WHAT IS SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION (SMP)?
Scalp MicroPigmentation, commonly referred to as “SMP”, is a permanent, non-invasive cosmetic treatment for hair loss. SMP is the art of applying a tiny, permanent dot of organic plant-based pigment/ink to the scalp and repeated to mimic the size, color and pattern of hair follicles. SMP is a non-surgical treatment option for people with thinning hair or significant hair loss. For people with thinning hair, SMP can eliminate the contrast between hair and the scalp. For more significant forms of hair loss, SMP can be used to provide camouflage for bald spots, cowlicks, previous hair transplants that were not as effective as desired, scars from a hair transplant surgeries, receding edges, temples, sparse hair lines, and of course, complete complete hair loss.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM SMP?
ANYONE WHO IS FEELING SELF CONSCIOUS ABOUT HAIR LOSS.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS DO I NEED?
Scalp Micropigmentation is completed in 2-4 treatments, depending on the amount of hair loss. Treatments are recommended 10 days apart, this allows for proper healing and we will be able to tell which pigment took and which pigment needs to be touched up. It is natural for skin to reject some of the pigment after the first treatment. But you will definitely see significant results even after the first treatment. After the second treatment you will see a proocedure much closer to completion. If a third treatment session is warranted, it will be where we are adding finishing touches.
HOW LONG IS EACH TREATMENT SESSION?
Each session is 2-4 hours depending on the scope of the work and desires of the client. The first treatment is typically the longest as we are constructing the hairline and putting in the foundational layer. Each subsequent treatment is typically shorter, although this can vary based on retention of previous treatments.
WHO DECIDES ON THE DESIGN OF YOUR HAIRLINE?
The short answer is, you and your SMP Artist decide before the procedure what your hairline will look like. It is based on shape of your head, facial features, your age, and your personal preferences – these factors help determine what hairline is appropriate for you. We craft your hairline to create the most natural looking result and understand that everyone is different and has different preferences, and want to make sure that you look your natural best.
I HAVE HAD 3 TREATMENTS, NOW WHAT DO I DO?
After closely following the aftercare instructions, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy your SMP treatment results. We offer a one year guarantee of our SMP treatments. If there is some lightening of the pigments, we will touch it uo at no cost to you. After that, we will see you in about 5 years or so!
WAIT, WHY WILL I SEE YOU IN ABOUT 5 YEARS?
Yes, this is a permanent cosmetic procedure which will last forever, however, there is always normal, light depreciation of the pigmentation after many years, Typically our clients can expect touch ups within the 5-8 years.Although it’s not mandatory, we highly recommend touch ups in that period of time.
WHAT ARE AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS?
It is exrtemely important that you follow our post-treatment/aftercare instructions to prevent excessive fading and all forms of contamination. The basics are: no touching, washing, cutting, shaving, and no working out for the first 5 days. You may wear a hat immediately after each treatment. It’s absolutely ok to sleep on it, the pigment won’t smudge or smear on your pillows. We will give you a print out of the aftercare instructions in person at your session. You may also view them here.
DO I NEED TO TAKE TIME OFF FROM WORK OR MY REGULAR ROUTINE?
Scalp Micropigmentation is non-invasive and nonsurgical. There is no downtime associated with it, you only need to follow the aftercare instructions provided. Many clients come in for their treatment and go to work the same or very next day.
WILL PEOPLE BE ABLE TO TELL I HAD THE TREATMENT DONE?
Generally speaking, no. If people were not aware of your hair loss, they will not know you had SMP treatment. After your initial treatment, the pigments will look bolder because they were recently applied. Overnight on the first night, you will notice the pigments softening and settling down. If you experience redness at all, it will disappear in 24-72 hours. Intensity of the redness is based on individual sensitivity of the skin. But clients usually notice visurally returning to normal within 48 hours after the first treatment, after that initial healing period of a couple days, your treatment will look completely natural.
DOES IT HURT?
Most clients who elect to have SMP say the discomfort is not as great as traditional tattoo. Pain tolerance is always based on the individual client, but your health, safety and comfort is our priority. We will make sure you are as comfortable as possible during your treatment.
DO YOU DO SCAR CAMOUFLAGE?
Yes, Scalp Micropigmentation isn’t just for hair loss, It can also used to conceal scars from injuries, surgeries, including FUE and FUT transplants. Many scars on the scalp can be concealed with SMP.
DO I NEED TO CUT MY HAIR BEFORE MY SMP TREATMENT?
If we are doing a FILLER treatment or scar concealment, we typically request our clients to come in with the shortest hair length they are going to keep, unless requested otherwise. If we are doing FULL HAIRLINE TREATMENT and you have complete or near coplete hair loss, we ask that you shave your head before your treatment or we will do it for you upon your arrive.
DO I NEED TO KEEP THE SHAVED LOOK?
We will assess your hair loss during your consultation and once we get an understanding of what kind of hair loss you have, we provide a treatment plan with the style and look we recommend that would be optimal with our SMP procedure.
Clients getting FILLER SMP treatments tend to have more hair style options than people getting FULL HAIRLINE SMP.
IS THERE ANYTHING I SHOULD DO TO PREPARE FOR MY SMP SESSION?
For people getting FILLER TREATMENT, no, there is nothing you need to do to prepare. Simply come to the studio.
For people who are getting FULL HAIRLINE TREATMENT, yes, please come with your hair cut as close to the scalp as you are able to, otherwise we will shave your head with clippers upon your arrival.
For people getting SCAR CAMOUFLAGE TREATMENT, yes, you can massage a tiny bit of vitamin E oil to the scar for a couple weeks to a month prior to your appointment.
WHAT DO I DO FOR BEST MAINTENANCE PRACTICES?
In addition to our aftercare instructions, we do have suggestions for products to use in helping maintain your treatment, we will share those with you during your treatment.
WILL IT EFFECT MY TREATMENT IF I SHAVE MY HEAD?
No, you can shave and wash your head every day and it will not effect or damage the treatment. The majority of clients who have had the FULL HAIRLINE treatment shave their heads daily!
HOW CAN I BEST PROTECT MY TREATMENT FROM SUN DAMAGE?
Overexposure to direct sunlight can cause the pigments to weaken, and overtime you will be damaging both the treatment and your scalp. Wear protective sunscreen or a hat whenever you are going out and expecting to be in direct sunlight for over an hour.
HOW MUCH DOES SMP COST?
Cost for SMP is based on the individual’s level of hair loss and the amount of SMP work needed. The first two treatments are 10 days apart with a possibility of a third treatment another 10 days later. We estimate: for mild to moderste hair loss the cost is $1500-$2500. For moderste to significant hair loss it is $2500-$4000.For significant hair loss $4000-$5500. These are estimates and likely to change, based on individual need.
WHEN ARE PAYMENTS DUE?
There is a $300 booking deposit to secure your treatment date. Payment is due at the end of each treatment session. If your treatment plan is for 2 sessions, the payments are split in half. If you are having 3 sessions, payments will be in thirds, and so on. Cash, Credit Card, Venmo, and Zelle accepted.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Click the orange button to your bottom right, or call/text us at (310) 818-3125 or at appt@pixelsmp.com and schedule your free consultation.
