repigment

Repigment is the process of restoring pigment to something that has lost its color. The term is used across disciplines, including medicine, biology, textiles, art conservation, and materials science, to describe the regaining or reintroduction of color in tissues, hairs, fabrics, ceramics, or plastics.

Within medicine, repigmentation most commonly refers to the regrowth of melanin in skin or hair after depigmentation due to conditions such as vitiligo, post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, or aging. Spontaneous repigmentation can occur, but it is often facilitated by treatments that promote melanocyte activity or migration. Approaches include phototherapy (narrowband UVB or PUVA), topical therapies such as corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors, and, in some cases, surgical methods like melanocyte transplantation or blister grafts. The extent of repigmentation depends on factors including the depth of pigment loss, the presence of active inflammation, and the area of the body.

In textiles, ceramics, plastics, and other materials, repigmentation describes reapplying pigment to restore color after fading or bleaching. Methods range from re-dyeing fabrics or repainting surfaces to applying glaze, pigment-containing coatings, or resin infusions. In art conservation, repigmentation aims to stabilize and reintroduce original coloration while preserving underlying substrates, often using carefully selected pigments and binders that match the original appearance.

Success and durability vary by context. In biological tissues, safety, long-term stability, and cosmetic tolerance are considerations; in materials applications, compatibility with the substrate and colorfastness under light exposure are important concerns. Research continues to improve techniques that minimize tissue damage while achieving uniform and durable color restoration.