blog post

Scalp Micropigmentation is Not a Tattoo

by | May 27, 2022 | Blog

Scalp Micropigmentation or SMP is often described as a scalp tattoo, a basic phrase which is rather misleading, and one which doesn’t accurately represent the specialist equipment and knowledge required to deliver the procedure successfully.

SMP is better explained as a distinct cosmetic procedure which uses highly developed, and purposely designed machines, pigments, and micro needles.

Understanding the difference is important for budding SMP artists looking to get into the industry, and even more so for potential SMP clients looking for a reputable, qualified, and experienced practitioner.

Why is this an important distinction?

The skin on our scalp is very different to anywhere else on our body. The scalp is rich in blood vessels and contains more sebaceous glands and more hair follicles than any other area of our bodies. In short, the scalp behaves and reacts very differently.

Scalp micropigmentation has been designed as a perfect, non-surgical, low-maintenance solution for a variety of hair loss scenarios. It can be used to restore receding hairlines, to cover thinning hair, bald patches, surgical scars, or to simply add density to existing hair.

For these reasons the technique, knowledge of the scalp, and specialist equipment used for SMP are significant and an important difference.  Implanting thousands of micro impressions into the scalp, in a precise pattern using a tiny needle at a depth of 1.5 – 2mm into the dermal layer, differs from any other micropigmentation procedure.

It requires a qualified and experienced SMP practitioner to discuss the achievable outcomes and deliver your treatment successfully.

Fortunately, this difference also means your SMP procedure is much less painful than traditional forms of tattooing or microblading.

Whilst certain areas of the scalp can be more sensitive than others, typically the areas around the temple and front hairline, I’ve yet to work on a client who describes their treatment as painful, I’ve even had customers doze off mid-procedure!

Please feel free to contact us at derma.microtech for more information or to book a free consultation to discuss Scalp Micropigmentation and see if it’s suitable for you.