Scalp Micro Pigmentation Hair Tattoo

Microblading for the effect of full eyebrows is now commonplace in the beauty scene. But did you know there’s a similar procedure available for your scalp, creating the illusion of a fuller head of hair?

Scalp Micro Pigmentation is performed using an electronic tattoo device (rather than the manual blade generally used for microblading eyebrows, as the scalp is thicker and requires a more powerful and penetrative tool), using small, textured dots in different shades of black to create an authentic appearance of texture, depth and definition.

This method is known as pointillism, and a skilled practitioner will work skilfully and tirelessly to ensure the dots blend impeccably with your natural colour and style in order to remain realistic.

Essentially, the best way to look at Scalp Micro Pigmentation is to visualise it as a scalp tattoo. It’s a non-surgical way of creating the appearance of a natural shaved-head look.

The natural response to this is: does it hurt?

The answer is, as with many things in life, complicated. It depends on the individual.

Before any procedure, your SMP practitioner will apply a numbing method to your scalp in order to reduce sensitivity and discomfort. However, pain tolerances apply just like they would with a regular tattoo, while those suffering from scalp acne should probably avoid SMP, certainly during a flare up, as the pain will intensify and the treatment is less effective.

There are also certain measures those undertaking SMP can take in order to increase efficiency and reduce pain and swelling.

Showering before each treatment is advised, as you will not be able to wash your scalp for up to four days after each treatment session. Excessive sweating is also ill-advised, as is swimming, saunas and steam rooms.

Exposing your scalp to the sun is also a no-go zone for the first four days, and on the fifth day after treatment up to one hour maximum. Essentially, though, the less time you expose it to the sun going forward, the more effective the hair retention will be.

Remember also: this is not a quick and easy fix. Some people will need several sessions, each taking between four and five hours, before the work is done.

Moreover, after your final treatment, the guidelines become more restrictive. Rather than four or five days without exposing your scalp to dampness and sun, you must avoid both for four weeks, while regularly moisturising the area form four or five days after treatment.

Ultimately, however, if you are confident that you can follow the guidelines, and you are not prone to scalp acne or keloid scarring, then SMP is a brilliantly effective and non-invasive way of manufacturing a fuller head of hair and boosting self-confidence in the process.

As such, it proves a popular solution for many different types of hair-sufferers, especially those struck by disease.

Those suffering from a form of cancer and undergoing chemotherapy to tackle it often suffer from hair loss, with SMP proving an effective way of covering it.

Unfortunate victims of Alopecia, an autoimmune disorder which attacks hair follicles, can also use SMP to help mask their hair loss and boost their self-confidence.

Alopecia Universalis, the more common form of the disease which causes complete baldness, requires more treatment sessions due to the site being larger.

Alopecia Arreata, the less common form of the disease which causes sporadic bald patches, proves very difficult to transplant hairs into the affected areas, so SMP is a fantastic alternative to a more invasive hair transplant which may not prove effective or authentic in any case.

Lupus is another autoimmune disease which can cause hair loss as well as scarring on the scalp, which SMP can disguise and conceal in order to reduce the physical and mental damage caused to the individual.

Of course, it’s not just those suffering from disease who turn to SMP to conceal their hair loss. Male Pattern Baldness can affect men at any age and, like those suffering with Alopecia Arreata, SMP is a much better alternative to a hair transplant for smaller site areas of baldness.

Equally, males suffering from a receding hairline will use SMP to push their hairline forward and turn back the clock. Pigments are scattered around the scalp in order to create the illusion of a full head of hair, with most observers completely unable to tell that the individual has suffered from a receding hair line in the first place.

Thinning hair and hair loss affects both males and females as they grow older, especially with the increased use of bleach and hair straighteners in modern society. This can make styling hair very difficult, as the individual will often look to cover the scalp. SMP can be used in multiple sessions to create the illusion of tone and depth, rolling back the years for a thicker head of hair.

There are minimal risks involved with SMP, with infection from the tattoo ink very unlikely providing you find a well-recommended and experienced practitioner.

Any SMP practitioner worth their salt should have a clean and sterilised environment, as well as a certificate of their training on display.

In the current climate, they should absolutely have barrier protection during treatment, too, such as a mask, gloves, tape, and guards on treatment devices.

Social media and the internet in general is a great way of doing your research, as you can read reviews and look at pictures of previous ‘models’ who have undergone the process.

Affordability will come into it as with any ‘purchase’ in life, but ensure you don’t cut corners and end up paying a small price for a poor job. This is a semi-permanent procedure which should last around a decade if performed well; saving a few quid is not worth the risk of physical or superficial damage to such a prominent part of your body.

The mental price of that will prove much bigger than the economic one you would have paid for a better job!