If you’re considering scalp micropigmentation (SMP), it’s a good idea to think about what you’d like to achieve. SMP isn’t like a haircut – it’s permanent. Accordingly, it makes sense to learn about the top scalp micropigmentation options before you commit to the procedure.
An SMP procedure is a way to get guaranteed results that look natural and relieve you of the frustrating feelings that come with hair loss. It works similar to a tattoo. However, the tools, ink, and method are somewhat different.
SMP practitioners use specialized equipment and techniques to inject pigment into the scalp. They can restore the appearance of real hair follicles.
Everyone is different. Every client has a different skin type and color, as well as varying tastes.
Read on to learn more about the top micropigmentation scalp treatment options available.
The Effects of Time on Your Hairline
It’s natural for your hairline to change over time. Accordingly, you should pick an SMP treatment that’s appropriate for your stage of development.
Both men and women can experience a receding hairline. A receding hairline, for example, is the first indicator of male pattern baldness.
Clients with a receding hairline display distinct symptoms. They may start anywhere between puberty and adulthood. Typically, a receding hairline begins just over the temples.
Often, people associate hair loss with aging. However, it can also affect young people.
Despite age, male pattern baldness usually progresses in steps. The first step is the appearance of an uneven receding hairline. Next, however, the hair will develop into a definitive M shape.
If the hair loss persists, as with male pattern baldness, the areas of thinning hair will spread out and meet. Where the hair loss meets, it will form a bald spot, typically at the crown of the head. Clients with male pattern baldness usually end up with a horseshoe-shaped ring around the sides and back of their heads.
It’s important to understand this process because some hairline styles look natural on certain age groups. Meanwhile, others may appear unnatural.
For women, baldness can begin with a V shape in the middle of the head. Among women clients, this condition is called a widow’s peak.
These are the common patterns of baldness. However, hairlines don’t always follow a specific pattern as they recede.
Some clients with a receding hairline may prefer a buzz cut look. Others may like a medium crew cut look.
Everyone’s different. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which SMP plan will work best for your circumstances.
The Natural Hairline
One common SMP care plan is to re-create a natural hairline. The object of this plan is to mimic natural hair growth.
You’d think that recreating a natural hairline would create an SMP artist with the least challenge. However, it’s not like getting a haircut. A natural hairline SMP treatment is the most complex treatment plan among various hair treatment options.
Using the SMP procedure, the specialist will reconstruct your scalp to create a more youthful appearance. For example, SMP specialists have had significant success in treating patients with frontal alopecia and other forms of balding. All the while, they remain focused on giving clients a natural-looking hairline.
Characteristics of a Natural Hairline for SMP
For the natural look, an SMP artist will create the effect of undulating. Undulating is when the hair gently flows inward and outward in a curved shape across the forehead. They can accomplish this effect with the spacing of the microdots.
Once the SMP artist completes the procedure, the client has the appearance of randomly occurring indentations and projections across the headline. This feature gives the client the appearance of natural hair growth.
An SMP artist will also create the look of “irregular” irregularity. If you look in a scalp closely, you’ll notice that the hairline and scalp are random, despite a uniform appearance after a haircut.
An SMP artist will also re-create the look of hairs of varying thicknesses for the natural look. For example, they may create the look of thick hair in the center area. However, hairs near the temple area are typically fine.
By re-creating dots of various sizes, they can give clients the appearance of multiple hair densities and textures. Without this effect, the end result will look unnatural to the naked eye.
An SMP artist will also graduate hair density for a natural look. For example, hair gets denser as it gets further away from the forehead.
Finally, an SMP artist can also create a random dispersion of island hairs. Depending on the client, this feature may help to re-create a natural-looking hairline.
The M Shape
For certain male age groups, the M shape is appropriate. Again, this depends on the features of the client as well as their taste.
Not all hairlines mature in the same fashion. As an example, a man’s hairline can evolve gradually. In some instances, it’s completely unnoticeable.
For some men, it can take ten years for their hairline to mature fully. For other men, the process can move rather quickly.
When a hairline matures faster, clients often believe that they are suffering from male pattern baldness. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. Other characteristics determine the difference between natural hairline maturity and male pattern baldness besides a receding hairline.
Under normal circumstances, for instance, a hairline will recede evenly. However, an even loss of hair doesn’t happen for all men. Still, it’s the way that a hairline recedes for most men.
Also, a naturally maturing hairline will only recede around an inch and a half beyond the highest wrinkle on your forehead. This feature is typical of most males. If your hairline has receded about the width of your finger, it’s probably due to natural hairline maturity, rather than male pattern baldness.
If your hair retreats quickly, this fast movement can indicate male pattern baldness, but that’s not guaranteed. You’ll need to consult with a specialist to know for sure.
A naturally maturing hairline that forms into an M shape is not extremely pronounced. During an SMP procedure, an M shape plan involves removing round curves and creating a more defined hairline. Usually, this treatment creates a widow’s peak.
If you’re an older gentleman and you opt for an SMP procedure, you may wish to retain an M shape. The style may prove more suitable for your current age.
The Defined Hairline A.K.A. the Lineup
Typically, younger SMP patients will choose a defined hairline. In the barbershop, this style is called a shape up, edge up or lineup. It’s a popular style among young, African American males.
It’s relatively easy to spot a lineup. Sharp razor edges define it.
To create this style in a barbershop, barbers will use clippers with a short guard size. Alternatively, they may use a straight razor to create an ultra-defined appearance.
A lineup is a clean, geometric look. With this type of hairstyle, it’s all about the lines.
Another important part of the lineup is the area around the temples. Here, the hair will extend out from the hairline and form a 90-degree angle.
A specialist can give you scalp pigmentation tips to help you figure out if a lineup is the right treatment plan. Together, you can figure out if a lineup suits your hair type, face shape, and personal taste.
It’s important to note that there are many different kinds of lineups. An SMP specialist can help you choose the right one. For example, an SMP artist might suggest extending your hair out at the temples to frame your face properly.
You don’t have to have a buzz cut for a lineup outline. You can have a lineup SMP treatment for nearly any hairstyle. What’s important is that it looks natural for your unique needs.
Hair Micropigmentation Camouflage
You can also choose scalp micropigmentation to camouflage a balding area under long hair. Most often, clients will choose a plan that creates the appearance of follicles on a shaved head.
However, you can also use the treatment to increase the density of thinning hair on your scalp if you have long hair. This SMP plan is often called a thickening treatment. You don’t have to shave your hair for the procedure.
Micropigmentation camouflage is not for everyone. An SMP specialist can walk you through deciding whether this treatment will align with your long-term goals.
When clients choose SMP for long hair, they most often simply want to eliminate the appearance of hair loss. Even so, micropigmentation camouflage has limitations.
SMP specialists seem to create hair magically. However, they must work within the confines of your existing characteristics.
As an example, the SMP artist will have to stay within your natural hairline. As with other treatments, they also need to match the color to your natural hair.
Additionally, you may have a significant change in the area where you have hair and where you don’t. As a result, the contrast will remain highly noticeable.
In this instance, it may prove difficult – if not impossible – to re-create a natural look. It may also prove difficult or impossible to use SMP to camouflage balding for clients with white, gray, or light blonde hair.
Understanding the Limits of Scalp Micropigmentation Options
There are a lot of variables to work through when considering micropigmentation camouflage. An SMP specialist can walk you through the steps.
Micropigmentation camouflage is a good treatment plan for someone who wants a satisfactory solution for baldness with longer hair. In some cases, however, you may have to choose to change your hairstyle to facilitate the treatment.
The objective of an SMP treatment is to obtain an overall look of natural hair. This outcome isn’t always possible with some hairstyles. You may have to exercise some flexibility in this regard.
Choosing the Right SMP Specialist for the Job
Choosing to undergo a scalp micropigmentation is a big decision. If you decide to go through with the process, you want the best SMP specialist around.
However, as you can see, there are a lot of different kinds of SMP treatments. Like any professional service, it makes good sense to do your homework before you choose an SMP service provider.
You must do as much research as possible. Research increases your chances of finding a good service provider.
There are many SMP providers. SMP treatment will change your life.
Your choice of a service provider will determine whether that change is good or bad. Accordingly, you mustn’t take the decision lightly.
The skill of an SMP specialist is subjective. The best service provider for your best friend may not serve as the best provider for your needs.
The specialist who you feel is the best provider depends on what you consider high quality service. You also must think about who’s within your budget as well as within reasonable traveling distance.
The process of choosing an SMP specialist will go so much easier if you could find one scalp micropigmentation provider that’s a master in all treatments. They’re out there. However, they’re a rare commodity.
Finding an SMP Practitioner Near Me
Most likely, it’s more practical for you to find an exceptional SMP specialist that provides your desired treatment and is within around 100 miles.
You’ll need to interview potential SMP specialists. For example, ask them about the length of their scalp pigmentation careers. You should also ask for before and after pictures of their clients.
It’s also helpful to find out about a potential SMP service provider’s training. Also, ask potential service providers about any special services they may perform.
You should also ask for referrals. Speak to those referrals directly and find out how they feel about the outcome of their treatment.
Learn More About Maintaining Great Hair!
If you’re considering the procedure, it’s a good idea to understand scalp micropigmentation options. However, if you care about your appearance, it’s also good to know facts about the latest trends to help you keep your crown looking its best.
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