Scalp Micropigmentation: Everything You Need to Know to Fix Hair Loss
If you’ve experienced permanent hair loss, you’re not alone. In fact, more than 21 million women and 35 million men suffer from some type of hair loss in the United States alone. Thankfully, this issue doesn’t have to consume your life or steal your confidence with the help of scalp micropigmentation. If you’re looking to find a thicker and fuller set of hair without having to do invasive surgery, scalp micropigmentation is the ideal treatment for you. Below we dive into everything you should know about the process.
What Is Scalp Micropigmentation?
Scalp micropigmentation is a non-invasive treatment that involves depositing pigment into the scalp to give the appearance of a full head of hair. While it’s commonly referred to as a hair tattoo or scalp tattoo due to the use of pigment, the expertise, mechanisms, techniques, and tools of the procedure are much more advanced than what is required for tattoos.
During the process of SMP, micro-needles are used to deposit pigment onto the scalp, leaving thousands of tiny impressions, resulting in a realistic-looking head of hair. Due to its natural look and excellent results, many people use it way before they experience hair loss.
It looks so natural due to the specific type of ink used in Scalp Micropigmentation procedures. This ink is designed to mimic the look of natural hair and can only be applied by trained practitioners who render a specific pattern to create a full-looking head of hair.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Scalp Micropigmentation?
There are many conditions that scalp micropigmentation would be a great option to look into. If you have a health-related condition such as lupus, balding, thinning, or alopecia, you might experience balding or lack of hair growth, which makes this treatment ideal.
If you’re experiencing problems with a receding hairline or have scars on the back of your head due to FUE or FUT surgery, this procedure can help with hairline restoration and hairline replacement. While it’s typically used for those who have shorter hair, it can still work for people who have a longer head of hair. To ensure the process is right for you, set up a consultation with your provider to discuss your specific case.
Benefits of Choosing Scalp Micropigmentation
- Affordable
When people lose their hair, they may turn to expensive treatments, such as hair transplants. This procedure can cost anywhere between $7,000 to $15,000, depending on the scope of work you’re looking to have completed. Scalp Micropigmentation is a fraction of those expensive treatments’ cost while still maintaining the same quality and effectiveness.
- Safe To Use
There are no prominent side affects you need to worry about when choosing a scalp micropigmentation procedure. The treatment is safe, and the pigments are natural ingredients, sometimes even plant based. When it’s finished, you’re free to carry on with your everyday life.
- Guaranteed To Work
While there are many products and procedures that claim they can help with hair growth, they don’t always work. SMP is not a hair growth product, but it is guaranteed to work and give you the hairline restoration you need.
- Helps With Hairline Restoration
When the ink is applied to the scalp, it will follow the natural pattern of your original hairline, resulting in hairline replacement. It can also help reduce any noticeable blemishes, scarring, or burns on the scalp.
- Little Recovery Time
While there may be some redness of the scalp, there is no real recovery time since no incisions or chemicals are used. You’ll be able to continue with your day once finished with the procedure.
How Does the Treatment Process Work?
If you’re considering scalp micropigmentation, it’s essential to understand the process. The entire procedure is usually done in 2-3 sessions and is a multi-step procedure.
- Consultation: First, you’ll book your consultation appointment. You’ll talk through your treatment options with your provider to ensure you’re working towards the look you want for your head and guarantee the process is right for you. From there, you’ll schedule your tattooing sessions.
- Sessions: The actual pigmentation of your scalp will take at least two sessions, lasting about 2-3 hours each. You will need to give your scalp some time to rest before your next appointment, usually between 1-2 weeks.
After your sessions, you’ll see immediate results. Plus, there is no recovery time. Once your last session is finished, you’re free to continue with your day. While you might experience slight redness of the scalp, there are no lasting side effects or set recovery time.
How Long Does Scalp Micropigmentation Last?
The treatment is performed with the injection of ink, which some people may assume will last forever. While it is a more permanent solution to hair loss, that doesn’t mean you won’t need to touch it up. The procedure will last between 4-6 years, depending on how your head reacts to the pigment. After this time period, it’s recommended to head to your technician for a touch-up so you can maintain the beauty of your procedure.
How To Find the Best Scalp Micropigmentation Practitioner?
If you’re ready to fix your hair issues, you’ll want to seek a practitioner who can provide the best scalp micropigmentation treatment in a safe environment. Since this is a permanent procedure, you’ll want to ensure you’re choosing the right practitioner. When deciding between treatment centers, look for places that fit the following criteria:
- Have a certification of Scalp Micropigmentation training
- Practices in a sterile and clean environment with a sink
- Opens new needles in front of the client
- Uses protection during the treatment, including gloves, masks, and guards on the machines
- Displays knowledge of skin physiology
Don’t be afraid to ask the potential clinic or technician questions about their background, how long they’ve been training for, or anything else you might want to know. Most scalp micropigmentation technicians will have multiple customer reviews or testimonials to back up their work. Using the criteria listed above, you’ll be able to find the right technician to get the hair of your dreams!