The rising trend of scalp micropigmentation in addressing hair loss has been a heated debate for decades. Some have resorted to topical Rogaine, others to uncertain naturopathic herbs, and still more to orally ingested pills like Proscar. Though all of these tactics are unique, they have one frustrating thing in common: they’re utterly temporary. But until Scalp Micropigmentation came along, they were the best the balding bunch had.
So what exactly is Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP), this unexpected process that seems to have taken the world by storm? As a cosmetic and medical tattooist myself, I’ve got the lowdown, and I can promise you that this hair loss remedy is worth the dig.
The Details on Scalp Micropigmentation
Also known as hair follicle replication, SMP is a method of recreating the look of fine hair follicles on the head and around the hairline via permanent tattooing. By the time it’s complete, the final aesthetic resembles a tightly shaved and shaped head of thriving hair.
Experts are able to complete this by utilizing an ultrafine needle, precise placement and thoughtful use of pigmentation. The pigment makes its way into the skin’s epidermal layer, where it will then live permanently.
Unlike traditional tattooing—whose aim is to contrast the skin and represent art of every kind—SMP seeks to blend naturally into a person’s existing appearance. It’s a way to augment someone’s current features through the use of inconspicuous, careful design.
Here’s Exactly How It Goes Down
The process of SMP is a pretty straightforward one. This nonsurgical procedure is anything but invasive, and only requires the use of a micropigmentation needle, pigment and a pair of expert hands.
Your session will take about 2-4 hours, during which the technician will apply perfect little dots around your head and hairline. Whether it’s across the entire scalp, just along the hairline or in specific sectors of hair loss, you’ll wind up with a revitalized version of yourself, and you and your technician will be the only ones wise to it.
The entire process takes a total of three sessions, with each one taking the same amount of time. This is only for the sake of perfecting a quality job, increasing density and ensuring the longevity of the service.
Who’s a Candidate for SMP?
As you learn more about this procedure, with the rising trend you may think it only applies to those suffering from male pattern baldness. But plenty of people find themselves in need of hair follicle replication, not the least of which are:
- Men and women experiencing any level of hair loss (from beginning to late stages)
- Individuals who have a lack of hair density and want to fill in the blank spots
- Folks with a receding hairline who want to finetune their look
- Those opposed to surgical procedures and medication
- Alopecia patients who want to toss out the troubles that accompany their illness
- Hair transplant patients with scarring from their past procedures
- Someone seeking quick and simple results
- And yes, men experiencing male pattern baldness
Clearly, this is not a one-size-fits-all remedy for hair loss. Whatever your ailment, SMP proves to be an ideal tactic for boosting confidence and creating a more youthful you. When all is said and done, it’s an effective approach that’s worth your time and energy alike.
Choose Your Color, Hairline and Style
Visit Discreet Cosmetic Studio for a SMP consultation, and you’ll find yourself just as much a part of the process as your technician. I make an effort to highlight each individual’s differing preferences, from where the natural hairline falls to how dense or dark you want your hair, and even the overall look you’re striving for.
We use a black carbon-based pigment during the medical tattooing process, which we dilute with distilled water in order to customize the exact tone and shade of the client’s hair when cut short. The more water added, the lighter the pigment. Once we’ve worked together to decide on the perfect style, you’ll find yourself enacting a younger you in real time.
Prepare for the Healing Process
SMP takes a bit of aftercare. For 5-7 days following the noninvasive procedure, clients may experience redness and flaking. During this time, you want to avoid exposure to sun, water, shampoo and excessive sweating. So yes, this means no sauna, pools or beaches for a few days (and you may want to wear a hat for utmost protection), but it’ll be well worth your while.
Throughout this time, the micropigmentation will lighten, leaving you with your preferred shape and style. Should you require some touch ups, you can do so after the healing process is complete.
Why Choose a Tattoo Over Other, More Well-Known Remedies?
Rogaine works so long as you keep applying it each day. Proscar is effective so long as you keep taking that pill. Meanwhile, hair transplants are a solution only a year after the initial procedure, and that’s assuming they don’t fail (which they often do). If you’ve tried any of these methods to no avail, you’re easily out tens of thousands of dollars.
On the contrary, SMP is permanent, and it only takes a few visits to finalize (that’s including the initial consultation). You can choose how you want it to look, rather than settling for whatever will come in, if and when it does. And the best part? No one’s going to realize that you’ve had any cosmetic work done on your scalp, and that’s a fact.
Finding a Plug for SMP
As you might expect, this procedure is one of those where you want to enlist the help of a trusted professional. Sure, everyone has to start somewhere, but if you have the opportunity to work with a female who knows that true success lies in the details, you might as well go with it. After all, it’s your hair on the line during scalp micropigmentation, and every recreated follicle counts.
As Master Technician of Discreet Cosmetic Studio, I’m a firm believer in the power of striving for what we want most in life. With enough gusto, you’re bound to reach those dreams. Needless to say, I’ve got a lot of enthusiasm—whether working on scalp micropigmentation (SMP or another cosmetic procedure—and a whole lot more perfectionism to boot.
