What is Scalp Micropigmentation?

Scalp Micropigmentation
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a semi-permanent aesthetic procedure that uses a tattoo gun to implant pigments into the scalp of a client in order to replicate damaged or missing hair follicles. This process is used to camouflage a myriad of health conditions such as male or female pattern baldness, hair thinning, scarring on the scalp and alopecia. The results are meant to be indistinguishable from real hair follicles. When used on a bald scalp, the effect mimics shaven hair. This can create the illusion of a full, dense head of hair for clients with partial hair loss or permanent hair follicle damage. Licensed practitioners across the country will take on clients for multiple sessions to ensure the highest quality result. Each session is several hours long and unique to the client.

The Process of Scalp Micropigmentation
The process of Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is simple:

Before each session, a numbing agent is applied to the scalp to lessen the pain.

A tattoo gun is used to implant pigments into the second dermal layer of the scalp. The direction of the follicle, tone of the pigment used and space between each tattooed follicle are patterned to mimic the client’s present hair follicle pattern.
In the cases of scars, lesions or other abnormalities concerning the overall tone of the scalp, a base layer of pigmentation may be applied during these sessions to heighten the effectiveness of the treatment and allow the scar to blend seamlessly into the client’s hair.

Around four to five sessions are required to maintain the pattern and perfect the tone. These sessions are crafted specifically to each client’s needs. Practitioners with a high level of expertise tend to take longer to produce detailed and lifelike results.

There are multiple tips and suggestions for potential clients to follow to ensure the best results:

Wash your scalp before each treatment
Scalp Micropigmentation requires the scalp to remain dry for several days. Excessive sweating, swimming, hot showers, and heavy steam can affect the longevity of the treatment.

Ensure the scalp is healthy before treatment
Though some conditions like a flaky scalp do not seriously affect the effects of Scalp Micropigmentation, it is known that acne or scalp sensitivities that inflame or irritate the scalp can make it difficult for the practitioner to apply pigment.

Attend the number of sessions suggested by the practitioner
Even minor treatments can require multiple, several-hour sessions to ensure the longevity and tone retention of the procedure.

The Benefits of Scalp Micropigmentation
First and foremost, Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is known to be an excellent boost to one’s self confidence. The stigma surrounding uneven scalp patterns can be harmful to the self esteem of the sufferer and the discrete, realistic results of the treatment can be used to ameliorate someone’s mental health and body positivity by mimicking the density of a healthy head of hair. This benefit is best for those suffering from male and female pattern baldness and hair thinning.

The concealment and camouflage of scars, lesions and medical conditions that are associated with hair follicle damage can also be beneficial to the client who wishes to keep their medical history private. Obvious scarring from conditions such as Lupus and Alopecia can lead to unwarranted questions. Scalp Micropigmentation aids in camouflaging these irregularities and lessening the attention drawn to the client by using pigmentation to adjust the scar’s tone so that it is in line with the overall appearance of the scalp.

For some, Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) can lessen the effects of aging and provide a more youthful appearance. Hairline adjustments and pigmentation underneath thinning or sparse hair can create the illusion of seeming younger. In some cultures where youthfulness is coveted this can be an incredibly useful and desirable treatment to pursue.

Clients with hair thinning can find it difficult to style or prepare the hair without being able to conceal the scalp underneath. Scalp Micropigmentation makes thinning hair less visible in much the same way that baldness can be concealed through this process, which gives clients the freedom to express themselves and creatively style their hair.