What if the best solution to hair loss has been right in front of you for years?

Scalp pigmentation is a booming industry, and it has helped countless men fight hair loss. Despite this, many don't know how the process works and what its benefits are.

Interested in learning more about pigmentation for your scalp? Keep reading to discover our comprehensive guide!

What Is Scalp Pigmentation?

We've prepared a guide to help you learn all you need to know about scalp pigmentation. First, though, we need to define what the process is.

This procedure, also known as scalp micropigmentation (or SMP), allows skilled practitioners to inject pigment directly into your scalp. The overall effect gives the appearance of a fuller and thicker scalp of hair.

How does that work, exactly? It's basically an optical illusion. Because the pigment will be a little darker than your actual hair color, the SMP process gives your entire scalp a more three-dimensional and textured look.

To get it just right, it's going to require multiple treatments. But after that, you shouldn't have to come back unless you want to change pigment color to achieve a different look.

But the final effect is worth it. In fact, it's fair to say that this completely changes how the world will see you!

How Is This Different From A Tattoo?

Now you know that the SMP process boils down to putting colored pigment into your skin. And that leads to a pretty natural question: is this the same thing as getting a tattoo? The answer is both "yes" and "no."

The reason some say "yes" is because the procedure uses some specialized tattoo equipment. Specifically, the SMP practitioner will use an electric tattoo device to put the pigment into your scalp. So you could say that someone is going to use a tattoo tool to put ink on your body, which sounds an awful lot like a tattoo!

However, as anyone who has gotten a traditional tattoo can tell you, that's where the similarities end. Most "real" tattoos use thicker needles to inject the ink far deeper into the skin. The fact that this ink is not injected deeply into your scalp is one of the reasons that you'll eventually need to come back for additional pigmentation.

Ultimately, the similarity between a tattoo and scalp micropigmentation is only surface deep (no pun intended). Dig a little deeper and you will see that the tools, methods, and overall procedures are quite different.

What Makes This Better Than Hair Transplants?

If you're interested in fighting hair loss, you've probably explored many possible options out there. And that means you've got a really fair question: what makes scalp micropigmentation better than hair transplants?

First, the non-invasive SMP procedure is quicker and easier than the hair transplant procedure in many cases. Hair transplants often require multiple surgical procedures, and the cost of both these procedures and the aftercare process may quickly pile up.

Second, there is no real comparison when it comes to how long these procedures take. Even though SMP may take multiple treatments, each session is typically no longer than 3 hours. A hair transplant procedure typically takes between 8-10 hours, and you'll require a full 24 hours to recover!

Third, the pain of the SMP procedure is less (and less annoying) than hair transplant pain. Even though the transplant procedure itself is mostly painless, you will likely spend days grappling with annoying itches. Meanwhile, the SMP procedure has mild discomfort during the procedure, but you'll be far less itchy in the coming days.

Your mileage may vary, but most people would accept some mild pain (far milder than tattoo pain) in order to escape the annoyance of constant itchiness that comes from hair transplants!

What Are the Main Benefits of Pigmentation?

We've dived a bit into what SMP is and why it's better than getting a hair transplant. Beyond that, though, what are the main benefits of this procedure?

First, it does exactly what it says it will. This isn't like some medication making wild claims about miraculous hair growth. Instead, putting pigment on your scalp works exactly as we've described, and the results look fantastic.

Second, it's much more affordable than hair transplants. We've got a cost breakdown below, but this is a great way to fight hair loss without breaking the bank.

Third, this is a very safe procedure. It doesn't involve any exotic medication, scary chemicals, or painful incisions.

Fourth, there is no real maintenance involved. You can wash the area as usual, with no need for any specialized aftercare products.

Finally, you get the kind of results that speak for themselves. Scalp micropigmentation looks much more realistic than the average hair transplant, and the only side effect is that it makes you look younger.

Throw in that this is a long-lasting solution, and you will quickly find that scalp micropigmentation is the solution you've been looking for!

Who Are The Best Candidates?

Almost anyone suffering from hair loss can benefit from SMP. However, some candidates for this treatment are going to benefit more than others.

Needless to say, the process works better for those with thinning hair instead of extreme hair loss. That's because the process shades the scalp and helps the thinning areas blend in with your actual hair. If you don't have much actual hair left, that can be a problem!

People recovering from cancer treatments may particularly benefit from SMP. As the hair is growing back, micropigmentation can make your scalp look full and healthy that much quicker.

Similarly, those who suffer from alopecia may uniquely benefit from SMP. Because that condition results in hair falling out in patches, micropigmentation is a great way to help those patches blend in with the surrounding hair.

Remember, it's not just for men. SMP <a href="https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1165389/hair-loss-treatment-women-men-scalp-micropigmentation">works well for women</a>, too!

What Is The Treatment Process Like?

We've talked a little so far about how the SMP treatment process works. Before you can decide if it is right for you or not, you must understand the process in its entirety.

In most cases, you're going to make at least two visits to the practitioner. The first visit is basically just a consultation with the SMP artist where you discuss your different options.

Part of this is telling the artist what you want from the SMP process. Are you hoping to make your hair look thicker or restore a hairline? In some cases, you may even want SMP in order to cover up some scarring on your head.

The other part is deciding on the color and style that you want. Given how long SMP lasts, you need to make a good decision at this point! Between going over your options and starting the first treatment, this initial visit typically takes between 2-3 hours.

You'll make another visit for another treatment later (typically a few weeks later, but it may be earlier based on your recovery). The second visit helps the SMP artist add more shading to your scalp and address any of your concerns about the initial shading.

As you can tell, you should use your recovery time wisely. Closely analyze your scalp for any areas that you think need additional attention.

What To Do Before Or Between Your Treatments

The actual SMP process is pretty simple, especially compared to getting a hair transplant. But to get the best results, there are a few things you'll need to do before your treatment or between treatments.

You'll want to grab a shower before each of your treatments. That's because you'll need to keep your scalp away from water for about four days after treatment. That means you'll need to avoid showers, swimming, sauna rooms, etc.

It's good to keep your scalp out of the sun leading up to that first treatment. The easiest way to do this is to simply wear a hat.

Between treatments, it's safe to take a shower again after 4 days or so. But you need to avoid really hot water that will generate steam. You'll also need to avoid steam rooms and saunas and swimming altogether.

As for sunlight, you need to ease your scalp back into that. You should avoid sunlight on the scalp as much as possible for the first four days after treatment. After that, you can get 45-60 minutes of sunlight on your scalp.

Regardless of how much or how little sun you are getting, try moisturizing your scalp regularly after four days of recovery.

Honestly, though, it's good to avoid sunlight on your scalp as much as possible between treatments. This will help your scalp hold onto the pigmentation that much longer.

What To Do (Or Not Do) After Your Final Treatment

As we said before, you'll probably be done with the whole SMP procedure after a few weeks. What should you do (or not do) after your final treatment? Most of the advice is similar to what you were previously doing.

Four days or so after your final treatment, you should start regularly moisturizing your scalp once more. And you'll need to take it easy for five days or so, meaning no heavy exercise. However, it's fine to walk around as normal in your home or workplace.

For 28 days, you're going to need to avoid saunas, steam rooms, and swimming pools. You'll also need to avoid the sun for 28 days or more. After that, you should start rocking some sunscreen (anywhere between SPF 30 to SPF 50) to keep your scalp and body safe.

It may look like a lot, but <a href="https://www.gotscalp.com/aftercare">this aftercare routine</a> is simple and doesn't take that long. You'll be back to doing whatever you want before you know it.

What's The Cost Of The Process?

Let's say you're interested in getting SMP. Now that you know all of these other details, you're left with one big question: how much does it cost?

Depending on a variety of factors (more on this below), each treatment can range from $400-$1000. As we said before, you'll want to budget for at least two treatments to make sure your scalp is pigmented to your satisfaction.

Another long term factor to consider is your inevitable return. When done right, SMP lasts for about 8 years. That gives you a lot of value for the price, but it does mean that you'll be paying for this procedure again--perhaps multiple times over the course of your life.

If any of that gives you sticker shock, just remember that the SMP process is far cheaper and less painful than hair transplants. Furthermore, it's tough to put a price tag on how good this will make you look!

What Factors Can Affect the Cost?

You probably noticed the range of potential costs for SMP. Why is this range so wide? The truth is that many different factors can affect the cost.

The first factor concerns how bald your head is. This effectively determines how much area will need to be treated via SMP. A larger area may equal a larger cost.

Your exact skin type may also affect the cost. If you happen to have skin that is seriously dry, flaky, sensitive, and/or damaged, it's going to take a lot of extra time (and possibly an additional session) to perform the SMP process. All of this adds up to a higher cost.

If you have scarring on your head, it can drive the cost up. While scar camouflage is a great use of SMP, working around scar tissue is difficult and delicate work that will affect the overall price.

Finally, your existing hair density and your desired style may drive the price up. Basically, if the SMP artist has to simulate a large number of hair follicles, that is going to cost more than simulating a smaller number.

Where To Go For Scalp Pigmentation

Now you know what scalp pigmentation is and what it can do for your life. But do you know where to find the best SMP artists around?

We specialize in scalp micropigmentation for both men and women. To see how we can completely transform the look of your scalp, contact us today!