Special shampoos, conditioners and blowouts may “promise” thicker-looking, healthy hair, but for more advanced hair loss issues (think, female pattern baldness autoimmune diseases, hormone imbalances as a result of postpartum), it doesn’t completely solve the puzzle. Now, increasingly more women are turning to scalp micropigmentation — a procedure traditional sought by men — to offer the illusion of an ideal fade or full, lush tresses. Here’s what you’ll want to consider before you book a consultation in keeping with experts.
What’s scalp micro pigmentation?
The Scalp Shop
Scalp micro pigmentation, or SMP, is a non-surgical procedure during which a technician uses a needle and ink to create tiny dots on the scalp that simulate the looks of hair follicles. FYI: It doesn’t interrupt the hair’s natural hair growth cycle, meaning you possibly can still grow your individual hair after you’ve accomplished SMP. Recent York City-based SMP artist and The Scalp Shop owner Giovanni James helped developed the technique and products within the late nineties. Today, many offices that do everlasting makeup and camouflage tattooing are beginning to add SMP to list of services.
Clients need at the very least two sessions depending on the dimensions of the affected area and their desired coverage. Some may have as many as eight; nonetheless, every candidate sees a difference after the very first session. With proper maintenance, SMP results can last for as much as eight years.
Who gets scalp micro pigmentation?
Scalp micro pigmentation nonsurgical procedure.
Jayd Hernandez for Studio Conceal
Scalp micro pigmentation has been primarily marketed to men as a approach to redefine hairlines affected by male pattern baldness or fill in uneven facial hair. Nevertheless, more women are looking for this solution as a form of last resort, after trying less-permanent options like extensions, powders or spray-on hair fibers. “Or, they’re uninterested in being stuck in what we call ‘wig prison’,” explained Dangerkat, co-owner of The Scalp Shop. She estimates that about 25% of her clients are women, most of whom struggle with hereditary hair loss or are treating damaged hairlines after years of locs, braids or wig glue.
“I might say my first set of clientele for female hair loss are definitely women who’ve some form of autoimmune disorder happening inside their body, whether it’s PCOS or something to that effect, where they’re losing a variety of hair,” explained Jayd Hernandez, owner of Studio Conceal, a camouflaging tattoo studio in Gilbert, Arizona. “After which second to that, I might say can be postpartum.”
Almost anyone concerned about thinning hair is a candidate for SMP, unless they’ve a skin condition like psoriasis. The Scalp Shop recommends clients only seek SMP in the event that they and their doctors think their condition won’t get any worse.
What’s the process?
The Scalp Shop
Hernandez and Dangerkat each stressed the importance of the consultation. In reality, The Scalp Shop uses a cream to simulate the method’ coverage to indicate clients how their final results will look. They then send them home with photos and videos to reference in the event that they’re still deciding. “We prefer to have people in our chair which might be absolutely comfortable, since it’s an enormous deal,” said James. “, you don’t want people guessing about this.”
The Scalp Shop and Studio Conceal owners say most clients require two to 3 sessions lasting between three and eight hours to get the specified coverage. Hernandez uses an over-the-counter topical numbing cream but not everyone finds SMP painful. “We literally have had clients which have fallen asleep through the entire session,” she said.
Typically, sessions are spaced ten to 14 days apart. That point allows the ink to settle and for the redness and peeling to stop. Don’t worry—those reactions are an expected a part of the method.
In any case sessions are accomplished, a client won’t need to return back for touch-ups for 3 to 6 years. “It fades with sun over time,” explained Pasqualotto. Make sure to cover as much as get probably the most longevity out of your treatment, which costs between $2,500 and $4,000. It sounds expensive, but hair transplants start at $4,000 and go as much as $10,000; plus, there’s the chance of scarring.
Does scalp micro pigmentation work for all hair types?
Studio Conceal
Jayd Hernandez for Studio Conceal
SMP is an ideal option regardless of your curl pattern or hair’s natural thickness. The technician will adjust the dots to mimic the looks of your hair follicles.
Women experiencing thinning can decide to retain their length and easily camouflage the exposed scalp. Nevertheless, James and Pasqualotto sometimes recommend their clients experiment with shorter styles that suit the present state of their hair and their facial expression. Having long hair on the perimeters and back can often draw more attention to thinning hair on the crown. Ultimately, the aim is to bring focus to what really matters.
As James explained, “We’re within the business of, greater than anything, igniting the energy of the person in order that they change into completely empowered with their very own look.”
