Scalp Micropigmentation – A Quick Guide
Hair loss is a common concern for men and women alike. The issue is frustrating and frightening at the same time. Although there have been many products and methods that claim to help address this issue, some are extremely pricey while others don’t offer good results at all.
Most people undergo hair transplant but they don’t realise that it is a more expensive option, not to mention the risks and poor quality involved. There are also hair extensions. Again, these can be quite expensive and require lifelong maintenance. Finally, the cheapest options today are wigs. Sadly, they can be uncomfortable and easily displaced.
Good thing that there is a new procedure that aims to help address various hair loss concerns. This is none other than scalp micropigmentation or simply SMP.
Common Causes of Hair Loss
Before delving into SMP and what it is all about, first, you should understand why people suffer from hair loss in the first place:
- Hormones
Hair tends to be finer and thinner until hair growth comes to an end. This is common in men with over-sensitivity to the hormone known as DHT or dihydrotestosterone. Hair follicles can shrink because of this hormone, leading to hair loss.
- Genetics
If your hair loss is faster than usual, it might be because of your genes. Genetics is one of the number one culprits for hair loss. Since hair follicles contain a DNA blueprint, you might be suffering from hair loss because the problem runs in your whole family.
- Age
Obviously, getting old means you will lose some or all of your hair.
- Other factors
Hair loss can also be the result of poor diet, different medications, and excessive use of alcohol.
Definition of Scalp Micropigmentation or SMP
SMP or scalp micropigmentation is a highly advanced and relatively new form of cosmetic pigmentation. Similar to microblading, SMP is like traditional tattooing. But, instead of getting permanent inks on the skin, incisions used during SMP don’t penetrate your skin enough, resulting to a more natural appearance. Highly specialised techniques and equipment are used for the process of injecting the pigment into the scalp’s skin. The final result will depend on two major factors, the artist performing the procedure and the use of high quality and suitable equipment.
When Was SMP Introduced?
Despite being considered as a somewhat new procedure, documentations revealed that it was during the 1970s when the first ever session of microblading took place. It was like a scalp tattoo done using ink for tattooing.
The process today is completely different because technicians are using warmer pigments and tones that give the final result a more natural look. But, it was only in 2002 when the procedure was completely developed, with the first general treatment made publicly available in 2006.
Who Can Benefit from Scalp Micropigmentation?
As is the case with other permanent makeup, the majority of the population is qualified to be candidates for SMP procedure. But, patients must remember a few things before undergoing the process. Although the initial consultation with an artist will answer all questions of the client, there are several pre-existing conditions that may affect the results:
- Serious diseases like cancer, autoimmune disorders, or epilepsy
- Diabetes
- Bleeding disorders
- Recent Botox fillers or injections
- Use of blood thinning medications
Is SMP Suitable for Men and Women?
Yes, SMP is great for men and women alike as it is an effective hair loss treatment. Similar to men, there are some women suffering from balding and hair loss although it is not as common. It often happens because of certain events like stress, surgery, or child birth.
But, SMP for women and men has a difference. Men receive treatment to resemble shaved hair follicles. On the other hand, the purpose of SMP for women is to reduce the contrast between the hair and the scalp. Women also have extremely low chances of becoming totally bald since they have even hair loss across the scalp. The frontal hairline of women also remains intact.
There is also no need for women to have their head shaved before they undergo SMP. The artist will instead part the hair one section after the other when applying the pigment, resulting to a shaded scalp. It becomes more difficult to notice the difference between the scalp and the hair, creating the illusion of much thicker hair.
SMP is best suited for people with brunette or dark hair but is not highly recommended for women with blonde hair.
Different Types of SMP
Hair pigmentation comes in different options and styles and the most important and popular ones include the following:
- Improving hair density
Clients are not required to have very short hair to undergo the procedure since there are many men with fairly longer hair but require slightly more density. Most people discover hair pigmentation as the best solution to fill or cover in missing or thinning hair. With the use of the latest equipment and following a three-dimensional approach, an expert artist inserts pigment in hairless scalp spots. As they do so, they can make the client’s hair look naturally denser.
- Receding hairline
It is the best possible solution for men who want to reduce their existing hairline and regain their receded hairline. An artist uses hairline ink to come up with the best results possible. It creates the appearance of a clean hairline and fuller hair.
- Edge up
Also called the “Jamie Foxx,” this is a very famous option that works best for extremely delicate hairline. This is very precise and also covers portion of the temples. Choosing the best artist is important here to guarantee that no mistakes will happen.
The Process of SMP Treatment
The entire procedure and treatment are extremely detailed. As stated earlier, SMP involves the process of pigment injection into the client’s scalp skin and is often completed after two to three sessions.
- Initial artist consultation is the first step. It can be done personally, which is a better option. However, consultation can also be done over video chat or over the phone. The artist needs to see the condition of the scalp of the client to determine the possible results.
- The artist and the client will decide on the style that best suits the client, the color of the pigment, and the rest of the details that are essential for the final results. This will help set the client’s expectations.
- The treatment will start. The initial session is done to lay the new look’s foundation. The scalp may turn a bit red after this but it will return to normal after one to two days.
- A second treatment is done for filling in more detail and using pigments with shades different from the initial treatment. This adds more depth to the final result with the goal of making it natural-looking as much possible.
- There are times when it is necessary to have a third procedure. This is commonly done as per client’s request when they want to add something or go darker.
How Long Does the SMP Treatment Last?
Similar to other procedures of permanent makeup, there is variation in the amount of time required for a quality treatment of scalp microblading. A session typically lasts from 3 to 4 hours but further sessions are often longer. It is because it is more difficult to achieve the right blend of darkness and density. You have to look for the best and most reliable artist to perform your SMP treatment.
The gap between the initial and the second treatment is usually between 1 to 4 weeks. This is to allow the pigment to naturally set into the client’s skin. The artist can then determine how the actual pigment is absorbed into the skin and come up with new strategies if necessary.
Is Scalp Micropigmentation Painful?
This question might be a bit tricky to answer since every person has different levels of pain tolerance. Most of the time, hair transplant is a totally painless procedure although this is because of the use of sedatives and numbing ointments. Some pain might be experienced during SMP but it is much less painful compared to getting a typical tattoo.
In general, cosmetic tattooing is performed on the skin surface only unlike traditional tattooing. This means that it doesn’t cause as much pain. Again, a bit of pain might be experienced but it is still better to suffer a few hours of minimal pain instead of 10 days of medication or scratching.
Is It Safe to Get Scalp Micropigmentation?
Scalp micropigmentation has been proven to be safe because of the specialised form of insertion of pigments as well as the natural pigments used for the process. This is a convenient option for younger patients suffering from hair loss and older patients alike.
As with any type of procedure that involves even the smallest risks of infections, it is important to look for a certified artist who performs scalp micropigmentation using quality pigments and sterile tools and equipment. Always follow their suggestions and instructions to avoid any worries after the procedure.
Cost of Rotorua Scalp Micropigmentation
The cost of Scalp Micropigmentation varies from Salon to Salon ($300-$3000) depending on the amount of hair loss and coverage required.
Ayu Beauty and Tattoo offers a free consultation and our prices are very affordable given the normal going market rate. Our prices can be found when you click the “Book Now” button on the link below.