Scalp Micropigmentation: Benefits and Side Effects

Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a procedure that uses tiny, layered dots of a special pigment to resemble a hair follicle on your scalp. 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 they can give the appearance of a full scalp of hair or “buzzcut” that will blend seamlessly with any existing hair or blend with a razor shave scalp. Also known as a hair tattoo, hair micropigmentation replicates the look of a textured shadow on your head, allowing your hair to look fuller. This style of tattoo art that utilises many small dots is done to create depth and definition for a more natural-looking result.

At ScalpRevivalSMP, Jackson Cross is a qualified and experienced SMP technician. Our state-of-the-art equipment and techniques ensure that you receive the highest quality treatment available. We work with you to create a customised treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals, and we are committed to providing you with the best possible results.

Don’t let hair loss hold you back any longer. Schedule a consultation with us today to learn more about how SMP can help you look and feel your best. With SMP, you can enjoy a natural-looking, low-maintenance solution that will help you regain your confidence and feel great about your appearance.

Scalp micropigmentation is a non-surgical procedure that is less expensive than many other hair loss solutions and requires minimal downtime. Oftentimes, losing your hair is scary and causes huge emotional distress, regardless of your age, gender or background. While there are many options out there to address hair loss or thinning, such as over-the-counter medications and hair transplants, they have noticeable downsides such as high cost, inconsistent and often no results and long rest time. Unlike scalp micropigmentation, these solutions also won’t cause an immediate visual change in your hair’s appearance, making scalp micropigmentation a great option for both quick and effective results that are 100% guaranteed. To put it simply, the main benefits of scalp micropigmentation include:

• Guaranteed results
• Natural and undetectable
• Safe
• Less invasive procedure
• Less pain
• Lower cost than alternatives
• No downtime is required for recovery

Another great benefit of scalp micropigmentation is that you can combine the procedure with compatible topical scalp treatments and oral medications. With this approach, you get the immediate short-term results you want while also addressing the potentially deeper causes of your hair loss. Scalp micropigmentation can also be the perfect pair for your existing hair transplant or the one you’re planning on getting in the near future. Scalp micropigmentation will give your hair transplant the density that they can sometimes lack, as well as cover any scarring that is caused from extracting follicles within the donor areas. 

No, you do not have to shave your head for scalp micropigmentation. Scalp micropigmentation is a procedure that works around any natural hair you may have. Whether you’re fully bald or are experiencing milder thinning, micropigmentation can work for you.

What is the process for scalp micropigmentation?

Before

Before walking into your scalp micropigmentation appointment, you want to make sure your scalp is ready for the procedure. For the week leading up to the appointment, you should focus on making your scalp as smooth and healthy as possible.

In order to prepare, you can moisturise your scalp, gently exfoliate to remove any dead or dry skin, pause the use of topical hair products and avoid drinking alcohol the day before your appointment. Since alcohol is a blood thinner, it’s best to avoid it before this procedure.

Below are the steps taken before a standard scalp micropigmentation procedure begins:

1. Wash your hair and scalp before your appointment.
2. You and your practitioner will then take some time to discuss the exact result you would like to achieve and address any questions or concerns you may have.
3. When you arrive, your practitioner marks the areas of the scalp that they’ll work on. If you’re bald, you may work with your practitioner to create a hairline based on your facial structure and head shape.
4. The practitioner will then thoroughly clean the area that they’re about to work on. 
5. You and your provider choose pigments that match your hair colour.

During

After all the above steps have been completed, your practitioner will begin the procedure. They will use a needle to deposit medical-grade pigment on the scalp, in the areas you discussed earlier. The dots vary in size, shape, shade and depth to provide a natural, hairlike appearance.

Depending on the specific treatment plan you created with your practitioner, the length of the session can vary. Based on the size of the area being worked on, each session on average can take anywhere from one to four hours. 

Most people need two to three treatments, spaced several weeks apart, before achieving their final desired look. Each treatment adds more pigment to create the look of thick hair, allowing you to yield both more noticeable and realistic results.

After

Since scalp micropigmentation is a cosmetic procedure with no surgery or anaesthesia, you can get back to your daily life immediately. 

There are very few side effects of scalp micropigmentation. You may experience scalp sensitivity or have some redness on your scalp that lasts several hours, but the discomfort is minimal. You can wear a hat or scarf to hide any visible redness if desired.

While any redness should subside within two days after the procedure, you can expect to experience some pigment shedding by day three. Pigment shedding is part of the natural healing process after scalp micropigmentation, a side effect that all patients experience.

Pigment shedding is the result of your scalp undergoing both healing and naturally exfoliating. While your scalp heals, the skin forms small scabs. As the scabs fall off, so does much of the initial pigment, leaving behind a dot on your scalp that’s smaller and lighter.

You can use a petrolatum-based moisturiser such as Vaseline twice a day to keep the area hydrated, prevent new scabs from developing and speed up the healing process.

Yes, scalp micropigmentation will fade over time. How quickly it will fade depends on a variety of factors, including your skin type, genetics, lifestyle and sun exposure. While each dot won’t fade away completely, it can pale to an extremely light colour. When the pigment does lighten, you can quickly get minor touch-ups to return your scalp to its prime. Touch-ups can even bring your hairline to a new level, as a fresh layer of micropigmentation on the scalp can add more dimension to the existing dots!

Yes, scalp micropigmentation looks realistic due to its customisable nature.

The biggest benefit of scalp micropigmentation is that it is a custom treatment that caters towards your specific needs. The pigments used are selected intentionally to match and compliment the colour of your hair, with each session adding more dimension and depth.

How realistic your results look are directly related to the skill of your practitioner. An expert practitioner will ensure the dots look like natural hair follicles and blend in with your complexion, giving ultra-realistic results.