Also known by its abridged term, SMP, the reason people are looking to receive treatment is to achieve a look that is indistinguishable from that of a natural hairline. It is not about making statements and it certainly can be a life-changing procedure. To simply answer the question, does scalp micropigmentation look fake? Absolutely not. It looks incredibly realistic, however, that is only if you receive a correctly executed treatment.
SMP is as good as the technician administering treatment. To receive an ultimately natural look is no easy task. So what do you need to know to ensure your procedure goes according to plan?
How Does Scalp Micropigmentation Work?
In the hair restoration industry, SMP is truly innovative. It is the treatment that doesn’t come with the promise of new hair growth. It conceals the problem hair loss brings, which means it is guaranteed to give you a result. The procedure works by a technician administering pigments underneath the outer layer of skin, known as the epidermis. The said pigments take the form of a series of dots which are implanted using a machine fitted with a microneedle. Once the pinpricks have healed you are left with imitation hair follicles which are a duplicate to that of a series of real follicles. The end result is one of several. It can range from underlying shading in the cases of diffuse thinning to concealment of scarring or an iconic buzz-cut, straight from the barber’s chair.
How do I Ensure a Natural Scalp Micropigmentation Finish?
SMP is not only a financial investment, but it is also an incredibly emotional one. Poorly administered treatment can have devastating results all round which is why you must go into the process with your eyes wide open. Choosing your technician wisely is key. Questions you should be asking are as follows :
- Where your technician trained and was it through a reputable academy?
- Does your technician continue updating their knowledge via ongoing mentoring through a reputable academy?
- How much experience does your chosen technician have?
- Does the clinic have a portfolio of before and after pictures that you can look through?
- Are there any recommendations on social media that you can browse through?
- Do you feel comfortable with the clinic and technician you have chosen?
When you have found a clinic that you feel at home and comfortable with you will, thereafter, need to choose the desired hairline. Take advice from your clinic, they are trained in the architecture of your face shape. All too often there is a leaning towards hairlines that are too low. This really should be avoided. As should anything too sharp-edged or linear.
And finally, once your treatment is completed, adhere to the aftercare recommendations of your provider. This will ensure treatment longevity and also protect against infection.
So, to conclude, if we return to the original question, does scalp micropigmentation look fake? No. It is really indistinguishable to that of a natural hairline. However, fall into the wrong hands and it can look far from natural.