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What is SMP?
Scalp Micropigmentation or SMP (Scalp Micro Procedures), is a form of cosmetic tattooing where precision needles are used to implant organic, non-toxic pigments into the scalp. Each implantation of pigment creates a micro-dot to replicate a hair follicle. The result gives the appearance of new hair growth or stubble.
Hairline Restoration by Chloe Heyworth
Does SMP look realistic?
Scalp Micropigmentation can look very realistic and natural when administered by a trained technician. As you can see from my photo above, even close-up SMP can look like real hair follicles when the treatment has been done correctly.
SMP can look inauthentic for a number of reasons. One reason is when the pigment is placed too deep into the skin. When pigment is deposited too deep under the skin, the pigment can migrate. The migration of pigment can create a shadowed appearance causing a large dot with a blurred undefined edge. Placing the pigment too deep can also cause the healed result to turn to a blue or green hue once healed.
Another reason why SMP can go wrong is incorrect pigment dilution rates. Generally, a pure black pigment is used during SMP treatments which is then diluted with saline or distilled water in accordance to the client's natural skin and hair tones to achieve the desired match. The benefit of using a pure black pigment is that the pigment will not discolour over time and will heal to a shade of grey which will then lighten gradually over the years. If the pigment has been diluted too dark for the client's natural colourings, it's at risk of looking blue under the skin. If it is diluted too light, it's at risk of not achieving enough coverage or seamless blending, and it could fade out too quickly. A trained technician will be able to choose the best dilution rate for your skin and hair tone.
A final reason SMP can go wrong is using the incorrect needle size. It's very important to use the correct diameter needle depending on the client's natural hair follicle size to achieve a seamless match. Many artists will use a needle that is too large to speed up the treatment process time and achieve as much coverage as quickly as possible. However, this could lead to blow-outs, or visible dots on the scalp. Using a small diameter needle does require more time and patience from the artist, but the results are worth the additional time spent in the chair.
Example of SMP gone wrong below.
What does SMP look like when it's healed?
The pigment after a Scalp Micropigmentation treatment will slowly fade over the years. This is due to our immune systems gradually breaking down the pigment as our bodies will respond to the pigment as a foreign object. Other factors which could cause the pigment to lighten include sun exposure, skin type, and lifestyle. The pigment should only fade over time and not discolour. On average, scalp micropigmentation lasts between 1 to 5 years before requiring a top-up.
Video of Scalp Micropigmentation close-up
Female Hair Density work by Chloe Heyworth
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