Scalp Micropigmentation Pigment
Scalp micropigmentation or SMP is a non- surgical, non-invasive treatment where pigment is strategically placed into the scalp to replicate hair follicles, these then create the look of a full head of cropped hair that perfectly matches with your natural hair colour and skin tone. Many people refer to scalp micropigmentation as a scalp tattoo, the procedure is similar, but they are not the same. One of the main differences between tattooing and scalp micropigmentation is the ink used.
The inks used for scalp micropigmentation are usually made from natural components, but the main ingredient is carbon. The pigment is completely black unlike tattoo ink which has a metal base and is made up of a variety of different colours to make the colour, such as black which is made of bluey/green tones. Many people believe they cannot receive scalp micropigmentation due to the pigment being black and them having light coloured hair, but this is not the case.
All scalp micropigmentation pigment can be diluted to create lighter shaded pigment. To ensure proper dilution to pigment ratio, a dilution scale should be followed that will give you the correct measurements. The steps taken with pigment before implanting it into the skin are
- Refer to the dilution chart to assess the correct colour to match the client and find the correct ratio.
- Measure the water content and place it into a treatment cup. The millimeters of water measured should be equal to the colour you chose on the scale.
- Measure the pigment and place it into the distilled water. This should not be more than 1 millilitre of pigment.
- Finally, give it a stir.
If little to no water is added then the pigment is going to be almost completely black, this is for clients with black skin and dark hair as less water used helps to retain the black colour. If a lot of water is added to the pigment, anything from around 20 millilitres and upwards, give or take, then this should be used for light skin and anyone with blonde or light brown hair. Amounts of water in between are for any medium-coloured hair and medium skin toned clients.
Usually, the artist will select a light shade during the initial session to ensure the treatment will not look too dark after succeeding sessions. The patient can choose to have the pigment a shade darker depending on their preferences, but this will require them to wet shave regularly to avoid a colour clash between their natural hair and their scalp micropigmentation treatment. So, no matter the hair colour or skin colour, scalp micropigmentation can guarantee natural looking results for those suffering with hair loss. But always remember the clinics out there like Scalp Doctor Birmingham and DC Micro Bingley offering training on Pigments.
