Scalp micropigmentation is a unique treatment for those who suffer from hair loss. This treatment can be performed alone or combined with a hair transplant to help people achieve their aesthetic goals. In this guide, you’ll learn how and why it’s done, what the results look like, and how much it might cost you.
What Is Scalp Micropigmentation?
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a non-surgical treatment for hair loss involving the insertion of microdots of pigments in the upper dermal layer of the scalp. Applied in a stippling pattern, this treatment essentially mimics the appearance of hair follicles. As a result, it either creates the illusion of higher hair density or the look of a freshly shaved buzzcut.
Though scalp micropigmentation is basically a kind of “tattoo” it isn’t the same as one. The equipment as well as the technique used in SMP is different from the one used in traditional tattooing. Additionally, with scalp micropigmentation, it’s best to rely on the expertise of a qualified practitioner or a practitioner who has received special training for SMP.
The British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (BAHRS) offers affiliate scalp micropigmentation practitioner membership to only those individuals who hold a “Level 4 SMP-specific qualification.” Additionally, they are required to have taken a course in first aid, blood-borne pathogen, and Level 2 basic life support. Therefore, when looking for a practitioner, it’s a good idea to find someone who is an affiliate SMP practitioner member of BAHRS.
Who Is Scalp Micropigmentation For?
You can benefit from scalp micropigmentation in the following cases:
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In the case of extensive hair loss, you might not have enough hair in the donor area to create the desired illusion of density in all the balding areas. In this case, a scalp micropigmentation treatment can help fill out some see-through areas of the scalp, making it look more voluminous.
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For those who cannot or do not wish to have a hair transplant, SMP offers a non-surgical and effective alternative. Those who have experienced hair loss due to alopecia areata can also be considered candidates for this treatment — though only if their condition is stable.
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Micropigmentation can conceal scars left behind by trauma, surgery, cicatricial alopecia (if it’s been stable for a few years), and even the linear scar from strip harvesting FUT hair transplant. Furthermore, if you have an overharvested donor area or prominent scarring from a botched FUE or older method of hair transplant, SMP can help. Although, bear in mind that SMP is not used to camouflage keloid scars.
Who Is Not Suitable For Scalp Micropigmentation?
You might not be considered a suitable candidate for scalp micropigmentation if:
You have a heart condition, blood clotting disorder, blood-borne infectious disease, diabetes, lupus, or severe epilepsy (and had a seizure in the last year). Additionally, you’ll be advised against the treatment if you have an active flare-up of eczema or psoriasis.
You’re taking immunosuppressants, blood thinners or heart medication.
You’re pregnant.
Keep in mind that scalp micropigmentation is basically a tattoo, and it won’t result in any hair growth. Therefore, with long hair on the sides and a prominent bald spot on your scalp, getting SMP there wouldn’t be a good idea, as it will appear unnatural, and no hair will grow in that bald spot (assuming it’s a permanent bald spot).
Scalp Micropigmentation Before And After
Here are a few before and after images of patients who had scalp micropigmentation with Longevita. Please note that we do not currently offer this service.
How Does Scalp Micropigmentation Work?
An SMP practitioner inserts pigment, creating dots that resemble the hair follicles within the skin of the scalp. The treatment uses an electric handheld machine, and it may or may not be done under a local anaesthetic so the patient doesn’t feel discomfort. Typically, SMP is performed in multiple sessions as follows:
First session: The scalp is assessed, and problem areas are identified before the pigment is inserted into the scalp. The microdots are spread out to avoid a blowout. It may take 3-4 hours of your time, though it can vary depending on the size of the treatment area.
Second session: Usually taking place a week after the first session, it involves placing more microdots in the spaces between those placed in the previous session. This creates a more dense appearance while allowing the previous microdots to heal. This session could take up to 3 hours.
Third session: Generally performed a month after the second session, this is where the practitioner makes the final touches by perfecting the shade. If you’re getting a new hairline, it will be finalised in this session. This appointment can take up to 2 hours.
Considerations About Scalp Micropigmentation Treatment
To get good results from your treatment, it is important that you find a properly trained, experienced and certified practitioner.
SMP isn’t as simple as inserting dot-sized pigment into the scalp, as it requires adjusting the angle, depth and duration of needle penetration across different areas of the scalp to achieve the desired effect. Awareness of the anatomical differences between scalp, skin tones and skin types of people is also important and something that an experienced practitioner will be knowledgeable about.
In a 2017 study on the standardisation of the SMP technique, a number of important factors were noted, some of which included the:
Angling the needle at 90 degrees to form natural-looking round dots.
Being careful about the depth of penetration — too superficial and the pigment will not be retained; too deep and the dot will spread out.
Adjusting the rotor speed right, otherwise, the pigment can overdeposit, or the needle won’t enter the skin.
Using different types of needles for different areas of the scalp.
Placing the dots irregularly rather than in a pattern.
These and many other factors will help you get the best possible results from the SMP. It is important, however, to find a practitioner who is familiar with them and has extensive experience.
How Many Sessions For Scalp Micropigmentation?
Typically, scalp micropigmentation requires three sessions. Nevertheless, the total number of sessions may vary (can be 4 or 5) depending on the amount of micropigmentation required.
One study noted that “an average of 12 hours” are spent on the treatment of an FUT scar in three sessions — each lasting 4 hours. And when the entire head needs to be treated, it can take 20 to 30 hours.
How Long Does Scalp Micropigmentation Take To Heal?
Scalp micropigmentation has zero downtime, so you can get back to work the same or the next day. The work done in each session is visible immediately afterwards, but keep in mind that you will only see the final results after the last treatment session.
Though SMP has no downtime, you can experience some temporary discomforts. Swelling and redness can occur for 2-3 hours after the treatment, however, it can vary between patients. For instance, if you have more sensitive skin, redness can last for 1-2 days.
Other than that, you may also experience itching during the recovery process, but it’s important that you resist the urge to scratch or pick scabs. To relieve the itch, your facilitator may advise you to gently press your finger on the affected area. In any case, make sure to check with them.
What To Do After Scalp Micropigmentation?
You will be given instructions on how to best care for your scalp after the treatment. Some of them may be as follows:
Avoiding washing the scalp for a few days.
Avoiding physical activities that cause excessive sweating on the scalp.
Not going into any swimming pools, hot baths, saunas or steam rooms for some time.
Moisturising the scalp (likely starting a few days after the treatment).
Steering clear of any tight headwear to avoid rubbing the scalp.
Avoiding direct sun exposure between sessions. You may need to wait a few days after your last session before you start wearing sunscreen.
It is important to keep in mind that aftercare instructions can differ between practitioners, so you must follow those provided to you by your own practitioner.
How Long Does Scalp Micropigmentation Last?
Since the pigments used in scalp micropigmentation are permanent, the results of the treatment should last a lifetime.
However, patients’ bodies can react differently to pigments, and in some cases, they can fade with time. Also, as one study notes, exposure to direct ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can also change the colour of the pigment in the skin.
Extensive exposure to UV light can accelerate the fading of the pigment, so be careful.
How Much Does Scalp Micropigmentation Cost?
Prices for scalp micropigmentation typically start from £500 per session in the UK. Though depending on the size of the treatment area, the number of sessions required, the experience of the practitioner and the location of the facility, the cost can vary.
Experiencing Hair Loss?
Longevita is a trusted facilitator of surgical and non-surgical solutions for hair loss in London and Istanbul. We arrange access to a team of highly qualified practitioners committed to meeting your aesthetic goals and needs. To learn more about the treatments we arrange, do not hesitate to get in touch!
Frequently asked questions about Scalp Micropigmentation
You may find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about scalp micropigmentation below.
Because permanent pigment is used in scalp micropigmentation, it can be difficult to remove it. It’s possible for a laser tattoo removal to help, but make sure to consult a qualified practitioner about it. To avoid a bad result, it’s best you do your due diligence on finding someone experienced from the start.
A scalp micropigmentation treatment should not damage your existing hair follicles. The purpose of this treatment is to improve the appearance of density, not to do otherwise.
Yes, you can have hair transplant surgery after getting scalp micropigmentation. The opposite of it can also be done.
It is likely that your SMP practitioner will recommend shaving your head before the first session so that the size of the microdots can be matched to your hair follicles. However, you may be given the option of having SMP on an unshaven head with long hair.
When done correctly, scalp micropigmentation can look quite natural. It will appear as though your head has just been shaved or if your hair is already long, the microdots can blend seamlessly into them.
Scalp micropigmentation treatment is not really painful. However, to avoid any discomfort, your facilitator might apply a numb cream or administer local anaesthesia before starting.
Dr Cagla
Dr Cagla earned her medical degree at Trakya University’s Faculty of Medicine in Bulgaria and has almost 6 years of hair transplantation experience. She is a specialist in FUE, DHI and Sapphire hair transplants of the scalp, eyebrows and beard and has performed over 6,000 surgeries. Dr Cagla is multilingual, with fluency in English, Bulgarian and Turkish.
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