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IS SMP SAFEYes absolutely. It is almost pain free, with no down time. The ink is hypoallergenic The single use needles are only penetrating 0.5mm into the upper layers of the skin Both ink and needles are designed specifically for this treatment as is the certified training SMP has limited side effects and does not tend to cause adverse reactions We will discuss your health record and encourage you to take advice from a GP or dermatologist in advance of the treatment if deemed necessary.
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DOES SMP GROW HAIR?No, it replaces hair with the illusion of a hair follicle. Micro dots appear to be just under the skin as though the head has been shaved. In the case of people having SMP to add density to their hair, these dots appear as though they are new hairs starting to grow. Some people have the impression that more hair is growing after the treatment which could be caused by the stimulation to the scalp increasing blood flow to the area. While this may be the case for certain clients, it is not the intention of the treatment and it is not to be expected.
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DOES IT LOOK REAL?That really depends on the technician and your choice of hairline. In the case of a full head of SMP, the most realistic results are achieved with important factors such as: Following an age appropriate hairline Not going too dark / dense Blending artistically into the existing hairline Some people choose to leave a small area without microdots. This can create the effect of a small scar within the hair or at the front of the hairline and this can add realism as well.
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DOES THE COLOUR FADE, CHANGE COLOUR OR MIGRATE?No, SMP dots do not change colour or migrate like a tattoo because the ink, needle and application of the ink are different. The pigment we use is a single colour 'Carbon Black'. It can fade through absorption and sun exposure but not discolour. We do not use inks which include colours other than black as these can change colour with time (as is the case with semi-permanent make-up) The SMP needle is thin and the amount of ink deposited is small in order to prevent migration. If the dots are placed too close together during the same treatment, this can cause a small amount of colour migration which one of the key reasons for having multiple sessions.
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CAN I HAVE SMP IF I HAVE BLOND AND FAIR SKIN?In order to treat people with different hair and skin tones, the pigment is diluted to lighter shades when required. All hair follicles are a shade of black/grey at the base of the shaft. The colour appears further down the length of the hair when it grows. For this reason, SMP can be used for most people and most skin/hair colours. Perhaps just the most fair of skin/hair colour will not achieve the best results but we can advise you during a consultation on this and will only offer a treatment plan if we are confident that you will be happy with the outcome.
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HOW WILL IT LOOK AFTER THE TREATMENTImmediately following the treatment, you will see some redness, the ink may look a little darker than expected and your scalp may feel a little itchy for a day or two. After that, the pigment settles and looks natural. The first treatment does not give the full impact of what your end result will be. A lighter shade is often used for this first session and some of the pigment is absorbed. The second session is where most of the change takes place. The scalp has been 'primed' by the first session and a darker shade can be chosen if necessary. You may like to take some time to let the pigment settle into your skin before choosing whether to have third or more subsequent sessions. There is no pressure to do so however we will always tell you when to stop. Similarly, we will not perform a top up treatment prematurely. This is all in your interest to maintain the most natural look.
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WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE IT?If you are given a realistic expectation of what to expect from your SMP treatment, you will not feel this way. That said, there are always options. We encourage you to live with your new look for at least six months before considering any kind of revision. If after six months you are still not happy with your decision, there is laser pigment removal which can be used to lighten or remove the SMP pigment from certain areas or entirely. You may choose to revert to a hair system / wig which will cover the treated area. This has not been our experience but it is an option you will always have. Another option is to give time for the SMP treatment to fade. Instead of topping it up, you may let it fade with time. As the skin cells are replaced, the pigment becomes less and less visible. This is increased by sun exposure and exfoliation.
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DOES IT HURT A LOT?You may feel slight discomfort at the start of the session and you will soon be used to the sensation. At this point it becomes more of an awareness than a pain. Some people actually fall asleep during the treatment because they are so relaxed. The temples on the sides of your head may be more sensitive but it is certainly tolerable. People describe going to the dentist and getting a wax as much more painful treatments.
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CAN I USE PAINKILLERS OR NUMBING CREAMS?Paracetamol is fine to take if you feel the need either before or during the session. Ibuprofen is not likely to be as effective as Paracetamol but may help reduce redness and swelling after the session if you feel you need it. Be sure to avoid aspirin as it thins the blood and may increase the amount of bleeding from the SMP location and reduce the retention of pigment in your skin. Let us know if you take other blood thinners and seek advice from your doctor before having SMP treatment. You absolutely can have SMP, we just need to be aware.
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HOW CAN I EXPLAIN IT TO MY FRIENDS?This is a personal decision, it depends on how you have been wearing your hair before the treatment and also depends on your connection with the people you are speaking with. SMP is becoming well known as time goes on and feeling good about it is something to share. We would always recommend that honesty is the best policy and you may well end up referring friends and family who will then qualify you for a discount on your future treatments. However, if you wish to be private about it, there are a few reasons you can give. If you had some hair or used a hair system: I just decided to shave my head, I'm really happy with it! It was for a dare but I'm going to stick with it... I really like it My partner thinks I look better this way... I'm coming round to the idea! You should give it a go, no products, no styling, no hassle For those with little hair previously, you could try saying one of the following: My hair was thin in areas so I decided to shave I started taking some new medication and shaving is also helping make my hair grow back stronger Shaving stimulates the scalp and is helping with my alopecia
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CAN YOU DO THE TREATMENT AT MY HOME?The treatment has to be performed at a premises which have been licensed by the local council and checked to be suitable to carry out SMP. The practitioner is also licensed having been trained specially for the process. It is worth being sure of both these things when you have your treatment done for your safety and peace of mind.
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HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?Usually people require 3 sessions. The cost depends on whether you a having a small area treated eg for a scar / alopecia, or the full top of your head which is blended into your existing hairline. We have been told that we are competitively priced and we pride ourselves on being the best value in terms of end result, service and environment. You can also qualify for discounts with our referral program.
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CAN I HAVE A HAIR TRANSPLANT AFTER SMP?Yes you can, and when you return for a top up treatment after a couple of years, we can treat any scar areas caused by a hair transplant procedure. You can also have SMP after a hair transplant. Sometimes people wish to add the effect of more dense hair follicles in the area that has been treated with transplanted hair follicles. We just need to wait until the transplant is fully healed and settled. Your surgeon will advise you on this.
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WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON REGRET?Most people regret not having SMP sooner. Other regrets are going too dark or having a hairline that looks too manicured or youthful. This is all avoidable and we will ensure you are happy with your treatment plan and have a good idea of what to expect to avoid any regrets.
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