Hair loss

It’s a very common problem, with pattern baldness affecting approximately 50% of the population, alopecia affecting around two in a thousand, and hair loss due to cancer and other medical treatments also having a detrimental impact. So, why is it that hair loss can have such a strong effect on a person’s happiness and sense of self?

For some, the psychological impact can be devastating, and can even cause sufferers to feel anxiety or depression, as well as leaving people feeling like they have no control over their life. Because of the adverse effect of hair loss, experts are always on the lookout for new, and innovative ways to give people back their confidence, and one of the most convenient and realistic treatments available on the market today is called ‘Scalp Micro-Pigmentation’ (or SMP for short).

The SMP process is an ingenious method of concealment treatment for sufferers of all types of hair loss, whether it’s alopecia (sometimes known as patch baldness), pattern baldness, thinning hair, hair loss due to cancer treatment, or even to cover scarring due to failed hair implants.

So, what exactly is Scalp Micro-Pigmentation?

Scalp Micro-Pigmentation is a tattooing technique used to conceal hair loss by creating permanent hairlike brushstrokes, micro-dots and shadows directly onto the scalp, thereby giving the illusion of new hair growth. SMP practitioners have been expertly trained to perfectly replicate hair follicles using advanced techniques that skilfully camouflage the affected areas. Unlike other hair loss treatments, SMP doesn’t claim to cure hair loss, but instead to create the illusion of natural hair growth.

This non-invasive procedure can be used in a range of ways. It can seamlessly forge a new, authentic looking hairline, cover bald patches and scars, or create more depth to thinning hair. Typically, the procedure is split into multiple sessions, so the gradual buildup means that you’re able to create the desired effect over a period of time without the treatment itself being noticeably obvious to others. The results are so realistic that even up close, your family and friends would be none the wiser.

What are the benefits of SMP?

It looks real
SMP is by far the most authentic looking hair loss correction treatment. The skillfully drawn follicles are precisely traced to follow the direction that each hair would grow in naturally, giving an all over natural finish - whether your desired outcome is thicker hair, patch concealing, or even a new hairline.

It actually works
Most notably, one of the best things about SMP, is that unlike most of the other hair loss treatments on the market, it’s guaranteed to provide instant results and is long lasting with minimal maintenance. SMP doesn’t claim to cure hair loss, but to conceal and camouflage it. For generations, there have been a myriad of lotions and potions that claim to perform hair growth miracles - pretty much all to little, or no avail . ( Some definitely more bizarre than others. )

Fear not

Because unlike some other hair loss treatments, SMP is safe. As it isn’t a surgical procedure, there’s very low risk of complication. And on top of that, the ink pigments that are used are made of all natural ingredients, and the most broadly used product on the market is plant based.

It won’t break the bank

The cost of SMP varies from place to place and treatment to treatment, however, the price is substantially lower than hair implants or the ongoing costs of medical grade hair products and pills.

Low maintenance and long term efficiency

The results are long term with very minimal maintenance, so you don’t have to worry about repeat appointments or any demanding aftercare, meaning you can wake up looking like the best version of yourself every day.

Look younger

Fuller hair has always been linked to youth, so it’s no surprise that hair loss can leave people feeling older than they actually are. Like the old saying goes: ‘you’re only as old as you feel’. That’s why this seamless hair loss concealment treatment can leave you looking and feeling years behind your actual age.

The psychological effects

There’s no disputing that appearance can have a tremendous effect on our state of mind. The long term benefits of this life-changing procedure have been proven to transform confidence levels and provide a significant boost when it comes to self-esteem. So, if you’re worried about hair loss and looking for a permanent and inconspicuous way to treat it, SMP has you covered, literally.

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The SMP process - preparation and procedure

Before the treatment, a consultation is needed to examine the hair loss and determine the best pattern form and colour pigment for you. Your practitioner will also give you instructions for preparation and aftercare for the treatment. Every SMP journey is different, so each individual person's preparation can vary depending on the type of treatment and the practitioner carrying out the procedure.

The prep

• ✪ Try to avoid chlorinated water, hot rooms (such as saunas) and sun exposure in the weeks leading up to the treatment.
• ✪ No drinking in the 48 hours prior to the procedure.
• ✪ Shower the day of your treatment (although care will be taken to thoroughly cleanse the scalp by your practitioner).
• ✪ Avoid any blood thinning medication or consumables such as aspirin, ibuprofen or caffeine.

The procedure

The procedure is then carried out by a professional SMP expert in a fully sterilised environment. To begin, the treatment area is thoroughly cleansed, then the practitioner will map out a new hairline or mark the areas of the head where the treatment will need to be carried out. A numbing agent is then applied. Once the preparation is complete, the practitioner will begin the drawing process using a specialised tattooing device called a Vytal. This is used to gradually build a variation of shadows and micro-dot patterns to the epidermal layer of the scalp, creating a layering effect. The treatment length varies depending on the hair loss condition. A treatment could take anywhere between 1 and 5 hours.