Baldness or hair loss is not just a cosmetic issue; it’s an emotional one too. Scalp micropigmentation or SMP is a popular solution to baldness and thinning hair in men and women. It is a non-invasive procedure that involves depositing pigments into the scalp to mimic hair follicles. The result is a natural-looking buzz cut or “shaven head” style that offers a sense of confidence and freedom.
SMP is a long-lasting solution for hair loss. But like any cosmetic treatment, it requires proper care and maintenance to last as long as possible. In this article, we’ll explore why scalp micropigmentation fades over time and offer some effective ways to combat this issue, ensuring long-lasting and satisfying results.
Table of Contents
The Nature of Scalp Micropigmentation
Before diving into the reasons for SMP fading, it’s important to first understand the nature of the procedure. SMP works by depositing pigments into the skin at the epidermal level to mimic hair follicles. The pigment is deposited in a dot-like pattern, giving the scalp the appearance of a freshly shaved head. Over time, the pigment settles, and the scalp micropigmentation may appear to fade.
Extrinsic Factors: Protecting Your SMP Investment
There are several external factors that contribute to SMP fading. One of the most significant threats is prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can break down the pigments’ molecules, causing fading over time.
To safeguard your SMP investment, we recommend the following measures:
1. Wear a hat
Shield your scalp from direct sunlight by wearing a hat when you’re outside. This provides excellent protection against harmful UV radiation.
2. Apply sunblock
Prioritize using a high-quality sunblock lotion with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 50. This ensures that 97-98% of harmful UV radiation is blocked.
3. Avoid alcohol-based lotions
Choose sunblock lotions that do not contain alcohol, as alcohol can contribute to excessive dryness, which may affect the longevity of your SMP.
Another factor that contributes to SMP fading over time is the body’s natural exfoliation process. As part of this process, your skin sheds old cells regularly, and the pigment beneath the epidermis may degrade with time. Factors such as skin type and sun exposure duration can influence the rate of fading. To address the scenario, regular touch-ups or additional SMP sessions may be necessary, but a full touch-up is usually not required for several years.
Intrinsic Factors: Maximizing SMP Longevity
There are also intrinsic factors to consider that affect the longevity of SMP, which are less within your control but can still be managed effectively. One factor is choosing an experienced SMP practitioner. Opting for SMP services without proper certification might lead to the use of low-quality pigments and incorrect pigment administration depth.
To avoid such risks, we recommend the following steps:
1. Certification Verification
Prioritize practitioners who possess proper certification in scalp micropigmentation. Certification is a sign of quality and expertise, ensuring that you’re in good hands.
2. Client Portfolio Review
Evaluate the practitioners’ portfolio to gain insights into their SMP service quality and previous results. This will give you an idea of the practitioner’s experience level and results produced.
3. Price Should Not Be the Sole Deciding Factor
Price should not be your primary concern when selecting an SMP practitioner. Investing a little more for exceptional service and results is well worth it. Going cheap for a long-lasting procedure such as this could be a recipe for disaster.
Intrinsic Factors: Aftercare
Another intrinsic factor that affects SMP longevity is proper aftercare. After your SMP procedure, your scalp requires proper care and attention for optimal healing and pigment retention. Following the recommended aftercare guidelines provided by your practitioner can prevent unnecessary fading.
To prevent fading, keep the following in mind:
1. Avoid alcohol-based products
Refrain from using aftercare products that contain alcohol, such as those with isopropyl alcohol, SD alcohol, or denatured alcohol. These can contribute to the drying out and fading of your SMP.
2. Timing of Showering and Moisturizing
Typically, wait until the 4th day after your SMP procedure before showering and moisturizing your scalp. Following this initial waiting period, ensure you moisturize your scalp at least once every day. Keeping your scalp hydrated can help prevent drying out and potential fading.
Conclusion
Understanding why scalp micropigmentation fades is crucial for maximizing its longevity. This article has highlighted some effective ways to combat SMP fading, ensuring long-lasting and satisfying results. By following the recommended aftercare guidelines, opting for an experienced SMP practitioner, and safeguarding your scalp from direct sunlight, you can maintain the confidence and satisfaction that comes with a well-maintained SMP.
Elegant SMP is a premier scalp micropigmentation located in Buffalo, NY that provides the most natural-looking and undetectable SMP treatment. For complete pricing & informational brochure, download it here. While you’re here, make sure to see our recommended places to visit while you’re in our beautiful and unique city. Lastly, if you’re bald and thinking about getting a frame to your face, you should learn more about the cultural significance of hairlines. We hope that this article helps you in making a well-informed decision to tackle your hair loss problems, thanks for reading!
