Women shed at least 50 to 100 strands of hair daily depending on various reasons. Hair loss due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or other stressful events is often normal and temporary. As soon as the body readjusts, the excessive shedding stops. If the stressor remains, hair loss can continue for an extended duration. Scarring alopecias, acne, folliculitis, lupus, and lichen planus can result in temporary or permanent hair loss. Luckily, scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a great solution for many women with diffuse thinning, bald patches, and low hair density.
What Causes Hair Loss in Women?
There are several causes of hair loss in women. Any hormonal or physiological imbalance can trigger hair loss, among them:
- Some medications and treatments, including radiotherapy and chemo.
- Diet deficiency, especially a lack of iron.
- Mental health problems, such as stress or the compulsive urge to pick your hair.
- Hereditary factors affect hair density and how soon your hair thins.
- Trauma from tight hairstyles and harsh chemicals.
- Childbirth and breastfeeding can affect hair quantity, especially around the hairline.
- Hormonal shifts in menopause affect hair appearance.
- Medical conditions such as alopecia and immune attacks on hair follicles.
Can SMP Help Women?
SMP involves the application of tiny layered dots in different dark hues to create a natural-looking depth and definition. This can help camouflage bald patches.
Why SMP Is a Great Option for Women
SMP can be more cost-effective and manageable compared to other hair restoration treatments. With SMP, you can replicate the look of hair follicles without surgery. SMP is not a cure for hair loss, but it provides women with natural-looking, noticeable outcomes. You will most likely need two to four sessions to achieve the best possible results.
The SMP Process for Women
Before treatment begins, the client has a consultation session with a specially trained SMP artist. This provides room for questions and allows the practitioner to explain the process in deeper detail and familiarize themselves with the particular case.
Once you go in for the scalp micropigmentation procedure, the practitioner will part the hair strands and apply pigments between the hair follicles with an electric device. The artist selects pigment shades that blend in with the client’s hair color to create a natural effect by decreasing the disparity between the bare scalp and the hair.
You will need three to four weeks in between treatments for long-term retention because SMP is a process of layering color.
How Long Does the SMP Process Last?
How long an SMP procedure takes depends on the client’s skin type and the extent of hair loss they are experiencing. SMP is semi-permanent, meaning the effects don’t last forever. The dots typically last four to six years before it is recommended you go in to get them retouched.
Scalp Micropigmentation Aftercare
To ensure proper healing of the scalp and longer retention of the SMP effects, here are a few recommendations:
1. Don’t Get Your Scalp Wet
It may be tempting to wash your head in the beginning but resist the urge until four to five days after treatment. Avoid any physical exertion that can make you sweat. The scalp is still sensitive after the procedure, and any wetness may hinder proper healing.
2. Avoid Sun Exposure
Do not go out in the sun for long periods of time immediately after treatment. Sunlight emits harmful UV rays that can interfere with proper healing. Cover up with a loosely fitted, clean cap and apply sunscreen to prevent the SMP from fading too quickly.
3. Avoid Swimming and Saunas
Allow at least a month to elapse after the last SMP procedure before dipping into swimming pools. The chlorine in swimming pools can negatively affect the color results of SMP.
4. Don’t Apply Strong Hair Products
After four to five days, you can take a light shower but avoid harsh hair products such as sulfate shampoo. Shower with cold or lukewarm water to prevent the scalp from steam and sweat. Use a gentle soap or shampoo to wash with.
Try Scalp Micropigmentation Today
Scalp micropigmentation provides women with a safe and reliable alternative to camouflage hair loss. The result is an improved and fresh new look. It is a cost-effective and easy procedure for thinning hair, balding, transplant scars, and scalp health issues such as alopecia.
