SMP for Women
Scalp Micropigmentation for Women
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is for anyone that experiences any form of hair loss. It is a safe and effective treatment which is also known as a ‘cosmetic tattoo’, ‘medical tattoo’ or ‘scalp tattoo’. Using a small needle, a technician places thousands of tiny dots into the scalp, each replicating a hair follicle which helps the hair look thicker whether it is shorter or longer hair. This SMP treatment is not just for balding men but for women as well, with it primarily being used to camouflage thinning hair, alopecia, and female pattern baldness (including the hairline). If men are suffering from male pattern baldness they can have the shaved SMP look but for women, it’s a matter of disguising the differences by shading the areas that are obviously thinning to provide the illusion of a full head of hair. There is no downtime, no scarring, or invasive surgery required which makes this a great treatment option for women experiencing hair loss.
Hair loss in women is common and 1 in 4 will experience it in their lifetime. Women typically lose 50–150 hairs per day, often without realising it. Hair loss is normally not a reason for concern, but it can signify an underlying medical issue. Female pattern hair loss can be triggered by a number of different factors. Medications, hormones, stress, and nutritional deficiencies are the main causes, but significant life events like pregnancy and menopause can also set off this condition. Although scalp micro pigmentation cannot reverse hair loss/ hair thinning, it is a far superior hair loss solution over hair transplant surgery.
Is SMP good for women?
Yes, absolutely, the benefits of scalp micropigmentation are not limited to just men but it is a great solution for women. Scalp Micropigmentation may be the best option for you if you’re concerned that your diffuse thinning or bald spots are damaging your self-esteem. In these cases, we can match the pigment together with your natural hair colour and visible scalp to ensure it blends in perfectly.
With a few sessions of scalp micropigmentation, you’ll have a brand-new appearance very soon!
Ludwig scale for female hair loss
This scale is a way of assessing the severity of hair loss in women. There are three levels: mild, moderate, and severe. Mild hair loss is indicated by thinning hair with no bald spots evident, moderate hair loss is defined by diffuse thinning with some areas of inadequate hair growth, and severe hair loss is indicated by excessive shedding, leaving substantial areas of baldness on the scalp. It can be utilised to assist in the diagnosis of the loss and to help with treatment decisions. The scale helps women to gain a better understanding of their condition and helps them decide what form of treatment to take.
Ludwig Scale – The stages of female hair loss
Here at Scalp Envy, we understand your hair is an essential factor that influences how confident you feel on a daily basis and we are here to help you.
A Scalp micropigmentation treatment is the most effective way to help conceal a lack of density in your hair. Paul will work through your hair loss treatment by placing pigment into balding areas of the scalp, to create the illusion of thicker and fuller hair. Contact us today to book your consultation with Paul at our scalp micropigmentation Cardiff studio and let’s get started.
For information about male treatment, please visit our Scalp Micropigmentation for Men service page
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Frequently Asked Questions
You should think about the maintenance requirements involved with a Scalp Micropigmentation treatment before deciding if it’s right for you. Even a quality SMP treatment won’t last forever and will usually require top ups every 3-5 years. For the first 30 days, do not use swimming pools, saunas and steam rooms. Avoid excessive sun exposure as the UV rays are harmful and make sure to use sun cream with at least SPF 50 and use moisturiser to keep the scalp hydrated.
The most common side effects of SMP treatments for women include itching and irritation around the treated area, redness and swelling, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. An allergic reaction to the cosmetic pigments is quite rare. There is also a potential risk of infection from unsterilised needles or scarring at the injection site. Asymmetry between the treated areas is also possible if the procedure is not performed by an experienced SMP specialist.
The cost of SMP and hair transplant surgery for women varies, depends on the clients needs and the specific clinic. In comparison to hair transplant surgery, SMP is typically more cost-effective and has a faster recovery time. Hair transplant surgery requires several weeks of recovery time before any activity can be resumed, whilst clients are able to return to normal the same day after undergoing SMP.
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a hair loss treatment for women that uses tattoo ink to create the appearance of small hairs on the scalp. The techniques used can help create the appearance of a natural-looking full head of hair and appear denser than it actually is. SMP for density treatments works very effectively for women with longer hair who are suffering from hair loss or hair thinning.
Yes, women’s SMP can be customised to match individual hair colour and texture. The treatment involves having the client’s natural hair colour matched to a shade of carbon black pigment but it is getting more widespread with different colour pigments being used. The lighter the hair colour the more cautious you need to be when selecting the pigment shade.
There are several different options available for female pattern baldness and other forms of alopecia. The most common is a hair lotion called minoxidil which is available in topical or oral form, this helps to slow down or stop balding. Other alternative hair loss treatment options include hair transplantation, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), hormone therapy, corticosteroid injections and different medications. A dermatologist can help you identify the best approach for your needs.
Here at Scalp Envy you can start your SMP journey with us by having a free no obligation consultation. We will talk you through the process and address any concerns you may have, then we can assist you in scheduling your appointments with your SMP technician. Scalp Envy requires a £100 deposit to secure your appointment dates. We do also offer an online or phone consultation if you are unable to make it into our studio. We do ask for you to send us photos of your scalp and a brief description of the look you desire.
The most common types of alopecia in women include Traction Alopecia, Alopecia Areata, Telogen Effluvium, Scarring Alopecia & Androgenic Alopecia. Using the latest Scalp Micropigmentation techniques we can disguise the areas of scalp that have become thin or bald as a result of Alopecia. We will make a significant improvement in the quality of your life through the use of Scalp Micropigmentation for Alopecia.
SMP for women is a natural-looking solution to hair loss and it is an effective treatment with zero downtime. It can last 2-5 years before needing a top-up and is much more affordable compared to other hair loss treatments. The downside to SMP is that it doesn’t promote hair growth and if you no longer want SMP, it can be a pain to remove. Hairpieces/ wigs can be used for more extreme cases of alopecia or baldness, they give immediate results and are easily customised. The negatives of hairpieces/ wigs is that improper fitting can occur, they are expensive, requires ongoing maintenance and there’s a risk of irritation.
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) for women is considered a permanent solution for hair loss. However, some fading is to be expected with UV exposure. The pigments used do fade over time so additional treatments are needed to maintain the desired result. It is important to follow aftercare advice and use the recommended products for sun protection.