faqs

SMP (What is SMP) is Scalp Micropigmentation for short, it is a medical hair tattoo which is implanted into the scalp giving the appearance of a shaved head of hair.

Scalp Micropigmentation is classed as a permanent tattoo; however, the pigments still fade slowly over time. It’s important to follow the aftercare advice given to extend the longevity of your SMP hair tattoo. You may need to return for a top-up after several years but only to maintain the perfect result.

There are several other factors that might cause SMP to fade:  

Spending hours in the sun without sun cream, selecting an unqualified SMP specialist, and using improper aftercare products are among the most significant hazards to the maintenance of your scalp micropigmentation. Keep in mind that your body naturally breaks down the pigment very slowly over time.

The wonderful thing about scalp micropigmentation is that it is completely undetectable. The pigments are natural and the technique is so delicate that the results will leave you with the appearance of a closely shaved head.

This is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment so to attend our scalp micropigmentation Cardiff studio, you shouldn’t need to book any time off work. You may experience slight redness and swelling immediately after treatment but that is completely normal. It is down to personal preference if you want to book time off. 

We will provide you with full aftercare advice once you have had your treatment however here are a few things you need to be aware of:

• Avoid shaving the scalp for at least 10 days following treatment
• Avoid sun exposure, this can lead to premature fading of the pigment. We advise you keep covered for the first few days
• Avoid anything that will result in excessive sweating as the sweat can affect how the scalp heals
• Do not shampoo, wash or scrub your scalp for at least 5 days following treatment

Absolutely. Head over to my results page and take a look.

For more in depth information on this subject, head over to our blog here

Technically speaking, scalp micropigmentation is a form of semi-permanent cosmetics. Hair growth or the rate of hair growth can’t be altered by scalp micropigmentation. It also won’t harm your hair follicles or make you lose hair. It’s a cosmetic hair tattoo that resembles a shaved head. Placing a needle into the scalp and injecting a carbon-based pigment gives the look of a natural looking shaved head of hair.

A micropigmentation procedure for the scalp often takes place over the course of several treatment sessions. It is difficult to provide an accurate estimate of the number of sessions that will be necessary in advance; however, the rate of fading experienced by the client, the combination of their hair and skin colour, the shade of pigments used, and any scar tissue that requires treatment are the primary factors that most heavily influence the total number of sessions that will be required.

In order to finish their treatment, most of our clients who do not have any scars, symptoms of alopecia, or other skin disorders, will require between two and four sessions. The vast majority of clients require three sessions, while approximately 10% of clients will require a fourth session. Obviously, this is significantly impacted by the specialist you choose, in addition to the specific strategy and approach that they take.

The hair follicles on your scalp will not be harmed in any way by the process of scalp micropigmentation, there are many who believe that it could actually encourage new hair growth. During the treatment, a tattoo will be applied to the scalp, and it can also be used to add density in between hair follicles. The rate at which your hair grows will remain the same, regardless of whether or not you have undergone SMP treatments.

During the treatment, we use a disposable micro needle with three points which penetrates into the dermis layer of the skin. In the occurrence that pigment is applied immediately on top of a hair follicle, they won’t be damaged because they are located far deeper under the skin. 

The risks of having a SMP treatment are similar to those of any other medical procedure. When the barrier of the skin’s surface is damaged, there is always a risk of infection. Due to this risk, it is essential that you choose your clinic and specialist wisely. 

An allergic reaction to the pigment is one of the risks to be aware of. To assess how your skin will react, a small patch test can be performed on your scalp although here at Scalp Envy we only use a natural carbon pigment which is very safe.

Some risks can be reduced if the clinic you visit is trustworthy and its staff adheres to industry standards. A poorly trained SMP technician might not only ruin your treatment but also put you at risk of infection.  Ensure that the clinic and its equipment are clean, and that the technician’s expertise guarantees that your scalp is adequately cared for during your sessions.

Before any treatment starts, it is essential fill out a medical form. This determines whether the client is a suitable candidate for SMP because if a client is unsuitable for the treatment this may eventually, lead to health issues. Clients who have one or more of the following: diabetes, cancer, anaemia, are pregnant, acne on their scalp or psoriasis should all avoid having Scalp Micropigmentation. Also, clients who are prone to keloids (scars that grow larger than normal) should avoid scalp micro pigmentation as keloids may occur in certain clients as a result of the treatment.

Numerous clients consider the price of a hair tattoo as their top priority. In the majority of instances, insurance does not cover the expense of scalp micropigmentation. Consult with your insurance provider if you have previously had treatments from another provider (burns or cuts) that were covered by insurance.

Scalp micropigmentation is an effective, low cost and non-invasive treatment for males and females suffering with hair loss. The results of a micropigmentation treatment are relatively long-lasting, and you can expect it to last 2-6 years.

The main contributing factor to the fading of the pigment is the amount of sun exposure the scalp receives and how well you looked your scalp following the treatment. If your job entails working outside and you don’t protect your head with sun cream, then you can expect the pigment to fade quickly. If you are office worker and spend your day indoors then you can expect it to last a lot longer.

On average our clients require a touch up every 2-4 years or so, however this does depend on the client. Scalp micropigmentation is classed as a permanent treatment, with ‘touch ups’. We advise our clients to come into our clinic yearly to check on how their scalp looks, then if needed, arrange an appointment.