Scalp Micropigmentation
The Private Clinic are proud to have partnered with esteemed pigmentation specialists, Scalp Confidential, to offer the highest quality and experience in scalp micropigmentation.
What’s on this page
Medically reviewed by Lorcan Sheppard BSc MBBS FRCA, Chief Medical Officer for The Private Clinic of Harley Street, London.
Last Reviewed June 16th 2023
Hair Loss
Up to 50% of men will have experienced some degree of hair loss by the time they reach 50. And for many, hair loss will occur far earlier whilst they are in their 20s, 30s or even late teens.
Although hair transplants are the only permanent solution for hair restoration, many men and women can’t afford or simply don’t have enough hair to transplant to balding areas.
Scalp Micropigmentation also known as SMP or scalp hair tattoo treatment is a highly advanced technique of cosmetic pigmentation. Specialised needles are used to implant small dots of coloured pigment into the scalp to replicate a hair follicle, creating densification or camouflaging hair loss.
Scalp Micropigmentation can help clients rebuild lost confidence and self-esteem due to hair loss/thinning. These specialised pigments are expected to last 3-5 years depending on the client’s lifestyle and skin type.
The treatment is suitable for men and women experiencing:
- Hair loss but don’t have enough donor hair to be transplanted
- Receding hairlines
- Crown hair loss
- Scarring on the scalp
- Weakening and thinning hair
Micropigmentation is a great option to help with;
- Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss
- Receding Hairlines
- Crown Hair Loss
- Repairing Failed Hair Transplant Treatments
- Covering scars
- Adding density to the hair
- Alopecia conditions
Scalp Micropigmentation and hair tattoos can be the most suitable solution for you if you prefer to opt for a non-surgical solution, or if you want to keep your hair at ‘buzz cut’ length but need that enhanced appearance.
“Exceptional service, 100% recommend, certainly the best decision I’ve made yet. Kelly is at the height of professionalism; friendly, caring and patient. Following the treatment I felt highly confident about myself, no more obsessing over hair loss, what a relief!” – Ewan, Scalp Micropigmentation Patient
Scar Camouflage Scalp Micropigmentation
Scar Camouflage Scalp Micropigmentation is ideal for patients who have undergone a hair transplant and are looking to reduce the visibility of surgical scars. Our technicians delicately deposit pigment into the scar tissue and surrounding area to help blend out and diminish the visibility of the scarring. By accurately matching the hair colour and creating the look of follicles inside the scar, many patients can expect up to an 85% improvement in the appearance of scarring.
A large percentage of scalp micropigmentation clients seek the treatment to help camouflage FUT strip scars. Hair transplant scars can be very visible and limit hairstyle options for the individual, SMP works to try and blend the scars into the hair so styles can be more varied.
Male Scalp Micropigmentation
Male Scalp Micropigmentation is ideal for patients who are looking for that buzz-cut, no-fuss, shaved-head look. If you have thinning hair or wish to cover scars, we can offer you a viable realistic solution or hair tattoos for guys. Our technicians work from the Norwood Scale, which is the male hair loss density scale used by most hair loss specialists to create the most natural-looking result.
Female Scalp Micropigmentation
Female Scalp Micropigmentation is a long-lasting solution for women’s hair loss. SMP will stop the need to disguise seeing your scalp and worrying about how your hair looks. Densification is the ideal answer for ladies with thinning hair. Our technicians work from the Ludwig Scale, which is the female hair loss density scale used by most hair loss specialists to achieve the best results.
What to Expect
The Private Clinic has been treating patients for over 40 years with thousands of people placing their trust in us each year. We pride ourselves on being able to offer a personalised service. We have a team of friendly nurses and expert surgeons who understand the importance of this decision and will support you throughout your journey with us.
Scalp Micropigmentation Treatment
Your treatment journey will begin with a consultation to help our micropigmentation experts understand what results you are hoping to achieve from treatment.
Your suitability for treatment will be assessed and a personalised treatment plan created. You will also have a patch test to ensure that you have no allergies relating to the ink used in treatment.
- Your first treatment will be about creating the foundation of your new appearance.
- Around 1 week later you will return for your second treatment where the technician will fill in the area being treated with darker ink to add more density.
- 5 – 6 weeks later, you will have your third treatment which is where detail will be added and the final results completed.
After Scalp Micro-pigmentation Treatment
You will be able to see the outline of your new hair line immediately after treatment, best results are seen after the final treatment has taken place.
There is no excessive downtime with this treatment. You may experience some redness immediately after the procedure but this will subside after a few hours. Some patients experience swelling and in rare cases bruising but again, this will gradually subside over the next couple of days.
The Private Clinic have collaborated with Chrysalis Finance to offer 0% finance for our patients.*
*Acceptance is subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.
FAQs
No, a common misconception is that scalp micropigmentation is just a scalp tattoo. Although similar in that they both involve making marks on the skin, the similarities stop there. Scalp micropigmentation uses equipment specifically designed for this technique which is able to delicately deposit pigments into the dermis portion of the skin which is more controlled and prevents ink from spreading which means a higher level of precision. The inks and pigments used have been specifically designed for the treatment and are not permanent or prone to colour change like body art inks.
There are different shades and colours available depending on the choice of pigment/ink. Some treatments are completed with a grey scale and some with more warm tones depending on client needs and the area of treatment. All options will be covered during an in-depth consultation.
Yes, scalp micropigmentation is a great option for men who have been left with scarring after a hair transplant. Scalp micropigmentation works to add colour tone into the scarring camouflaging it into the appearance of the hair follicles surrounding it. Scar concealment may require more sessions than standard as scars are usually made up of thick layers of tissue that can be difficult to cover and get the right depth of colour first time round. The result can allow the patient to keep their hair short without the scar being obvious as it once was.
Treatment times vary for each client as there are many factors to treatment including the treatment area size and the type of skin. Most treatments take between 1 and 3 hours on average and a treatment plan is always set in place. SMP is a multi-session process to ensure a consistent, natural finish, with an average of three sessions required to complete the initial treatment phase.
SMP is about re-creating a natural look so although the change can be noticeable, especially for those who are having a new hairline, it should not be recognised as you having a procedure. Working with what you have naturally and with skill and expertise your technician will be looking to give you an undetectable treatment.
The down time with SMP as a minimally invasive procedure is low. You may experience some redness immediately after the procedure and for up to 48 hours. You will need to keep the treatment area clean and dry for four days to allow the pigment to settle and hold and also avoid heavy strenuous activities during this time. As soon as the treatment is completely healed you can resume all normal activities.
Some treatments will remain visible for 12 months and some may remain visible for 5 years or more. The pigment can remain in the skin indefinitely however the colour, which is affected by UV, will fade. During a consultation, all the options and average expectations will be discussed.
The best way to look after results after scalp micropigmentation treatment is to firstly follow the aftercare advice provided to you after treatment. This is to help you get the best out of your treatment. The second best thing you can do is protect your head from the sun. Ultraviolet rays can damage the pigment if it is exposed for long periods over a course of many months and we advise patients to apply SPF protection of 30 or more to the scalp every day to avoid excessive fading of the pigments.
You will need to have an initial consultation before deciding to go ahead with scalp micropigmentation which is where your suitability will be determined. Whether you are a good candidate or not will depend on your specific circumstances, type of hair loss and desired results.
You will also be required to carry out a patch test which will make sure you have no unwanted side effects to the treatment.
To find out if you are suitable for scalp micropigmentation, make a consultation with one of our experts.
Scalp micropigmentation is a very effective treatment for reducing the appearance of hair loss in both men and women. Scalp Micropigmentation General procedure, Most Popular
Scalp micropigmentation for men is usually focused on replicating the appearance of shaven hair follicles but for women we instead need to decrease the contrast between scalp and hair. Women are not usually required to shave before treatment and we instead work with you to apply pigmentation section by section which helps give the appearance of thicker hair.
To see if you are suitable for scalp micropigmentation, come and see our experts for a consultation.
Scalp Micropigmentation is usually performed over the course of 3 treatments. The first session uses lighter pigments to help build the foundation. The second session takes place around 1 week after your first session, during this session we will start to add more density by using darker pigments. 3 – 5 weeks later you will return for your third session which will be focused on building up detail and completing the overall look.
No, scalp micropigmentation treatment is not considered permanent as the ink changes/fades over time. There are two options in terms of the pigment/ink; one which needs a touch-up or colour boost every 12 months on average and one which is more long-lasting and requires a top up every 3-5 years. Lifestyle, sun exposure and skin type can all impact on the longevity of the treatment.
Every individual’s needs are different, meaning we treat all our patients on a case-by-case basis. Because of this we can only give an accurate quote following your consultation and scalp assessment.
Scalp micro-pigmentation can cost between £400 and £2,500, depending on the size of the area treated.
Consultations with our Scalp Micro-pigmentation technician & Aesthetic practitioner are £50 which is non-refundable but is redeemable against any treatment booked,
Patch tests are at a cost of £150 and can be done on the same day.
Scalp Micropigmentation is Available in these Clinics
Meet our Specialists
We have been treating patients with hair loss for decades and we pride ourselves on our excellent reputation for our expertise and wide range of hair loss treatments.
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