The first time I started to become apparent when my hair was starting to go, I was around 18 years old.
I discovered scalp micropigmentation for men when searcing on YouTube and found Will.
Steve’s SMP Story
Scalp Micropigmention Aftercare & Healing Guide
In this guide we advise you how to care for your head after your SMP treatment including how to cleanse and apply balm to your head and what to avoid to prevent SMP fading.
Immediately After Your SMP Treatment
In this period you may experience some redness and swelling after your treatment, which is totally normal and usually subsides within 24 hours.
Within the first 24 hours after your treatment, follow these guidelines:
- Avoid touching the area
- Do not shower over the area
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Avoid excess sweating
- Do not apply any products
- Do not shave the scalp
Do not apply any ointments 6 to 24 hours post procedure.
The first 6 to 24 hour window is necessary for natural wound healing, without the interference of any foreign molecules.
Day 2 to 4 After Your SMP Treatment
24 hours after your SMP treatment, follow these steps:
- Ensure hands are clean and avoid rubbing aggressively.
- Cleanse the area with Micro Tonic or Micro PH 5.5 Scalp Cleanser 24 hours post procedure, then apply a thin coat of Micro Balm 5.5 SMP to the area.
- Use a cotton bud to decant a pea sized amount from the balm pot.
For the subsequent 72 hour period, cleanse as directed and apply balm two to three times daily.
PLEASE NOTE: Never apply the balm without cleansing first.
Within this period you still need to continue to avoid touching the area (unless cleansing), showering the area, avoiding sunlight and avoid excess sweating.
Please do not shave the area until day 5.
Day 5 And Onwards After Your SMP Treatment
- Follow the guidelines listed for post treatment advice immediately after your last session.
- We recommend your hair to be cut/shaved every 1-2 days or when you can notice a difference between your existing hair to the SMP.
- Avoid swimming, saunas and steam rooms for one month after your final treatment as this can cause fading to your SMP.
- In order to give your SMP treatment the longevity it deserves you should avoid any heavy exercise for 14 days after your final session. We say this to allow your SMP treatment to settle into your scalp and not be disturbed by excessive sweating.
- Keep the treated area out of direct sunlight for 30 days post final treatment.
After this time, you should use a sun blocking cream and a matte moisturiser.
Thank you for putting your trust in us here at Scalp Nation.
We hope you enjoy your new SMP for years to come!
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.
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?
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.
What Is The Difference Between SMP & A Tattoo?
The difference between scalp micropigmentation and a regular tattoo is SMP artists use micro needles to perform the treatment and go into the top layer of the dermis, which is the middle layer of your skin.
Although regular tattoo’ing can sometimes adopt these same methods dependent on what they are trying to achieve. Years ago there were myths flying around that SMP wasn’t tattoo’ing when in actual fact the truth is it is, all beit slightly adopted techniques being used to get the desired effect. but pretty much one of the same thing. For example geometric tattoo work would have slightly different techniques used as aposed to portrait work.
Scalp Nation is a UK Award Winning Scalp Micropigmentation Clinic in Hornchurch, Essex with hair line tattoo expert Will Quaye who specialises in SMP at his clinic 10 minutes from London.