You may have already
heard of microblading for full brows. Did you know there’s a similar practice
for your scalp?
This procedure is
known as scalp micro pigmentation (SMP), which creates the illusion of fuller
hair.
But what’s the exact
difference?
“Although both fall
under the category of micro pigmentation, [microblading and micropigmentation]
are very different methods of implanting pigment,” explains Michal Cohen, a Los
Angeles-based makeup artist and SMP practitioner.
While microblading is
typically done with a manual blade, micropigmentation is performed using an
electric tattoo device. This is because more power is needed to penetrate the
skin on your scalp, which is thicker than the skin under your eyebrows.
How does SMP work, and
who can benefit from it?
The goal of SMP isn’t
to create hairlike lines as you would when microblading eyebrows, but instead
to use tiny, layered dots in different hues of black to replicate the look of a
shadow on your scalp. This style, referred to as pointillism, is done to create
natural-looking depth and definition.
A skilled practitioner
will work to ensure the dots look like a natural hair follicle and blend in
seamlessly with your complexion.
This process may be
useful for people who experience all forms of hair loss. This includes folks
with:
- cancer
- alopecia
- thinning hair
- male and female pattern baldness
Does it hurt? What’s
the process like?
So, just how painful
is this procedure? The short answer is, it depends.
Before the procedure,
your SMP practitioner will apply a topical numbing agent to your scalp. That
said, it’s good to keep in mind that there may still be some discomfort.
However, how much discomfort largely depends on your pain tolerance.
Once you’ve done your
research and sought out a responsible and skilled SMP artist (more on how to do
this below), you’ll likely have an initial consultation. During this meeting,
your practitioner will prep you for what to expect and how you should prepare
beforehand.
For example, here are
some general guidelines:
- Shower before each treatment. You won’t be able to wash
or wet your scalp (this includes sweating excessively) for four days after
each appointment.
- Each treatment typically takes between four and five
hours.
- How many treatments you need will depend on the amount
of scalp getting SMP. Even if it’s only for a small area like a widow’s
peak, Cohen says three to four treatments are still needed for long-term
retention since SMP is a process of layering color.
- Treatments will be scheduled a few weeks apart.
In the weeks between
treatments, don’t go swimming, use steam or sauna rooms, or take extremely hot
showers that may cause a steam storm.
Avoid exposing your
scalp to the sun for the first four days (wearing a hat is fine). On the fifth
day after treatment, you can expose the treated skin to sun for one hour, or 45
minutes if you have very fair skin.
Keep
in mind, though, that less sun exposure to the treated area means better
long-term retention.
