Treatment procedure
Scalp Micropigmentation is best delivered over a number of sessions.
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A typical client will require 3 sessions. Some clients with extensive scarring or conditions such as alopecia areata, may require additional sessions.
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Here's an explanation of the treatment process and frequently asked questions from clients.
what to expect going into the treatment
It is important to remember when scheduling the treatment that your new "hair" will not look it's best after one session.
SMP is a process and requires a build up of layers. It's important to have these sessions as it allows the pigment to settle over the set periods of time and allows corrections to be made along the way, whether that's changing the pigment shade or adjusting the hairline etc.
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After the second session you'll be able to step out more confidently with a near overall finished result.
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Recommended time between sessions:
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Second session 10 days after the initial session. It is possible to have the session sooner but ideally 7 days is minimum recommended with 10 days being ideal.
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Third session is carried out 4 weeks after the second session. This allows the pigment a greater time to heal and see results after a more substantial period of time. Again if you have seen significant fading in a shorter period of time we can bring that timescale forward.
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You will be provided with pre treatment care instructions that will help both you and I to achieve the best results and with as little discomfort as possible, as well as after care instructions on completion of the sessions.
your first session
The chances are you’re probably feeling nervous or excited (usually both), and you want to know what will happen on the day of your first session.
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On arrival we will have a consultation on what your expectations are, if we haven't already discussed this and talk through some of the treatment process, the ink, needles etc
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Following the discussion we will go through the paperwork and make sure everything is good to go ahead with the treatment, then head shots of before treatment will be taken.
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Next we will shave the hair down (if not already done), choose your hairline position, shape and style you would like to go for. The position will be drawn in place using a makeup pencil. This can take time and the process shouldn't be rushed. It is common for the hairline to take time as we want you to be completely satisfied with the positioning.
Following this the pigment requirements will be assessed against your existing stubble/hair, as well as density and then closely inspecting the area for any scars or blemishes within the area. Remember you have the option to keep scars in place, if you wish.
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Finally the pigment will be mixed ready to commence treatment.
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Treatment length will vary depending on what work is required due to the varying degrees of hairloss and size of head etc. This will be discussed before treatment.
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Once the session is complete we will discuss what has been done and what to expect from the second session. Head shots of after treatment will be taken.
frequently asked questions...
SHOULD I CUT MY HAIR?
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Assuming you are male, we will need to shave your hair off before we commence treatment. This is done at the clinic prior to your session starting, so whether you choose to shave your head at home, or let us do it at the clinic, is entirely up to you.
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CAN I TAKE PAINKILLERS?
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Any painkiller based on paracetamol or codeine is fine. Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen will have little effect. Do not take blood thinning painkillers like aspirin, as this will encourage bleeding during your procedure.
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CAN I HAVE A DRINK FOR 'DUTCH COURAGE'?
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The obvious answer is no. If you arrive intoxicated, we will likely to refuse to treat you. Also alcohol can have a thinning effect on the blood which may mean the head bleeds during treatment, which in turn can extend the length of treatment time.
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CAN I WEAR A HAT TO HIDE ANY REDNESS ON THE WAY HOME?
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Yes. Just ensure the hat is loose-fitting and does not contain fibers that could catch your scalp. Hats made from wool are not a good idea. A nylon based beanie or baseball cap is ideal.
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WHY DO SOME PROVIDERS SAY THEY CAN DO IT IN ONE SESSION?
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There are some clinics around the world that offer a single session scalp micropigmentation treatment. I do not believe that a high quality treatment can be delivered in just one session, in fact I have seen a number of horror stories pertaining from services like these. Most of the major providers have tried to offer a single session process, after all it would enable them to be more profitable (and win more customers) if such an option existed, however reputable clinics have almost unanimously come to the same conclusion – it cannot be done reliably and consistently.
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MID AND POST TREATMENT FADING ?
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This is the fading that occurs between your treatment sessions, and also up to about a year after your final session. Immediate fading is normal and expected, however excessive early fading usually means that your treatment simply isn’t finished yet, and more sessions are required.
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With Scalp FX you have a years guarantee against fading included in the price, if needed.
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MAINTENANCE COSTS/HOW LONG DOES TREATMENT LAST?
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Fading will differ again from person to person and will depend on post care treatment and the bodies immune system. Fading will occur over the course of years generally and you may need to visit the clinic once every 3-6 years on average.
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Here at Scalp FX the cost of a top up treatment is set at £250
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IS IT PAINFUL?
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This is very subjective and differs from person to person.
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Most people say it is around 4/10 on the pain level. Some say lower and others a lot higher. Unfortunately you dont know how you'll react until you take the treatment.
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There are plenty of small breaks in between treatments of 10 to 15 seconds where the pain will diffuse and we will not concentrate on on single area for too long a period.
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Other factors affecting pain can be:
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YOUR HAIR FOLLICLE SIZE
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Your follicles are the inspiration for the dots that are designed by the technician and obviously, the smaller the follicles, the smaller the dots will be. If the technician needs to create smaller dots, he will press lightly on your scalp, so less discomfort will be experienced. Larger hair follicles require more pressure, so more discomfort might be felt.
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Dot size and spacing will be determined by the existing hair to make for a blend between the existing hair and the treatment.
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THE AREA OF THE SCALP
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Your scalp has different pain thresholds and there are a few areas where you will experience the highest levels of discomfort, usually the frontal hairline, the crown and the temples.
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THE CONDITION OF THE SKIN
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There are some issues with the skin which might cause problems and the most important ones are dermatitis and dryness. Dermatitis is an inflammation of the scalp skin so the area becomes more sensitive. Dryness can be dealt with if you make use of a moisturising cream a few days prior to each session.
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THE THICKNESS AND TIGHTNESS OF THE SKIN
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These two factors are also important. If your skin is thicker, your technician will apply more pressure so he can place the pigment within the upper dermis. However thicker skin is also less sensitive, and so does not usually equal greater pain.
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YOUR MINDSET
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You should know that if you are stressed and anxious about the process you will be more susceptible to pain. If, on the other hand, you are relaxed and mentally ready to undergo the procedure, the discomfort levels will be much lower.
Brief summary
First Session
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• Photo taken before treatment to compare to final result
• Discuss requirements and expectations
• Scalp prep (e.g shaving down hair)
• Hairline Design (where required) details discussed in depth at appointment
• Pigment choice to match existing stubble/hair and complexion
• Treatment carried out
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What to expect.
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• Slight redness, which fades within 48 hours.
• Pin prick scabs.
• Fading of pigment.
• First session will not achieve the final result, this session should be seen as preparation for the second and third session. This is usually the longest session to help establish what the client wants and apply the base.
Second Session (10 Days Later)
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• Assess treatment. Checking colour match and fading
• Colour adjusted, if needed
• Hairline adjustments (on clients advice)
• Rework area filling in gaps. This is the session the real difference is noticed giving the density to he treatment.
• Blended in to existing hairline
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What to expect.
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• Slight redness, which fades within 48 hours
• Pin prick scabs.
• Less fading
• More density
• Final overall result achieved
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Third Session (4 Weeks Later)
• Assess treatment after a longer period of time. Some fading will have occurred and gaps in areas after treatment has fully healed.
• Full treatment carried out with gaps and fading corrected to match existing hair follicles
• Blended into existing hairline.
• Final pictures taken and filed to ensure client approval of finished results
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What to expect.
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• Slight redness, which fades within 48 hours
• Pin prick scabs
• Finished result.
• Complete hairline undetectable to those that dont know
AFTER EACH SESSION YOU RECEIVE A FULL AFTER CARE INSTRUCTIONS
All treatment comes with a 12 month guarantee in the unlikely event of fading.