If you're suffering from hair loss, then you're not alone. Did you know that 42% of men between the ages of 18 to 49 experience moderate to extensive hair loss? While hair loss increases with age, some men may experience it earlier in life, especially those who suffer from male pattern baldness. But don't fret, as there are different ways to fight this. SMP or scalp micropigmentation Los Angeles can restore receding hairline, thicken remaining hair, and hide transplant scarring.
What are the causes of hair loss?
Before we discuss what SMP is, let's go over the reasons why men go bald. Below are the following factors:
- Hormones. Men who experience hair loss inherit over-sensitive hair follicles to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This shrinks hair follicles, so the hair becomes finer and thinner until the growth stops.
- Genetics. If you lose hair at a faster-than-normal pace, your parents may be the reason why. Your hair follicles have a blueprint of DNA, so if your father or grandfather has suffered from hair loss, then you most probably will, too.
- Age. As we age, the rate of hair growth slows, which explains male pattern baldness.
- Other reasons. Other factors can cause baldness, including excessive alcohol use, smoking, certain medications, and poor diet.
Scalp Micropigmentation Los Angeles: What is It?
Scalp micropigmentation Los Angeles is the process of micro-needling tattoo pigment into the scalp. This creates the illusion of a fuller head of hair through tiny hair follicles. This procedure replicates the natural hair follicles while adding density to thinning areas and strengthening it.
How does scalp micropigmentation Los Angeles work?
SMP treatments are divided into three separate sessions, but the actual time depends on the extent of your hair loss, your style, and other factors.
During the treatments, the practitioner uses microneedles to layer pigment dots on your scalp, just like in the process of getting a tattoo. These tiny dots help create the illusion of a full head of shaved hair.
Before your first treatment, meet with a practitioner to discuss the requirements and the process. This discussion will include the shape of your hairline, its position, and the shade and density of the pigmentation. How does this treatment work? It creates a tiny wound in the skin as the practitioner applies the dot. A scab heals over it and eventually shrinks or fades.
The treatment session includes applying different shades of pigmentation. You'll need different shades to enable pigment deposits to stand out. Your practitioner may use lighter pigments at first and then use darker shades after.
What You Need to Know About Scalp Micropigmentation Los Angeles
If you're considering getting SMP, below are some important things you should know:
How long does each treatment last?
It depends, but the first session typically lasts from three to five hours.
What are its applications?
SMP has so many uses, and it's not just limited to treating hairline recession and general balding. It's also perfect for burns or surgery-related hair loss, and for concealing blemishes, hair transplant scars, or marks caused by skin trauma.
Does SMP hurt?
Some patients experience mild discomfort during the SMP treatment, especially during the early stages. This discomfort becomes more tolerable as the session progresses. Some areas of your scalp have denser nerve endings than others, but most of the patients are concerned with the benefits of the treatment instead of the discomfort they experience.
How long does it take to recover?
Scalp micropigmentation Los Angeles doesn't have downtime or recovery period. After the treatment, you should notice slight redness on the skin from each tattoo session, and this will last between 24 to 48 hours.
What are the side effects?
This treatment has a few side effects, which include the following:
- Your scalp will be a little red after each application.
- The dots will look darker and larger as your skin starts to heal.
Is Scalp Micropigmentation only for men?
SMP is effective when it comes to treating hair loss in both men and women. Like men, some women also suffer from balding, as they lose hair due to surgery, childbirth, stress, and more.
However, SMP for both men and women are different. While men receive treatments to replicate shaven hair follicles, women aim to reduce the contrast between their scalp and hair.
Women don't have to shave their heads before the treatment. They apply pigmentation instead, by parting the hair section by section.
What to do after the treatments
After a few days of the treatment, you need to avoid activities that can cause the scalp to sweat. Also, avoid using shampoo or washing your head.
On the fourth day, most men can already shave with a foil shaver, but they need to be careful to not run it over the parts of the scalp where the scabs have not fallen off yet. To be safe, only shave with a razor blade on the 10 th day.
Are the results realistic?
The quality and realism of your SMP vary tremendously from one company to another. It also depends on the skill level and experience of your practitioner. While so many treatments produce excellent results, poor results may happen, too. It's very important for you to do your research before you choose a practitioner.
These are a few of the most important things you need to know before you get a treatment. But what are the risks?
What are the disadvantages of Scalp Micropigmentation Los Angeles?
Just like any treatment, SMP has its downsides, too. Below are three of the disadvantages of scalp micropigmentation that you need to know:
- SMP is permanent, which is why some men view this as a disadvantage. Their hair pattern will stay the same, just like tattoos. Changing the pattern will need laser removal.
- For men to fully take advantage of the SMP look, they need to maintain very short hair.
- Exposure to the sun for a long period can increase the rate of fading. If this happens, patients will need to visit the SMP clinic more often for touch-ups.
Self-improvement is never wrong. As long as the SMP treatment is safe, then you shouldn't worry. Find a reliable SMP treatment center now and discuss the process with your trusted practitioner.