First and foremost, Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a hair tattoo… it does not regrow your hair. While scalp micropigmentation is an effective way to mask thinning hair or create the illusion of that shaved-head stubble look, it will not actually “grow” new hair. You’ll be surprised how many people thinks it actually grows hair.
Additionally, SMP is a permanent cosmetic procedure and therefore can be painful and expensive to reverse if you are unhappy with the results. This means that you need to be sure that scalp micropigmentation is right for you before making any decisions about undergoing this procedure.
Many people are unaware of the potential risks and disadvantages of scalp micropigmentation, and so they may not have all the information they need to make an informed decision about whether or not this treatment is right for them. In this article, we will explore some of the potential cons of scalp micropigmentation in order to help people make the best decision for their hair loss situation.
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Candid talk on why SMP might not be for you
First off, SMP just might not be for you.
If you are in the early stages of hair loss, it is likely that you will be better off pursuing other treatments such as hair transplants or taking medications (consult with a doctor) to regrow your hair. If you’ve done your research and decide that you’re ok with the routine of taking/applying some sort of medication and you’re fine with the side effects, then you can probably forget about SMP altogether. Additionally, if you can handle the potential failure, risks, scarring and afford a hair transplant, you might want to consider going that route first before getting scalp micropigmentation.
Inexperienced & uncertified practitioners
One major disadvantage of scalp micropigmentation is the risk that you will end up with a poor-quality procedure performed by an under-trained or inexperienced practitioner. This can leave you with a result that doesn’t quite match what you were hoping for, and may not even look natural at all. To avoid this risk, it is crucial to research your SMP artist thoroughly and choose someone with a proven track record of producing high-quality results.
Don’t base your decision on price alone, especially with a life-altering procedure such as getting a hair tattoo. Just don’t go cheap with your SMP. However, if you want to go with a new artist that is building up their portfolio at a discount, make sure that they’ve gone through the proper channels of certification through a reputable academy and make sure you ask tons of questions.
You only get one hairstyle
Another potential disadvantage of scalp micropigmentation is that your hairstyle is essentially “set in stone” from the beginning. Unlike other cosmetic procedures, such as hair transplants, you can’t really style it. If you don’t like how your SMP turned out or you want to change up your look with a different hairstyle, there’s nothing you can do about it (besides removing it).
This means that you need to be sure that the look you want is what you will end up with, and this can take a lot of research. It’s important to think carefully about which hairline will work best for your face shape, age, and other factors before having an SMP procedure performed. All of this should be brought up during your in-person consultation with an SMP practitioner. I personally prefer the faded slightly receding hairline style, it looks super natural and the faded effect is the cherry on top.
The good news is that, over time, you can change your hairline with additional sessions. For instance, you can improve the side profile or density of your hair. However, bigger changes to your hairstyle are not possible, you have to be comfortable with rocking a 5 o’clock shadow stubble on your head. If not, SMP is not for you.
You must be consistent with shaving your head
Although SMP doesn’t actually implant any new hairs (again, SMP does not grow hair), it gives the look of a closely buzzed head of hair. The existing hair on your head will need to be shaved down with an 0 guard regularly to maintain the look, guideline is every 2-4 days depending on how fast your hair grows. We know we mentioned this before, but it’s worth repeating; you will not have a completely maintenance-free head of hair with SMP.
To get the most out of your SMP results, it is important to be consistent with shaving your head and following any aftercare instructions provided by your practitioner. However, if you still aren’t sure whether scalp micropigmentation is right for you, best & fastest way is to talk to a practitioner in your area who can give you more information about this procedure and help you decide if it’s the right option for you.
The pigments will fade over time
Another potential disadvantage of scalp micropigmentation is that the pigments used in the procedure are not permanent per se. Instead, they will gradually fade over time as your skin exfoliates and new hair grows, requiring additional touch-ups to maintain your look. This means that you may need to get several SMP sessions over a period of months or years, depending on factors like how quickly your body naturally sheds skin and how often you shave your head. The procedure of scalp micropigmentation requires approximately 3 sessions to complete. The usual touch-up recommendation is once every 3-5 years.
However, this can be seen as a positive, since it gives you some flexibility when it comes to deciding how much pigment you want and the overall shade of your hair tattoo. Just make sure that you choose an experienced practitioner who uses high-quality pigments (such as Ghost Pigment) that are proven to last longer. Overall, if you are patient and don’t mind scheduling in more appointments to keep your look fresh, scalp micropigmentation can be a cost-effective and low-maintenance option for those who want more control over the appearance of their hair.
Some will experience some pain and discomfort
When I initially got my treatment, I experienced mild discomfort especially at the front of the hairline. However, when my practitioner started working back towards my crown area… it felt more like a massage and I actually fell asleep. You’ve probably read or heard that people generally rated the pain to be around a 2-4 out of a scale of 1-10, but everyone’s threshold for pain is different.
The pain that is associated with the scalp micropigmentation procedure is definitely something that you need to be aware of before you make your decision. However, it is important to remember that even though you’ll experience some kind of pain, the end result is definitely worth it. With this procedure you will be able to achieve the appearance of a thicker head of hair, and for a fraction of the cost of other hair restoration procedures. For me, I felt some discomfort and pain, the end result is worth it. You can check my SMP out on any of my YouTube videos.
You must strictly adhere to postcare instructions
To get the best results from your scalp micropigmentation treatment, it is essential to follow all aftercare instructions provided by your practitioner. This includes keeping the area clean and dry in the first few days following the procedure, avoid anything that causes you to excessively sweat, avoiding direct sunlight while it’s healing, and scheduling regular follow-up appointments to monitor your results.
It is also important to remember that if you want the pigments in your skin to stay put, it’s crucial that you avoid touching or otherwise irritating the treated area with unwashed bare fingers during the first few days after getting SMP. Your skin may be more prone to infection after the procedure, and any bacteria on your hands can increase your risk of getting an infection. If there’s anything that we’ve learned from the pandemic, it’s that our hands can be very dirty.
The pigments is 2-D; Your hair is 3-D
While scalp micropigmentation is a great option for achieving the appearance of thicker hair, it’s important to understand that the pigments inserted into your scalp is simply 2 dimensional. This means that it can look flat or unnatural from certain angles, especially if you allow your hair to grow out too long.
This is why it’s important to choose an experienced practitioner who understands how to achieve realistic results that mimic the 3-dimensional look of real hair. This includes using high-quality pigments like Ghost Pigment that are designed to last longer and give you natural-looking results. Ultimately, if you want the best results with your SMP treatment, it is essential to have realistic expectations about what this procedure can truly accomplish. But with proper care and attention to detail, you’ll be able to get the hair tattoo that is undetectable and looks just like the real thing.
Disadvantages of other hair loss treatments vs. SMP
It’s always important to weigh the pros and cons of everything in life, especially with major decisions such as getting scalp micropigmentation. Here’s some pros and cons of other alternatives to SMP:
- There are many uncertainties that come with a hair transplant surgery, as there is no guarantee of success. In addition, the procedure will leave scars on your head that you will have to live with for the rest of your life.
- Hair systems are expensive to maintain, and it can get smelly & messy because of the combination of your natural oil, sweat, and the adhesive that’s holding that system to your scalp
- Although Propecia, also known as finasteride, is safe for most men to take, a small number of men have reported serious side effects after taking just one pill. These side effects include erectile dysfunction and a shrinking of the penis.
- Minoxidil can get expensive, but mainly it gets messy and doesn’t work for some men. Once you stop using or applying it, all of your efforts could be wasted because those hair can fall out… It definitely was a rude awakening to me when my hair fell out in chunks, and I’ve been on it for over 5 years
- Special shampoos is a hit or miss and not successful for everyone
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to hair loss, because each person’s experience with it is unique. For some, scalp micropigmentation may be the perfect answer, while others may find that a hair transplant or other treatment is a better option. Ultimately, the best way to determine which treatment is right for you is by speaking to a hair loss expert who can provide a thorough consultation and walk you through your options so that you can make an informed decision. Whether it’s SMP or another method entirely, there are many different ways to deal with thinning hair, and it’s important to find the one that works best for you. So don’t hesitate to reach out to us to see if scalp micropigmentation is the right solution for you, best of luck!
