Cotswold Trichology
Scalp MicroPigmentation Treatment
What is Scalp MicroPigmentation?
Scalp MicroPigmentation, also known as SMP is a camouflage treatment that offers a real alternative to hair transplants, hair systems, concealers, lotions and pills.
Carbon black medical grade pigment is diluted according to hair and skin colour then applied in dots close together using a special type of superfine tattoo needle. It is a different skill to tattooing, the pigment resides slightly shallower in the dermal layers than a standard tattoo.
The non-surgical procedure is suitable for both men and women and replicates hair follicles to give the illusion of thicker hair. Consequently, this removes the focus from the visible scalp or any thin areas you have. The treatment creates an illusion of closely shaven hair and can effectively disguise scars or give the appearance of denser hair.
Is it the same as a Tattoo?
Scalp Micropigmentation is not the same as regular tattooing, the only similarity is the application of pigment to your skin. The needles, pigments and equipment used are different to create this realistic 3D hair growth appearance.
The pigment is made with natural ingredients including beta-carotene and iron oxide. If required or requested we can carryout a patch test on an area of your scalp but allergic reactions are very rare.
- Male pattern hair loss
- Female pattern hair loss
- Receding hairlines
- Crown hair loss
- Thinning hair
- Total hair loss
- Patchy hair loss
- Head injury
- Disguise scars
- Alopecia
- Traction Alopecia
- Thicken the appearance of a hair transplant
In male hair loss, SMP is suitable at all stages, particularly 4,5,6,7. Whereas hair loss treatments are more suited to stages 2, 3 & 4
Scalp Micropigmentation Treatment for Women – Improved Hair Density Appearance
The process is slightly different for women with hair than men with a shaved head. Many women choose this treatment to to mask the appearance of pink scalp through their hair.
This is rather like using topical hair fibres like Topic and Nanogen however, the effect doesn’t wash off. Sometimes if hair thinning is extensive hair fibres are not effective as they need hair to stick to.
As the pigments used are dark, this effect works best on those with dark blonde to very dark brown hair. Ladies with highlight blonde hair but a slight regrowth will also find this treatment gives an improved hair density appearance.
Less sessions are necessary for this type of Scalp MicroPigment treatment than the shaved head look. The technique is the same but pigment is applied between existing hairs creating a shadow.
SMP Treatment for Hair Transplant Patients
People who have had hair transplant surgery can use Scalp MicroPigmentation to further improve their hair density. The pigment application process is the same as described for women above to give a further appearance of improved density. We would recommend waiting approximately 12 months before undertaking SMP.
Scalp Micropigmentation can blend the appearance of hair transplant scars into surrounding hair so it looks practically invisible. The pockmark scar effect from FUE transplants can blend immaculately into surrounding hair at the back of the head. Old style plug graft scars can also be blended to some degree but it depends on the level of atrophy to how effective this will be. After Scalp Micropigmentation you can shave your hair to the length of a 5pm shadow if you wish (open clippers – no grader) and it should blend well.
Your SMP Technician – Sally-Ann Tarver MIT.FTTS
Sally-Ann is an a fully licensed SMP Technician and a well respected and trusted hair loss expert. After years of recommending SMP to patients and referring to other practitioners she decided to train in Scalp Micropigmentation herself with World Class trainers Iccon international.
She found that men were often given unnatural hairlines by practitioners with little experience of normal male hair. Hairlines are not solid or straight, it is important to give someone a hair line that is believable and age appropriate.
A 50 year old man a 16 year old boys hair line is neither appropriate or believable. Even worse, that 50 year old man will later become a 70 year old man, the SMP will still be there, although faded, so it is really important to think ahead.
Sally-Ann is also a Trichologist of 24 years. If you would like a full Trichology consultation to explore ALL hair loss treatments and avenues, please book a 1 hour first consultation.
A Trichologist is able to give a full unbiased hair loss consultation. There are very few Trichologists who can offer both experienced, qualified advice on hair loss treatments and scalp micropigmentation.
We are currently able to offer FREE SMP consultations, click here to book.
What Happens During The Scalp Micropigmentation Process.
Good thinks take time, everyone heals at a different rate. It is essential to see how an individual’s skin reacts to pigment by leaving some time between treatments. It is not possible to efficiently complete the effect in one or two sessions. A full treatment area can typically takes between 6 -15 hours. This is normally spread over 3-4 of sessions.
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Consultation
The first stage is to book a consultation to see if you are suitable and what your expectations are. Face to face is preferred as it is really important to look at the size of your head, the area to be covered and if you have any large scars. If you have a large head, little hair or complicated scarring you will need more sessions than a person with a small head, some hair and no scarring. During the consultation Sally-Ann will take a medical history, asses your scalp, existing hair density and colour. You can discuss the type of look you would like to achieve and she will tell you if what you would like is possible and if it will look good or not.
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Book Your First Session
When you are ready, book your first treatment session. This can be booked at the time of the consultation. As SMP sessions are long, we charge a £250 deposit to secure the session. This is non refundable if you cancel within 48 hours of your appointment. The deposit is used against your final treatment so rolls over to cover each treatments session.
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Treatment one
Laying the foundation. This includes designing the shape of your hairline and a light scatter of impressions. We allow approximately 3-4 hours for this session with a break of 20 minutes midway. Pigment will look dark at fist and will fade around 50% in the first couple of weeks, the size of the impression will reduce by around 50% as it heals.
The treatment is minimally invasive and healing is normally quick. You may experience some mild discomfort but most clients tolerate sessions well, some clients even fall asleep during treatment! - Treatment two –
Session 2 adds the bulk of density, for every dot placed in session one, 3-5 more are placed in session 2. It will look more like a head of hair after this session -
Treatment three –
The third session is filling in gaps and going over any impressions that have faded with healing. Excessive fading can occur if you sweat, wear a hat, rub your head excessively during the first week or two after treatment. It is really important to follow the aftercare instructions. - Treatment Four –
Sometimes this is necessary if you have a really large head, the area is extensive or ink hasn’t been retained well in any previous session. - Final Session –
We will invite you back for a final time to check your fully healed result. Sometimes you may require a tiny bit more work, a few dots replaced or some additional blending. We normally offer this appointment complementary.
Scalp Micropigmentation Post Treatment Advice - You will be able to carry out your day to day activities immediately afterwards.
- Each session can take around 5- 7 days to reasonably heal but up to a month to fully heal.
- Do not get your scalp wet for a minimum of 4 days, do not use shampoo for 5 days.
- No hats for a week
- Refrain from exercise for a week.
- Scalp inflammation, redness and tenderness may occur after your session.
- Very small scabs may form at the treated area and pigment dots will appear darker than the final result.
- You may experience itchiness for a few weeks due to the skins natural healing process
- Recovery times vary from person to person.
- You will need to moisturise your scalp 2-3 times a day between treatments.
- Touch-up treatments will be required between 2 to 8 years depending on the person and lifestyle.
Are There Any Contraindications to Scalp Micropigmentation Treatment
- You will be able to carry out your day to day activities immediately afterwards.
- Each session can take around 5- 7 days to reasonably heal but up to a month to fully heal.
- Do not get your scalp wet for a minimum of 4 days, do not use shampoo for 5 days.
- No hats for a week
- Refrain from exercise for a week.
- Scalp inflammation, redness and tenderness may occur after your session.
- Very small scabs may form at the treated area and pigment dots will appear darker than the final result.
- You may experience itchiness for a few weeks due to the skins natural healing process
- Recovery times vary from person to person.
- You will need to moisturise your scalp 2-3 times a day between treatments.
- Touch-up treatments will be required between 2 to 8 years depending on the person and lifestyle.
The following are contraindications to scalp micropigmentation
- Blood clots
- Infectious diseases
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes
We may need to refer you to your GP in order to undergo treatment
Treatment lifespan is significantly longer if you avoid UV.
Therefore we advise you to use sunscreen or a hat throughout the summer months when outside.
Therefore we advise you to use sunscreen or a hat throughout the summer months when outside.
How Much Does Scalp Micropigmentation Cost?
Scalp MicroPigmentation cannot be completed in one session. Consequently a number of sessions will be necessary to achieve the final look, normally 3+. Sessions last 1-4 hours and longer session will require rest breaks of 5-10 minutes for both client comfort and technician accuracy. Our average per session cost is £250 -£500 depending on the size of the area. You will need a minimum of 3 sessions or possibly 4 so budget for £750 – £2000, an accurate quote will be given at your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions on Scalp Micropigmentation.
