For anyone experiencing hair loss and exploring cosmetic options, a major concern is whether any new procedure might compromise the existing hair they have worked so hard to maintain. The central question for many individuals considering this approach, more often than not, is whether scalp micropigmentation (SMP) affects hair growth.
Rest assured, you are not alone in wondering if this cosmetic approach might lead to further hair shedding, follicular damage, or interfere with your body’s natural hair cycle.
While minor, temporary side effects like redness, slight irritation, and subtle scabbing are common during the initial healing process, these are normal responses that subside quickly. And fundamentally, SMP does not affect natural hair growth; its purpose is aesthetic, visually enhancing density without changing existing follicles or triggering new biological growth.
The Core Truth About SMP
For those worried about existing hair getting affected post-procedure, it is crucial to know that scalp micropigmentation is meticulously engineered to protect your natural follicles. The entire procedure is designed to preserve their integrity, ensuring it absolutely does not hinder any existing hair growth. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that this non-surgical approach is recognised as a secure option for addressing hair loss concerns because it is specifically crafted to inflict minimal, if any, harm on the follicles themselves.
Technique Essentials: SMP’s Gentle Approach to Follicles
The method behind SMP is different from standard body art. This specialised cosmetic procedure uses a specific type of needles and unique pigments to replicate the appearance of hair follicles directly on the scalp.
A key distinction is the target depth: SMP artists deposit pigment into the skin’s upper dermis layer. This is significantly shallower than traditional tattooing, which penetrates deeper into the dermal layer where the hair follicle bulb is located. By avoiding the deeper structures, the SMP ensures minimal risk to existing hair. Moreover, the pigments utilised are specifically formulated not to interfere with the hair’s natural growth cycle, providing a safe and effective way to cosmetically address hair loss.
Setting the Record Straight: SMP and Your Natural Hair Cycle
Despite any lingering doubts, as mentioned, it is a fact that SMP does not disrupt your hair’s natural growth cycle or prevent hair growth, which includes the Anagen (growing), Catagen (resting), and Telogen (shedding) phases. In fact, the procedure is entirely compatible with natural hair regrowth during any of these stages.
1. Will SMP Impact My Existing Hair? Protecting What You Have
The application methods used in SMP are specifically engineered to work around and protect your existing hair. As a matter of fact, preserving the safety and health of your natural hair is a primary consideration during the entire procedure. Even if your hair is long, SMP can often be performed without requiring your hair to be shaved down entirely.
Moreover, the pigment can be targeted to areas where thinning or balding is most visible. This ensures that the integrity of the rest of your hair is maintained while the SMP simultaneously creates the visual effect of a denser, much fuller appearance.
2. Can SMP Stimulate New Hair Growth? Understanding Its Aesthetic Purpose
Now that we know SMP protects your existing hair, the next logical question is whether this cosmetic process can actually initiate new growth.
As much as we all wish SMP could magically help with hair growth, it is crucial to be clear: the primary purpose of SMP is purely aesthetic.
While the procedure is effective at creating the illusion of a fuller head of hair, it does not activate dormant hair follicles or biologically stimulate the process of hair growth. The entire effect is cosmetic, offering visual enhancement without promoting new growth. Despite this, it can improve the scalp’s appearance, effectively camouflaging areas of concern.
Combining SMP with Other Hair Loss Solutions: A Holistic Approach
A significant benefit of scalp micropigmentation is its versatility. This technique functions not only as a standalone cosmetic procedure but can also be integrated with other methods for managing hair loss.
For instance, individuals currently utilising prescribed hair restoration medications, such as Minoxidil, can continue to be used as usual after SMP. Any hair growth initiated by these medications remains entirely unaffected by the pigment.
Furthermore, if you are considering a hair transplant later on, that procedure is entirely feasible after scalp micropigmentation as well. However, to ensure the scalp is fully healed and the pigment is settled before a surgical procedure, technicians generally advise a minimum waiting period of a couple of months.
Can You Grow Your Hair Out After SMP? Navigating Style Choices
Given that SMP is fully compatible with natural hair growth and other restoration options, growing your hair out after SMP is definitely an option. The question then becomes: what styles are possible?
The ideal style depends significantly on your individual thinning pattern. The key is to manage the visual contrast between the pigment dots and your natural hair.
Compatible Long Styles: Blending SMP with Longer Hair
- Thinning Concentrated on the Side: If your hair loss is mainly visible on the lower sides of your head, growing the hair long on top is easier. This longer hair on the crown will naturally complement the density created by the SMP on the sides.
- Thinning on Top or Towards the Back: When hair loss is concentrated heavily on the crown or top of the head, achieving a natural look with long hair can be challenging. In these cases, it is often best to maintain a very short length, such as a “rough, close shave” achieved with an electric foil shaver, to maximise the realism of the pigment.
- Diffuse Thinning (All Over but Intact Hairline): If you experience thinning across your whole head but still maintain a good natural hairline, you have the flexibility to grow your hair as long as you desire. The SMP will add subtle density beneath your hair, reducing scalp visibility.
- Concentrated Thinning in Patches: Hair loss that occurs in specific, visible patches typically requires committing to a consistent, shorter look. This helps the SMP effectively mitigate the overall visual effect of the loss.
- For Women: SMP works well with long hair for localised thinning on temples or the crown, allowing them to maintain their length.
Ultimately, scalp micropigmentation can work with most hairstyles, but your approach should be individualised.
Consulting with an SMP artist about your current hair and desired style is key to determining how this non-surgical hairline tattoo can best enhance your look. For guidance, consider Monostudio, your one-stop beauty service provider in Singapore.
