another interesting technique that is used to create an ombre effect on the eyelash and brow region. Unlike microblading, microshading involves making tiny dots using a motorised pen-shaped instrument. It can penetrate the skin a bit deeper and provides longer-lasting results.
Some risks are associated with these treatments, such as bleeding, infection, swelling, and allergic reactions. So, make sure to speak to a qualified professional before proceeding with these options.
False lashes or extensions
If you’re suffering from alopecia areata-related eyelash loss, false eyelashes and eyelash extensions can offer a way to enhance your lash appearance. There are endless types and thickness combinations, but in general, eyelash extensions are semi-permanent and attached individually by a trained aesthetician. They can last for a few weeks, although you can maintain them with refills.
In cases where there is very minimal eyelash hair, false eyelashes seem like a more suitable option because they can be glued directly on the skin just on top of the original lashes.
However, always make sure your beauty therapist conducts the right patch tests in advance as certain adhesives may cause allergic reactions or infections.
Laser hair removal
Alopecia areata often results in patchy hair growth with uneven patterns. Fortunately, you can use picoway skin laser treatments to deal with this issue.
Laser removal is a common procedure that uses laser energy to heat hair follicles, which delays hair regrowth in treated areas. While it isn’t entirely permanent, the treatment can offer a relatively affordable and quick way to manage unwanted hair in certain areas, such as the upper lips and chin.
Because of the sensitive nature of the skin around the eyelids and eyebrows, laser treatments are generally not performed in these areas as it could cause an injury.
The procedure can also lead to temporary side effects such as redness, swelling, and skin colour changes. In rare cases, it may cause blisters or alterations in skin texture. So, before booking in for any picoway skin laser treatments, have a conversation with your dermatologist and think about what might be best for your skin.
Living with alopecia areata is not easy, but it’s easier than it once was thanks to cosmetic technology. Many procedures are available out there that can tackle hair loss effectively to improve your appearance and boost your confidence simultaneously.
That being said, the results from any of these treatments are in the hands of the technician performing it. Therefore, seek a qualified professional who can understand your unique needs and devise a treatment plan for alopecia areata. By exploring these options and working with a trusted professional, you can embrace life with alopecia again.