Men and women are both vulnerable to hair loss, scientifically known as alopecia. This confidence-busting condition affects millions of people around the world. There can be many causes for baldness or severe hair loss. Genetics, hormones, scalp problems, certain medications, and nutritional deficiencies can all play a role.
Luckily, scalp micropigmentation (SMP) offers a cosmetic hair restoration treatment available for individuals from all walks of life. Here’s what you need to do to prepare for your first session:
1. Moisturize Your Scalp
Before your first scalp micropigmentation session, you’d have to make sure your skin is moisturized. Soft skin is necessary, being that the procedure involves using micro-needles to create an appearance of thicker and fuller hair. Softer skin means these needles can get under the skin surface more easily. If the skin on your scalp isn’t as soft as it should be, the needle will just bounce off.
To achieve a well-moisturized scalp, apply moisturizer once in the morning and evening.
2. Get A Good Night’s Sleep
A deep slumber has restorative effects, allowing for better recovery following the treatment. Getting a good night’s sleep can also make you less anxious and help ensure you’re physically and mentally prepared for the session.
3. Avoid Taking Alcohol And Other Blood Thinners
Alcohol and some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin are considered anticoagulants or blood thinners. They prevent blood clots and make you bleed more. In addition, blood will mix with the pigment or ink, making it less concentrated and lose color that’s similar to permanent makeup or tattoo.
As much as possible, you’re also advised not to take coffee, tea, and energy drinks on the session dates since they act as blood thinners, too.
4. Stop Using Topical Products On Your Scalp
To make sure your scalp is clean and will take the pigment better, stop using topical hair growers. Do this at least two days before the treatment, alongside exfoliation and moisturization measures.
5. Choose Your Preferred Hairline
Your preparation should include choosing the hairline that you want, and this should happen even before setting foot inside the SMP clinic. Check numerous online sources for photos about your ideal results, but always go for a natural look. Discuss the look you want with the therapist prior to your first session.
6. Shave Your Hair
If you’re a man, consider cutting your hair short, preferably a day before your scheduled SMP session. Timing is everything as with other preparation for other confidence-boosting procedures. Doing it on the day of your appointment will make your hair follicles too open for the ink-containing micro-needles. This may negatively impact the ink’s staying power under the skin’s surface. Additionally, a freshly shaved head will cause scalp redness, making it more challenging to place ink on your head.
7. Make Sure To Eat And Drink A Lot
You’re going to spend up to four hours on the treatment chair, depending on the severity of your case. Additionally, micro-needles will be pricking your scalp repeatedly the whole time, so the process can be physically and mentally draining.
That said, never go to a session without stocking on food and water. It’s important to get through the treatment by taking a heavy meal and hydrating properly before entering the treatment area. Without proper nourishment, you may get dizzy or pass out during the process.
Who Are The Best Candidates For Scalp Micropigmentation?
Persons suffering from alopecia, hair loss, and other health conditions that cause baldness may benefit from this treatment. So are individuals who want to have a more defined hairline or those who want to hide bald spots, burns, and scars on their heads. Those who don’t qualify for hair transplantation may also avail of SMP.
How Much Does An SMP Treatment Cost?
Depending on the type of procedure, whether temporary or permanent, as well as the location of the clinic performing the treatment, a client may pay USD$500 to USD$6,000 for an SMP treatment.
A hairline tattoo is the cheapest because it’s considered a partial procedure. Crown and bald spot tattoos tackle these problems by filling in bald spots or areas where your hair is thinning. The most expensive procedure is a full scalp micropigmentation, which takes a few sessions to finish.
Wrap Up
Scalp micropigmentation is a non-invasive hair restoration treatment using needles and pigments to create the illusion of a fuller-looking head. While non-surgical, the results of the procedure can be distressing if done by an inexperienced therapist. That said, choosing an experienced practitioner and a reputable SMP clinic is key to having the results you’re hoping for.
