Scalp Micropigmentation- also known as SMP
from SMP Cambridge

SMP is not just a hair tattoo (although can be known as a medical hairline tattoo). For many people suffering with hair loss it can be a life changing treatment. The treatment unlike hair transplants and medication, scalp micropigmentation does not promote hair regrowth. It is a popular non-surgical hair loss treatment, where natural pigmentation is applied to the scalp to replicate hair follicles to give the appearance of fuller head by adding depth and definition to the scalp. This is a popular treatment for those suffering with hair loss whether it be through pattern baldness, alopecia, cancer, or naturally thinning hair. The aim of SPM is to create a new hairline for the client by camouflaging the SPM in areas where hair loss has already happened.

The treatment is suitable for most balding issues, for example: crown balding, receding hairline, complete/ near baldness, alopecia, and cancer. It is something that is suitable for all skin types with technicians using different tones of pigmentation that works with all skin types and colours.

SMP technicians at your initial consultation meeting should give you a rundown of what to expect and give you all the advice you need. They should make you aware of the certain rules you should follow before, during and after you receive the treatment. Including: showering before each treatment, as your scalp can not get wet for several days after your treatment and avoiding exposure to the sun.

SMP process is taken place over several sessions, on average about three, with each session taking on 1-4 hours, and a minimum of one week between sessions. The process allows for your scalp to allow you to get used to your new hairline. The results can be seen from the first session, the follow up sessions are to enhance the pigmentation to build up the colour.

Before the treatment, your technician will draw on a hairline as a guide and to ensure it matches what you want. A machine with a micro needle is used to input the pigmentation into the second dermal skin layer on your scalp in a dotting like process that mimics individual hair follicles. The technicians aim to recreate the hair pattern to make it look as natural as possible. This allows for your scalp to looker fuller and healthier, and it can fully cover scars and birthmarks on the scalp as well. When covering scars- the scars can not be fresh and must be completely healed before the process.

Like with all treatments there is aftercare procedures to follow. You should try to minimise your stress- like with most treatments additional stress can cause negatively impact on the healing process. You should also avoid get your scalp wet as this can damage the pigmentation and slow the healing process for the first five days after the procedure- after five days you can use gentle soap on your scalp. You should not use fake tan products near your scalp or go to a sauna for at least a month after your final treatment. If there is anything you are unsure of your technician should be able to assist you.

SMP is deemed as semi-permanent treatment. The effects if the micropigmentation might last up to eight years but due to the natural exfoliating of the skin, fading of the pigment may happen before then. This time period may be shorter for those who suffer from a dry and flaky scalp as the skin can exfoliate at a quicker rate.

There are several benefits to using SPM compared to other hair loss treatments. Firstly, it can boost your self confidence. It is a long term solution, with effects of the procedure lasts for several years in a minimum maintenance option. It is not an invasive treatment- after your appointment you can carry on with your day to day life without having to worry about major side effects. When compared to a hair transplant, which can also leave scarring, this is a more affordable option. If you have had any scarring issues from hair transplants SMP can cover them as well. Scalp micropigmentation also has a very quick healing process so the patient can return to their day to day life, and in most cases experience no side effects when following the aftercare advice from technician.

Like with all procedures- there are risks involved with SMP from SMP Cambridge. Although SMP is not classed as a tattoo, as the ink goes deeper into the skin that a normal tattoo does, the reactions to the ink can be similar. This is primarily seen in allergy reactions to certain ingredients of the ink and infections related to tattoos.

It is safe to get but it is important to do your research on the clinic that you choose to get this produce done at. You should always check that your technician is qualified and operates within a clean and hygienic clinic- if you are unsure you can ask to see their insurance and licencing documentation. If they are a reputable clinic, they should be able to show you before and after photos of the treatment from previous clients. SMP Cambridge is one of the leading hair tattoo clinics in the UK.