Cotswold Trichology
Scalp MicroPigmentation Treatment
What is Scalp MicroPigmentation?
Scalp MicroPigmentation is also known as SMP, Scalp Tattoo, TricoPigmentation and 3D Scalp MicroPigmentation. It 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 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 a closely shaven hair cut 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 at least some 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 will be 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
Men 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.
The 3D scalp tattoo method can blend the appearance of an FUT line scar 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. After Scalp Micropigmentation you can shave your hair to the length of a 5pm shadow if you wish.
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 via zoom, click here to book.
Scalp Micropigmentation During The COVID 19 Period. We are looking forward to returning to work on the 13th April and are booking SMP appointments in advance. There are quite a few clients who started their treatment before the November lockdown in line for the first appointments. These are closely followed by those who had online consults during lockdown. Therefore if you are interested in having treatment in the coming months, we would recommend taking steps soon to secure one of the next available sessions. SMP is carried out under stringent hygiene practices with practitioners wearing mask, gloves, eye protection and disposable apron. Your technician has already been vaccinated against COVID 19.
Due to the extensive period of close contact, if you have not yet received your COVID vaccination, we would ask that you get a lateral flow test at your local centre. they are free and add an extra layer of caution.
As with all close contact services we will send you a pre appointment COVID form to fill out and ask that if you are feeling unwell you postpone your appointment.
What Happens During The Scalp Micropigmentation Process.
SMP is carried out under stringent hygiene practices with practitioners wearing mask, gloves, eye protection and disposable apron. Your technician has already been vaccinated against COVID 19.
Due to the extensive period of close contact, if you have not yet received your COVID vaccination, we would ask that you get a lateral flow test at your local centre. they are free and add an extra layer of caution.
As with all close contact services we will send you a pre appointment COVID form to fill out and ask that if you are feeling unwell you postpone your appointment.
What Happens During The Scalp Micropigmentation Process.
This treatment is a journey not a race, 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 sitting. A full treatment area can typically takes between 2-10 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. This can be face to face or by zoom. 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. As SMP sessions are long, we ask that you pay a deposit to secure the session. This is non refundable if you cancel within 48 hours of your appointment.
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Treatment one
Laying the foundation. This includes designing the shape of your hairline and a light scatter of impressions. It is preferable to add the pigment in stages as once applied it is permanent. One should also consider what your newly designed hair line will look as you age.
The pigment will fade slightly over time but the shape of the hair line will not. Given this consideration, soft natural hair lines are preferable. The treatment is minimally invasive and healing is normally quick. You may experience some mild discomfort but most clients tolerate sessions well. - Treatment two –
Now things are becoming exciting! Session 2 adds the bulk of density, for every dot placed in session one, 4-5 more are placed in session 2. -
Treatment three, four, five – (not always needed) Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is the optical illusion of a full head of hair. The average scalp has around 10,000 hair follicles and that is what we are trying to replicate. A third session if usually necessary to close up gaps once session 3 has healed. This can be taken further in a fourth or fifth session to achieve the look you want. Your density and hairline can be continually refined until you are happy with the final result.
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.
- Scalp inflammation, redness and tenderness may occur after your session.
- Very small scabs will form at the treated area and pigment dots will appear darker than the final result.
- Scabs can last a few days until they naturally fall off.
- Do not pick the scabs as this will effect your final result leading to pigment loss.
- 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 twice 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.
- Scalp inflammation, redness and tenderness may occur after your session.
- Very small scabs will form at the treated area and pigment dots will appear darker than the final result.
- Scabs can last a few days until they naturally fall off.
- Do not pick the scabs as this will effect your final result leading to pigment loss.
- 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 twice 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 -£750 depending on the size of the area. You will need a minimum of 3 sessions so budget for £750 – £2250, an accurate quote will be given at your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions on Scalp Micropigmentation.
