When it comes to SMP, it becomes less about the tools and more about the practitioner and their technique. Once you have made that decision to have scalp micropigmentation, the next step is to carry out thorough research when choosing your artist and clinic.
What is the main concern?
The number one concern for most people is the discolouration of the pigment. Will it turn blue?
This is a completely understandable question. Traditional body art can often turn blue or green after a few years which leads people to ask – will the same thing happen to my scalp micropigmentation?
The reality is that SMP is a very different process to traditional body tattoos. The pigment used is natural and it is deposited into a much more superficial layer of the skin compared to body tattoos.
The vast majority of treatments, when delivered by a quality technician using the right materials, will never discolour.
So why do some treatments turn blue?
Honest answer? As previously stated, it all comes down to the practitioner and their technique. After a few months (or even weeks), low quality treatments that were not performed correctly, often start to turn blue. This is not a side effect, but due to technician error.
If SMP is applied by an unqualified, untrained artist, you absolutely run the risk of getting a botched job. A lot of individuals do not understand key factors of creating that natural look.
Is it down to the pigment?
No. Following bad treatments, many technicians are quick to blame their pigment. Whilst pigment selection is crucial, most of the issues we see relate to poor technique, not use of the wrong pigments.
The depth at which the pigment is deposited also plays a huge factor in getting the perfect scalp micropigmentation application. Someone who has had professional, and a high standard of training will know to deposit the SMP pigment into the upper layer of the skin. However, if the needle happens to penetrate deeper than this, it will create a blurred impression or what is called a ‘blow-out’. This means that when it is healed, you won’t have that clear, accurately sized dot that mimics an individual hair follicle – it will leave you with a unclear impression that is far too large and blurred due to it being deposited too deep.
What do I do to ensure this doesn’t happen to me?
It’s simple. Do your research. Find the right scalp micropigmentation artist by taking your time to ensure you get the right treatment. A few things to ask the practitioner is:
- Where did they do their training?
- What are their qualifications?
- How long have they performed scalp micropigmentation?
- Do they follow standard health and safety procedures?
- Ask to see their portfolio (ensure you look for pictures or videos that show the artist’s face, so you know it is their work). Not only that but make sure you ask to see work that has healed after a few months.
