- Losing one’s hair is not only devastating to their appearance, but also their self-esteem.
- Fortunately, scalp micropigmentation is an innovative procedure designed to give the look of a full head of hair without surgery or drug treatments.
- Since scalp micropigmentation is a permanent procedure, make sure to be diligent when choosing a practitioner by thoroughly checking their experience and reputation.
When you lose your hair, it can be devastating to your appearance and your self-esteem. But it doesn’t have to be this way!
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is an innovative procedure designed to give the look of a full head of hair without surgery or drug treatments, which are often expensive and come with their own side effects. Additionally, the procedure requires no maintenance or recovery time.
If you would like to have the look of a fuller, thicker head of hair without surgery, here is everything you need to know about SMP.
The ink that is used in SMP is a proprietary formulation specifically designed for that purpose. It is applied by trained practitioners. They use micro-fine needles to create the illusion of hair in a manner that is similar to an artist’s use of stippling to render a specific pattern.
What Is Scalp Micropigmentation?
Scalp micropigmentation involves the application of ink to the scalp to create thousands of minute impressions that give the appearance of hair. Each impression resembles an individual hair follicle. The effect of this procedure is so realistic, low-maintenance, and attractive that many people are choosing it even before they begin to experience thinning hair or baldness. This is especially true for men.
The ink that is used in SMP is a proprietary formulation specifically designed for that purpose. It is applied by trained practitioners. They use micro-fine needles to create the illusion of hair in a manner that is similar to an artist’s use of stippling to render a specific pattern.
SMP is sometimes referred to as a hair tattoo because of the way that the ink is applied. However, the techniques, tools, mechanisms, and expertise involved are significantly more advanced than those required for tattooing.
The Benefits of SMP
Unlike medical devices, SMP is a non-surgical procedure that uses a tattoo-based cover-up to create the illusion of thicker hair. It requires no maintenance and can be treated in the same manner as natural hair.
One of the primary benefits of SMP is simply that it can make a person look much younger, which can boost a person’s self-esteem. However, there are other benefits, including:
- No recovery time, although there may be some redness of the scalp following a procedure;
- Thickens the appearance of hair and definition of the hairline;
- Very affordable when compared to other procedures like hair transplants;
- Uses no chemicals;
- Requires no incisions, and;
- Can typically be finished in two to three sessions.
Is It Painful?
In most cases, the pain associated with SMP is minimal. To alleviate as much pain as possible, practitioners typically apply a numbing agent before beginning the procedure.
Most people would say that this procedure hurts less than getting a traditional tattoo. However, it should be noted that certain regions of the scalp are more sensitive than others.
SMP is also less painful than a hair transplant. In the latter, hair is removed from one region of the scalp and transplanted to another region where the hair is thin. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis under a local anesthetic. During this time, the patient will feel only a slight pricking sensation. However, when the local anesthetic wears off, patients may experience a significant amount of pain and may have to take pain medications for a few days. Conversely, SMP patients only experience mild pain for a short time.
What Is It Used For?
It is a common misconception that SMP is only used to treat hair loss and balding. In fact, there are many uses for the procedure.
Thicken the Appearance of Hair
Even though some people have not lost their hair, they would prefer that their hair is thicker. Thus, making it appear that they have a fuller head of hair.
SMP can provide that look whether a person has short hair, long hair, or thinning hair.
Add Definition to the Hairline
In addition to being able to restore a front hairline for full or partially bald heads, SMP can increase the definition of full front, side, and rear hairlines. For those that prefer a shaved-head look, SMP can provide that look in addition to the look of a buzz cut.
Cosmetic Correction
SMP is very effective at hiding scars and other skin defects. This includes scars from previous surgical procedures, accidents, burns, and birthmarks. Also, it can be used to hide bald patches that appear after shaving the head and for fixing botched hair loss procedures.
How to Find the Best SMP Practitioner
As with any other profession, you need to have a good SMP specialist in order to get the best treatment for your condition.
Because SMP is a permanent procedure, you will want to thoroughly check out the experience and reputation of any practitioner that you are considering. Client testimonials are a good way to do that. A good clinic will work with you and try to understand your needs, after which they will offer you a solution to your hair loss problems.
When looking for a high-quality SMP treatment center, make sure it:
- Displays a body art practitioner license;
- Has a county health permit, certification of SMP training, and bloodborne pathogens certification;
- Opens packaged needles in front of the client;
- Is a clean and sterile environment with a sink, and;
- Uses barrier protection during treatment
Using these criteria, you will be able to find the best SMP practitioner for the job.
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