What is SMP: The Pros & Cons of Hair Loss Tattoos
Scalp Micropigmentation applied to the scalp using a permanent makeup tattoo machine and a very fine sterile needle.
One day, you’re standing in your bathroom styling your hair in the mirror (or you come across a candid photo of yourself) and you notice, that your overall hair density has thinned or that your hairline has receded… and that your hair just doesn’t look the way it used to.
Hairloss is a natural & normal part of life, an average person loses ~100 strands per day (source: HairScientists.org), but experiencing a sudden increase in hairloss can be absolutely devasting to an individual’s confidence and self-esteem. And there are a myriad of reasons why a person can experience visible hairloss throughout their life, such as hormonal fluctuations, aging, stress, skin/hair conditions, genetic predispositions, side effects of certain medications, illness & diet… but the most common, Androgenetic Alopecia is responsible for 95% of hairloss in Men. (source: American Hair Loss Association)
“Hair follicles that are sensitive to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) [a derivative or by-product of testosterone] begin to miniaturize, shortening the lifespan of each hair follicle affected.
Eventually, these affected follicles stop producing cosmetically acceptable hair.”
So what can you do? Luckily in 2023, there are a number of hair loss solutions available and many that can be used in tandem to give you the greatest probability of recovering thicker, fuller hair or the illusion of it!
While we are just going to cover Micropigmentation & Tricopigmentation paramedical tattoos in this article, we should note that when looking at all of the options, that the 2 leading factors that often will help you determine the path to take is: cost & maintenance. The more costly the solution, such as hair transplant surgery, the greater the likelihood that it will deliver more-permanent results… but of course, there’s no guarantees. We recommend consulting with experienced providers in your area to weigh the pros and cons of each.
WHAT IS Scalp MICROPIGMENTATION
Scalp Micropigmentation is a type of paramedical tattoo performed on individuals who are balding or have long hair but have had miniaturization of their hair follicles enough that it leads to their scalp reflecting more light. The illusion is created using a pointillism tattoo method in which dots of pigment are applied to the dermal layer of the skin, which mimic the look of individual hair follicles growing in the scalp.
However, the illusion is only successful if the pigment color & formulation are carefully selected throughout the SMP process so that the tattoo blends seamlessly with the individual’s natural undertones, or the color temperature & tint of the scalp where the hair naturally grows. In those areas, you’re seeing the color of the hair follicle through a translucent lens, i.e. a thin layer of skin, and a SMP tattoo artist is attempting to replicate that for a natural-looking result. Scalp Micropigmentation requires 3-4 sessions over a period of ~2 months to achieve the final result, but once completed, it can give a realistic look for 5-10 years or longer with minimal maintenance.
Scalp Tricopigmentation is similar to Scalp Micropigmentation, however, semi-permanent pigments are used instead to offer a more-temporary solution that will fade in about 1-3 years. This is the best option for those with lighter hair tones or individuals weary of changing their mind in the future.
CC Attribution Credit: @kand8998
3D Model Rendering of a bald man with a simulated hairline in which the scalp color temperature & tint has been modified to be more blue & green, replicating hair growing through the skin. SMP artists must take into account each client’s unique undertones.
Credit: Cosmetics Aesthetics
Completed Before & After Scalp Micropigmentation Service by industry leaders, Cosmetic Aesthetics in Phoenix, Arizona. The comparison demonstrates how SMP can create the illusion of a full hair growth pattern.
PROS & CONS OF Scalp Micropigmentation
Upsides
Significantly cheaper than hair transplant surgery, but can also be used after surgery once fully healed to camouflage FUT & FUE hair transplant surgery scars. SMP costs are similar to tattoo pricing, usually charged by the hour.
No daily maintenance (besides shaving, if bald).
Little to no pain & fast recovery. SMP is applied with an electric PMU tattoo machine configured with a shallower needle depth and shorter stroke than traditional tattoo machines. Generally, pain is reported as a 3 on a scale of 1 (no pain) to 10 (unbearable pain), similar to a fresh sunburn. Topical numbing creams are available and can help reduce pain sensitivity.
Start seeing noticeable results after 2-3 sessions.
Once healed, you can continue to use topical hair growth products or receive PRP injections to promote new hair growth. SMP adds a shadow to the scalp that makes any new hair growth that much more impactful.
Downsides
Since tattoos don’t add actual texture, SMP can only be added within the existing hairline and cannot be used outside the existing hairline unless the individual completely shaves.
All SMP will need to be adjusted or color-corrected every 1-2 years - factors that impact longevity of your tattoo are age, skin type, sun exposure, and lifestyle.
Oversaturating the thin scalp skin is a big concern which results in a “tattooed helmet” appearance. Its important to find a skilled SMP artist who goes slow and layers SMP over several sessions.
YOU ARE NOT A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR Scalp Micropigmentation AT THIS TIME, IF YOU:
are 18 years or younger.
are pregnant or breastfeeding.
have a pacemaker.
have diabetes or epilepsy.
have received Botox or fillers around the procedure area within the last month.
are currently prescribed or within the last 6 months taken Accutane, Isotretinoin, or other Retinoids.
have active flare up for any skin diseases on the scalp, such as Seborrhea Dermatitis or Keratosis.
have an active sunburn or angry, recently traumatized skin on the scalp. You are a candidate after all of the symptoms have dissipated and your skin has fully healed.
are prone to very dry or peeling skin, excessive sebum, or excessively oily skin - all which can negatively impact pigment retention.
are very sensitive or pain intolerant.
have had SMP/STP or a tattoo on the scalp area recently. You are a candidate after the existing work has healed, usually 1 month - although over-saturation can only be corrected with laser or saline removal.
cannot commit to following aftercare instructions for 4 weeks immediately following the SMP/STP procedure.
Mateo, a Scalp Micropigmentation tattoo artist, blotting pigment after applying individual hair follicle tattoos via a “pointillism” method.
After photo taken immediately after 1st session of Scalp Micropigmentation. After just one session, you can begin to see the difference in the scalp undertone. The vibrancy of the pigment will soften as it heals - multiple sessions are needed.
As with other paramedical & permanent makeup tattoo services, Scalp Micropigmentation is a highly personal art form that when realism is successfully achieved, can make that body ownership connection as “real hair” and improve an individual’s overall confidence and feeling of attractiveness.
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DISCLAIMER: This article contains information about Scalp Micropigmentation and Hair loss and is not to be treated as medical advice. Always consult your primary care physician and conduct your own research before seeking out any hair loss treatment or service.
