The progressive nature of hair loss often leaves people with anxiety, uncertainty, and insecurity. As a result, many seek remedy through surgery or other invasive procedures. Those who have wanted to avoid surgery have had to rely on subpar, temporary solutions that met an immediate need, but only barely.
However, scalp micropigmentation (SMP), when performed by qualified professionals, is an excellent non-surgical and permanent solution to disguise hair loss.
If you’re contemplating SMP, but don’t know where to start, this is the guide for you. Continue reading to learn about scalp micropigmentation benefits, who the procedure is right for, and how to choose an SMP provider.
What Is SMP?
SMP is a non-invasive, non-surgical way to address hair loss, a receding hairline, or scalp scarring.
Another way to describe SMP is that it’s a permanent and more aesthetically pleasing version of a scalp concealer. However, scalp micropigmentation addresses all of the user issues that scalp concealers often present. For example, one primary complaint that people have about typical hair loss camouflagers is that they interfere with their daily lives.
When using concealer, you have to consider many environmental factors. These often are weather, humidity, or the likeliness of perspiration. If you don’t, you risk your product shedding onto your clothing and furniture.
With SMP, the only weather and activity considerations you have to make are what to wear and whether to bring an umbrella.
The precise results attainable depend on the type of hair loss you are experiencing. As an example, those with thinning hair often use SMP to help camouflage their scalp. Others, with total hair loss, can achieve a close-shaved look.
What Happens During the SMP Procedure?
SMP procedures often take place over two to four visits, and each visit is several hours long. The exact length and amount of visits vary for every person. Your provider will determine the course of treatment by assessing the extent and type of your hair loss, the location, and the textural quality of your scalp.
During the procedure, micro-needles are used to deposit pigment into the scalp. Then, the pigment is applied in a stippled formation with one or more needles to simulate the appearance of hair follicles.
Although SMP is often compared to microneedling, they are intrinsically different. For one, SMP does not use tattoo ink. Instead, scalp micropigmentation uses specially formulated pigments.
The exact color of the pigment is crafted to match every client’s unique skin tone and natural hair color. The goal is to produce a well-blended, flattering result.
Who Can Scalp Micropigmentation Help?
Scalp micropigmentation can visually restore hair density for many. While those with alopecia make up a large share of SMP clients, many others benefit from it.
SMP benefits those with
- An uneven or patchy hair growth post-chemotherapy treatment
- A receding hairline
- Long but thinning hair
- Missing hair, such as in a bald spot
- Scarring after injury, or hair transplant surgery
Hair loss can happen for a variety of reasons, and not everyone experiences it the same. But, if you find yourself dropping out of life because of your missing hair, SMP may benefit you.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Now that your question, “what is SMP?” has been answered, it’s time to delve into what happens post-procedure.
Scalp micropigmentation is a non-invasive procedure. As a result, there is no recovery time required.
However, it is critical that you follow all aftercare instructions post-procedure. Most instructions will ask that you keep your scalp protected from the sun, moisture, or perspiration for at least four days. During that time, washing or scrubbing your scalp is forbidden.
Following aftercare instructions closely will ensure the quality and longevity of your scalp micropigmentation.
Your scalp may be red or irritated for a few days after the procedure, but this is barely noticeable for many and does not interfere with their day.
Several days after each SMP procedure, it is normal for you to experience scabbing and pigment shedding. Remember not to panic. This is expected and does not represent the final result.
Preserving the Pigment
Although scalp micropigmentation is a permanent procedure, the pigment does fade over time. This is because your skin is an immense organ, always shedding and constantly exposed to UV rays, contributing to it’s fade.
However, while you will need touch-ups after some time, you can avoid premature fading by taking excellent care of your scalp. One way is to protect your scalp from the sun with high-level sunscreen or a protective hat. It is also essential to keep your scalp moisturized and avoid skin products that are greasy or contain alcohol.
Choosing an SMP Provider
Scalp micropigmentation is a permanent solution that is not without its risks, so you must choose the right provider to complete your procedure. You can use patient testimonials and reviews to give you a better idea of which provider will best meet your needs.
Your goal is to find the most experienced, talented SMP provider. One reliable tool to aid you is portfolios. By looking at how they addressed similar scalp needs, you can assess whether they can manage your own.
A provider with an extensive portfolio of happy clients is a great predictor of your future results with that artist. For example, Scalp Co. is an SMP provider with a broad portfolio featuring over five thousand clients. This signals to prospective SMP recipients that they achieve reliable results.
SMP Can Help You Meet the Challenge of Hair Loss
Anyone who has experienced hair loss knows that its effects are not cosmetic alone. Worries about missing hair and the sharp contrast of an exposed scalp can occupy all 24 hours of a day.
But it doesn’t need to be that way.
So, if you’ve ever wondered, “should I get scalp micropigmentation?” then you know you’re ready to get in touch with a provider to find out if this is the solution for you.
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