Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) Advice/Experience

[fllbeach]

Hello! I have worn a system for nearly 30 years and am tired of always worrying about how it looks and all the other stuff that goes along with it. It has done me good but want to get rid of all the upkeep, etc. However I don't want to go completely bald - I have pretty thick hair on my sides and back/bottom of head. Nothing in between the sides and of course the big horseshoe on the back of the head.

With that said, I was looking into SMP to have "something" on top and would have no problem shaving my own hair. Have seen pictures, met with a few "artists" and wondering what advice or experience people have had with SMP particularly with my head situation (hair on sides and bottom/back - horseshoe). It will be a huge change but I think a better quality of life not having to worry/hassle, etc with the systems. Nervous as heck, but looking forward to hearing about your experiences. Thanks!

 

[NZK Medical]

Hello @fllbeach, it sounds like you are taking it slow with your research, which is a good thing. Maybe this has come up when talking with SMP techs. How the hair system is fixed. Bonding adhesives when it´s covered for weeks at a time, or say clips when you can remove as and when. How your skin has been impacted by being covered for such a time? Whether it would be best to remove the hair system to allow the skin to breathe for a few months maybe. Before having a pigment injected into the skin. As the pigment may behave differently depending on the skin's characteristics.

 

[fllbeach]

Hello @fllbeach, it sounds like you are taking it slow with your research, which is a good thing. Maybe this has come up when talking with SMP techs. How the hair system is fixed. Bonding adhesives when it´s covered for weeks at a time, or say clips when you can remove as and when. How your skin has been impacted by being covered for such a time? Whether it would be best to remove the hair system to allow the skin to breathe for a few months maybe. Before having a pigment injected into the skin. As the pigment may behave differently depending on the skin's characteristics.

Thanks so much for getting back - appreciate it! I take my system off every night for well over 13 years now and if I'm at home and not working many times don't even wear it. I also for the last 2-3 years lay out in the sun (with sunscreen) without it on so skin should be OK in terms of breathability.

Just wondering if SMP is mostly for those that have some hair on the top of their head where it mixes somewhat or if someone in my situation with noting on top and some of the back of the head are good candidates for this procedure. I see this as my out to going to not wearing a system at all. It will be a big change from what everyone has known and seen, but at least I wouldn't be completely bald. Thanks so much!

 

[NZK Medical]

Thanks so much for getting back - appreciate it! I take my system off every night for well over 13 years now and if I'm at home and not working many times don't even wear it. I also for the last 2-3 years lay out in the sun (with sunscreen) without it on so skin should be OK in terms of breathability.

Just wondering if SMP is mostly for those that have some hair on the top of their head where it mixes somewhat or if someone in my situation with noting on top and some of the back of the head are good candidates for this procedure. I see this as my out to going to not wearing a system at all. It will be a big change from what everyone has known and seen, but at least I wouldn't be completely bald. Thanks so much!

Hello @fllbeach. that´s good regarding your scalp breathing.

SMP is generally preferred for men with advanced hair loss, from what you have said, similar to yourself. The hair around the sides and back is shaved and the SMP is applied over the top of the head. Designing a hairline and going back to the crown. When done well, with an appropriate hairline, and expert artistry it resembles a shaved head of hair. You just keep your existing hair shaved to maintain the illusion. If you have partial hair coverage over the top of the head, this has to be shaved to give an even look. But, when there is a diffuse hair loss pattern then SMP can be used to add the look of fullness to the existing hair. But the pigment must only be applied between the hair, it cannot lower the existing hairline. Best wishes with your research.

 

[fllbeach]

Hello @fllbeach. that´s good regarding your scalp breathing.

SMP is generally preferred for men with advanced hair loss, from what you have said, similar to yourself. The hair around the sides and back is shaved and the SMP is applied over the top of the head. Designing a hairline and going back to the crown. When done well, with an appropriate hairline, and expert artistry it resembles a shaved head of hair. You just keep your existing hair shaved to maintain the illusion. If you have partial hair coverage over the top of the head, this has to be shaved to give an even look. But, when there is a diffuse hair loss pattern then SMP can be used to add the look of fullness to the existing hair. But the pigment must only be applied between the hair, it cannot lower the existing hairline. Best wishes with your research.

Thanks again! Quick question - I do like the sun and know that for the healing period after each session to avoid the sun. After my 3-4 sessions are done and I'm past the healing period, will I be limited with going to the beach, laying out, etc. I will wear sunscreen of course but the goal for doing SMP is to be more "free".

 

[NZK Medical]

It is best to discuss with an SMP specialist that works in sunnier climes and as a result, has clients living the life as such. The plan of multiple sessions is to build up the pigment to a point it stays stable and does not fade in the short term. The time between sessions is a factor, leaving long enough for any excess pigment to evaporate leaving only the "stable" pigment. Consequently, the next session is built on a solid foundation. Ultimately this is something you need to see proof of.

 

[Bigmac]

Hi Fllbeach. As mentioned by NZK you’ll be required to shave your remaining hair so that the SMP work blends in with your hair stubbles. There are a lot of examples in the SMP section further down the forum page. I do believe that UV rays from the Sun expedite fading of the ink. This can be confirmed with an SMP provider. Wearing a hat when out in strong Sun is an option, even when sunbathing. I would assume a high count sun screen will provide protection but to what extent I donut know.

 

[fllbeach]

Hi Fllbeach. As mentioned by NZK you’ll be required to shave your remaining hair so that the SMP work blends in with your hair stubbles. There are a lot of examples in the SMP section further down the forum page. I do believe that UV rays from the Sun expedite fading of the ink. This can be confirmed with an SMP provider. Wearing a hat when out in strong Sun is an option, even when sunbathing. I would assume a high count sun screen will provide protection but to what extent I donut know.

Thanks! I have another question (just put up a seperate thread on this). My technician/artist wants to schedule sessions 6 days a part. Been reading all different things with some saying 7 days and others longer - from 10-14 days in between sessions. Wouldn't mind getting it all done quicker, so is there a risk to having the additional sessions (I will need 3-4) 6 days apart from each other? Thanks

 

[Bigmac]

I’m not sure on the exact timeframes between sessions but it seems they differ from what you’re saying. I believe the ink has to settle while the scalp heals. Risks include the ink migrating. I would have your provider explain and confirm everything in writing prior to proceeding.