Scalp micropigmentation can be thought of as a special type of tattoo, different from the regular tattoos offered out there. Although tattooing and scalp micropigmentation share some elements, it does not mean that they are the same.It would be unwise for an individual to visit a regular tattoo parlor to get scalp micropigmentation; the results are likely to be less than stellar particularly if the tattoo artist is not very good. Scalp micropigmentation is a type of tattoo, but requires a lot more skills, training and the use of specialized equipment compared to regular tattooing. The major differences between these forms of cosmesis include:

THE LEVEL OF TRAINING NEEDED:

To become an excellent scalp micropigmentation expert, one would need extra training since it’s a more exacting art form. Facilities that offer high quality scalp micropigmentation tend to employ staff who have diplomas in the field, and who has a reasonable amount of experience as well.

THE ATTENTION TO DETAIL:

When compared to regular tattooing, scalp micropigmentation usually requires a lot more attention to detail. This is because one has to ensure that they replicate the natural way an individual’s hair follicles grow, and this can vary depending on the individual.Since there are more than two thousand hair follicles per square inch on the surface of the average human being, a scalp micropigmentation expert would need to focus on trying to reproduce this as much as possible, while still keeping in mind the orientation of the follicles and ensuring that the hues are mixed to give a more natural look. This can be taxing, and is the main reason why extensive training is needed before one can be declared a scalp micropigmentation expert.

THE LENGTH OF THE PROCEDURE:

The length of scalp micropigmentation may be much longer compared to tattooing depending on the nature of the hair loss. Typically, scalp micropigmentation starts with a consultation where the individual visits the scalp micropigmentation facility and have their needs assessed. Depending on the quality of the facility, a virtual hairline mockup can be created to show the individual what the outcome would be like, and they can use this opportunity to make subtle changes to the planned micropigmentation for the best look.The next visits (usually three or four depending on how extensive the hair loss is) involve the actual scalp micropigmentation. The first session typically involves creating the hairline and a minor fill. The fill is completed and texture added during the second and subsequent visits. The length of each of these sessions can be between 3 and 4 hours depending on the degree of scalp micropigmentation being done.In comparison, most tattooing processes are usually done within one session after an individual has chosen the pattern they want tattooed. In addition to paying attention to every little detail, quality scalp micropigmentation facilities are also thorough when it comes to infection control and cleanliness, something that many tattoo parlors may not pay much attention to. All in all, scalp micropigmentation can be defined as a form of tattoo, but one which is much more specialized and done under strict conditions.

Scalp micropigmentation shares some characteristics with regular tattoos, in terms of permanence and the ability to be removed. It is possible to remove scalp micropigmentation. In the past, this was achieved by the application of an acidic cream on the area, thus stripping away the upper surfaces of the skin. During scalp micropigmentation, the ink is deposited at a much shallower depth compared to a regular tattoo, which is why this method was first used. However, the usage of acidic cream has fallen out of favor due to the pain involved, and the low degrees of success as well as high risks of side effects.

LASER REMOVAL IS THE IDEAL METHOD OF MICROPIGMENTATION REMOVAL:

Today, using laser energy is the mainstay of scalp micropigmentation removal. Usually, the firms that provide scalp micropigmentation services can also provide removal services. If not, one can simply visit a tattoo removal firm, where lasers are also used to get rid of the pigment. The fact that the pigments used in scalp micropigmentation are smaller and placed at a shallower depth in the skin compared to a regular tattoo usually makes them easier to remove compared to regular tattoos.

HOW LASER REMOVAL WORKS:

Laser scalp micropigmentation removal works by exposing the treated surface to pulses of high energy laser beams. The laser beams are usually of a specific wavelength. Their effect is to break down the pigments into smaller particles. In many cases, scalp micropigmentation is done using natural materials which the body can then remove using its immune system. The laser pulses are usually moderately painful, but most removal firms will provide analgesics before the procedure to minimize this.It is necessary to provide the pulses of laser energy to break down the pigments to make it easier for immune cells to ingest the smaller pigment particles, and then excrete them from the body. When in their native form, the pigment particles are usually too big to be removed by immune cells, but slowly break away over time. This is why tattoos and even scalp micropigmentation can fade over a long period of time, sometimes requiring retouching in order to keep them looking good.

HOW LONG WILL THE PROCESS TAKE?:

The duration of removal of scalp micropigmentation depends on a number of factors, the most important of which is the area involved. If you had your whole head micropigmented, for instance, you would need several sessions of laser therapy to get rid of the pigments. Since it is your body that actually removes the pigments from the skin, your physiology might also play a role in determining how long it takes to clear the micropigmentation.

LASER THERAPY DOES NOT INSTANTLY REMOVE THE PIGMENT:

Another important issue to keep in mind is that once you have received the laser treatment, the pigment does not clear instantly. As explained above, the role of the laser beams is to simply break down the pigment into smaller particles. The rate at which your body’s immune system then removes the pigments to clear the area usually takes a week or two thereafter, sometimes longer. You might need to go for multiple laser sessions to further break down the micropigments if it turns out that it is clearing far too slowly than expected.

Baldness can simply be referred to as the loss of hair, either wholly or partly. It is a problem that affects both genders, and is often a source of embarrassment particularly if the individual is young. In the past, baldness was associated with aging, since most naturally bold people tended to be those who were past middle age.These days, however, there are other factors which can lead to premature baldness in both men and women. When trying to combat baldness, it is usually necessary to first find and remedy the cause of the baldness, and then try various methods to reverse it such as using scalp micropigmentation. There are many things that could cause baldness, but some of the most common ones include:

GENETICS:

Premature hair loss in men, termed as male pattern baldness, is the most common cause of baldness and is a genetic condition. It is passed on by both the mother and father to their children. However, this does not mean that a parent who has male pattern baldness will have children who will have the condition. It only increases their chances of getting it. Typically, male pattern baldness manifests as a receding hairline or formation of a patch when one is young, typically in the early to mid-twenties. Fortunately, there are drugs and procedures such as scalp micropigmentation which can be used to treat the condition relatively cheaply.

AGING

Aging is one of the most common causes of natural hair loss. As one grows older, their various body systems gradually slow down, and this can manifest in many ways including a reduction in the rate of hair growth or replacement of hair shafts that have been removed from their follicles. Women can also suffer from this problem as well. Research shows that from the age of 30 onwards, the rate of growth and volume of hair gradually decreases. Fortunately, this can also be ameliorated using quality scalp micropigmentation.

STRESS:

Though it’s relatively rare, stress can also result in hair loss. This is particularly so if one experiences intense emotional and/or physical stress for a significant amount of time. This typically results in the release of a wide variety of chemicals and hormones in the body due to the stress. Rather than a slow recession of the hairline, baldness caused by this form of stress is usually sudden and widespread. This can make it alarming to the individual suffering from it.Even if one chooses scalp micropigmentation to counter this, stress reduction methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy are also advised to ameliorate the problem. Reduction of stress can result in regrowth of some of the hair within six months.

TOO MUCH TRACTION ON THE SCALP:

Some people (both male and female) prefer hairstyles which involve tugging on the hair too hard. Examples of this include when one has tight braids, tight man buns and cornrows or even harsh treatments. When the hair is subjected to this traction for a long time, it can result in an increased rate of hair being pulled out from their follicles, resulting in gradual loss of hair and ultimately baldness.

Scalp micropigmentation is a process by which natural or pathological balding or hairline recession is reversed through the use of biological pigments placed in the epidermal layer of the scalp, similar to tattooing. The pigments used in micropigmentation are usually biological, and are carefully selected to ensure that they mimic one’s natural look as much as possible.Hairline recession and balding are biological processes that are caused by many factors. However, people who suffer from them may end up having their self-esteem affected. Micropigmentation is one of the many methods of restoring a more youthful look as far as scalp hair is concerned.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL IS IMPORTANT IN ACHIEVING THE IDEAL LOOK:

When you choose scalp micropigmentation to counter the effects of balding or a receding hairline, the attention to detail by the individual doing it is one of the most important factors determining the final outcome. For the most natural look, the process has to be done in such a manner as to mimic natural hair follicle appearance. For instance, there are more than 2,000 hairs per square inch on average on a human scalp. During the micropigmentation process, the individual carrying out the process has to aim to have a goal of replicating this look as closely as possible.Hair follicles also don’t grow in a uniform direction. If you look at a clean-shaven head or a baby’s head, for instance, you will notice that the hair grows in a sort of spiral pattern. When doing micropigmentation, the individual doing it has to keep this in mind, making sure that the follicles follow the natural growth pattern in your hair follicles, and include some idiosyncrasies that may be unique to your hair. This creates a result that is as natural looking as possible. In many cases will make you look like you have a full head of hair. Only very close inspection will reveal that that the hair follicles are actually pigments.

MICROPIGMENTATION IS NOT SYNONYMOUS WITH HAIR TRANSPLANTS:

An important note when considering micropigmentation is that it’s not synonymous with hair transplant, and no hair shafts will be added to the follicles on your head. When micropigmentation is done on a completely bald head, for instance, the end result is a head that looks like it has been recently shaven. This usually makes the individual feel more confident and have better self-esteem compared to when they are completely bald.The process can also be done on people with a full head of hair who have patch. In these cases, micropigmentation will hide the patch and make it less obvious. Compared to hair transplants, micropigmentation has a much higher success rate, and is less expensive. However, if you have just gotten a hair transplant, you can still use micropigmentation to boost its visual effect especially in areas where the transplant has not taken.

SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION IS A SPECIALIST SERVICE:

The intricate nature of scalp micropigmentation requires highly trained professionals as well as the use of high quality equipment for the best results. This is why clients are advised to be careful when choosing service providers to provide the micropigmentation.

The Norwood Scale is an objective method of quantifying the degree of hair loss in an individual. It is mainly used to assess the severity and progression of male pattern baldness. The scale, also known as the Hamilton-Norwood scale, has seven grades. The scale was introduced by James Hamilton in the 50s, and modified by O’Tar Norwood in the 70s.Because it is an objective scale rather than a subjective scale, the Norwood scale is important for documentation purposes when following up a patient suffering from progressive baldness. It also makes it easier to communicate about the condition with other healthcare providers in terms that provide all the needed information with clarity and without leaving out any important information. Using the Norwood Scale, hair loss is graded in the following manner

STAGE 1:

Stage 1 of the Norwood scale refers to no recession of the hairline, or very minor recession. Usually individuals who are at this stage require no treatment since the problem is minor. This is particularly so if the individual does not have a family history of baldness. In case a person has Norwood Stage 1 hair loss and is seen by a professional, they would need to be closely monitored to assess the progression of the hair loss, and to decide when to institute treatment.

STAGE 2:

An individual is said to be in Norwood Stage 2 hair loss if they have triangular, symmetrical hairline recession at the frontal and temporal areas of the head (around the forehead and the temple). In this type of hair loss, the hair line usually remains a few centimeters in front of the hears. The central part of the scalp at the front may also have reduced hair density, and signs of early baldness are usually evident.

STAGE 3:

Individuals in stage 3 of the Norwood Scale typically manifest with hair loss that can be defined as baldness. They usually have deep hairline recession. Their temples are usually bare or covered with very sparse hair. The top of the head, called the vertex, usually has hair loss as well.

STAGE 4:

Stage 4 of the Norwood scale manifests as a recession of the temporal hairline that is more severe than in stage 3. In addition to that, there is typically a lack of hair on the top of the head. It is common to find a dense band of hair extending across the top of the head and separating the two areas of hair loss (at the crown and the temporal region)

STAGE 5

In stage 5 of the Norwood Scale, the hair loss at the top of the head is still separated from the hair loss at the temples by a band of hair. However, the distinction is far less distinct, and the hair band is usually much thinner than in stage 4. It is also narrower and thinner. The remaining hair on the sides and back of the head form a horseshoe shape.

STAGE 6:

Stage 6 of the Norwood Scale manifests as very sparse hair between the top of the head and the temple. In addition to that, the hair loss on the sides is usually extended even further.

STAGE 7:

This is the last stage of the Norwood classification and represents terminal hair loss. This is the most advanced form of hair loss, and usually manifests as a very narrow band of hair in a horseshoe shape on the sides of the head and at the back of the scalp. The hair is usually very fine, and reduces with time.

Yes, we are 3D SMP specialist. The procedure is excellent for people affected by hair loss as it gives a 3 dimensional appearance from a closer distance.

The cost of this procedure may vary according to the client’s requirements. However, typically the cost of covering up scars is anywhere between $1200-$5000 dollars for clients suffering from Alopecia. For other procedures including horseshoe pattern, top, hairline, blending and sides the prices may vary in accordance with the client’s needs and preferences.

It takes around three to five hours (in the first session) for carrying out the 3D SMP procedure. In the second sitting you’ll have to spend nearly two to three hours. We also offer a 6 month guarantee period for touch-ups, fading or hairline altering procedures.

We use a quarter of the 3-round needle for implanting colour pigments with the help of a permanent makeup gun. This allows us to provide our clients with the illusion of natural looking hair. Also, clients rate the level of pain at two out of ten. However, those who’ve undergone hair transplants and developed scars after the completion of the procedure experience some amount of discomfort owing to sensitivity issues.

The needle implants directly go inside the epidermis. However, it never reaches the dermis. Given that our skin is carved out of multiple cross fibres consisting of lumen inside the cells, the lumens allow the ink to be deposited within the dermis as well as remain consistent in terms of shape and size. We use a special rotary machine for injecting the ink. Jonathan uses his expertise to lay the coloured and implant the same appropriately. He implants the ink on the top-most skin layer, allowing the excess amount to fade easily. This leaves a small sized follicle impression behind that does not change in size.