Millions of men and women suffer from cosmetic issues related to thinning hair, balding, and alopecia. These conditions often result in unsightly hairlines, post-hair transplant scars, and ineffective or harmful topical sprays or powders.
Scalp Micropigmentation at Dot Matrix is a non-invasive scalp tattoo that camouflages hair loss and balding areas. It’s perfect for those who want to redefine their hairline, create a buzz cut, or add density.
ALOPECIA
Scalp micropigmentation is a cosmetic solution for hair loss that works by applying medical-grade pigment to the scalp with small needles. The pigment is designed to mimic the color of authentic hair follicles, creating an optical illusion that’s both natural and effective. It’s important to note that no new hair grows as a result of this procedure, but it camouflages thinning areas and bald spots to make the scalp look fuller, while hiding scar tissue and birthmarks.
A trained Bosley technician will apply pigment to the scalp using a specialized tattoo machine that’s able to create tiny impressions of hair follicles. The technician will also customize the pigment to best match a patient’s natural hair shade and skin tone. This intricate process is similar to eyebrow microblading, but a lot more precise. “It’s a highly specialized technique,” Greitzer says, noting that SMP is one of the safest and more reliable hair-related procedures.
The treatment is typically completed in three sessions, with patients expected to have slight redness in the treated area for a few days after each session. To prevent pigment bleeding, patients must follow the instructions for aftercare, including avoiding rinsing, scrubbing and shaving the head until the treatment site heals.
Although scalp micropigmentation has been marketed to men as a way to redefine thinning hairlines and conceal bald spots, women are increasingly turning to the treatment for an alternative to less-permanent solutions like extensions, powders or spray-on hair fibers. “Scalp micropigmentation can be used for women who are suffering from hereditary hair loss, whose hairlines have been damaged by years of extensions or braids,” Dangerkat says, adding that SMP can help restore hereditary and ethnic hairlines to their natural appearance.
For people with alopecia areata, scalp micropigmentation is especially beneficial because it camouflages the appearance of bald patches and shifts the supply-and-demand ratio of valuable hair follicles so they can grow in more naturally. In some cases, it can also be used to camouflage linear scars caused by previous hair transplant surgery.
RESULTS
Scalp Micropigmentation is an alternative to hair transplant surgery and a great way to camouflage thinning hair. The treatment involves having your scalp cosmetically tattooed with tiny dots that add density to the area of thinning hair. It is an excellent choice for women who want to improve the appearance of their hair, and can even be used to hide scar tissue from hair loss surgery.
The procedure is minimally invasive, and doesn’t involve any downtime. The tiny dots are applied using a specialized tool similar to those used for permanent makeup or semi-permanent tattooing. Unlike traditional tattoos, scalp micropigmentation uses a more natural pigment, and does not disrupt the hair follicles or affect your ability to grow your own hair.
During your appointment, the expert will replicate the appearance of thousands of tiny hair follicles by applying a series of tiny tattoo-like marks to your scalp with extreme precision and accuracy. The size of the stippling will vary in order to create an artistic judgment.
In most cases, the treatment lasts for years without any need for touch-ups or maintenance. However, it is important to remember that scalp micropigmentation is only a camouflage and not a cure for hair loss. If you are experiencing serious hair loss, a physician may recommend supplementing your treatment with other forms of hair restoration technologies to address the root cause of the problem.
The biggest risks of scalp micropigmentation come from choosing a practitioner who does not adhere to the strict safety standards required by the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (BAHRS). An unlicensed practitioner may not have proper training in this procedure, and could cause infection and scarring. Additionally, the use of non-sterilized needles is also a risk in this type of tattooing.
When done properly by a trained Bosley technician, SMP will create an appearance of a full head of hair that is natural-looking. It can mimic a “buzz cut” or stubble effect for men who choose to shave their heads, or create the appearance of a fuller head of hair for those with thinning or balding scalps. It will not prevent the growth of new hair, but it will provide a realistic appearance that can help restore your self-esteem and confidence.
COMFORT
There is a wide range of treatments and products that promise to promote hair growth. But while they may offer temporary relief, these methods only conceal your thinning or bald spots and do not address the root cause of the issue. Fortunately, scalp micropigmentation is one solution that offers permanent results. It is a procedure that is similar to a tattoo but uses different needles to apply pigments.
Scalp micropigmentation works to camouflage thinning hair, bald spots and scars. The treatment involves a practitioner applying numbing medicine to the area and then using a needle to deposit medical-grade pigment into the scalp. The pigments are chosen to match the color of your natural hair. You will most likely need three or more sessions, spaced a few weeks apart. Each session adds a layer of pigment to your existing skin.
The pigments are transferred with extreme precision and accuracy. In addition, the SMP specialist can replicate thousands of tiny hair follicles to fill in thinning areas and create a natural-looking hairline. The treatment also helps to accentuate your facial features and balance the look of your scalp and forehead.
Although the treatment is minimally invasive, you will need to protect your work by wearing a cap or scarf. Your provider will tell you how to care for your scalp after the procedure is completed. This includes avoiding heavy exercise, hot showers and steamy environments, which can lead to the premature fading of your new hair color. Your hair can also fade from exposure to the sun, so you will need to use sunscreen on your head when going outdoors.
In addition to providing long-lasting results, scalp micropigmentation is safe and effective for most patients. The procedure has gained in popularity around the world as more people discover its benefits. The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) lists scalp micropigmentation as a viable hair loss solution alongside hair transplant surgery and wigs.
If you are experiencing thinning or balding due to alopecia, male pattern baldness, autoimmune diseases or hormone imbalances, it is important to seek out a qualified and experienced practitioner. With proper care, scalp micropigmentation can last up to six years before you need a touchup.
RISK
Hair loss can cause a significant drop in self-esteem. It is often assumed that people who are balding or experiencing hair loss are old or ill, which can be distressing. This is why scalp micropigmentation, or SMP, is becoming a popular treatment option among both men and women who are looking for a way to boost their confidence. This cosmetic procedure is a subtle, safe and effective solution to pattern baldness, receding hairlines, thinning hair and hair transplant scars. It works by injecting tiny pigment dots on the scalp that mimic the appearance of real hair follicles. It is a quick, convenient and non-surgical treatment that is easy to maintain.
When choosing a technician for your scalp micropigmentation, it is important to research their background and training. Ask the technician how long they have been practicing, and ask if you can see their portfolio of work. It is also important to make sure that they are using a single-use needle and applying the ink in a sterile environment. In addition, you should ensure that the technician is wearing barrier protection including at minimum nitrile gloves.
Unlike other hair restoration treatments, scalp micropigmentation does not interfere with the natural growth of your actual hair. However, it is not a cure for thinning hair and will not prevent future hair loss. It is best used to camouflage the appearance of a closely shaved head or to add density to thinning hair.
The main risk associated with Scalp Micropigmentation is that a poorly trained practitioner may use tattoo ink instead of pigments specifically designed for the scalp. This can lead to redness, scabbing and discoloration of the scalp, as well as a blue hue in the surrounding skin. This is usually due to an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink. This is rare, but it is something to keep in mind.
In addition, some individuals have an immune system that is not capable of absorbing the pigment used in SMP treatments. Therefore, these individuals can experience permanent bluish-gray pigmentation of the scalp. However, this is extremely rare and is more likely to occur when a person receives their treatment abroad or from an unlicensed physician.
