Why is Scalp Micropigmentation so popular?

from The Lancashire & North West Magazine | July 2021

by The Lancashire & North West Magazine

Reflections Upon the Southern USA

By Marcia Trotter

Ask anyone what their one big fear in life is and most would say it’s the thought a dramatic change in their physical appearance.

That could cover anything from visible disfigurement to wrinkles. But for many, very high on their list would be the thought of losing their hair. It’s not about vanity and wanting to preserve their youth, it’s about security and confidence and the thought of any degree of hair loss, either for medical or genetic reasons, can be traumatic.

Natural baldness and thinning hair is more commonly associated with men, and can affect any age group. But it applies equally to women.

Peladophobia is the fear of hair loss. It’s a surprisingly common phobia, which can affect anyone, of any age and affects both sexes equally. But it isn’t always this extreme, hair loss at best will just cause heightened levels of anxiety. But they are real symptoms and very personal to the person affected.

Scalp Micropigmentation is a natural and long-term solution, even for those clients just suffering from temporary hair loss.

But what exactly is it? The short answer is Scalp Micropigmentation is a form of restorative tattoo. It is technically a branch of body art that involves the replication of hair follicles on the scalp. By using layers of natural pigments we can create a soft, realistic appearing scalp. By implanting micro-flecks of colour within the dermal layer of the scalp skin, each meticulous application appears exactly like an actual hair follicle.

Scalp hair follicles are like no other on the body. They can have up to three hairs in each one. We recreate that and the final look is so realistic that someone standing inches away will not know you have had the treatment unless you tell them.

When I completed my training in Medical Micropigmentation in 2009, one element of the course was Scalp Micropigmentation. It wasn’t something I had considered offering in my business as it was such a large area of the body to treat, and I didn’t feel confident in choosing the correct needles and pigments.

However, after detailed training I did offer treatments but on very small areas of the scalp.

Back then we used pigments designed for brows or skin camouflage which contained titanium dioxide. My fear was that as the pigments matured in the skin, clients would be left with an orange or blue hue on their scalp.

Five years ago I was fortunate enough to train again when the new ‘Scalp Mania’ was in its infancy. This was a game changer and completely altered the way I approached the technique.

Firstly, I mastered how to draw hairlines, an intricate but vital part of the treatment process for a full scalp. I learned the best needles to use for which skin type and which were the best ones to use for different areas on the scalp. I was introduced to a whole new colour range ’40 Shades of Grey’, which despite the clever marketing tag, did actually provide all the colours and tones I needed for my colour palette – not just grey!

The great thing about Scalp Mania Pigmentation is that it can be used in conjunction with a hair transplant or hair system or is also a fabulous treatment on its own. Only a very few people are unable to have it done, the results are instant and it doesn’t take hours and hours to complete.

For many who have considered hair transplants an alternative option, there are still many restrictions. The first is their actual eligibility, it doesn’t work for everyone. It is also expensive, takes a long time to complete the procedure and maintain and there is no guarantee of success.

There has to be enough hair to harvest in the first place. It is painful and will leave scars which can then cause a whole new psychological problem. Often medication is prescribed after the treatment which in its own right can produce various side effects.

A wig or hair system is another option, giving an instant, pain free result. While they provide a short term solution for people undergoing treatment such as Chemotherapy, they are not ideal for the long-term hair loss sufferer.

There have been many advancements in the design of these products which make them so much more decreet. Although the hairlines are much more natural these days, very often they do not mimic real hair growth which is so often a tell tail sign. Even with the advancements of the lace fittings they can still be hot and uncomfortable, especially in the warmer months.

Hair Systems are not only a long-term financial commitment but also time consuming with the regular upkeep needed. Sadly, there is still a stigma connected to wigs which could have a psychological effect.

Scalp Micropigmentation is not just for those people with total baldness. It’s a very quick and painless way of disguising partial hair loss or thinning hair. By matching the colour of the natural hair and targeting the problem areas, we can literally infill with colour where you can see the scalp. The result is a very carefully blended and natural look, making the natural hair appear fuller.

In the same way, for clients who have already had a hair transplant, but are not totally happy with the result, it is possible to add density with Scalp Micropigmentation. It can make the hair appear thicker and assist with camouflaging the scars from the donor area.It can also be offered as an alternative if the client decides a hair system is too much of a commitment or if their current hair system needs blending with their own hair.

Scalp Micropigmentation has become so much more popular over the past four to five years, particularly in the USA where the style of Buzz Cut is sharper, stronger hairlines. In is becoming increasingly popular and sought after here in Europe and the United Kingdom where the style is predominantly softer and more natural but the technique is equally suited to that.

It is also surprisingly affordable, particularly compared to the more expensive and invasive options.

Understandably people are cautious. After all who honestly feels having needles inserted into your scalp is a natural procedure!

But I promise you it is quick, easy and effective and pain free due to the advanced techniques that we use. We offer every client a full consultation before they commit to treatment and show them full illustrative details of how we expect the finished scalp to look

Scalp Micropigmentation is a revolutionary treatment. It is still in its infancy here, and eight out of 10 people still do not know what it is or what is involved. SCALP NORTH