As no single hair treatment has been a cure-all, all sorts of hair loss treatment options continue to emerge. One of those options that are becoming more popular is Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) or simply put, a hair tattoo. A common question I hear is “does scalp micropigmentation look real?”
When SMP is done right, yes it does look real and no one can even tell from the usual face to face.
How Does Scalp Micropigmentation Manage to Look Real?
The aim of an SMP is to mimic hair follicles can be done by expert shading techniques of a skilled tattoo professional. This shading technique makes it look real that no one will even notice.
This is another reason why multiple sessions are needed – to achieve a look so natural that SMP is not noticeable. The treatment result would be like a buzz cut, giving a natural look to the patient.
I have had clients who got comments like they look younger after getting a scalp micropigmentation procedure.
Of course, this does not give the full head of real hair that a hair transplant does. But along with the fuller head of real hair achieved by a FUE / FUT technique is a list of risks involved.
With the cost and the risks involved in a hair transplant, it is worth considering SMP as a hair loss treatment option.
Scalp Micropigmentation vs Other Hair Loss Treatment Options
There are certain conditions wherein SMP has an advantage over other hair loss treatment techniques.
1. Thinning hair
With SMP, you can have the look of a fuller head of hair by micropigments on your scalp faster than any hair growth product. This is done by applying pigments between your existing hair.
Another option for thinning hair is hair growth products, but results or responses to these products vary widely and may take some time to show results. It is even said that if you stopped using Minoxidil, you may lose hair faster, and even more than before. Some come with unwanted side effects, including erectile dysfunction.
2. Receding hairlines
SMP can redefine your hairline or retouch small patches of hair loss, and results are, of course, instant.
Minoxidil, on the other hand, will not rescue a receding hairline. As for a hair transplant for this purpose, it may or may not work. The success of a hair transplant procedure depends on several factors, such as genetics, among others.
3. Safer and cost-effective option for total hair loss
With SMP, receiving treatment isn’t as time-consuming or as risky as hair surgery. SMP itself is done in a clinic and doesn’t need hospitalization or admission.
Another advantage is that SMP involves minimal risk, unlike the risk of hair transplants including the possibility of hair transplant gone wrong. And again, unlike hair transplants, SMP has no downtime and the cost is way lower than hair transplants which cost from $4,000 to $15,000.
Of course, the obvious advantage of hair transplants is you get real hair as compared to mimicking hair follicles that SMP does. But if faced with hair loss, thinning hair, or receding hairlines, you should weigh your options first.
4. SMP is an easy, maintenance-free hair loss treatment
Unlike hair growth products that need to be done religiously for it to work (which may or may not happen), SMP takes only about 2-4 sessions. It is practically a “set-and-forget” after you have completed your sessions.
Scalp Micropigmentation
This makes SMP also an easier option vs hair transplants which has a very strict after-care regimen after the surgery and maintenance several months after.
Weigh Your Hair Loss Treatment Options
Before deciding on a hair loss treatment option, weigh all the factors. Do your research to get the best value. Scalp Micropigmentation is a fast, easy, safe, and cost-effective solution for thinning hair, receding hairlines, or even total hair loss.