Tag: hair restoration

Does SMP Pigment Turn Colors Over Time?

Post author By Von Hessler
Post date October 27, 2021
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Many potential clients ask me if Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) turns colors over time; so I wanted to break down my answer as I would during a consultation.

There is no question that using the correct pigments, colors, shades, needles, etc. play an intrical part in an artist’s overall results. However, the SMP industry has utilized marketing, and some companies have flat out lied about using special SMP pigments. Many have stated that if these “special” pigments are not used that you will see blue and green results.

One demonstration posted on Youtube from the founder and CEO of a large provider; even went so far as to take “carbon black” tattoo ink and place it onto a paper towel. He then poured water onto the “black ink” to dilute it; as he poured the water onto the ink, it bleed blue and green. His statement was to use their pigments and not black inks.

That post has since been taken down because any tattoo artist or anybody who tried this demonstration could tell you; if you take black carbon ink and put it on a paper towel and pour water on it; it will only remain pure black in color.

Many artists in the industry are using carbon black tattoo ink and dilute it to create a “gray wash”. This is becoming more known in the industry and you can achieve good results if done correctly and subtly. Other companies are seeing some negatives in using pure black pigments and have created pigments with warming tones, different particle sizes, etc. Some examples you may want to look into would be https://dermimatch-products.com and https://permablend.com/products/perma-blend-scalp-set

The blues and greens you tend to see in regards to SMP results are a product of technique. If the pigment is placed too deep in the skin, this can create blowouts but also a blue/green effect as the pigment is sitting under layers of skin. This is more predominant in pale or light skinned clients and is created by the blurring effect and the light as we see the impression through layers of skin. You can test this by looking at some results in different lighting. Your results may look great in the living room but take a picture with a camera flash and it may appear blue-ish. This is the white light reflecting off the pigments under the skin.

Ultimately, your artist’s skill level should be able to keep the blue and green effect from occurring. If you have any questions or want to see results in person, you can reach out to Dermimatch in Scottsdale, AZ https://dermimatch.com

Tags hair loss, hair loss solution, hair restoration, scalp micropigmentation in Phoenix Arizona., scars, Scottsdale, SMP

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What To Expect After Each SMP Session

Post author By Von Hessler
Post date October 24, 2021
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We all see Instagram posts of before and afters or 1st,2nd and 3rd session progression as it relates to Scalp Micropigmentation. Marketing and photos can be misleading and set false expectations of what is realistic throughout the process. Understanding the process and expectations is very important and should be relayed to potential clients during the consultation.

I’d like to touch on the process and expectation for each session in general terms. SMP is typically done throughout 3-5 sessions realistically. For demonstration purposes, I will go through session progression as if we are talking about 3 sessions.

First session – This is the time to create the overall foundation. Depending on your artist, this may be low density or a time to create density and get a “wow” factor for a client. Whatever path your artist chooses, this is the time to get a base down and fill in the balding area. Directly after a 1st session, the results may look amazing but as the treatment heals and the redness dies down, you will likely see sections that have faded or disappeared all together and other sections that have remained. This can leave a patchy appearance but do not be alarmed, this is normal.

Second session – This is the time that your artist learns about your skin, how you heal, the technique used and any changes your artist must make in their technique. Each client’s skin is different and requires adjustments to be made to achieve the best results. During this session, your artist will be filling in any sessions that faded and blend the work from the first session. This is also the time to create the desired density the client is hoping to achieve or even make any changes to hairline design.

Third session – This may be your last session for a while or it may not. This session is typically used to blend and create final detailed touches. Some artists may use a different shade of pigment to create a dusted 3D look on this session.

As mentioned, each client is different so your artist should be working with you based on how the results are healing. A client’s scalp skin is different from inch to inch so if some sections impressions stay and others do not, you will need extra sessions. As a client, it can be a scary process when the results are not healing perfectly after every session; again this is common and each session is used to fill faded portions.

Marketing might make one believe that each session looks perfect. This is not the case and requires many sessions to make the final results you see advertised.
You can book a consultation with your local SMP provider or feel free to contact Dermimatch in Scottsdale, AZ at https://www.dermimatch.com and schedule a consultation.

Dermimatch Hair Clinic

Tags Arizona, hair loss solution, hair restoration, scalp micropigmentation in Phoenix Arizona., scars, Scottsdale, SMP

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The Accepted “SMP Look”

Unfortunately as great as SMP is as a hair loss solution, we are still utilizing a 2D solution for a 3D problem. There are limitations to how natural this solution can look and it must be performed in such a manner as to obtain the most natural look.

Is SMP natural up close in person? This all depends, however, when creating 1000’s of impressions, it would be a lie to say every single impression remains small and precise. Each portion of the scalp is a different texture and can yield a different result from one inch to the next. It takes a skilled artist and lots of patients to achieve the best results possible. Your artist should also be utilizing a complexion correction or saline solution to target any impressions that are not satisfactory as a standard part of the treatment.

Natural hairlines are a must to obtain a natural result. It has become a trend in the SMP world to create the edged up barber look. If we are creating a shaved head look with SMP, how might one obtain an edge up look if they have a shaved head? You must have some length to achieve this with real hair right? So why would this be a great idea with a 2D impression? Although you can create a feathered edge up this is still a risky hairline to choose for the most natural result.

The idea is to give a shaved look of a full head of hair, not to try and create hair. As an SMP artist I can typically spot SMP in the real world from a mile away. Even if the SMP work is excellent, I can still tell. It has almost become a “look” that is acceptable. The “SMP look”.

I find this acceptable “SMP look” to defeat the purpose. So how do we avoid this look? SMP must be Subtle. Subtle with a natural feathered hairline. Do not get caught in the “more is better” trap.

Another point I should touch on is pigments. The SMP world tends to utilize diluted straight black carbon ink. Luckily some artists have adopted the idea that the carbon black needs to be warmed up to help avoid the “shoe polish SMP look” and to help avoid blue ting in lighter skinned clients.

Do your research and go to an artist that promotes a natural feathered hairline, subtleness and warm pigments.

Take a look at Dermimatch.com to see natural before and after results in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Tags Arizona, hair loss solution, hair restoration, scalp micropigmentation in Phoenix Arizona., scars, Scottsdale, SMP

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At Home Hair Transplant Scar Correction Options

Post author By Von Hessler
Post date September 20, 2021
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Through my own experience; shaving my head after a hair transplant is extremely frustrating and can be crippling. I have spent years trying to reverse the scarring that I have sustained due to two FUT hair transplants.

Not only am I contending with the strip scar in the back of my head but I also had raised, red, spongy skin on the recipient site where the grafts were placed in my hairline.

I have exhausted all my viable options to help achieve the least amount of scarring to include, laser resurfacing, micro-needling, fibroblast, two scar revisions, FUE into the strip scar and I even took a tattoo pen and micro needled the hairline area with a dragging method.

I am fortunate that I have achieved pretty outstanding results.

Micro-needling, Fibroblast and even going so far as to drag a needle through the scared area with a tattoo pen are all inexpensive options you can do at home.

For the purpose of this article I want to touch on Fibroblast. This is an inexpensive device that you can purchase on Amazon Amazon.com: AMZGIRL Portable Beauty Equipment Skin Tag Remover pen,Multi Speed Level Adjustable Home Usage,skin tag removal device USB Charging -Gold : Beauty & Personal Care. Fibroblast devices are typically used by Estheticians to help build new collagen in the skin to help tighten and get rid of wrinkles. https://youtu.be/ot_2tuwRR2U

This at home option can take the place of expensive laser treatments. Be prepared to use a numbing cream as you are creating small burns on the surface of your skin.

Tags hair loss solution, hair restoration, scalp micropigmentation in Phoenix Arizona., scar solutions, scars, Scottsdale, SMP

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Hair Transplant Scar Concealment Options In Addition to SMP

Post author By Von Hessler
Post date September 16, 2021
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As a Scalp Micropigmentation Artist, I often find myself explaining to potential clients the limitations of scar camouflage with SMP alone. Unfortunately SMP is a 2D solution and as wonderful as this option is for hair loss and covering scars; it does not address skin texture and surface imperfections.

Thankfully there are options to help address texture concerns. Some examples would be; laser resurfacing, micro-needling, Fibroblast and fillers.

Today I want to shed some light on fillers in regards to indented scarring on the scalp typically due to an FUT hair transplant. Indented scarring can be difficult to conceal with SMP alone especially in different lighting situations or angles.

Fillers can be injected into the scar to help raise and flatten the scar tissue to match the surrounding skin. You can simply make an appointment with your local dermatologist who would be able to perform this treatment before going in for your SMP treatment.

A simple filler treatment could make all the difference in your overall outcome in hiding that embarrassing scar.

Dermal Fillers And Scars: Cost, Effects & Benefits Reviewed (medicadepot.com)

Tags Dermimatch, filler, hair loss solution, hair restoration, scalp micropigmentation in Phoenix Arizona., scars, Scottsdale, SMP

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Best Options For Combating Hair Loss

Post author By Von Hessler
Post date August 22, 2021
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As a Scalp Micropigmentation Artist and fellow hair loss victim, I have gone through the ringer trying to keep my hair. For anyone losing their hair at a young age, you understand the devastating psychological effects this can have. Avoiding the pool, night clubs that do not allow hats, weddings, relationships, etc. Hair Loss can be crippling.

I wanted to touch on the few resources that I think truly work and what you can do to prevent further hair loss. There are many products out there but what actually works? I will list the options and pros and cons of each so you can be more informed and skip the false statements and avoid the marking traps.

When you start to notice you’re losing your hair and you don’t want to allow it to progress, the first thing you should do is go to your local grocery store and buy generic Minoxidil (Rogaine). I recommend buying the foam as this is much less greasy and messy. Use this before bed and each morning as part of your routine. The instructions state that this product only works on the crown; I recommend using this on the hairline and throughout the top of your scalp and temples as well. Minoxidil is a vasodilator (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15133413/) and helps improve blood flow to the hair follicles that are being affected by a hormone called DHT (Dihydrotestosteron)(https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/hair-loss/what-is-dht-baldness-and-how-to-treat-it). DHT suffocates your hair follicles and blocks the blood flow slowly killing the hair follicle. The likelihood of side effects are minimal. If you have a negative skin reaction this may not work for you. Also, being that Minoxidil is a vasodilator, potential cardiac or blood pressure concerns could arise although I have never heard of this happening to anyone. ( https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/minoxidil-topical-route/side-effects/drg-20068750?p=1)

Second, look into Finasteride AKA Propecia or Avodart: (https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1548-9167/finasteride-oral/finasteride-hair-growth-oral/details) Finasteride is a prescription medication that blocks the body’s testosterone from converting to DHT thus, helping stop the DHT from suffocating your hair follicles. Unfortunately with any medication or hormone manipulation, there can be side effects (https://www.rxlist.com/propecia-side-effects-drug-center.htm). There are topical Finasteride options that show a less likely chance of side effects. (www.forhims.com)

Minoxidil and Propcia (Finasteride) in combination should be all you need to prevent further hair loss and keep your hair. This is also the regimen I would recommend starting for anyone who has had a hair transplant. You must do everything you can to keep the rest of your hair after a hair transplant or you will end up losing the rest of your hair and only the transplanted grafts will remain.

Outside of these two options, there are a few other options you can explore, however I am not convinced that the ROI is worth your time and money.

Low Level Light Therapy is an FDA approved method for hair loss just as Minoxidil and Finasteride are. LLLT, works by improving blood flow to the hair follicles as does Minoxidil. The issue I have with this is, the laser devices are usually very expensive and you must adhere to a schedule that requires a lot of time spent under these lasers. This option would be good for someone who has any adverse skin reactions to minoxidil. (https://www.healthline.com/health/laser-treatment-for-hair-loss)

If you’re not an advocate of taking prescription medication, you may be able to substitute Saw Palmetto in place of Finasteride. There are no true studies that show Saw Palmetto truly blocks the body’s Testosterone from converting to DHT. But this is an option to look into. (https://www.healthline.com/health/saw-palmetto-hair-loss)

Platelet rich plasma for hair loss. This is a treatment performed by a Doctor that helps bring Platelet rich blood and inject into the scalp. Again, I am not convinced the ROI is there. (https://www.healthline.com/health/prp-for-hair-loss)

This article is meant to help folks who are just learning about hair loss options and hopefully help navigate through the BS. The FDA options as of now are Minoxidil (Rogaine), Finasteride (Propicia) and LLLT (Low Level Light Therapy)

In conclusion: If you use Minoxidil and Finasteride, you should be in good shape. If you experience side effects from the Finasteride, try the topical version and if all else fails, take Saw Palmetto in its place.

Tags Arizona, hair loss solution, hair restoration, scalp micropigmentation in Phoenix Arizona., SMP

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What Does Research Say on Coconut Oil as Hair Loss Solution

While research does find proof that coconut oil can reduce the effects of protein loss in hair, there’s still doubt on the effectiveness of coconut oil on preventing male pattern baldness resulting from DHT.

One 2003 study found that coconut oil helps maintain protein levels in hair. You might be surprised to learn that frequent application of styling chemicals, over-brushing, and too much exposure to sunlight and wind might result in the loss of hair protein. No doubt, coconut oil is better than sunflower oil and safflower oil for hair loss. Coconut oil performs better than these two oils in terms of hair loss prevention.

While coconut oil can replenish your hair follicles, it is not a one-cure for hair loss. Its effectiveness might vary from person to person, depending on the extent and type of hair loss. If you are impressed with the claims of coconut oil for hair loss, you may want to use shampoos and hair care products that are formulated with coconut milk and oil. It not only smells good but also makes your hair feel soft and shiny. The best part is coconut oil as a hair loss solution is safe to use and does not cause any side effects.

But it takes time to show up results. If you are fighting serious hair loss in the form of thinning hair, alopecia areta, receding hairline, you may not want to wait for months or years for coconut oil to cover those visible signs of hair loss, which are ruining your looks and personality.

Bottom line

If you observe too much thinning of hair or fast receding hairline, you want to choose a quick-fix solution and not wait endlessly for results. Coconut oil may or may not help your hair loss problem. So instead of waiting for results that might not even show up, it is better to choose a permanent hair restoration solution.

Scalp micropigmentation in Phoenix Arizona gives you a permanent solution to hair loss. SMP helps recreate the look of hair follicles with the help of microneedles to implant matching pigment into the scalp. The best thing about SMP for hair loss is that it gives you a near-natural look so nobody can say you have undergone a hair loss procedure.

Tags Arizona, coconut oil for hair, hair loss, hair loss solution, hair restoration, Phoenix, scalp micropigmentation, scalp micropigmentation in Phoenix Arizona., SMP