1 Do I need to take time off of work?
NO. SMP does not require down time. The Scalp will have a slight redness for 1 to 3 days after the procedure, but subsides quickly.
2 Does it hurt?
SMP hurts much less than getting a regular tattoo. Clients can experience mild discomfort during the procedure. Most clients feel a slight tingling sensation, but focus on the benefits rather than the experience.
3 How many treatments will I need?
Clients should expect between 2-4 sessions, usually spaced 10 to 30 days apart, to complete their treatment. It depends on how extensive your hair loss is, scarring, density preference, and goals.
4How long is the recovery?
You can expect redness and slight swelling that lasts between 24-72 hours after your scalp micropigmentation procedure.
5When can I wash my hair?
6Will it look real?
Most people, including family, cannot tell the difference from natural follicles and SMP follicles if done correctly by the technician.
7Can Scalp Micropigmentation hide scars on my scalp?
Yes. If you have had any trauma to the scalp or even a hair transplant, this can be an excellent solution to conceal those scars. Scars are fibrous tissue and can be hidden by replicating and blending tiny hair follicles into the scar area. The scars will become much harder to spot and in most cases are completely hidden.
8What if I have thinning hair?
If suffering from thinning or mildly diffused hair loss, SMP will increase the illusion of density between your natural hairs creating the look of a fuller head of hair.
9What kind of hairline will I have?
The right hairline for every client should take into consideration factors such as, head shape, age and what you are comfortable with. Together we will create a hairline style that will work for you. You should also research the different styles of hairlines on the internet. We also have a book of hairline styles available for you to look through.
10Can I wear a hat after treatment?
Yes. The scalp may have a slight redness for 1-3 days post session. You can wear a clean and loose-fitting hat that should be removed every 30 minutes to allow the skin to breathe.
11My job requires physical labor; will sweating interfere with my healing?
We recommend that you avoid sweating until at least 5 days, then you can sweat lightly, but try to avoid heavy sweating until after day 10.
12When can I go in the pool, beach, sauna, or steam room after my Scalp Micropigmentation treatment?
Thirty (30) days is what we recommend. You should definitely avoid chlorinated pools, saunas, steam rooms, and tanning beds during and 30 days after your post final scalp micropigmentation session.
13When can I go into direct sunlight without sunscreen?
You should always wear sunscreen. Protecting the scalp from sun exposure with SPF 30 or higher is very important and can definitely prolong your results. The ultraviolet rays from the sun will lighten the SMP pigments if no sunscreen is used over the course of many months or years.
14How long do the results last?
Results are different for every individual client. On average the strength of color can last 3+ years. Due to differences in immune system responses, exposure to UV radiation and skin condition, giving an exact answer is impossible.
15Can the treatment change colors?
The ink we utilize for SMP will never change colors, but it will fade. Unfortunately, the old cliche that nothing is forever applies to SMP and may require a touch up to restore the color.
16Can I tan before my SMP procedure?
No. Tanning can toughen the skin. Also, it creates more difficulties in getting your skin to absorb ink. Plus, it is important for us to see your natural skin tone and hair color so we can create the right custom look for you.
17What equipment is used for a Scalp Micropigmentation?
18Can SMP work on all skin colors?
Yes. SMP works on whether you are Caucasian, Black, Hispanic, Asian, or Pacific Islander.
19Can you have the treatment if you have gray hair?
Yes. We simply create a lighter dilution for blending into the existing gray hairs. We use a gray-scale pigment that can be adjusted in shade to blend with lighter hair tones.
20Will this treatment work for women?
Yes. SMP can add density by creating natural looking hair follicles on the scalp. It can make thin hair looker fuller and thicker. Throw away your medications that promise to re-grow your hair. With SMP, after the 1st treatment you will see immediate results.
21Do you have any suggestions for moisturizers for my scalp?
22Do you have any suggestions for sunscreen products?
23Do you have any suggestions for anti-shine lotions?
Here are 3 you can try:
Monistat Anti-chafing Gel works fantastic
L’Oréal Men Pure and Matte Anti-Shine Gel
Head Blade Lube Matte gel
24Do you have any suggestions on shaving tools to shave my head?
Here are 4 tools to get the perfect cut.
Wahl Precision-leaves a little stubble
Andis T-Outliner – gives a close cut without using a razor
Remington Power Foil Shaver-gives a clean cut
Wet shave-blade and shaving cream
Depending on how you like your scalp to look, shave about 1 to 2 times per week.
25Can I get an infection?
Any puncture to the skin can end up becoming infected. It is extremely rare to have a reaction to SMP. Swelling is typical for a fresh tattoo, however if it becomes excessive and you feel the pain radiating beyond the site of the tattoo, then this is a sign of infection.
26Is SMP reversible?
Yes. SMP ink is not deposited into the skin as deep as a normal tattoo so it is fairly easy to remove but can be time consuming and costly. SMP pigmentation can be removed with an electro-optic Q switched laser, which is used to heat and break-up the SMP pigmentation for easier absorption by phagocytes in the dermis.
27What is the patch test?
A patch can be used to test allergies. Pigment is tattooed in an area behind your ear. Although it is very unlikely that you have an adverse reaction to the patch test, you should look for rash, or swelling. Patch test can also be used for color. Several microdots of color are applied in an area of the scalp to test the pigment color.
28Will I need the consent of parents or guardian if I am under the age of 18?
Yes. In the United States you must have the consent of a parent or guardian to receive any sort of tattoo treatment. We know and understand that it may be in their best interests to have SMP if they are suffering from trauma or a medical condition.
29 Will I have to pay full price when I need a touch up?
SMP Hair Creations will never charge full price when it is time for our client to touch up their SMP. We charge an hourly fee of $300 and almost all touch ups can be accomplished in less than 2 hours.