Hair Loss Treatment with SMP
What is Scalp Micropigmentation
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is an innovative technique for restoring thinning hair. It is an advanced method of scalp tattooing that uses highly specialized equipment and techniques to inject medically certified pigments into the scalp.
The goal of SMP is to create the appearance of completely natural density and coverage in the treated areas. And it achieves this goal perfectly!
SMP Techniques
There are three SMP techniques. SMP HD™ (Hair Density), which increases hair density in thinning areas; SMP SC™ (Scar Camouflage), which conceals scars from surgeries, alopecia, or injuries and allows for close shaving; and SMP SL™ (Shaved Look), which is used in cases of extensive alopecia and creates the appearance of dense hair while the head is shaved for styling.
Specifically:
SMP HD™ (Hair Density)
The SMP HD™ (Hair Density) technique is performed among already existing thinning hairs, and the final result after its application is a perfectly dense and completely natural look. The SMP HD™ (Hair Density) technique provides a permanent density effect, similar to someone using keratin microfibers, but without having to spend money every month, waste time daily in front of the mirror, worry about staining bed sheets, feel uncomfortable if someone touches their hair, or fear going into the sea!
Such cases where we want to achieve increased “coverage” include:
- Men or women with diffuse thinning who do not wish to undergo permanent medication.
- Patients who have already had a Hair Transplant but the result is not dense enough, and either they do not want another Hair Transplant or cannot undergo an additional procedure due to donor area depletion.
- Women with diffuse thinning across the entire scalp who are not suitable candidates for Hair Transplant due to insufficient (sparse) donor area.
- Men or women with high hair density but very fine hair, who are not suitable for “densification” through Hair Transplant because there is a risk of damaging the sensitive, fine hair follicles in the recipient area.
SMP SL™ (Shaved Look)
With the SMP SL™ (Shaved Look) technique, SMP is applied on a completely shaved head, fully designing all areas lacking hair growth by injecting thousands of microscopic, medical-grade pigment dots beneath the outer layers of the scalp.
This creates the appearance of hair growth across the entire area, giving the impression of freshly shaved hair. Typical cases include patients who are not suitable candidates for Hair Transplant due to insufficient donor supply (Stage 6 or 7), or patients dissatisfied with a previous Hair Transplant who wish to change their appearance to a “shaved look.”
It is also an excellent solution for individuals with extensive alopecia (alopecia areata, totalis) and for scarring alopecias.
SMP SC™ (Scar Camouflage)
The SMP SC™ (Scar Camouflage) technique is applied to restore density in areas of the scalp where scars exist. SMP SC™ can truly deliver an outstanding result and provide impressive improvement for individuals with visible scars on the scalp that cause them significant distress.
SMP SC™ can almost completely cover scars in the donor area, no matter how large or “unsightly” they may be! The outcome is simply remarkable. With the application of SMP SC™ in the donor area, the patient can cut their hair as short as they like without anything showing, because:
- It can cover scars from poor FUE procedures where thousands of “white dots” are visible.
- It can cover scars from poor FUE procedures that have excessively thinned the donor area.
- It can cover scars caused by long-term use of hair systems (wigs), which lead to Pressure Alopecia or Traction Alopecia.
- It can cover scars from injuries or surgeries on the head (e.g., neurosurgical operations).
Why Choose Scalp Micropigmentation
Scalp Micropigmentation will give you an instantly dense result. No one will notice it is micropigmentation, and you can return to work the very same hour without anyone realizing anything — the only thing that will have changed is your refreshed appearance! The result is 100% natural.
There are many reasons to choose Scalp Micropigmentation as the solution for hair loss and thinning. Whatever the reason may be, choosing a specialized and certified SMP practitioner is essential. As with any other permanent procedure, you must be certain you are getting the best before committing.
How Scalp Micropigmentation Is Performed
The medical-grade pigment used to cover an area precisely matches the natural color of your hair. In addition, we shade with a slightly darker tone than your natural hair color to create the illusion of shadow and the appearance of three-dimensional, natural hair — for a 100% natural result.
Each individual’s needs are unique, and the outcome is tailored both to those needs and to your expectations.
What Is the Procedure for Scalp Micropigmentation?
For a complete SMP application, 2–3 sessions are required and include the following steps:
Medical assessment: The doctor will evaluate the suitability of the scalp area where SMP will be applied and will inform you about the technique. You will be guided through the procedure and how it will deliver the result you desire.
1st session: Our experience has shown that to achieve the best outcome, the first session should be approached conservatively. This session lays the foundation for your new look. There is no pain during the procedure, only a mild discomfort that is well tolerated. Unlike traditional tattooing, the needles used for pigment implantation are thinner and not perfectly round. This helps minimize discomfort and also ensures a natural result, since real hair follicles that we aim to replicate do not have a perfectly round outline.
2nd session: In this session, the details are refined, and the pigment is applied in a darker tone, creating a 3D effect and completing the result.
3rd session (if needed): In rare cases, a third session may be required, usually if the client wishes to achieve an even darker look.
Applications of Scalp Micropigmentation
Redesigning the Hairline with SMP
For an impressive and natural result that does not look artificial, it is essential that the pigment shade matches the individual’s natural hair color perfectly. In addition, it is clearly preferable to choose a more “conservative” hairline design rather than one that appears too sharp and therefore unnatural.
Hair Densification with SMP
Men and women of all ages can use SMP to increase the density of their existing hair and cover thinning areas. For individuals with extensive thinning — meaning they have not lost all their hair, but it has become fine and sparse — SMP restores the lost density, making the hair look full and thick once again.
To achieve this, we start from the hairline and gradually add shading for a more natural result. Initially, we apply a light infusion of pigment and then gradually increase the color intensity to reach the desired density. This creates a three-dimensional effect, giving the impression of a natural shadow. This technique is an excellent choice if you have undergone a hair transplant but did not achieve the desired density
Shaved Head Look with Full Hair Using SMP
This look has become an extremely popular choice in recent years. For such a result, we begin with a conservative design of the hairline. Designing the hairline and temples requires special preparation.
Very carefully, we combine color and density during this process to create the illusion of a head full of hair, with a defined hairline that delivers a strong and youthful look. After the completion of the sessions, the overall result is the appearance of a shaved scalp that has hair everywhere.
Scalp Micropigmentation for Women
Although the method is more commonly known for use in men, in recent years it has gained significant popularity among women as well, especially for addressing female hair loss.
SMP for Individuals Who Have Already Undergone Hair Transplant with Visible Scars
Linear scars from FUT, hundreds of scattered micro-scars from FUE that make the donor area look “moth-eaten,” punch grafts, scalp reduction scars, etc., can be effectively corrected with SMP. With proper application, not only are the gaps left by the scars covered, but the overall appearance also becomes denser.
The coverage of scars from hair transplants can be achieved in two ways. Either by keeping the hair long enough to cover the scar — in which case we work underneath the hair to camouflage the scar — or by shaving the hair very short and pigmenting between the existing hairs, thereby completely camouflaging the scars.
Scalp Micropigmentation in Combination with Hair Transplant
Scalp Micropigmentation can be combined seamlessly with hair transplantation, especially in cases where the donor area does not have sufficient density and provides a limited number of follicles. By combining traditional hair restoration with this highly advanced technique, the individual gains double benefits: a dense appearance and complete coverage.
In most cases, the hair transplant procedure should be performed first. However, there may be situations where SMP should precede it. In any case, the doctor examining you will recommend a detailed plan for the optimal restoration of your scalp, perfectly tailored to your specific needs.
Correction of Previous Scalp Micropigmentation
Are you unhappy with a previous SMP treatment? We can help you change it! Our medical team has the expertise to correct poor SMP results from other clinics or tattoo studios. If you have undergone SMP that does not meet your expectations, allow us to fix it. We will assess your situation and provide you with honest advice and professional guidance.
Minoxidil and Finasteride: Usage and Results
In the field of hair transplantation, there are two medically approved pharmaceutical treatments known for their safety and proven results. The first is Minoxidil, which is available in solution form and applied topically directly to areas of the scalp affected by thinning.
The second, and often more misunderstood, is Finasteride. According to patient reports, during the first three months hair loss is halted and the growth of relatively weaker hairs is observed. Over time, the thickness and growth rate of the hair increase, reaching full stabilization after 24–36 months.
New Method for Hair Follicle Cloning
In recent years, reference has also been made to another new method currently under investigation regarding its potential application. This involves the cultivation of hair follicles through the cloning of stem cells, which could lead to an unlimited number of new follicles. Using these stem cells, the patient could regain strong hair in bald areas of the scalp, requiring only the collection of follicles from a small section of the scalp.
Scalp Micropigmentation Method
Finally, those who do not wish to undergo permanent medication or a hair transplant can choose the new Scalp Micropigmentation method. The goal of this advanced micropigmentation technique is the infusion of pigments in order to create a highly natural density and coverage of the problematic areas.
Differences Between SMP and Traditional Tattooing
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is not the same as a traditional scalp tattoo. It differs in every parameter, namely:
Desired Goal
Traditional tattooing is a form of artistic expression and creative design. Its purpose is to “draw attention” and stand out.
In contrast, proper SMP application is not meant to attract attention or stand out, but to improve the appearance of the scalp without being noticeable. The goal is therefore the exact opposite between tattooing and SMP.
Application Technique
In traditional tattooing, multiple needles (5–10 needles grouped together like matchsticks in a box) are used to inject pigment into the skin, with the aim of achieving full coverage — meaning no skin should be visible between pigment particles. Large amounts of ink are therefore used to create a continuous colored mesh beneath the skin.
In SMP techniques, special single needles with an extremely fine tip are used, depositing a minimal amount of pigment into the skin. The pigment only covers about 1/10 or 1/20 of the skin’s surface!
Type and Color of Pigment
In most cases, tattoo ink consists of industrial pigments originally intended for use in printer ink or car paint. It has been shown that azo pigments (such as red pigment PR 9, PR 22, and yellow pigment 74) break down into known carcinogenic substances when exposed to light or laser radiation, raising significant concerns about the long-term safety of traditional tattoo inks when used on the scalp. Moreover, as everyone knows, tattoo colors change over time.
The pigments used in SMP, however, are medically certified, sterile, and fully compliant for human use. They contain 100% organic colorants, and depending on the combination of hair and skin tone, the appropriate shade and density are selected. SMP pigments are specifically designed so they do not fade, spread under the skin, or blur, while successfully creating the impression of a 3D effect.
Pigment Depth
In traditional tattooing, ink is deposited deep into the skin, with pigment particles trapped within the deeper dermal layers. The depth of pigment placement in a traditional tattoo is placed at a depth of 1–2 mm. However, the pigment particles are considered a “foreign body” by the organism.
The human body reacts by initiating a process to remove the foreign particles, sending immune system cells to absorb and eliminate the pigment molecules.
These specialized cells are called macrophages, and they “eat” the ink of the traditional tattoo to cleanse and reduce the “inflammation” caused by the pigment. Of course, not all of the ink is removed through this natural process — otherwise, tattoos would not be permanent! Many of these pigment particles remain at the skin level, within the skin cells known as fibroblasts.
As fibroblasts renew, some of the pigment particles are absorbed, which is why traditional tattoos fade over time.
The key difference with SMP is that its pigment particles are placed much more superficially, in the upper layer of the skin. The depth at which SMP pigment is deposited is 0.25–0.5 mm, which is 2 to 4 times more superficial than in traditional tattooing! As a result, the body does not recognize the pigment particles as a “foreign body” and does not attack them. In this way, the SMP outcome does not change or deteriorate over time.
Training and Type of Equipment
A large number of professionals and non-professionals alike — such as untrained doctors, nurses, “cosmetologists,” beauticians, and makeup artists — perform tattooing on various parts of the body, primarily on the face. There is also wide variation in the environments where these procedures take place, in methods of local anesthesia, in aseptic conditions, and of course in artistic skill.
Unfortunately, most individuals involved in so-called “therapeutic” tattooing are inadequately trained, and complications are more common than expected or acceptable.
The immediate adverse effects of tattooing usually result from improper technique, failure to maintain aseptic conditions, and reactions to inappropriate pigments: sensitivity and itching, allergic reactions, bruising, scab formation and swelling, herpes simplex reactivation, and secondary bacterial infection.
The safety risks from the use of non-sterile needles in tattooing are well documented, but there are no studies on the safety of tattoo ink itself.
If you truly care for your scalp … as much as your eyes, it is important to be aware of the key differences between traditional tattooing and SMP:
Tattoo Shop / Beauty parlours VS Hair Transplant Clinic / Medical Practice
The former are exactly what their name suggests: beauty spaces. The operating regulations for such facilities are relatively lax.
Although you may find some offering SMP in these establishments, SMP should be performed in a clean, surgical room within a licensed medical facility that fully complies with biological waste disposal requirements.
Tattoo Artist Vs Certified SMP Physician/Technician
We have nothing against tattoo artists; however, SMP is neither an artistic expression nor a creative design. It is a technique for addressing scalp thinning. Traditional tattooing is meant to “draw attention” and stand out!
Proper SMP application — unlike tattooing — is not meant to attract attention or be noticeable, but to enhance the appearance of the scalp without standing out.
At Anastasakis Hair Clinic, we use advanced techniques and are fully trained and certified in them. With precise knowledge of the techniques, the quantity and type of pigment to be used, the needles, and the exact pigment density to be deposited into your scalp, we consistently deliver natural-looking results — with no one able to tell that SMP has been performed!
Tattoo Ink vs. Medical-Grade Pigment
When it comes to inks, not all are the same! Ordinary tattoo inks may turn bluish on the scalp over time. At Anastasakis Hair Clinic, we use special medical-grade pigments specifically designed for application on the human scalp, thereby avoiding fading or discoloration.
Tattoo Machines & Needles vs. Medical SMP Equipment
The technical equipment and machines used in SMP are completely different from those used in traditional tattooing. The depth, diameter, and shape of the needles, as well as the speed and density of medical pigment deposition, are entirely different from those used in conventional tattooing. A standard tattoo machine is unsuitable for performing SMP.
Who Is Qualified to Perform SMP?
Although it may seem that a tattoo artist could perform scalp SMP, SMP professionals strongly advise against it. The SMP procedure is extremely complex and completely different from traditional tattooing in every aspect! And it must always be remembered that the result is guaranteed only when the entire procedure is carried out perfectly!
The success of this technique depends on many parameters:
- On the use of the most modern and specific, specialized equipment
- On the expertise and experience of the practitioner performing the treatment
- On the use of special pigments and needles designed exclusively for SMP
Benefits of SMP with a Successful Technique:
- Completely natural, meaning it will be indistinguishable from your real hair
- Permanent, the pigment color will not fade or change over time, unlike traditional tattoos
Why Choose Anastasakis Hair Clinic
Anastasakis Hair Clinic offers SMP at the highest possible standards, based on the specialized seminars and live workshops of the ISHRS.
The expertise provided by ISHRS exclusively to its members is part of the ISHRS Continuing Medical Education program and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).
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