What is Scalp Micropigmentation?

Scalp micropigmentation is a hair loss solution that is non-invasive, non-surgical, and provides natural-looking coverage to the treatment area—permanently. Scalp micropigmentation, or SMP for short, involves the depositing of pigment into the treatment area which simulates the look of the individual’s natural hair follicles. In turn, this creates the appearance of stubble on someone who is bald (think shaved head) and increased thickness and density in individuals with longer, thinning hair.

Hair loss solutions are touted everywhere and each one has its own benefits and drawbacks. Scalp micropigmentation is a unique and innovative option that hasn’t been around for a very long time, which is why you may not have heard about it until recently. It’s unique in the sense that it’s permanent and low-to-no maintenance, which is what most people are looking for when it comes to solving their hair loss issues. Up until scalp micropigmentation for hair loss was an option, the only permanent solution was conceding to hair loss entirely by shaving your head bald, or getting one or more hair transplants, which is a pretty extreme and costly option.

How is Scalp Micropigmentation Performed?

Scalp micropigmentation is performed by an artist that specializes in a technique called pointillism, which involves making tiny, accurate and consistent deposits of pigment to create a result that comes together gradually as layers are built up and density is increased. Scalp micropigmentation artists use a needle cartridge with some of the smallest needles in existence to replicate the size of a hair follicle. These cartridges are used in conjunction with a personalized ink or pigment to match the individual’s follicle color and impressions are made, one-by-one, until the desired result is achieved.

SMP is performed at a studio or clinic where the individual will spend a few hours with the artist, comfortably sitting in a chair or on a bed. The treatment is non-invasive—so no painkillers, numbing agents, or hand-holding is required. The technique and application of scalp micropigmentation makes it only slightly uncomfortable at worst, with some individuals claiming it to be painless or even soothing (I’ve had clients fall asleep during treatments). This is not only due to the microscopic needles that are used, but it is also attributable to the depth at which the needles are being placed. When it comes to proper SMP, the needles are only penetrating the top-most layers of skin, less than 2mm deep. Additionally, the technique involves making singular impressions at around a 90 degree angle, so there is minimal trauma to the skin, as no dragging or scratching is taking place.

In order to achieve the most natural-looking SMP results, multiple sessions are performed, which allows the artist to modify density, color, and shape, in addition to layering and blending to create a final product that will provide the individual with a massive boost in self-confidence. As with any treatment, there are limitations to what each hair loss solution is capable of achieving, so it’s important to get a consultation so you and the artist can discuss your goals and they can inform you of whether or not the treatment you are inquiring about is right for you.

Is Scalp Micropigmentation A Good Hair Loss Solution?

For those who don’t want to mess with temporary options like hair systems, hair fibers, or prescription medication and don’t want to go under the knife, scalp micropigmentation can be an excellent option which can provide the individual with the result that they are looking for. Again, scalp micropigmentation has it’s drawbacks as well, so it’s important to understand that this isn’t a magical treatment that will grow your hair back, but rather it’s an option to simulate the appearance of a full scalp, which can produce the appearance of a shaved head on someone who is balding (instead of the infamous receding or horseshoe looks), or camouflage the scalp of someone with longer hair who is experiencing more mlld hair loss—which creates the illusion of a denser, fuller head of hair.

Additionally, scalp micropigmentation is commonly used for specialty cases, like scar concealment, by someone who has undergone a hair transplant surgery or sustained some sort of injury to the scalp. When skin undergoes trauma, it can destroy the hair follicle underneath, which leaves the individual with scar tissue that stands out from the rest of the area; SMP can be utilized to recreate the look of the natural hair follicles in that area and help to reduce the appearance of scar tissue dramatically.

Why Haven’t I Heard Of Scalp Micropigmentation?

SMP hasn’t been around for a very long time, but it’s growing in popularity rapidly. As with any new treatment, it takes some time to develop the techniques and knowledge to produce a result that not only looks appealing and natural, but also outperforms the alternative options in many ways. It took a bit of time for these techniques to reach this point, but now that they are here, SMP is making major strides in the hair loss space.

The development and progression of scalp micropigmentation is very similar to microblading; at first nobody knew what it was, but now it is one of the most popular and most desirable options for individuals looking to restore or enhance their eyebrows.

Scalp micropigmentation fills a very necessary gap in the hair loss industry where people desire permanent, low-maintenance results without going under the knife or committing to prescription medications that alter their hormones and can cause some serious side effects.

If you’re considering SMP for hair loss, feel free to reach out to me directly and I’d be happy to answer any questions you have.