Losing hair can make anyone feel worried. SMP hair offers a solution. This post guides you through benefits, costs, and results of scalp micropigmentation (SMP). Read on to learn how it works.
What is Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)?
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a cosmetic treatment that creates the look of fuller hair. An expert uses an electric tattoo device to put tiny dots on your scalp. These dots look like hair follicles.
The process is called pointillism, and it helps make areas with thinning hair seem dense.
SMP gives people the illusion of full hair without surgery.
This method is different from microblading, which works for eyebrows. SMP needs more power because the skin on your head is thicker than on your face. It’s a detailed way to hide bald spots or scars, making it look like you have a buzz cut or just naturally fuller hair.
Benefits of SMP
SMP makes thin hair look full again. It also hides scars and flaws on the scalp.
Creates the illusion of fuller hair
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a game-changer for people with hair loss. This method uses tiny dots of ink to make it look like you have more hair. It’s perfect for people who face issues like alopecia, thinning hair, and male or female pattern baldness.
The process makes the scalp look like it has small hair follicles, giving off the appearance of a full head of shaved hair.
For those worried about bald spots or a receding hairline, SMP offers an instant solution. Instead of waiting months for hair transplants to show results, SMP gives you the look of denser hair right away.
Plus, it lasts for years with minimal upkeep. This means less worry about how your hair looks and more confidence in your appearance every day.
Camouflages scars and imperfections
Moving from creating the look of more hair, scalp micropigmentation also hides scars and flaws. This method is perfect for covering up marks left by hair restoration surgery or birthmarks.
People with genetic balding or alopecia find it very helpful. By adding pigment that looks like short hair on the head, SMP makes these areas blend in.
SMP turns your imperfections into art.
It’s also great with hair transplants to give a fuller appearance. The ink used matches your natural hair color closely. So, scars become nearly invisible to others. Whether you have scars from an injury or surgery doesn’t matter; SMP can hide them well.
Procedure Details
Getting ready for SMP starts with a clear scalp. This means, wash and shave if needed… The SMP journey then kicks off at the clinic or studio, where a skilled artist uses special equipment to dot pigment onto your head, mimicking hair follicles.
Pre-procedure preparations
Getting ready for SMP, or scalp micropigmentation, involves key steps. These ensure the best results and a smooth process. Here’s what to do before your treatment:
- Schedule a talk with a doctor. This chat helps set clear expectations.
- Take a good shower before each session. You won’t wash your scalp for four days after.
- Stop any blood thinners several days prior, if your healthcare professional agrees.
- Pause hair growth treatments like minoxidil for a week before SMP.
- Avoid sunburn on your scalp. Sun damage can affect the treatment area.
- If you have scalp acne or psoriasis flare-ups, wait until they calm down.
- Shave your head if required by the procedure plan, but ask your specialist first.
- People prone to keloids should discuss this with their SMP artist since it may not be suitable.
- Stay hydrated but limit caffeine on the day of treatment to reduce any bleeding.
Following these steps lets you walk into your SMP appointment ready for the transformation ahead.
Step-by-step SMP process
After finishing the pre-procedure steps, it’s time for the scalp micropigmentation (SMP) process. This method creates a look of fuller hair for people with bald patches or thinning hair. Here’s what happens during the treatment:
- The area of your head that needs work gets cleaned. This step keeps the skin safe from infection.
- A topical numbing agent is applied to reduce pain. Most people find this makes the process more comfortable.
- The tattoo artist picks the right pigment color to match your natural hair and skin tone. This choice is key to making sure the results look real.
- Fine needles inject this pigment into the dermis layer of your scalp, not too deep but just right. These needles are very small.
- The artist creates dots in a pattern that mimics natural hair follicles. This step requires skill to make sure everything looks even and natural.
- Each session lasts about four to five hours, depending on how much area needs covering.
- You’ll need three to four treatments for best results, spread a few weeks apart.
Pain levels vary by person, but most say it’s quite bearable with the numbing cream. Over time, you’ll see areas with hair loss or thinning appear fuller, giving a shaved-head look rather than baldness or empty spots.
Costs and Longevity of SMP
SMP costs can vary. You might pay between $400 and $1,000 for each session. Most people spend about $2,000 to $4,000 in total. This treatment acts like a tattoo for your scalp. It looks like you have more hair.
| Aspect | Details |
| Cost per session | $400 to $1,000 |
| Total cost | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| Longevity | Up to eight years |
| Touch-ups | May be needed yearly |
| Fading | Happens slowly, dry skin may speed it up |
A study in 2021 looked at 22 people. It found the SMP lasted well. There was little color loss from 7 to 32 months after they got it done. Skin type and care can affect how long it lasts. Also, avoiding sun exposure helps maintain its appearance longer.
Risks and Considerations
SMP has risks like allergic reactions to pigments and infections. Tools used during the process might not be sterile, causing these problems. Also, since there’s no required training for SMP artists, choosing a skilled one is crucial.
The FDA warns about dangers from tattoos and permanent makeup, including bad reactions to ink.
Infections come from tools or inks that are not clean. Other issues include scars growing too much (keloids), lumps called granulomas, and trouble with MRI scans due to the pigment in the skin.
Always check an artist’s background and ask about their cleaning steps before getting SMP done.
Conclusion
SMP gives you fuller-looking hair. It hides scars too. You need a few steps to get ready and then go through the process step by step. Costs range from $400 to $1,000 per session and it lasts up to eight years.
But, there are risks like allergic reactions and infections. Make sure your artist knows what they are doing and works in a clean place. SMP is a big money choice but can make you feel much better about how you look without any downtime needed.
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