When it comes to hair loss, hair thinning, baldness, do we easily give up on hunting the best solutions? Almost Never..
Given the fact how distressing it is to deal with the menace of Hair Loss, the world literally never stops introducing innovative techniques to cope with it. Not necessarily it is only Instagram or Tick Tok that is always on the trending mill. Hair Science too has a lot on the plate these days.
For instance, let’s take a look at Scalp Micro-Pigmentation. Shall we?
So, What is Scalp Micro-Pigmentation?
Scalp Micro-Pigmentation or SMP is a cosmetic procedure to cover bald spots from hair thinning or hair loss conditions. It is usually practiced by aestheticians, cosmetologist, or licensed technicians as a semi-permanent make-up for the scalp.
The procedure is done using a medical grade pigmented ink of various hues making layers of tiny dots with the help of fine needles injecting on the balding areas of the scalp. This gives the illusion of thicker and denser appearance of the scalp hair.
Does it hurt? Well, we will have to check what exactly happens in Scalp Micro-Pigmentation Procedure and find out..
What is SMP Procedure like?
Scalp Micro-Pigmentation is more or less like tattooing. Except it does not use the tattooing ink, but a more intense shades of medical grade ink that can penetrate the slightly thicker scalp epidermis. Also, most of you must have ideas about Micro-blading procedure for thicker brows.
Here, SMP is just another similar procedure to enhance the fuller appearance of scalp hair or cover up any thin-out zone of the scalp. Scalp Micro-Pigmentation is performed using an electric tattooing device to implant the pigment, creating natural-looking depth and definition. It is a non-invasive procedure which doesn’t involve surgery or anaesthesia.
You might want to know whether or not Scalp Micro-Pigmentation is Painful.
Well, the simple answer would be – it depends on the expertise of the technician or the practitioner.
Before the procedure begins, you will be given a topical numbing agent to your scalp which may be little uncomfortable for a while. This is followed by injecting the pigment into the scalp ensuring tiny, layered dots in various shades of black to replicate the appearance of buzz-cut hair shadow on your scalp.
Who all can benefit from Scalp Micro-Pigmentation?
Scalp Micro-Pigmentation is not hair restoration treatment and it doesn’t create hairline as you would have seen in Micro-blading eyebrows. It doesn’t induce hair loss or damage to the existing hair. It only mimics the appearance of a fuller, thicker hair for those people who are grappling with severe hair loss under conditions such as:
• Male Pattern Hair Loss
• Receding Hairline
• Female Pattern Hair Loss
• Hormonal induced hair like, PCOS
• Chemotherapy-related hair loss
• Alopecia Areata
• Thinning Scalp Hair
• Birthmarks or Scars on the scalp
Are There Any Limitations?
When it comes to limitations or complications in Scalp Micro-Pigmentation procedure, the practitioner’s expertise or the aesthetic center from where the procedure is taken makes a huge difference. Quite often, the biggest risks or complications arise out of unlicensed or unethical practices mushrooming theses days without maintaining adequate precautions or hygiene which include:
• Allergic reaction from the pigments used
• Infection due to unsterilised needles
• Unnatural results after the procedure
Another most common limitation associated with SMP is that it is advised to avoid this procedure in those people who have scalp sensitivities like scalp acne, psoriasis. Because SMP might trigger or worsen the breakout or flare-up. Also, if you are prone to developing keloids, SMP is not meant for you.
How Effective Is Scalp Micro-Pigmentation?
If we talk about the effectiveness of SMP procedure, first we will have to consider getting this cosmetic procedure done from a well reputed and experienced clinic or practitioner. If done under a proper licensed aesthetician, SMP works well and you will get the expected natural results that blend seamlessly with your existing scalp hair.
Also, another key point to note is SMP doesn’t give permanent results. The procedure itself is a semi-permanent cosmetic treatment requiring multiple sessions to give the coverage specific to the area of the scalp. Even for a small scalp area such as a widow’s peak, a minimum seating for 3-4 sessions is often suggested for durability of the pigments.
Self maintenance has bigger roles to play while addressing the effectiveness or retention of SMP results. In between the treatments, there are some activities that need to keep a halt or tone it down until suggested by your practitioner. This include:
• Swimming
• Steam or Sauna
• Sunlight exposure
• Heavy Exercise
Scalp Micro-Pigmentation results may last upto 6 months to 2 years depending upon the quality of the pigments chosen. Since this is not a permanent solution to cover your balding area or thin out scalp hair, the pigments eventually will fade off over time through the natural skin exfoliation process.
The key takeover is : it is always better to make informed decision after careful studying what options are ideal for your hair loss solution / hair restoration alternatives, if not all get down to scalp micro-pigmentation. But if chosen wisely under a proper consultation and evaluation of your desired and expected results, SMP gives a resounding option to go through and truly confidence-boosting investment with no hassle.
