If you’ve been researching hair loss treatments, you’ve probably seen the term ‘Scalp Micropigmentation’ or ‘SMP’ pop up in a few posts.
This modern hair loss solution is becoming increasingly popular for a number of reasons, but first let’s define scalp micropigmentation.
What is Scalp Micropigmentation?
Scalp Micropigmentation is a non-surgical hair loss treatment, where tiny dots of a special pigment are applied to the scalp to resemble a hair follicle.
The pigments are designed to either blend in with your existing hair to create the appearance of thicker hair, or if you’re completely bald it can give the illusion you have a full head of shaved hair.
SMP helps both men and women overcome their hair loss struggles in a variety of ways; the most common are:
• Restoring receded hairlines
• Creating natural looking density amongst existing hair
• Camouflaging scars, particularly those left from hair transplants
• Narrowing a wide hair part
One of the major benefits of SMP is that it’s not-invasive, there’s no scarring or down time; you walk in and out the same day with immediate results!
What’s the difference between Scalp Micropigmentation and a tattoo?
Scalp Micropigmentation technicians must have precision, patience and an artistic flair for creating natural looking hairlines and realistic shading. As well as this, they must also be able to identify and understand the various hair loss patterns that exist.
Technicians must undertake specialised training and become qualified before they can perform the procedure, and understand how to work with different shades of pigments and equipment.
Scalp Micropigmentation technicians have to place the pigment in the basement membrane of the epidermis layer of the scalp – yes, it’s technical stuff – and also make it look natural. To do this they use an extremely fine needle designed specifically for SMP.
As for the pigment, that’s unique to SMP too. The specialised pigments used are matched to your existing or previous hair colour, and your skin tone.
The pigment doesn’t penetrate the skin as deeply as a tattoo, so it will lighten after 3 to 5 years depending on your lifestyle (e.g. sun exposure). When it does lighten, it’s only a matter of having minor touch ups to bring it back to its prime – and no, it won’t ever turn blue!
What happens in a SMP procedure?
We can’t speak for all SMP clinics, but at our clinic, Foli Sim, these are the steps we take to make sure you’re happy with your results:
1. You’ll begin with a free comprehensive consultation with the practitioner who will be performing your treatment. This will ensure they understand your needs and that you have all your SMP questions answered.
2. During that same consultation, you’ll also work together to create a suitable hairline based on your previous hairline and facial shape. You should leave the consultation knowing what’s achievable and what you can expect your end result to look like.
3. When it comes to the procedure itself, people usually need 2-4 sessions. The number of sessions will depend on the size of the area to be treated and what you are wanting to achieve. This can be anything from creating density in a small area to covering the whole head.
4. You’ll experience some redness immediately after, but you’ll also have results! A follow up session is normally required so that the technician can check their work and make sure you’re completely happy. You will have to wait 10-14 days between each session so that your skin can heal, but once you’re happy you’re free to enjoy your new look!
Find out more
If you have more questions about Scalp Micropigmentation, or you’d like to see our before and after photos, please head to our SMP clinic’s website Foli Sim.
Or if you’ve heard enough and would like to book a free consultation at either a Perth or Melbourne clinic, please email us or call 1800 668 480 today.