Scalp micropigmentation, also known as SMP is a cosmetic treatment that’s gaining popularity for individuals with hair loss.
We offer it at Scalp Nation, though we appreciate that many of you don’t understand the ins and outs of this process. This page will cover everything you must know about SMP, so you can ultimately decide if it’s the right treatment for your needs.
What is Scalp Micropigmentation and How Does it Work?
Scalp micropigmentation is considered one of the various treatments for hair loss. It is a purely cosmetic procedure that’s designed to give the illusion of thicker, fuller hair on one’s scalp.
Small dots (or micro pigments) are layered across your scalp using a rotary tattoo machine. This must be done by a skilled professional to get the best results, providing you with a permanent tattoo that will fade over time. It will look like you have a buzz cut as the small dots/impressions look like tiny little hairs that are just about to grow.
In many ways, scalp micropigmentation is an art form. The best practitioners will use different hues of black and layer the dots to create an even better hair illusion. Your head will look like it has a very short layer of hair to the untrained eye - which can do wonders for your confidence!
Who Typically Has Scalp Micropigmentation and Why?
Scalp Micropigmentation is typically sought out by men suffering from extensive hair loss. Bald men are popular candidates as they cannot undergo hair transplant surgery and wish to make it look like they have a nice head of hair.
Aside from that, anyone experiencing any type of hair loss could be suitable for scalp micropigmentation. It can be used on clients with thinning scalps but still have real hair in place, helping to cover bald patches and provide the illusion of thicker hair.
People with temporary hair loss are also likely to have SMP. The pigments will gradually fade, when it does you will require a top up treatment. It can be the perfect way to handle temporary baldness following cancer treatments or hair loss from other causes. Men who wish to improve their hairline and get rid of the “M” shape can also benefit from SMP.
It’s an extremely popular treatment amongst so many people because it works.
SMP does exactly what it says; it will make it look like you have hair on your head. There are far fewer risks involved than with other hair loss treatments - like transplants - and very little recovery time is needed. Most importantly, scalp micropigmentation is one of the most affordable hair loss treatment methods available.
Does Scalp Micropigmentation Grow Hair?
No. Scalp micropigmentation will not help you grow your hair. It’s a cosmetic hair loss treatment, meaning it only helps with the aesthetic side of your situation.
If you want to regrow your hair, then this is not the correct treatment option for you. It will only make it look like you’ve got more hair and can do an exceptional job of covering bald spots or fixing hairlines.
Keep in mind that hair growth treatments don’t have a very high success rate.
Many people have attempted transplants or hair plugs and seen little to no results, meaning another round of treatments is needed.
There’s also a much longer recovery time while SMP leaves slight redness that subsides within a few days.
Does SMP Damage Hair Follicles?
No, SMP will not damage your hair follicles at all. Injecting your scalp with the pigments will not have any adverse effects on the follicles or affect their growth.
That’s what makes this such a safe treatment for hair loss. It makes it look like you’ve got hair while your real hair follicles can slowly re-enter the growth stage and come back over time.
What Can You Expect From The Scalp Micropigmentation Process?
At Scalp Nation, our SMP process looks like this:
- Step 1: You begin with a consultation to discuss your needs and assess your situation. Our experts will look at your head/scalp and explain what the treatment can and can’t do. We can also provide a quote for the service based on how much work is required.
- Step 2: You’re booked in for your first SMP treatment with a specialist practitioner. A rotary tattoo machine is then used to implant the pigments into the skin. You shouldn’t experience much pain throughout the process. Most say on a level of 1-10 with 10 being most painful, they experience a level of around 3-4. Each person is different and some say they don’t feel a thing.
- Step 3: The treatment is then carried out over a few hours (each session) where density is achieved on your scalp. This process is repeated until the treatment is complete (usually 3-4 sessions).
Following each scalp micropigmentation treatment, your head will be red and it may feel a bit sore/sensitive. This shouldn’t last for longer than 72 hours each time, at which point you’ll be okay to carry on with life as normal. There aren’t any strict recovery steps needed for scalp micropigmentation and most people go back to work the next day.
Once the SMP process is 100% complete, it should stay evident for anywhere between 2-5 years before fading occurs.
After which, you’re more than welcome to return for a touch-up to maintain your look. As you’ve already had micropigmentation at this point, the touch-up procedure is usually only one session.
Is Scalp Micropigmentation Right For You?
Most people will have no problems undergoing scalp micropigmentation.
However, you may be unsuitable if you suffer from excessively dry skin or other skin conditions on your scalp. Don’t worry, we can discuss your eligibility during our initial consultation before you have to pay anything.
SMP is the ideal hair loss treatment for men who wish to have a believable buzz-cut look. Will Quaye our in house expert was trained by some of the best artists in the world. Nobody will be able to tell that you don’t have hair; it’s that good!
Get in touch with Scalp Nation today to book your consultation or learn more about scalp micropigmentation.
