Hair loss problems in women are more common than you might think. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) mentioned that millions of women experience some form of hair loss in their lifetime. It’s different from male pattern baldness because it does not always start with hair receding at the forehead. By age 30, more than 30% of women show signs of hair loss.
There are many treatments for hair loss, but if you are looking for a non-surgical and permanent solution, scalp micropigmentation (SMP) might be the right choice for you. Here are the nine things you might want to know about SMP:
Things You Should Know about Scalp Micropigmentation
1. What Scalp Micropigmentation Is
Scalp micropigmentation is a process that deposits tiny pigment particles into the upper dermal layer of the skin to create the appearance of your natural hair. It’s also known as scalp tattooing, hair tattooing, and medical tattooing.
It was introduced to the industry in the early 2000s to treat baldness and hair thinning. The process was initially performed with a tattoo machine, but the method has evolved to use micropigmentation techniques over time.
2. What Causes Hair Loss In Women
There are several reasons why women might suffer from hair loss. These include:
- Stress: For women, stress will result in increased testosterone production, which might cause the hair follicles to shrink. What’s more, it will also lead to shedding of a hair and a receding hairline.
- Poor diet: Biotin and zinc are two minerals that are essential for healthy hair. If you don’t get enough of them in your diet, it can lead to hair loss and weakening the hair follicles.
- Heredity: The genetic hair loss trait runs in families, so if the women in your family have this issue, you might also suffer from it.
- Hormonal changes: Major hormonal changes such as menopause can affect a woman’s hormone levels and cause her body to experience an imbalance.
3. How Can SMP Help?
Through SMP, you can regain the appearance of your natural hair. If you have thinning strands or notice that your scalp is showing through, this process will mask those areas to give the impression that there are no bald spots and allow you to appear as beautiful and confident as ever.
SMP can be used to replicate the hairline of a young woman, disguise hair loss due to chemotherapy, or simply add density and fullness to thinning hair.
The pigments used in SMP are implanted into the skin’s upper dermal layer and won’t wash away or fade over time. The results of SMP are permanent, which is why it has become a popular treatment for hair loss among women.
4. Why Should I Consider SMP?
Here are the reasons why SMP is something you might want to consider:
Helps You Appear Younger
SMP can help you achieve the appearance of thicker hair, which will make you look younger. With SMP, there is no need to worry about buying different products or applying makeup to hide your scalp because the tattoos will blend seamlessly with your skin tone and give the impression that your head is full of thick hair.
A Permanent Solution
What’s great about SMP is that the results are permanent, so you don’t have to worry about going through a lengthy and painful hair loss treatment ever again. Once the treatment is complete, you will never have to worry about your hair thinning or bald patches again.
No More Wearing Hats Or Scarves
Another good thing about SMP is that you no longer have to hide your scalp under hats or scarves. It’s because the tattoos are so convincing that no one will ever guess that they are not your natural hair strands.
Makes The Most Of Your Natural Hair
You can use SMP to add fullness and density to areas where your hair is particularly thin. It’ll allow you to maintain the appearance of a thick head of hair, even if you suffer from severe hair loss problems.
Non-Invasive And Non-Surgical
SMP is a process that does not involve any surgical procedures or requires medication or harsh chemicals. You can have this treatment done as an outpatient and leave right after.
No Recovery Time
Unlike surgery, there’s little to no recovery time involved with SMP, so you don’t have to worry about sitting at home just waiting for your scalp to heal. After the procedure, you can go straight back to work and resume your usual activities.
Increases Your Confidence
The number one benefit of SMP is that it will help you regain confidence. Hair loss can be an extremely difficult problem to deal with because you might feel embarrassed about your appearance and avoid hanging out with friends or attending social engagements where people might see the thinning patches on your scalp. With SMP, getting back to your old self and feeling more confident in your appearance will take no time.
5. What To Expect During The Treatment
The SMP treatment will involve using a tattoo gun to implant pigments into the upper layer of your skin. The number of sessions depends on the extent of hair loss and how much density you would like to achieve. You can have this procedure done on your lunch break and resume whatever activities you were doing before the appointment. The process takes just a few hours to complete, and you will be able to go home right after.
- First, the technician will take a photo of your head from all angles to create a customized treatment plan for you.
- Then, the scalp is numbed with a topical anesthetic, and the pigment is implanted into the skin’s upper dermal layer. The technician will use a micropigmentation machine to implant the pigment into the skin.
- After the procedure is complete, you might experience some redness and swelling, which should subside in a few hours.
6. What To Expect After The Treatment
You may expect to see long-lasting results after the treatment. You might start seeing results as early as ten (10) days after the procedure has been done. You might need a bandage for a couple of hours after complete treatment. After a few days, you can remove the bandage, and the tattoos should be healed.
7. How Much Does SMP Cost?
The cost will vary depending on the clinic you go to and the extent of the treatment. It may range from around USD$1,200 – USD$2,800 for a full head treatment as a general guideline.
8. Are There Risks Involved?
Like any other medical procedure, SMP does come with some risks. However, they are minimal and usually only occur if the technician is inexperienced in performing this type of treatment.
The common risks associated with SMP:
- Due to the pigment, some might experience allergic reactions, which can be treated with antihistamines. (That’s why initial consultation and precaution must be taken before the procedure).
- There’s a risk of infection if the area is not properly cleaned and sterilized (That’s why it is important to go to a reputable clinic).
- You may experience dryness, itching, or swelling in the treated area, but these symptoms should disappear within a few days.
9. Safety Precautions
Because this treatment requires a tattoo gun, you should take certain safety precautions before your treatment. Ask for the clinic’s safety guidelines and follow them. Below is a list of some safety precautions you can take before your procedure:
- Ensure that you do not take any blood-thinning medications (e.g. aspirin and ginkgo) or supplements for at least 14 days (two weeks) before your treatment. The technicians should also know if you have had a recent skin infection or cold sore.
- After the treatment, avoid sun exposure and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your scalp from the sun.
- Refrain from alcohol or caffeine for at least 24 hours before and after the treatment.
Final Thoughts
SMP may not be for everyone, but it can be an excellent option for women looking to treat hair loss. It’s a non-invasive treatment that is relatively affordable and comes with minimal risks. If you’re considering SMP, it’s always a good idea to consult with an expert to see if it’s the right treatment for you.
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Author’s Bio:
Juan Salvatore is a beauty, health, and lifestyle enthusiast. He spent the last 15 years traveling worldwide, searching for new trends and practices to share with his followers. His knowledge of all things beautiful, healthy, and luxurious matched his ability to inspire others to live their best lives.
