WHAT IS SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION?
Hair loss has been the source of emotional trauma for centuries, giving rise to many remedies. Over the past several decades the most popular remedies have been follicular transplantation and Minoxidil or Rogaine™. Lately light therapy has proven quite effective as well. For specific hair loss cases, some of these and other treatments can stimulate the hair follicles back into regrowth; however, clients will only respond to these treatments if the hair loss is recent and/or not permanent.
There are many different types and causes of hair loss in both men and women. All too often the hair loss is permanent, meaning the follicles are rendered unable to produce hair. This may occur on the scalp alone, or all over the body, as with alopecia. While successful treatments do exist, they are not inexpensive and require a lifelong, daily commitment, making it cost prohibitive for many clients, not to mention very time consuming. Hair transplantation can look unnatural and if it is unsuccessful, as it too often is, it can leave unsightly scars on the scalp, adding to the trauma for the client.
The most promising hair loss treatment to have emerged in the past decade is not a remedy that will bring back hair. However, it is a treatment that mimics the look of hair follicles on the scalp.
HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?
For partial hair loss, scalp micropigmentation creates the appearance of density diminishing the noticeability of balding areas. Scalp density SMP has been a miracle for women and men for whom thinning hair/hair loss is very traumatic. For total scalp hair loss, individual follicles and tiny hairs or “bristle” are tattooed all over the scalp following the client’s natural hair growth pattern, to create the appearance of a shaved scalp with a “five o-clock shadow”. The style has been made popular by high profile celebrities who have chosen to embrace their thinning hair or who have shaved bald voluntarily, and has remained popular for many years.
SMP has given clients realistic expectations in dealing with their hair loss. The shiny appearance of the scalp is diminished and confidence is restored. When performed by an experienced and highly trained technician, there is zero risk of scarring and, in fact, any existing scars from previous hair loss remedies are camouflaged. In fact, the act of tattooing itself can release the fibrous scar tissue and restore healthy scalp skin. The follicles and small hairs are tattooed to look completely natural.
The procedure will involve a careful consultation and pre-drawing of the area. SMP generally requires several sessions as it is time consuming and close work. Furthermore, in order to achieve the most natural final result, each application needs healing time between sessions as the artist works to build density with each appointment. Sun and environmental exposure will fade the treatment over time so routine retouches are recommended. SMP is long lasting and a very cost effective smile-making alternative to other hair loss remedies.