What Is Scalp Micropigmentation?

Watch Will explaining what is scalp micropigmentation

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. 

Hair Tattoo Guide

Hair loss is an incredibly common problem for both men and women. For example, 30% of men deal with hair loss before the age of 30, and one in four women aged 25-35 experience similar symptoms.

While there are many different potential causes of hair loss, including medical conditions and stress, many of those dealing with this deal with reduced confidence and self-esteem issues. As a result, many cosmetic procedures have been created to help combat this, including hair tattoos.

What Is A Hair Tattoo?

Hair tattoos are not “tattoos” in the traditional sense – for example, signing up for a hair tattoo does not mean you’re going to walk away with a fun design on your scalp. Instead, they are designed to mask the signs of hair loss by creating the illusion of fuller hair or closely shaven hair.

This is achieved through the use of a rotary tattoo machine and micro needles, the pigment is added to the scalp and designed to look similar to natural hair follicles.

Many patients prefer this form of aesthetic treatment over hair transplants, as they are minimally invasive and require less recovery time. This means that you can notice the results (and benefits) right away.

What concerns/issues can hair tattoos address?

Suitable for both men and women, a hair tattoo can address a range of complaints/issues, such as:

  • Hair loss – This includes hair loss caused by medical conditions  and auto immune conditions such as alopecia areata and alopecia universalis.
  • Thinning hair – Hair tattoos can be used to create the illusion of thicker, fuller hair for those dealing with thinning hair. In instances of baldness, hair tattoos can create the illusion of a closely shaved head.
  • Scarring – Hair tattoos can also be used to cover up scarring around the scalp area, such as those obtained during hair transplant surgeries.

Many studies have found that client satisfaction is incredibly high among those getting hair tattooing services.

What is the process of getting a hair tattoo like?

Your hair tattoo journey will begin with a consultation with your practitioner, who will talk you through the process. They will also ask questions about your hair loss and any medical conditions you may have in order to ensure this is the best option for you moving forward.

During the procedure, they will use a specialist machine and micro needles to apply fine, pigmented impressions to your scalp. Their pigmentation, depth and placement emulate the look/appearance of natural hair follicles. No matter how big or small the hair tattoo is that you need, we will still require multiple sessions to complete the treatment and get the desired look.

A typical hair tattoo session will last between two to four hours, depending on your goals and overall look. However, your practitioner will be able to discuss this in more detail with you during your consultation. You’ll also be given plenty of time to ask any burning questions or put your mind at ease.

Unlike other cosmetic procedures, the recovery time for a hair tattoo is relatively swift, and you’ll be able to see the results right away. During your recovery, you may experience mild discomfort, swelling and redness, though this will quickly subside.

Does getting a hair tattoo hurt?

Many of those who have received tattoos in the past will describe the pain associated with the procedure as minimal. For example, it is not considered to be as painful as a traditional tattoo. This is because it is a minimally invasive procedure carried out by experts who know exactly what they are doing.

What are the benefits of getting a hair tattoo?

There are many benefits associated with getting a hair tattoo. For example:

  • Hair tattoos can drastically improve the clients overall confidence and self-esteem levels.
  • Hair tattoos effectively combat signs of hair loss, thinning hair and scarring, among other issues that you may be dealing with.
  • Hair tattoos, unlike other interventive methods, do not stand in the way of natural hair growth.

What do hair tattoos look like?

The process of hair tattooing has been refined over time in order to ensure it closely resembles the natural appearance of hair follicles. Furthermore, your practitioner will work closely with you to ensure the pigment selected closely matches your natural hair follicle and skin tone for a more realistic final look.

You can see some excellent before and after photos here, which show how the clients hair tattoos look once the procedure is complete.

How long do hair tattoos last?

Typically hair tattoos will last between 2 and 5 years on average, before slight fading starts to happen. There are certain steps you can take to extend its lifespan. For example, minimal sun exposure or protecting your scalp from UV stops the pigmentation from fading too quickly.

Many of those who receive hair tattoos will have follow-up appointments years after their procedure in order to maintain the best results. As touch-up sessions are only required to build up on the pre-existing work, they take less time and are typically less expensive as a result.

How much do hair tattoos cost?

The price of hair tattoos can vary, depending on the amount of hair loss you have. However, at Scalp Nation, we pride ourselves on giving our customers access to exemplary services for a fair and reasonable price. You can find out more about our prices here.

Get in touch today to find out more!

At Scalp Nation, we have years of experience in hair tattooing and always endeavour to support our clients in whatever way possible.

If you’d like to find out more about hair tattoos, please do not hesitate to get in touch today. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have about the procedure, aftercare and costs – or to get you started on your journey towards confidence!

Ludwig Scale Of Hair Loss Guide

Female pattern hair loss is more common than you’re led to believe. It’s estimated that 40% of women will be affected by it before they reach 50. The frequency then increases as you get older, leading many women to seek treatment early on. 

However, before undergoing treatment, it’s important to know how severe your female pattern baldness is.

This is where the Ludwig Scale comes into play. It’s a tool used by clinicians to diagnose female pattern baldness, but what exactly is it, where did it come from and what are the main stages on the scale?

We answer all of these questions – and more – in the post below: 

What is the Ludwig Scale and who invented it?

The Ludwig Scale is a simple diagnostic tool used to classify how far gone female pattern baldness is. It was invented in 1977 by Dr Erich Ludwig and continues to be the main chart used to categorise baldness in women.

There are three stages on this scale, giving it far fewer stages than the popular Hamilton-Norwood scale for male pattern baldness. 

Exploring the Ludwig Scale

We’ll now look through all three parts of the Ludwig Scale, explaining what they are and what hair loss may look like. You can use this to help self-diagnose yourself and figure out what classification you’re in. 

What is the Ludwig Scale 1?

The first stage on the Ludwig Scale represents minimal hair loss and thinning on the top of the head at the part line.

Many women with female pattern baldness don’t recognise hair loss at this stage because it is hard to see.

It’s a good idea to take photos of the top of your head to see the difference around the part line. If more scalp appears over time, it could be a sign of hair thinning. 

What is the Ludwig Scale 2?

Stage 2 takes things to more extremes. You still experience hair loss at the top of your head and around the parting line, but it’s more severe. The thinning area has expanded and looks like it’s widening on your head. More scalp is visible from the top and you may also notice the hairs look and feel thinner. 

This is more noticeable than stage 1 as you can feel a difference in your hair. As well as feeling thinner, the top of your head also feels lighter.

It can give the sensation and look like there’s less hair on your head than normal – it may lose the typical bounce you’re used to experiencing. 

What is the Ludwig Scale 3?

The Ludwig Scale 3 is classified as the most serious type of female pattern baldness.

This is where the bald area has spread across your head and there’s a large bald patch that’s easily seen. It’s no longer possible to cover the bald patch by sweeping your hair over and there’s a significant decrease in hair follicles on the top of your head. 

As you can see, there are far fewer stages to the Ludwig Scale than there are for the Norwood one in men.

This is because men’s hair loss is slightly more dramatic and begins with a receding hairline. As the Ludwig Scale shows, many women don’t suffer from a receding hairline yet can still have dramatic hair loss on their crown. 

What causes female pattern baldness?

There are many reasons you may experience female pattern baldness. Some of the most common include: 

  • Age – As you get older, your hair starts naturally thinning and stops regrowing. This is why women over 50 are more at risk of developing female pattern baldness than those younger. 
  • Genetics – Genetics always play a role in hair loss. If your family has a history of female pattern baldness, there’s a high likelihood you will also experience it. 
  • Hormones – Certain hormones will impact hair loss, with DHT being the main one. It’s a derivative of testosterone that’s been shown to inhibit hair growth when levels are elevated. If you have an abnormally high DHT level, this is likely to cause female pattern baldness. 
  • Stress – Women who are highly stressed are more at risk of losing their hair. High-stress levels can trigger hair shredding which may lead to stage 1 on the Ludwig Scale. 
  • Certain Hairstyles – Lastly, the way you wear your hair could cause female pattern baldness. The main issue is when a hairstyle pulls your hair too tightly. If it does this, it can damage the follicles, causing them to fall out and not regrow. Avoid wearing hairstyles like this for extended periods and be sure to give your hair a rest. 

How can you treat female pattern baldness with scalp micropigmentation?

One of the best treatment options for female pattern baldness is scalp micropigmentation. Tiny pigments are implanted into your scalp, giving the appearance of hair follicles. It helps to reduce thinning and gives your hair a fuller look. 

This is a completely non-invasive treatment that doesn’t require transplants or anything too extreme. The goal is to use these tiny pigments to offer the perfect optical illusion. They look identical to the tiny shaven hair follicles around the top part of your head, near the part line. The result is incredibly realistic and requires no upkeep when compared to other hair loss treatment methods. 

Scalp micropigmentation is also far more affordable than a traditional hair transplant – which is more invasive, requires a greater degree of recovery and doesn’t always work. You can regain confidence and wear your hair how you like! 

We recommend enquiring about scalp micropigmentation for women when you’re either on stage 1 or 2 of the Ludwig Scale.

At these points, it is much easier to disguise the bald area and provide a natural appearance. The earlier you undergo the treatment, the more cost-effective and impressive it will be. 

So, remember the Ludwig Scale and check your hair to see if you’re on it. If you notice the telltale signs of female pattern baldness, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

We offer free consultations to help you find the best solution to hair loss.

Can Hair Loss Be Caused By Stress

For years, it’s been assumed that stress can cause hair loss. When people go through extreme bouts of stress, their hair is liable to fall out.

But, is this scientifically proven or just a myth? More to the point, is your hair loss caused by stress or something else?

We’ll explain all you need to know about stress-related hair loss in this article. It will include the science behind it, symptoms to be aware of, treatment options and much more. 

What is Stress-Related Hair Loss?

Stress-related hair loss refers to types of hair loss that are caused by unusual levels of stress in the body. As your brain releases more cortisol (the main stress hormone) it can affect hair growth.

The most common type of stress-related hair loss is known as telogen effluvium (TE). In fact, this is one of the most common forms of hair loss full stop. Your hair goes through three stages as it grows and sheds: 

  • Growth phase (Anagen)
  • Resting phase (Catagen)
  • Shedding phase (Telogen)

Telogen effluvium is when more hairs enter the shedding phase from the growth phase. This means you have more hair prematurely shedding than growing. The result of this is thinning of the scalp and noticeable hair loss. High levels of stress can be known to trigger this, which is why people see hair loss while stressed.

Is Stress-Related Hair Loss Permanent?

No!

Stress-related hair loss is not permanent as you’re losing your hair due to a controllable factor. No matter what type of hair loss is triggered by stress, it can usually be reversed if you counter your stress levels and undergo specific hair loss treatments. 

Why Do We Experience Stress?

Stress is a natural part of the human body and we’re supposed to deal with it. Scientifically speaking, it’s a reaction to external factors around us, such as:

  • Work
  • Exercise
  • Money problems
  • Relationship issues
  • Poor health
  • Bereavement 

When we’re approached with stressful situations, our body enters its fight or flight mode. It recognises the stressors as potential dangers, so it releases numerous hormones to either defend yourself against the conflict or get away from it as fast as you can. Your body will do this even when you’re not posed with a physical threat at all.

One of the main chemicals released during this process is cortisol – the stress hormone mentioned earlier. As you can imagine, if you’re constantly presented with stressful situations, your body will release more and more cortisol. 

That’s when stress becomes a problem. Stress is natural, but it’s not something you should be dealing with all the time. Chronically elevated cortisol levels lead to the slowing down of hair growth as more follicles enter the shedding cycle early. From there, you experience hair loss. 

Does Hair Loss From Stress Have Any Clear Symptoms?

Stress-related hair loss is usually spotted when the following symptoms are present:

  • More hair loss or shedding than normal – you may see hair on your pillow at night, in your hands when you run them through your hair or in your hairbrush. 
  • Thinning hair on your scalp – you might be able to see the scalp below and the hair on top of your head gets progressively thinner over time. 
  • Hair takes much longer to grow back – it seems like your hair remains the same length or takes far longer to grow than it ever did before.
  • An overly sensitive scalp – your scalp feels quite itchy and you may develop rashes due to stress. 

Ultimately, a lot of these symptoms are listed for other types of hair loss as well. The key thing to consider with hair loss from stress is that it happens gradually.

Look for these signs and then reflect on the rest of your life. Have you been through a tough time lately? Do you feel more stressed than usual? 

It’s a good idea to be aware of the signs of stress too, which are:

  • A general feeling of tenseness
  • Possible feelings of anxiety or depression
  • Being overwhelmed
  • Feeling physically tired all the time
  • Unable to sleep at night
  • Unable to turn your thoughts off
  • Stomach pains and digestive issues
  • Rashes or itchy skin

When you see these stress symptoms along with the hair loss ones listed earlier, there’s a very strong chance you have stress-related hair loss.

The question is, what can you do to treat it?

Are All Hair Loss Conditions Caused By Stress?

No.

The most common type of hair loss is called androgenetic alopecia – or male/female pattern baldness. This is not caused by stress as it is largely seen as a genetic issue.

You will be genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia and will start losing your hair from a fairly early age. Some people experience the early signs of male pattern baldness in their teens while it doesn’t appear in others until they’re in their twenties or thirties.

Keeping your stress levels low will not prevent this type of hair loss, but living a highly stressful life will make your hair fall out faster!

How To Treat Hair Loss Caused By Stress

You can treat hair loss from stress in a couple of ways. The main concern is dealing with stress – if your body keeps producing an abnormal number of stress hormones, you’ll continue seeing the problem.

Work on reducing the stressors in your life – this will obviously be very individualised depending on what’s causing your stress. General ideas include seeking therapy, exercising frequently, following a healthy diet and practising meditation.

If you can get your stress levels down, your body will eventually recover. There’ll be a reduction in the hair follicles entering the shedding phase and an increase in those going through the growth phase.

Alternatively, if you’d like an aesthetic treatment to help while your hair grows back, then consider scalp micropigmentation.

We offer it at Scalp Nation and have many clients who’ll testify that it brings back confidence and gives the illusion of a thicker head of hair while covering scalp thinning.

Feel free to message us for a scalp micropigmentation consultation – or simply get in touch if you have any questions.

SMP Pre-Treatment Advice

Thank you for booking your SMP treatment with Scalp Nation.  

Before your journey begins we would advise you to do the following:

  • Prior to your first session please apply moisturising cream or balm to your scalp on a daily basis (twice a day).  We recommend Membrane scalp balm (which can be found on our sister website) or any non-perfumed moisturiser. This will help prepare your skin to allow for optimum results.
  • Please do not apply any hair concealers/ fibres or hair systems the day of the treatment.  You can wear a loose hat or cap to and from the clinic.
  • Two days prior to treatment you can stop wet shaving, razor shaving. If you cut your hair with a foil shaver or clippers please do this the night before your treatment.
  • Please do not consume any alcohol drugs or caffeine on the day of treatment.  
  • If you currently take minoxidil please stop this one week prior to your appointment and whilst under treatment. Any prescribed medication can be taken as normal.
  • If you present signs of being unwell or under the influence your treatment will then be rescheduled and a 50% session charge will be applied.

If on the day of treatment, you are running late please advise the clinic at your earliest convenience. 

If your technician feels that your arrival time will affect your booked session then this may have to be rescheduled.  In doing so this will incur a 50% of session charge.

How Much Is Scalp Micropigmentation?

Modern medicine offers us many effective remedies and procedures for combatting hair loss; but one treatment has seized attention for its instantaneous and effective results: Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP).

Hailed as a game-changer against receding hairlines and thin crowns – but as with any great alliance comes cost. Let’s look into its financial side to restore lost swagger!

Scalp Micropigmentation: The Price Tag Revealed

How much is scalp micropigmentation? The cost of Scalp Micropigmentation can vary significantly based on several factors, including hair loss severity, number of sessions required, the expertise of the practitioner, and the geographic location of the clinic.

While initial costs may seem high, consider that SMP could actually reduce ongoing hair loss treatment expenses over time.

Standard Top of Head Treatment Costs

Individuals experiencing Norwood 3 to 7 level hair loss – which generally indicates moderate to significant thinning – will typically find that scalp micropigmentation treatment ranges in price.

Expect to spend between £2150 and £2650 for an all-encompassing service that aims to restore the appearance of fullness to their head of hair. An investment which offers renewed confidence and long-term benefits.

Cost of Top of Head Plus Scar Camouflage

For those suffering both hair loss and scalp scarring who wish to hide them, the combined top of head treatment and scar camouflage services come at a higher price point compared to individual treatments alone.

Clients can expect these comprehensive services to cost between £2450 to £2850 due to the complex work required in seamlessly blending micropigmentation into your existing hair pattern to render scars virtually undetectable.

An investment in aesthetics which will significantly boost self-esteem as well as help alleviate associated self-consciousness over scarred scalps!

Isolated Scar Camouflage Treatment Costs 

Individuals looking for targeted scar camouflage without full head treatments will find isolated scar camouflage an ideal solution.

These treatments are tailored specifically to cover up scars from accidents, surgeries or hair transplant procedures and prices start from £900 all the way up to £1850; making isolated scar camouflage an economical way to improve appearance and gain confidence without making extensive investments.

Prices within this range depend on size and complexity of scar being camouflaged.

Non-Existing Client Touch Up Costs 

Individuals who have undergone scalp micropigmentation with another provider and are seeking to enhance their look can take advantage of our Non-Existing Client Top Up service, starting from £600.

This touch up service aims to refresh previous treatments, ensuring your micropigmentation continues looking its best despite factors like fading or additional blending that may be necessary.

This service provides an economical way of maintaining its sharp, professional appearance!

Existing Clients Top Up (Touch Up) Costs

We understand the significance of maintaining a natural look with your scalp micropigmentation treatment.

To guarantee customer satisfaction and extend the longevity of results, we offer an Existing Clients Top Up service starting at £350 – perfect for those who have had their initial treatment but now require regular enhancement to maintain density and colour consistency.

Pricing may differ depending on work required but will always remain at an economical rate in keeping with our commitment to ongoing client care.

Cost of Density Treatment

Comprehensive Density Treatment can address concerns about thinning hair while creating an illusion of fuller density.

Pricing ranges between £2150 to £2850 due to high-quality pigments used in this meticulous process as well as expert technique required for creating an effortless natural look.

Each case is assessed individually with regards to coverage requirements as well as custom blending of pigments that perfectly matches existing hair colours – an investment towards confidence restoration and more youthful looks!

Treatment Costs for Alopecia Areata and Universalis

Individuals facing the unique challenges associated with Alopecia Areata or Universalis can turn to a clinic for personalised treatments designed to restore hair appearance.

Understanding the sensitivity of these conditions, professional consultation and pigmentation processes take the utmost care and precision in order to restore hair appearance.

Since these specialised services are offered on a Price On Application (POA) basis based on each client’s condition severity and individual requirements, you will need to get in touch for an accurate quote that fits with both you and your circumstances and goals!

A Global Perspective on SMP Costs

While SMP costs in the UK reflect excellent service and expertise, it should be noted that they can vary considerably across borders.

Factors influencing price variations include regional economic conditions, local market demand, the experience and reputation of practitioners, as well as individual clinic protocols.

SMP treatments in areas with higher costs of living, such as major cities in the US or Australia, may come at a more expensive rate. In countries with lower living expenses, services may be provided at more reasonable rates.

However, price should not be the deciding factor – quality materials used, technician proficiency and clinic standards all play an integral part in the success and safety of SMP treatments.

When making their decision about where to undergo scalp micropigmentation they should balance cost against quality and the clinic’s reputation when making their choice.

Sessions: Breaking Down the Process

A Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) treatment typically unfolds over multiple sessions.

Each of these may last anywhere between two and four hours, depending on the extent of the area being addressed. Initial sessions set the foundation for new hairlines, beginning the process of density building. Here, a technician and client work to establish expectations as well as introduce pigmentation subtly into their process.

Subsequent sessions are spaced out over several weeks to allow time for healing and to assess progress.

At these follow-up meetings, the practitioner meticulously darkens the scalp, adds further density, and refines details so as to achieve an all-natural-looking hairline and appearance. This gradual process ensures precision for an end look that complements both natural skin tone and hair characteristics.

The Upfront Investment: Deposits for Assurance

In order to ensure commitment and secure scheduling of Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) sessions, an upfront booking fee of £250 must be paid when booking.

This acts as an insurance policy between both client and clinic and ensures they allocate necessary resources and time exclusively for your treatment. A standard practice within the industry, this deposit serves to protect all parties involved.  The initial booking fee amount is then deducted off of the full price treatment.

Weighing the Worthiness of SMP

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) requires careful evaluation against its investment costs in terms of both long-term value and immediate cost. When making this decision, it is crucial to carefully weigh both costs against expected benefits over time.

Restoring their hairline or covering up thin spots provides not only aesthetic improvement, but also significant psychological benefit. Confidence, self-esteem and the perception of youthful vigour can have significant personal and professional benefits.

SMP is an inconspicuous solution with minimal upkeep requirements compared to alternatives such as hair transplants or ongoing medical treatments, making it a cost-effective long-term investment option. Carefully considering all these aspects will allow you to assess whether SMP would be suitable for you individually.

Final Verdict

Scalp Micropigmentation can provide many individuals with hope, offering them an opportunity to regain part of themselves that may have felt lost over time.

While SMP offers hope, its investment must not be undertaken lightly – one should take great care before entering this realm. But when considering its life-altering advantages, SMP may become less of an expense and more an investment in your well-being and future.

Just make sure to double-check all details before diving in! Do your research, select a reputable practitioner and ensure the price matches quality – this investment in yourself should lead to transformation and the realisation of who you can truly be without being limited by reflections from past events.

How Long Does Scalp Micropigmentation Last?

How Long Before SMP Treatment Fades?

Are you considering scalp micropigmentation and are unsure if it’s suitable for you?

Unlike other hair loss treatments, scalp micropigmentation is purely cosmetic. As such, many clients have questions such as how long scalp micropigmentation lasts, whether it fades, and whether scalp micropigmentation can be removed.

All of these are valid questions which will be answered in this post so you can make a more informed decision on your hair loss treatments and choose what is suitable for you.

How Long Does Scalp Micropigmentation Last?

How long does scalp micropigmentation last will be dependent on multiple factors. Typically, most clients find that they need a touch-up anywhere from 18 months to five years post-procedure.

There is no definitive timeline due to variables that cannot be controlled, such as how much sun exposure the treated area gets, your skin colour, your immune system, how you care for it and so on.

Some patients with darker skin tones might find that they don’t need as frequent touch-ups as those with paler skin, and people who moisturise the area regularly, wear hats in the sunlight and generally care for it better could find they, too, can go longer between sessions. Others might find their immune system rejects the pigmentation and pushes it out of the skin faster, requiring more frequent top-ups.

Sadly, there is no way of knowing prior to treatment how long your scalp micropigmentation will last or how often you will require touch-ups.

However, the most common cause of pigmentation fading is sun exposure, so covering up your treated area in sunlight will help you extend the vibrancy of the treatment for a longer time.

Another factor to consider is how you perceive the colour on a daily basis. Some people will be more acutely aware of any changes than others; some might find they prefer a less vibrant colour, especially for those who are starting to lose their natural hair colour and are going grey as it will blend more evenly as it fades. 

This is something you can discuss with your practitioner after your treatment to find a touch-up schedule that works for you.

Is Scalp Micropigmentation Permanent? 

Scalp micropigmentation is classed as a permanent procedure. While it might fade over time, it will always remain on the skin and be visible even if it loses its initial occurrence of vibrancy, regardless of whether you go for touch-ups.

As this treatment is permanent if you are to change your mind once you have the scalp micropigmentation for any reason, our preferences change over time as we get older, so while it might be perfect for you now, future, you might think differently for example, you will need to undergo potentially lengthy and perceive treatment options to remove the pigmentation fully.

Does Scalp Micropigmentation Fade? 

Over time, scalp micropigmentation will fade. Despite its permanency, the treatment will be prone to fading in two different ways.

Initially, once the recovery post-treatment has taken place, you may notice a change in how the colour looks. This is completely natural and down to the healing process. Your body will dictate the results once the treated area has healed, and this might be different than the initial results and should be expected.

Secondly, lifestyle and biological factors will impact how fast or how much your pigmentation fades. Moisturising the area every day can help you reduce the severity of the fade or duration your treatment takes it to fade; limiting UV exposure again will help you to lessen how much fade you can expect, as can wearing sunscreen or exfoliating too, and anything else might be out of your control.

For this reason, multiple treatments are recommended to help you revive your results. Think of it like dying your hair but on a less frequent basis.

Can scalp micropigmentation be removed? 

As needles are used to deposit the pigmentation superficially into the dermis of the scalp, the process of removing scalp micropigmentation is similar to removing a tattoo. Scalp micro-pigmentation is considered permanent, and as such, if you aren’t happy with the results, you have one of two options. 

Firstly, you can wait for it to fade out naturally over the years; remember, as discussed above, it won’t stay as vibrant as the initial results forever. This way, over time, as you age and your natural hair changes colour, the results will be less visible, although never fully gone.

Secondly, you can choose removal procedures to help you remove the pigmentation. Laser removals, saline removals and the UNDO system are methods that have worked for clients looking to remove scalp micropigmentation for any reason.

However, depending on the treatment method and how the pigmentation was administered, as well as your body’s reaction to pigmentation and the removal methods, it can take anywhere from two to ten treatments to remove fully, making it painful in some cases and expensive to carry out.

Scalp Micropigmentation FAQs

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

This will depend on various factors such as how well the initial treatment took, how you care for the treated area post-application, and other factors, including your personal preference for the colour vibrancy, your skin tone and how your body reacts to the pigmentation.

Typically, you can expect to require scalp micropigmentation touch-ups every 18 months to 5 years post-initial treatment.

How Fast Does Scalp Micropigmentation Fade?

Patients experience scalp micropigmentation fading at various speeds. For example, those who expose the area to sunlight and don’t care for it properly might experience faster fade rates than those who use these preservation techniques.

People with darker skin tones might notice they go longer between touch-ups for fading than people with lighter skin; there is no definitive timeline for how fast skin micropigmentation fades

Can I Get Scalp Micropigmentation Removed?

Scalp micropigmentation is classed as a permanent cosmetic treatment, and if you do change your mind and want it removed, you can either choose laser removal treatments to remove the pigmentation or you can wait for it to fade out naturally over time.

If you want to learn more about scalp micropigmentation or discuss your options, get in touch with Scalp Nation today to book your consultation.

Norwood Hamilton Scale Of Hair Loss Guide

Male pattern baldness, medically known as androgenetic alopecia, is a common condition that affects a high number of men worldwide. This condition leads to hair loss, having a considerable impact on men’s self-esteem and confidence. 

So, if you have been looking into understanding hair loss, you have probably come across the Norwood Scale, or the Norwood Hamilton Scale.

This widely used classification system helps professionals measure and determine the severity of male pattern baldness. This is also a scale you will come across if you are trying to plan the best treatment for your hair loss. 

What Norwood Scale Am I?

Are you familiar with the Norwood Scale but you are unsure what the different hair loss stages are?

This guide will help you grasp a deeper understanding of the Norwood scale, and appreciate how it can be part of an effective plan to address male pattern baldness. 

What is the Norwood Scale and Who Invented it?

The Norwood Scale was developed by Dr. O’Tar Norwood and Dr. James Hamilton in the 1950s and acts as a visual classification system to categorise the different stages of male pattern baldness. 

Dr. Norwood expanded on Dr. Hamilton’s initial research, which is why you may find the scale often referred to as the Norwood Hamilton Scale.

It is a very comprehensive scale, and is now a recognised standard tool for the assessment and evaluation of male hair loss patterns. 

Exploring the Norwood Hamilton Scale

The Norwood scale counts no less than 7 different stages of hair loss.

If you have been diagnosed with one of those stages, you may be curious as to what it means.

We explain more in detail below. 

What is the Norwood Scale 1?

On the Norwood Scale, level 1 is the  normal baseline for hair management. This stage represents normal hair growth. 

If you classify as Norwood 1, or Norwood Hamilton 1, this essentially means that you have a full head of hair with no visible signs of hair loss or receding hairline.

Stage 1 has no noticeable indication of male pattern baldness. To put it simply, this is healthy growth, and it is typically the level everybody wants to go back to after receiving hair loss treatment. 

What is the Norwood Scale 2?

There may be no clear differences between Norwood Scales 1 and 2, in men who enter scale 2 begin to experience a slightly receding hairline around the temples. 

You may also see it referred to as a “mature hairline”. This is an early sign of male pattern baldness and a common occurrence among middle-aged and senior men. It may not necessarily lead to severe baldness. Additionally, hair loss is often not noticeable to others except for the patient himself. 

That being said, if you notice that your hairline is receding, the quicker you act, the quicker you can come to a diagnosis and a solution. 

What is the Norwood Scale 3?

The third stage is a continuation of Norwood Scale 2. Scale 3 marks the onset of visible hair loss.

This is typically the stage where the hairline has receded further on the temple, creating a more noticeable M-shape pattern. This occurs primarily around the frontal temporal regions where hair thinning is happening.

As a result, the M-shape marks a more pronounced appearance of male pattern baldness. 

What is the Norwood Scale 3 Vertex?

In some cases, men can also experience hair loss in the vertex area. This is the crown of the head.

This comes in addition to the receding hairline in the frontal temporal regions. Typically, doctors and experts refer to this stage as a sub-category of Norwood Scale 3. But they may also talk about the Norwood Vertex or Norwood Scale 3 Vertex. 

Even if it is only light, hair loss in the crown area will significantly contribute to the overall appearance of baldness. 

What is the Norwood Scale 4?

With each scale stage marking a progression in the male pattern baldness, Norwood Scale 4 is a more significant and more apparent baldness, following the same patterns as those identified in the previous stage.

Hair loss continues in the frontal and temporal regions. At this point, the crown may also become affected and experience further hair thinning if it wasn’t already.

The bridge of hair between the front and vertex areas becomes noticeably narrower and the scalp can be more visible in places. 

What is the Norwood Scale 5?

Norwood Scale 5 indicates further hair loss progression. Here, the bridge of hair between the frontal temples and the crown is even thinner and narrower. Bald areas are more pronounced. 

While strategic hairstyles change may be able to conceal the previous stages, it is more challenging at this stage to hide hair loss and balding areas. 

What is the Norwood Scale 6?

In Norwood Scale 6, the bridge of hair between the frontal and vertex regions is almost completely gone.

There are large visible bald patches on the front and top of the head where the bridge is missing. 

Additionally, hair loss becomes more extensive. As a result, the remaining hair tends to become sparse and extremely fine. 

What is the Norwood Scale 7?

Norwood Scale 7 is the most severe stage of male pattern baldness.

Men at scale 7 may only have a band of hair that remains on the sides and back of the head, creating a characteristic horseshoe-shaped pattern.

The top of the head appears almost entirely bald, even though there may still be thin hair. 

What Causes Male Pattern Baldness and How can Scalp Micropigmentation Help Treat it?

While there may be different underlying factors behind male pattern baldness, this hair loss condition is typically linked to genetic and hormonal factors.

This is associated with testosterone: Hair follicles show an increased sensitivity to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is a hormone derived from testosterone. Over time, DHT can damage and shrink hair follicles, leading to progressively shorter and finer hair until the follicles cannot produce visible hair any longer. 

Scalp micropigmentation has gained popularity as an effective and non-invasive hair loss treatment. This approach is a cosmetic tattooing technique, involving the application of tiny pigment dots that replicate the appearance of shaven hair follicles on the scalp. Scalp micropigmentation creates the realistic illusion of a natural hairline in areas affected by hair loss. 

It goes without saying, the process is carefully tailored to individual needs and desired outcome. Depending on the baldness progression, the procedure can be conducted over a number of sessions for precise and optimal results. This can also be more cost-effective than a hair transplant, which is not always successful. 

For men looking for a long-lasting solution without the need for daily maintenance scalp micropigmentation is a convenient custom option suitable for those with busy lifestyles.