BROWS & BEAUTY
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What is Scalp Micropigmentation?
Scalp Micropigmentation is a non-invasive treatment that uses detailed micro-needles to deposit pigment into the scalp. The result creates the appearance of tiny hair follicles that help thicken and restore the look of fuller hair. If you are starting to thin, recede, or if you are completely bald, we can give you the look of a short buzz cut. When administered by a trained and licensed specialist, the Scalp Micropigmentation treatment can restore receded hairlines, thicken remaining hair, camouflage transplant scarring, and create the look of close-cropped hair.
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Scalp Micropigmentation is the only 100% effective solution for hair loss including thinning hair, hairline recession, pattern baldness, alopecia, and hair transplant scarring.
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By accurately replicating your own natural hair follicles and hair color, scalp micropigmentation can help strengthen and add density to thinning areas, creating an undetectable illusion of thicker, stronger hair. Scalp pigmentation requires little to no continued maintenance and carries no strict lifestyle or daily restrictions.
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To create the most natural appearance possible, on average, clients receive two to three treatments spaced out 10-14 days between each session, followed by “touch ups” every 3-5 years, if needed.
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Scalp Micropigmentation is sometimes referenced to as a Hair Tattoo, Head Tattoo, Scalp Tattoo, Micropigmentation, Scalp Pigmentation, Micro Scalp Pigmentation, Micropigmentation Scalp, Hair Pigmentation, and SMP.
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How Long Does Scalp Micropigmentation Last?
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Depending on your age, immune system, metabolism, etc, an SMP treatment can last anywhere between 1-5 years. We, nor ANY provider, can guarantee how long the SMP treatment will last because everybody is different and no one can estimate how long the pigmented dots will last before needing a touch up. However, with proper aftercare (i.e. applying sunscreen, etc.), SMP will last many, many years.
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Because of the placement of the pigment in the epidermal/dermal layer within the scalp of the skin, the pigment naturally fades over time as part of the body’s natural exfoliation process. As well, pigment is a foreign substance in the body, and thus your body works to remove it. Sun, metabolism, diseases, chemicals, etc, all work to fade the pigment faster, thus, taking care of the pigment will make the pigment last longer.
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Is Scalp Micropigmentation Painful?
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Scalp micro pigmentation is different from a traditional tattoo and the pain levels you might experience during the treatment can vary by quite a bit. For some clients, getting scalp pigmentation may feel like no more than a minor annoyance. For others, it can cause moderate discomfort. A secondary anesthetic is used throughout the procedure to numb the treatment area.
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Is a Consultation Required Before Booking a Scalp Micropigmentation Procedure?
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Yes! Due to the nature of the service, a consultation is required in order for you and our SMP technician to establish the best treatment plan for you. A scalp examination will take place to make sure the treatment area is healthy, to measure the size of the treatment area, and to determine approximately how many sessions you will need. You will also be given a quote for the cost of the service.
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How Much Does Scalp Micropigmentation Cost?
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Pricing will vary based on the overall size of the surface area being treated. Your overall service price will be broken down into payments depending on how many sessions you will need. Generally you can expect to pay 70% of the service cost for your first session and 30% of the the service cost for your second session with a complimentary third session if you need one.
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Am I a Good Candidate For Scalp Micropigmentation?
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Sometimes a micropigmentation treatment is not possible due to medical reasons, this can either be permanently or temporarily. Below a list of temporary and permanent contraindications.
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Temporary contraindications:
Herpes simplex or zoster
Immune weakness
Chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Local infection
Unstable scarring
Skin conditions in the area of application (local dermatitis, bruising, sunburn, skin ulcers)
Infections bacterial, fungal or viral
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Permanent contraindications:
Allergic reactions to pigments
Skin conditions in the application area (freckles and moles, keloids, bulky angiomas, warts, melanomas, impetigo, vitiligo, psoriasis, urticaria, chloasma, nevus or nevi and skin cancer)
Under medical supervision:
Diabetes
Hemophilia
Heart disease
HIV
Skin disorders or undiagnosed skin lesions in the area of application and other chronic diseases
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What Can I Expect During a Scalp Micropigmentation Procedure?
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You have already had your in office consultation with Cole, so now you are ready to complete your first session of SMP.
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1. When you arrive for your appointment, you will fill out consent form paperwork. This is your agreement that you do not have any of the above listed contraindications, pricing agreement as discussed during the consultation, and general policy agreements between yourself, your SMP technician, and Holliewood Brows & Beauty.
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2. After consent forms are filled out, you will be taken back to the service room where before photos and videos are taken (upon consent) and the mapping process will begin. The treatment area will be disinfected with Green Soap and an alcohol prep wipe, measuring rulers and marking pencils will be used to isolate the treatment area and / or measure where the hairline will be. You and Cole will agree on mapping and placement before the procedure begins.
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3. Cole will begin the procedure using a tattoo machine and various needles. Thousands of tiny microdots will be tattooed just above the dermis layer of the skin. This technique is extremely tedious for the technician, so a short break or two will likely take place depending on the length of the service. Services can take anywhere from 1-5 hours to complete.
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4. The surface area will be cleaned off using Green Soap after the tattooing has concluded and a light layer of anesthetic will be applied for additional comfort. After photos and videos will be taken. You will not leave with a sterile bandage or dressing as it is important for the skin to breathe after the treatment.
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5. You will be sent home with an aftercare kit, Cole will review your aftercare instructions with you, your next appointment will be scheduled (if applicable), and the remaining balance of your service cost will be collected.
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What Do I Need to Know or Do Before My Appointment?
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Three to Four Days Before
If you were instructed to shave your head in preparation for your service, this is a good time to do that. You will be given pre-procedure instructions that are customized for you during your consultation, so you will know whether you need to do this step or if you can skip it.
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Two Days Before
As with most procedures, it is recommended that you abstain from alcohol for at least 48 hours before the procedure. Since alcohol is a blood thinner, it’ll make you bleed more. Avoid certain medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, since these medications can prevent blood clotting, causing you to bleed. Certain drinks, such as tea, coffee, and energy drinks, should also be avoided since they are also blood thinners.
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The Night Before
Be sure to get a good night’s sleep to prepare for the procedure. You should also make sure that you are well hydrated at least a day before the procedure so that your scalp accepts the ink better. Remove dead skin cells by exfoliating your scalp the day before the procedure.
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The Day Of
Have a well-balanced breakfast on the day of your procedure. It’s also recommended to wash your head since you won’t be able to for a little while after the procedure. Refrain from exercising or adding any oily, waxy products to your scalp. Excess oil can prevent the pigment from retaining.
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What Do I Need to Know or Do After My Appointment?
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Day 0 to Day 5
For the first 5 days following treatment, you should avoid the following:
Sweating heavily – Try not to engage in any intense exercise for 5 days following treatment. Excessive sweating could interrupt the healing process.
Scrubbing and shampooing – Scrubbing the scalp can break the skin and open wounds, and shampooing could introduce harsh chemicals.
Shaving – Avoid shaving and irritating the area while it’s healing.
Exposure to long-term sunlight – UV rays from the sun can cause sunburn and sun damage. This could lead to premature fading of the scalp pigmentation.
Touching with hands – Refrain from touching your scalp with your hands too much. You could introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
During the first 5 days, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and taking any medication as prescribed. You can lightly rinse the scalp while it’s healing and dab the area with a wet cloth to keep it clean. Do not soak the scalp. You may also wear a loose fitted hat or skullcap and sleep any way that’s comfortable for you.
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Day 5 to Day 10
For days 5 to 10, your head should be looking much better and healing nicely; However, it is still healing.
You’ll want to make sure you’re still keeping up with an aftercare routine. For the next 5 days, you should still avoid the following:
Scratching the scalp – As with tattoos, the skin on your scalp may begin to peel during these next few days. It’s important that you avoid scratching or picking any scabs that may form.
Shampooing or exfoliating – Shampoo and exfoliants can disrupt the formation of new skin layers during healing.
Using self tanners or skin irritants – While your scalp is healing, avoid irritants that could cause inflammation and disturb the healing process.
What you can do is carefully shave or cut your hair if needed. You should also continue rinsing lightly with water and soap to clean the area. Applying a moisturizer will also help the healing stage during this time. Just make sure it’s fragrance free. You can also resume working out with light exercise.
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Day 10 and onward
After 10 days, your scalp should be healed enough to return to your normal routine. You may be scheduled for your next treatment session after 10 days. However, your next treatment date will depend on how it has healed so far. Before your next follow-up session, you’ll be requested to wash your head and cut your hair.
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We recommend you try to avoid chlorinated pools, saunas, steam rooms, and tanning beds for 28 days post final scalp micropigmentation session.