Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a cosmetic grade medical treatment for thinning hair or hair loss. It is often commonly referred to as a hair tattoo. At Elixir we are here to help you distinguish the difference between a scalp tattoo and scalp micropigmentation. At Elixir our practitioners use very thin small needles to deposit tiny dots of pigment colour on the scalp, thus giving the illusion of tiny hair follicles. A tattoo artist may on the other hand use slightly thicker needles to penetrate the skin deeper.
We often get asked if scalp micropigmentation is a cosmetic hair tattoo or a hairline tattoo however; we always point out that these procedures are different. Scalp Micropigmentation is a procedure which only enters the first layer of your skin unlike a conventional tattoo, which is permanent.
Although scalp micropigmentation can fall under a cosmetic tattoo procedure however; it is important to understand that it is not a cosmetic, hairline or scalp tattoo. It is a semi-permanent hair loss solution, which usually requires a top up every 3-4 years. Unlike a cosmetic tattoo, SMP only penetrates the first layer, dermis layer of your skin. Whereas a tattoo needle penetrates 5 layers of the epidermis.
Scalp Micropigmentation is often referred to a hairline tattoo or scalp tattoo due to the hyper realistic coverage and hairline designs, we at Elixir create for our clients. We take our time to design multiple hairlines for our clients, until they are 100% satisfied. If your practitioner has done the procedure correctly, SMP is not meant to be noticed due to it looking very realistic. If, however the procedure has not been done correctly it can end up looking discoloured or result in ‘blow outs’ due to the migration of the pigment. This is when some clients may think that SMP is a hairline tattoo due to the pigment looking thicker and looking as though it is as deep into the skin, as it is.
At Elixir we always like to stress how important it is to do research on your SMP practitioners and look at their work closely, as although this procedure is semi-permanent it will still be on your scalp for a good 3 years at least.
