A Prep Guide for Your First Scalp Micropigmentation Session

Maybe it’s hereditary. Maybe there’s something in your life constantly bringing you stress. Maybe it’s a medical condition. Next thing you know, you have bald spots all over your head, and you’re still shedding hair every day.

Hair loss is a natural part of life. Regular, healthy humans shed between 50 and 100 strands a day. While no one expects you to count how many strands you lose each day, you can probably tell if you’re shedding more hair than usual.

Plenty of reasons exist for hair loss, but there are also plenty of remedies. One of them is scalp micropigmentation.

What is scalp micropigmentation?

Scalp micropigmentation, or simply SMP, is a procedure that resembles tattooing and creates the illusion of having a fuller head of hair. SMP is like microblading but for your head instead of eyebrows.

This procedure is fairly new, but it has already gained popularity, especially amongst people with health issues that result in hair loss. Most people with permanent hair loss can only get temporary solutions and treatment options, but SMP is a permanent cosmetic procedure that will keep your head looking full of hair for a long time.

The best thing about micropigmentation, though, is that it can be used for various parts of the face. It can enhance your brows just as well as your scalp and act as eyeliner for your eyelids.

If you’re considering getting SMP as a solution for your hair loss, we’re here to give you the essential details about the process. Below, we’ll discuss what you can expect and must do before, during, and after your SMP appointment.

The Micropigmentation Process

If you’ve decided that you want to try micropigmentation, the best course of action is to talk to a micropigmentation specialist, like Vargas Face and Skin Center right away.

Consultation

As hair restoration experts, we can discuss if SMP is right for you and any conditions that might make you an unsuitable candidate. These are essential considerations since SMP is a permanent cosmetic procedure.

If your consultation with an SMP expert goes well, you have nothing left to do but prepare. One common question that people ask is “does SMP hurt?” The short answer is “it depends.”

If you have a high tolerance for pain, the procedure will likely feel like nothing to you. However, even if you don’t, your SMP provider will not just go at it. They will apply a numbing agent on your scalp to minimize any pain or discomfort.

48 Hours Before

At least two days before your appointment, make sure not to eat or drink any kind of food, drink, or medication that can thin your blood. If you do, the process is more likely to cause you to bleed because you consumed something that prevents blood from clotting.

The Day Before

The ink will take more beautifully on soft, hydrated skin. A day before your scheduled SMP, make sure you gently exfoliate your scalp and drink plenty of water. As a result, your scalp becomes an ideal blank canvas to fill and style with SMP.

During the Appointment

When you get to the clinic, you can expect your SMP expert to start creating a blueprint or an outline of the hair they’re going to fill in. You may also have a chance to work on the shape or design of your hairline, especially if you’re bald and want a specific kind of look.

Once the outline is done and agreed upon, the actual micropigmentation process begins. Here, individual microdots will be inked onto your scalp. These microdots replicate the look of natural hair follicles and give you a natural look. The process of inking will continue until the desired look is achieved, which usually takes two to four hours.

You must keep in mind, though, that SMP takes multiple sessions, which can span months. The first session will give you real-looking buzzed hair, but it’s likely just the base or foundation of the final look. Further sessions will give your look more depth and definition.

The number of sessions also depends on the size of the area that needs SMP. Even if it’s just a coin-sized bald spot or a small area with sparse hair, it can still take multiple sessions to achieve long-term results.

After the SMP Session

Once your initial SMP session is done, you might notice that your scalp looks a little red and swollen. This is normal after being subjected to the needle for hours. After a day or two, your scalp will go back to normal, except this time, it has “hair.”

Because your scalp will be sensitive for days, your next sessions will likely be spaced apart by 10 to 20 days.

Scalp Micropigmentation Aftercare

After years or months of uneven-looking hair or no hair on your scalp at all, it’s tempting to flaunt your new and improved look. However, you must take special care of your scalp, especially in the hours and days following every session, as well as in the long term.

For immediate aftercare…

• Do not wash or wet your scalp for at least three days
• Avoid long, hot showers for at least ten days once you can shower again
• Avoid strenuous physical activities, especially ones that might make you sweat
• Avoid scratching your head once it starts itching as it scabs
• Protect your head from direct sunlight

Make sure to do these immediate aftercare methods after every SMP session.

For long-term aftercare…

• Once you can wash your head again, use a sulfate-free shampoo
• Sleep on a fresh pillowcase
• Moisturize your head to prevent dryness
• Apply sunscreen on the treated area

If you practice these aftercare methods, you can keep your hair looking full and healthy for a long time.

Restore Your Hair and Your Confidence

Hair loss is a sensitive topic for many people, but, with SMP, it doesn’t have to be. Scalp micropigmentation is an easy and affordable solution for people experiencing hair loss. With this, you can bring back the confidence you lost with your hair.

For effective and professional-looking SMP results, turn to Vargas Face & Skin Center. Our team, headed by Dr. Hannah Vargas, is dedicated to restoring patients’ confidence along with their hair.

Schedule an appointment with us today!