Scalp micropigmentation is a cosmetic procedure in which hair follicles are tattooed onto the scalp. Forming the illusion of better hair density and a much fuller scalp.
But with very high costs, impractical hairlines, and scalp tattoos fading over time – is the high price tag for the procedure worth it? The answer is maybe.
Scalp micro pigmentation or you can say scalp tattooing is a cosmetic procedure for substantial hair loss.
If you have ever heard or been familiar with micro-blading (eyebrow tattooing), it’s almost a similar procedure, whereas a physician or tattoo artist uses a tattoo gun to fill in empty areas of the hair with permanent or semi-permanent micro-pigments that are similar to a dye.
In conclusion, there is less contrast in color between the hair and the scalp, causing hair to give the impression of fuller and denser even without any restoration of natural hair growth.
Scalp micro pigmentation is a process by which a practitioner or tattoo artist tattoos micro-pigments right into the scalp. These micro-pigments are concentrated in thinning or balding areas of the scalp and give a much denser and a fuller look.
These areas could be as large as the whole scalp or as small as a balding patch or scarred area. Thinning areas of the scalp can also be tattooed to give the illusion of more hair follicles and, thereby, fuller hair which will eventually boost your confidence. So, you only need to tattoo the areas that require it.
The micro pigments give the impression of hair follicles where there may be no hair-producing follicles present in reality. Therefore, it can be a great option for those who are looking to treat hair loss but want an immediate solution and a permanent one or for those who want to have treatment-resistant hair loss.
All types of hair loss that a particular person might go through that includes androgenic alopecia, alopecia areata, alopecia Universalis patients, scarring alopecia, chronic telogen effluvium, chemotherapy-induced alopecia, or even patchier hair loss as a result of scarring or punch grafts can make an individual eligible for scalp micropigmentation.
There are no gender or age restrictions and what makes it even more special is that it is permanent and hassle-free.
One of the most common misunderstandings about scalp micropigmentation is that it’s a very painful procedure. While the treatment is not exactly pain-free, it all depends on your pain tolerance and how you deal with the pain.
Think about scalp micropigmentation like getting a tattoo, but with smaller needles. Furthermore, you’ll experience minor discomfort, but the pain is nowhere as painful as most people tend to believe and don’t go for the procedure by fearing it.
Because the needles are so thin and small, you won’t feel it as much on your scalp. It only implants pigments on the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin, meaning it hits fewer pain receptors compared to a traditional tattoo that deposits ink on the dermis which is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis. If you’ve had tattoos before and have an experience, you will know precisely how it feels like.
After this prolonged and easy procedure, your scalp may exhibit slight redness that may resemble or look like a rash. It is to note that this phenomenon is quite usual and normal and will heal on its own in a few days.
The hair artist that you prefer to do the procedure will provide you with detailed guidelines on proper aftercare so that you can make sure to follow these instructions carefully and to avoid further repercussions.
When we talk about safety, scalp micropigmentation is a comparatively safe procedure with a very low-risk factor and may have no side effects at all.
The maximum risks that are associated with SMP, or any other type of hair tattooing, are unsuitable body substance isolation and sterilization protocols. The scattering of communicable disease is the topmost worry of any tattoo artist that distresses him.
The ink that SMP artists use is organic and you’re most likely not allergic to it because it is used with extra care.
The worst thing that could happen is an infection due to a lack of proper aftercare, which is also uncommon. You need to make sure your SMP artist wears gloves and has anything that can come in close contact with your bodily fluid, like blood, is covered with a non-porous plastic. Make sure your artist is using a new needle and opens the new box in front of you so that you can be perfectly sure.
There should not be any side effects associated with SMP treatments, even though allergic reactions can occur in very rare cases and are not most likely.
This is usually down to the use of substandard and unsuitable inks and is a reminder that choosing a reputable practitioner is very important when you make this life-changing choice.
Good clinics should include allergy vulnerability in any pre-treatment screening, and skin tests should be implemented before the treatment is carried out.
Other possible side effects can result from using poor clinics where standards of cleanliness and hygiene are not properly taken care of. This can be incredibly problematic when dealing with a procedure involving frequent skin penetration.
In comparison, high-quality practitioners and experts and clinics always use sterilized equipment and new needles, they also take extra care in performing pre-procedure testing and only tend to work in a clean and hygienic environment.
The SMP effects will often disappear instantly after the treatment to create the permanent look that you require, and then touch-up treatments are usually required to maintain the best possible appearance.
It is suggested that recipients have their look touched up at least once every three to six years to take extra care of it, although this may need to be done more regularly if damage occurs as a result of maximum sun exposure. Good maintenance may allow for longer periods between treatments and you may not have to visit so very often.