What is scalp micropigmentation?
In its current form scalp micropigmentation, only started in the early 2000s. It is a cosmetic tattoo solution for hair loss.
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It’s non-surgical.
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It’s completely effective
It’s just depositing tattoo pigment into the scalp to create a 5 pm shadow.
The goal of scalp micropigmentation is to cover hair loss.
This is a great solution for anyone.
Because it ranges from those who are completely bald and ready to shave their heads to those who have long hair with concentrated areas of thinning. As it can reduce the contrast between the scalp and the hair and also create the illusion of thicker hair.
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There’s no downtime for it.
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It’s not painful.
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And it’s a very quick solution for those who need a practical answer to hair loss.
Scalp micropigmentation is technically a hair tattoo.
The procedure uses a:
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small digital tattoo machine,
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a different sort of pigment from traditional tattoo ink,
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and then a different technique to apply hair follicle replication tattoos.
It sounds technical, but what I really mean is it’s just thousands of tiny dots.
Scalp micropigmentation is a hair loss solution.
Scalp micropigmentation exists because there’s nothing between hair loss drugs and hair transplant surgery.
Both of which, have really negative side effects.
Hair Transplants Negatives
If you get a transplant, there’s a high probability it won’t work. And even if it does, you might not have enough density or you might get a scar from it on the back of your head.
Hair Loss Drugs Negatives
With hair loss drugs there can be serious side effects. There are different hormonal issues. And while they are effective there’s a lot more negative associated with them than positive.
Scalp micropigmentation benefits
This is pretty universal across people struggling with hair loss. Out of that came SMP, or scalp micropigmentation. Because there’s:
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no downtime,
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there’s no risk,
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and it’s non-surgical.
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It also doesn’t involve any form of drugs.
So, it’s a great solution for people who are looking for a fix.
- You want it fixed.
- You don’t want to interrupt your life to have a solution.
- You don’t want to take drugs to solve your hair loss issues.
It’s completely effective because it’s a tattoo.
While it is a tattoo it is very different from a regular tattoo. The method of application, the pigment used, and also the machine used are all different. They’re specifically designed for SMP.
So, most folks think that it may be a little bit extreme to tattoo your head. But with the current technology that is available, SMP is becoming one of the most popular treatments for hair loss.
Who can get scalp micropigmentation?
Almost everybody can have scalp micropigmentation.
It can be useful for filling in problem areas or addressing other hair loss concerns.
SMP or scalp micropigmentation is a form of paramedical reconstructive tattoo. Scalp micropigmentation can benefit you in these 3 major ways. There are different applications but these tend to be the 3 main categories.
1. Diffused Thinning
The first one is going to be for folks who are suffering from diffused thinning. Diffused thinning is when you lose the volume of hair. So, the amount of hair that you have is reduced all over.
You usually still maintain your hairline in diffused thinning. But you’ll notice that there’s more of a noticeable contrast between your scalp and your hair. And what that means is that you’ve lost a good deal of hair so your scalp is much more prominent than it was before.
SMP is fantastic for this because you can go between the diffused areas, where you have lost hair, and are experiencing thinning, and fill in and create density in those areas.
Most people believe that you need to be completely bald to have SMP. They’re surprised to learn that a lot of people who get SMP actually have diffused thinning. Instead of complete baldness.
2. Total or Complete Balding
That being said, if you are completely bald, then SMP is perfect for recreating your hairline. Scalp micropigmentation can create an entire shaved stubble look that is easy to maintain.
3. Medical Reconstruction and scar cover-ups
Third, is going to be people who come in for medical reconstruction.
Which is going to be scars, skin graphs, and, ironically enough, hair transplants scarring.
A lot of men or women have U-shaped hair transplant scars from the donor area where the hair is pulled from. And that actually needs to be covered up after a transplant. Even if the hair transplant is successful.
So, those are the main applications of scalp micropigmentation.
But there’s really no limits to what it can do. So, it’s definitely worth looking into if it may be able to solve whatever your major concern is.
How long does scalp micropigmentation take?
Scalp micropigmentation is a quick procedure.
It takes 2-3 sessions of layered, healed tattoo to get the finished result.
The reason for this is you want to make sure that the skin has time to heal. Also, that the pigment has time to settle before you add in different layers.
When you’re adding in different layers for SMP, sometimes, a different pigment is used. So, a different color.
Sometimes practitioners will use a different size needle. I do because I find that varying the size of the hair follicle tattoos lends to a more realistic and natural result.
Scalp Micropigmentation Appointment Overview
I have clients come in on their first appointment. Which usually takes about 2-4 hours because it is a very delicate and intricate process.
And then, after that, there is at least 7 days between their first and second appointment.
And then, at least 7 days between their second and third appointment. Usually, appointment times go in descending order.
So, the first one is always the longest because we have to build the foundation for the rest of your SMP. And the rest are shorter and shorter.
Appointment Length
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First Appointment – 2-4 hours
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Second Appointment – about 2-3 hours
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Third Appointment – Usually, about 2 hours, sometimes 1 and a half.
The last appointment is usually the quickest since the foundation is already there. Now, we are going for density and touch up.
Keep in mind this is a general guideline. It depends on the level of hair loss you are experiencing and the level of reconstruction we’re doing.
But that is the general overview of how much time and how fast you’ll get to a complete result.
If you’d like to get a hold of me, fill out the contact form below. I’d love to discuss what scalp micropigmentation can do for you!