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Do you have to shave your head to get scalp micropigmentation?

Will I need to shave my head?!

This is one of the first questions asked by new clients.
 
I’m happy to inform you that the answer is no!
 
That said, there’s a little more to this and I’m going to go into that in this article.

Scalp micropigmentation looks best in a style that is uniform.

SMP rebuilds your hairline and adds density to your scalp. When you create a style that complements this, that is when SMP looks best and looks most natural.
 

Most clients that come into my studio do not actually need to shave their heads.

Here are 3 common examples where you would not have to shave your head.

1. Decent hairline with concentrated thinning on top

If you have a decent hairline and are only thinning on top of your head, then you can use density SMP to bolster the hairline. This is most common in men. The SMP will make your hair look thicker and darker. That can solve a lot of people’s issues with their hair loss. 
 
For these clients, I wouldn’t suggest shaving your head. Since you have an established hairline, all you need is a density treatment to add volume. 

2. Long hair with concentrated thinning on top

Another situation would be if you have long hair. I see this a lot with women. Where they have a little bit of hair loss that’s concentrated on the top of their head. That is very easy to disguise with SMP. SMP can go between the existing hair and add a hair follicle replication tattoo. This gives the illusion of fuller, thicker hair.
 
Obviously, it wouldn’t be best for you to shave your head with long hair. All that’s needed is a small area of treatment between your existing hair.

3. Concentrated thinning on sides

If you have thinning on the sides of your head, it’s very easy to blend that. This will make a fade hairstyle that’s super easy to maintain and looks really natural. Filling in the sides of your head with SMP can add density and color back to your hair. SMP will also make it easier and more consistent to style your hair every day.
 
It would be a waste for you to shave your head with thinning on the sides. You don’t need to shave off the hair on the top of their head when the problem is with the sides.
 
If you’re in one of these categories, it’s better for you to have scalp micropigmentation done right where you are. It doesn’t make sense to shave your entire head.
 
If you’re wondering if you’re in one of these 3 categories, you can contact me. I’d be happy to do a consultation to tell you how scalp micropigmentation can benefit you the most.
 
When do I need to shave my head for scalp micropigmentation?
 

There are some hair loss situations where it’s best to shave your head to achieve the most natural result.

When I’m designing a style for someone these are the recommendations I usually give. 
 

If you have hair loss on the top of your head and a receding hairline, then picture how it would look if someone had really short hair on the top and really long hair on the sides.

That’s not how people style their hair.
  • If you want to get your hairline back
  • If your hairline is too far back for your taste
  • If you want to transition into a natural full look
Then it would be wise to buzz your head and lean into the shaved look with scalp micropigmentation.
 
Scalp micropigmentation can recreate an entire “buzzed head” look for people that want to shave their entire head.

Hair follicle replication tattoo will make it look like you have that freshly buzzed look every day. 

I would recommend shaving your head if:

  • your hairline is too far back that it would look strange to have short hair in the front.

  • your hair loss is concentrated on the top and you have long hair on the sides.

The main reason I would recommend buzzing your head is to make a cohesive natural look. This way you get the most out of your scalp micropigmentation.
 
The other reason is for maintenance. If you create a specific hairstyle that requires a lot of work, it’s difficult to keep up with. It won’t be the type of result you’re looking for most often. 
 
So, if you go ahead and give yourself a low maintenance cut and use SMP to fill in and make your hairline:
  • more prominent,
  • more realistic,
  • thicker-looking
You’re going to be more pleased with your result at the end. 
 
That said, there are really no rules about SMP.
You can have scalp micropigmentation however you want it.
If you like the way your style looks, that’s the only thing that matters.
 
If you want to get in touch with me for a consult, then fill out the contact form below. Let’s see what scalp micropigmentation can do for you!

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