Hair loss is a common issue that affects millions of people worldwide. While hair transplant surgery has been the go-to option for many, scalp micropigmentation (SMP) has emerged as a non-surgical, low-maintenance alternative. SMP is a cosmetic tattooing procedure that involves the use of micro-needles to deposit pigment into the scalp’s dermal layer, creating the illusion of hair follicles. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about SMP, including who it’s for, how long it takes, and whether it’s right for you.
WHO IS SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION FOR?
SMP is an excellent option for individuals dealing with hair loss, baldness, or thinning hair. It can be used to create the appearance of a full head of hair or to fill in sparse areas. SMP is also suitable for individuals who have undergone hair transplant surgery and want to add density to the transplanted areas. Additionally, SMP can be used to camouflage scars on the scalp, including those resulting from previous hair transplant surgeries.
Men are the most common candidates for SMP, but it’s becoming increasingly popular among women as well. Scalp Micropigmentation is increasing in popularity for women with long hair to create the appearance of thicker, fuller hair or to camouflage scars on the scalp. The procedure is suitable for all skin types and ethnicities.
IS SMP THE SAME AS A HAIR TATTOO?
SMP is often referred to as a hair tattoo, but the two procedures are not the same. A traditional tattoo is designed to be permanent, while SMP is considered semi-permanent. SMP uses a specialized pigment that is designed to fade over time, typically lasting anywhere from three to five years. The pigment is also deposited differently than a traditional tattoo, with a focus on creating the appearance of hair follicles rather than a solid color.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
The duration of SMP depends on the size of the area being treated and the level of detail required. Generally, the procedure can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours per session. Most clients require 2 to 3 sessions to achieve the desired results. There should be a gap of at least a week between each session to allow the scalp to heal properly.
During the procedure, the SMP technician will use a specialized device to deposit the pigment into the scalp’s dermal layer. The technician will work to create the appearance of hair follicles, carefully matching the pigment to your hair color and skin tone. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort.
WHAT IF I HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN?
If you have sensitive skin, it’s important to let your SMP technician know before the procedure (John in our case). John can also perform a patch test to determine whether you may have an adverse reaction to the pigment. If you do have sensitive skin, we can adjust the pigment formula to minimize the risk of irritation. Additionally, it’s important to follow proper aftercare instructions to minimize the risk of complications and ensure you end up with the best results take a look at our aftercare informartion so see how you can you can stay on top of your SMP treatment.
IS SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION RIGHT FOR ME?
SMP is suitable for most people, but there are some factors to consider before undergoing the procedure. If you have an autoimmune disease or any scalp condition that causes inflammation, you may not be a good candidate for SMP. Additionally, if you are prone to keloid scarring, you should discuss the risks with your SMP technician before undergoing the procedure. It’s also important to have realistic expectations about the results and understand that SMP is not a cure for baldness or hair loss.
In conclusion, SMP is a safe and effective way to address hair loss, baldness, or thinning hair. The procedure is non-invasive, requires no downtime, and produces natural-looking results. If you’re interested in SMP, consult with a qualified SMP technician to determine if it’s right for you.