WHAT IS SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION?

SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION: CAN I HAVE THIS DONE? 

If you suffer from hair loss, you’re not alone. Studies are showing that up to more men between the ages of 18-49 had moderate to extensive hair loss. While it’s true that hair loss increases with age, it can come earlier in life for many men. Losing hair is far from being a modern concern, but premature balding is turning out to be more of a trend than rarity. And the way we live our lives has more to do with it than genes or plain bad luck.  It’s also true that there are many methods for treating male hair loss – from medications such as Minoxidil to hair transplants – but the fastest-growing solution is scalp micropigmentation. Also known as a "hair tattoo" and Tricopigmentation, SMP restores receding hairlines, thickens remaining hair and hides transplant scarring. 

You do NOT need to have significant hair loss to have SMP.  Many of our clients are concerned with receding areas and areas where the hair is thin.  If you are wondering if SMP is right for you, the consultation will answer all your questions at absolutely no cost to you.

WHAT HAS MADE MY HAIR GO AWAY? 

Usually it comes down to the one of more of the following factors: 

Age – As we age, the rate of our hair growth slows. Men may start showing signs of baldness by the time they are 30 years old. Many men are nearly bald by age 60. A type of baldness related to the male hormone testosterone is called male-pattern baldness. Hair loss may be at the temples or at the top of the head. Women can develop a similar type of baldness as they age. This is called female-pattern baldness. Hair becomes less dense and the scalp may become visible. As you age, your body and face also lose hair. Women's remaining facial hair may get coarser, most often on the chin and around the lips. 

Genetics – You may have your parents to blame if you’re losing your hair at a faster-than-normal pace. Your hair follicles have a DNA blueprint, and if your dad (and grandfather, etc.) have suffered from hair loss, chances are you will too. 

Hormones – Men who are predisposed to hair loss inherit hair follicles that are over-sensitive to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that shrinks hair follicles. Eventually, the hair becomes thinner and finer until hair growth stops. Also for both men and women auto-immune conditions, thyroid conditions, anemia, stress and certain medications can contribute to thinning hair or hair loss.

Other Factors – Smoking, excessive alcohol use, certain medications, stress, and even a poor diet, may contribute to hair loss. 

A CLOSER LOOK AT SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION: 

Scalp micropigmentation is a process that uses micro-needles to “tattoo” pigment into the scalp. It creates the appearance of tiny hair follicles to restore the hair density and the illusion of a shadow of a fuller, darker head of hair. The procedure replicates your natural hair follicles pattern while strengthening and adding density to thinning areas. SMP also is good for men or women who have only minor thinning or recession of their hair.    

HOW IS SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION PERFORMED? 

First, a consultation is done to be sure the client seeking treatment is a good candidate for the procedure. Together we will determine the shape and positioning of your hairline as well as the appropriate density and pigmentation color. Each client has unique needs and we want to talk about exactly what results you want to get.  We will also discuss what will be required for aftercare and what you should know long term after having scalp micropigmentation. SMP treatments usually are a one to three session process, approximately 4-6 weeks apart. The actual time can vary between clients depending on the extent of your hair loss and other factors. 

During the treatments, specialized micro needles are used to layer pigment dots on your scalp in a process that resembles getting a tattoo. Scalp micropigmentation is a highly-technical, specialized process performed by technicians familiar with medical tattooing. These tiny “dots” of pigment, placed in the dermal layer of skin, create the illusion of a full head of shaved hair. A topically applied numbing cream can be placed on the scalp prior to treatment to help with discomfort, although most clients only rate the discomfort at a 2 of 10.  Once your procedure is complete, aftercare instructions are provided to you along with your aftercare kit.  As healing takes place, some of the implanted pigment with lighten and may lose intensity. This gradual “fading” of the dots varies from person to person but necessitates the need for multiple sessions to get the required pigment shade. A patient’s treatment session may also include the application of different shades of pigmentation depending on the natural coloring of the client. Different shades are needed to enable some pigment deposits to stand out from among the rest. Lighter pigments are usually applied during the first session, while subsequent sessions introduce the applications of darker shades. Once your treatments have been completed, we will see you for one final evaluation session to be sure everything is ideal.   

Click below for information from the National Institute of Health (NIH) on SMP