Due to the complexity of hair loss, various treatments, including frequent scalp massages, dietary supplements, and hair growth serums, may be necessary to restore a luscious, whole mane. But for some, the shedding is just irreversible (for a variety of reasons). Many people in these situations find success with cosmetic hair restoration procedures, such as scalp ink.
These tattoos seem really natural before you ask. Indeed, a very precise procedure known as Scalp Micropigmentation Treatment is used to conceal thinning hair.
What is SMP?
A pen-style tattoo machine is used in the permanent cosmetic technique known as scalp micropigmentation (SMP) to implant tiny dots on the scalp. The procedure imitates the appearance of hair follicles to produce natural hair on both scalps with no hair and scalps with thinning hair, according to Delaware SMP experts.
Although it may sound similar to eyebrow microblading—another permanent tattoo procedure—the two really call for entirely different equipment, colors, and application methods. As you can see, SMP employs tiny dots of ink to create shadow rather than entire strokes like microblading, which results in a softer, more realistic-looking effect. In addition, the dots provide longer-lasting or permanent results since they pierce the skin more deeply.
Also, rather than the actual hair strands, the SMP pigment is designed to match the color of your hair follicles. Everyone has a follicle that is a specific shade of black, regardless of their hair color.
How To Know If You Are A Good Candidate Or Not?
Brief response? Everyone who is concerned about hair loss is an outstanding candidate. SMP can cover alopecia areata areas, a receding hairline, and even chemotherapy-related hair loss.
It doesn't really matter where you're losing hair because SMP can give density to the hairline, crown, etc., anywhere you're losing hair. Just be aware that this process does not result in hair wisps; instead, it produces tiny microdots that appear shadowy, almost powdered hair.
How Does Scalp Micropigmentation Work?
During a thorough consultation, you and your artist will develop a comprehensive treatment plan in which you will choose the special pigment and needle size required. (Yes, there are various needle possibilities; each person's follicles differ in size!) The tattoo artist will also go over possibilities that best suit your face shape if you want to get a tattoo along your hairline.
It's time to tattoo once a course of action has been decided: Depending on your particular scalp thickness, your artist will grab the pen-like device and begin working, puncturing the dermis at a depth of roughly 2 millimeters. SMP definitely involves a sweet spot, so it's crucial to choose a skilled artist such as Delaware SMP!
If the needle merely penetrates the epidermal layer, the pigment will swiftly deteriorate and fall off as the layer naturally sheds and regenerates. The pigment migrates and discolors the scalp in large, circular patches if the needle penetrates too deeply, past the epidermis and into the subcutaneous layer.
If this is your first session, your tattoo artist will usually tattoo the microdots with lots of space in between. This way, they can establish the groundwork and get a better understanding of how your scalp heals before employing more precise methods.
Your artist will fill in those spaces with additional micro-impressions during the second session and decide whether to use a little darker or lighter color. The third session is often where all the minor nuances are fine-tuned." Depending on how you've healed, your artist may add additional density and go darker. Patience is essential because achieving the desired outcomes often takes two to three sessions (four for some).
Depending on the size of the region, each session can last anywhere between one and five hours, according to Delaware SMP. After the initial session, you will plan the subsequent one 10 to 14 days later and concentrate on recovery and aftercare.
You will plan your second appointment 10 to 14 days following the first one and concentrate on your recovery and aftercare (more on that in a moment). When implanting more impressions into the scalp, the scalp must fully heal in order to prevent ink migration and oversaturation.
Can A Tattoo Artist Perform Scalp Micropigmentation?
Tattoos and scalp micropigmentation are entirely distinct, although having a similar nature. Significantly, the application technique, the chemicals, and the safety protocol are unique.
The application of dots to the scalp is theoretically possible, but there are numerous risks involved, including the possibility of infection, an allergic reaction, or even worse. We advise you to seek out a skilled SMP practitioner, such as Delaware SMP, to administer the procedure in order to prevent these hazards.
Is SMP Safe?
Delaware SMP advises receiving a good diagnosis of your hair loss before beginning scalp micropigmentation, "so you don't use it as a Band-Aid while still not treating the hair loss. It's entirely safe to utilize many common hair loss treatments in conjunction with scalp micropigmentation, but you'll want to be sure they don't conflict.
Conclusion: What to Expect After the Treatment?
Immediately following your SMP treatment, your scalp will heal for 3 to 4 days. The treated area can be red 24 to 48 hours after treatment, but you can resume work immediately. With the exception of keeping your scalp dry for the first few days, there are no restrictions on your actions during the healing process, and you may anticipate a total recovery in 5-7 days. A specialist in scalp micropigmentation from Delaware SMP will give thorough aftercare instructions. And if you ask me about whether to choose SMP or not, then I must say, “you must”.