FAQ for SMP(Scalp Micropigmentation)

FAQ for SMP

Are there differences in pigment types?
A good practitioner will take their time to study the client’s head and provide in-depth feedback. At Sir Scalp, your practitioner will not only study the area of concern but also evaluate the direction of the hair growth pattern, the pigmentation of the hair, and study the general condition of the scalp. The practitioner will record each pigment shade found on the client’s scalp to replicate a natural hairline, should the client go ahead with the treatment.

The practitioner will use a three point micro needle creating the smallest impressions of hair follicles ensuring this replicates the current hair follicle in size and direction. Sir Scalp Pigmentation Phuket only use natural vegan friendly organic pigments, giving a longer lasting effect. The pigment will then be inserted by a micro needle into the epidermis layer of the skin. Unlike tattooing, SMP does not go further than the second layer of the skin and nor does the shade of the pigment change to a blue or green colour compared some tattoos.

Who should get Scalp Micropigmentaion / is SMP for you?
SMP will work for anyone with hair loss concerns, such as alopecia, thinning hair, pattern baldness, hair line repair and more. It creates the appearance of hair follicles or a subtle stubble, so is the perfect solution if you want to replicate the look of a freshly shaved head. Absolutely. Both men and women who don’t want hair transplant surgery are great candidates for SMP, and respond well to adding pigmentation to existing thinning hair densities.

Who is a Good Candidate for Scalp Micropigmentation?

SMP is likely best suited for individuals interested in aiding the appearance of density in shortly cropped, diffusely thinned hair, and for patients trying to camouflage a hair transplant scar. It may also be suitable in creating a greater illusion of fullness in those who've already undergone surgical hair restoration.

SMP consumers should also consider a naturally asymmetrical hairline design and “fading” effect (from decreased pigmentation in the hairline to denser, increased pigmentation in the middle scalp) if hairline restoration is performed. This approach will likely create a more natural result in eligible candidates.

✅Men and women wanting the appearance of added hair density
✅People with shaved heads who desire hairline definition
✅Those who want to camouflage burns, scars, or birthmarks

What type of medical conditions will respond to SMP?
Patients with autoimmune diseases such as alopecia areata or alopecia totalis are excellent candidates and typically received benefit from SMP. Neurosurgical patients who suffered head and cranial traumas with resulting scars may be considered candidates. Patients with scars have a reduced response to SMP as scar tissue absorbs pigments differently than health normal skin.

Can I have SMP if I have Chemotherapy?

Yes. If the patient feels well enough to have the procedure it can be performed after 1 year since your last Chemotherapy.

Scalp micro covers (Hair transplantation) FUT + FUE + PLUG Scarring

Anyone who has attempted hair transplantation understands scalp scarring. Scarring, though, happens a lot on the head following injury or surgery. It does not heal or soften as well as it might on other parts of the body. As the scalp skin is already dense and thick, protecting the body’s most vital organ, when it is injured, scarring is nearly always the consequence. Scarring, while unsightly to some, is your body’s way of protecting itself. When the scalp is scarred, the tissue to frequently too fibrous to permit hair growth. The injury itself often renders the hair shaft permanently dormant.

How long until I start to see the results after SMP?
Unlike hair transplant treatments, the results of scalp micropigmentation are instant. You will have some soreness and redness following the treatment, but depending on your skin type, this should reduce within 1-2 days. The treated area needs to dry heal for 4 days afterwards so you’ll need to avoid getting it wet, be that from water, lotions, sweat, etc. You’ll be provided with full aftercare to ensure that you get the very best finish from your treatment, with results that last for years to come.

Will I need maintenance sessions?
Yes. It is difficult to predict the total number of sessions necessary to create the visual hair density our patient’s want. Typically, the number of treatment sessions varies from one (1) to four (4) in the first year. A physiologic phenomenon observed in SMP is the pigments used in the procedure may be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin and engulfed by the immune system. This process results in fading of the pigment over time or a bluish appearance of the scalp.

What hair length/style do I need to maintain?

Typically the best hair length to maximize the results of Scalp Micropigmentation is a short cropped or shaved hairstyle. For men with just minor thinning or hair loss, it is possible to keep your hair longer, as Micropigmentation can act as a form of thickener to create an illusion of denser hair. During your consultation maintaining your hair style and your specific hair style will be discussed.

How real does it look? Are the results permanent ?

Scalp Micropigmentation is a leading hair loss solution because of its ability to replicate the most natural and undetectable results. Results of completed treatments will last for years, depending on lifestyle and immune system. Many clients like to have a top-up session after 2 or 3 years just to keep their new style looking fresh. Scalp micropigmentation gives the look of a shaven head or a stubble shadow look, the treatment at Creative Scalps will be undetectable, only you, the people you choose to tell and Creative Scalps will know. Direction of hair growth is always taken into consideration for the most realistic results.

What is Scalp Micropigmentation?

SMP is cosmetic tattooing (medical hair tattoo) that offers a solution to hair loss by replicating hair follicles that are about to grow giving the impression of a shaved look. SMP can treat anywhere on the scalp that is losing hair or even complete baldness of the scalp.

Does the treatment hurt?

A popular question asked by many, unlike tattooing, micro-pigmentation does not exceed the epidermal (second) layer of skin, therefore causing less pain. This treatment is far less painful compared to other long- term hair loss solutions. While most patients experience mild discomfort during the procedure – especially in its earlier stages – much like getting a tattoo, the discomfort usually becomes more tolerable as the session progresses. Some areas of the scalp have more, denser nerve endings than others, but the majority of patients focus on the benefits of the treatment rather than any discomfort they may experience. No pain no gain, as the saying goes. However, as your Skulltec technician will tell you, the pain is minimal, so don’t worry. The bottom line, however, is that SMP hurts less than having a regular tattoo and a lot less than getting a hair transplant. Anaesthetics are usually available to numb the scalp, although lots of men and women choose to go without them.

What is the cost?

Depends on your hair loss level, please send us photos of your hair loss and we can provide an accurate quote with more details. The final cost will depend on how many sessions are needed to complete the treatment, however, as discussed earlier, the standard tends to be 3-4 sessions.

How long will the treatment take ?

This is dependent on amount of hair loss. As a general rule you will be looking at 3 or 4 sessions over a 6-8 week period. Each session can last 2-4 hours.

How do you choose the right color shade ?

This is done according to skin tone and/or remaining hair colour. We have huge experience of a diverse range of clients from all cultures. 1st sessions usually start with a lighter shade and we gradually build up density and darkness as we progress to complete your treatment.

How do we choose the front hairline ?

There are 2 hairline styles: Hard hairline or Natural hairline. Hard hairline (American Style) suits to young men or people who prefer clearer line, Natural hairline suit to all men who prefer natural looks. During your consultation, your practitioner will go through the variety hairlines, based on your age and facial structure we can advise you accordingly. However, if there is a certain hairline that you do like, bring a photo along to your consultation to discuss this with the practitioner.

is SMP the same as a normal tattoo?

No. We use different pigments, inks, machines, needles and techniques. Scalp Micro Pigmentation is a specialist field of its own and requires a highly experienced technician to achieve great results.

Will it damage existing hair ?

No not at all, as the depth of the needle is only into the upper dermis, if anything the treatment has been known to stimulate hair growth.

Can I go the gym or do any sort of training after treatment ?

For best results you would need the treatment to dry heal for 4 days after each treatment. So this would mean avoiding sweat, water and any sorts of creams, lotions etc. After this period you can slowly increase activity. No. The aftercare is a simple upkeep to follow, just avoid sweating and direct sunlight for the first 4 days. Clients tend to go back to work on the following day after the treatment.

Does the colour discolour (turn orange/blue) ?

No, as we only use a carbon based black pigment which is diluted to match your skin tone.

Why I do need 3 sessions ?

Returning back to the treatment room over the course of your treatment plan, helps your practitioner to gradually build up on the density and coverage in its most natural form. This also allows a gradual transformation. On an average, a 7 day period is usually left between each session. Each session lasts on average 2 hours. The amount of time needed for an SMP treatment varies but the typical first session lasts from 2-4 hours, while the further sessions usually take less time as the correct blend of density and darkness is achieved on the scalp. However, as discussed earlier, the perfect tends to be 3-4 sessions.

How long is the rcovery

There is no down time or recovery period following SMP treatment, although slight redness on the skin from each tattoo session may last between 24-48 hours. Many patients return to work the next day and the usual time-table between treatments is seven day. SMP has few, if any, side effects. However, it is worth noting that your scalp will be a little red after each application, and the dots will be darker and larger as your skin begins to heal. But, again, the tiny scabs that form over each dot will heal and fall off, taking some of the pigment with them.

Can women do SMP ?

SMP is effective in treating hair loss in both men and women. Like men, women can suffer from balding as they lose hair due to events such as childbirth, surgery, stress, and more, and SMP for women is a rapidly-growing service. At Sir Scalp, we work with just as many women as we do men. There is a difference between SMP for men and women, however. While a man receives treatments to replicate shaven hair follicles, the primary goal of treatment for women is to decrease the contrast between the scalp and hair. And while women usually lose hair evenly across their entire scalp, it’s highly unlikely that they’ll go completely bald. Moreover, a woman’s frontal hairline remains intact. It’s not necessary for women to shave their heads before SMP treatments. Instead, the technician applies pigmentation by parting the hair section by section. The result – a “shaded” scalp – makes it harder to see the difference in colour between the hair and scalp, which creates the appearance of thicker hair.

What about after care ?

In the first 3 days after treatment, you should avoid water sweat & shampoo. You can clean your head with wet wipes and put after gel on the 4 day until day 7. Avoid activities that cause sweating of the scalp, as well as shampooing or washing your head. By day four, most men can shave with a foil shaver but need to be careful to not run it over any parts of the scalp in which scabs have not yet fallen off. Only by day 10 should you shave with a razor blade. In most cases, an SMP treatment lasts for four to six years before the patient needs to have another treatment done because of fading of the pigments.

FAQ for SMP(Scalp Micropigmentation) - Patong Phuket