Scalp micropigmentation is a method of hair restoration for men where technicians use micro-needles to deposit pigment under scalp skin. The resulting minute dots resemble stubble of natural, growing hair, therefore, creating the illusion of a full head of shaven hair.
In a majority of cases, men are more than happy with the results as it achieves the primary goal of concealing hair loss. It restores the confidence of men who had for years hidden under hats thanks to a balding head or receding hairline.
While the bulk of SMP procedures are successful and satisfactory, some are not. The few regrettable ones cannot be ignored.
Here are some factors which could determine whether or not you end up wishing you had not had SMP in the first place.
These fall under two broad categories, which are incompetent SMP technicians and a lack of proper information.
Incompetent SMP technicians
The importance of identifying a professional and experienced SMP technician cannot be overemphasized. Common mistakes which can be blamed on incompetence include:
Wrong pigment
Technicians without sufficient experience in the procedure could use tattoo ink instead of natural, SMP pigment. Tattoo ink used for SMP tends to turn blue rather than maintain its original color. You definitely don’t want to end up with a blue head after SMP.
Mismatched pigment
The technician may use the right natural pigment but fail to use a color that matches your natural hair color. This gives it an obviously unnatural look.
Wrong size punctures
Yes, the technician should make punctures on your scalp but they should be minute-sized in order to match the size of natural hair follicles. If the technician uses the wrong tools such as a tattoo needle rather than the specifically designed SMP micro-needles, the punctures made are larger than they should be. This also creates an unrealistic look.
Improper or insufficient information
A lack of proper information on any aspect of SMP could be the reason you end up regretting it. This is why it is so important to do as much research as possible beforehand. When you are armed with the right information, you won’t look back and say ‘I wish I had known about this or the other aspect of the treatment’.
These are a few reasons one may regret the treatment.
Permanent hairstyle
If you had a balding head before SMP, it probably means you will have to keep your hair short and maintain the characteristic short buzz cut for years. Some men say they didn’t realize just how limiting it would feel to have to maintain the very same look and style year after year.
It also calls for keen maintenance. You will have to shave your head every few days to maintain the look, which can be tedious and time-consuming.
SMP fades but shouldn’t discolor
Even if it is done properly by a professional, SMP pigment does fade over time. It is worth noting, however, that it is normal for the pigment to fade but it should never discolor. This would only happen if it was not properly done initially.
It typically takes between 5 and 7 years for SMP pigment to fade enough to warrant a touch-up.
Allergic reactions
Some people are allergic to pigments used for SMP treatment. If you have a history of skin allergies, there is a chance that you may develop an allergic reaction to these.
Many professional SMP technicians prefer to use hypoallergenic pigment which eliminates the possibility of such effects.
If you are concerned that you may be one of the few who react to pigment, ask the technician to test it on a small area of your skin first and observe. If there is no reaction, it will be fine for full head treatment.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the benefits of scalp micropigmentation by far outweigh the chances of regrets. A majority of men who have this treatment done are happy with it and say it has worked wonders for their confidence.
As long as you identify a highly competent technician to do it, and arm yourself with as much information as possible, it is unlikely that you will regret it.
References
1. https://www.scalpmicro.uk/what-is-smp/the-benefits-of-scalp-micropigmentation/
2. https://scalpmicrousa.com/what-factors-determine-the-best-scalp-micropigmentation/
4.https://zangsmp.com/blogs/scalp-micropigmentation-blog/how-long-does-scalp-micropigmentation-last
5.https://www.luxemicro.com.au/risks-associated-with-scalp-micropigmentation-how-do-you-avoid-them/
