Tag: SMP

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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Topical Finasteride

The idea of topical Finasteride has become more popular as big companies like “Hims” are utilizing and advertising this as an option to the traditional oral delivery method.

Finasteride taken orally is one of the few FDA approved treatments to combat hair loss. Subsequently, topical Finasteride is not FDA approved to treat hair loss at this time. So why would you want to take Finasteride topically if this is not an FDA approved method. The answer is very simple; side effects of taking Finasteride orally can override the benefits for many.

Finasteride works by blocking the hormone DHT in the body. As with any medication that is altering hormones in the body, there will be side effects associated.

Decreased sex drive
Ejaculation disorder
Skin rash
Trouble getting or keeping an erection
Increase in breast size and tenderness
Gynecomastia

Although Finasteride is typically well tolerated, many can be affected by these side effects or maybe just want to avoid taking the medication due to possible side effects.

Alternatively; “Topical finasteride primarily lowers the levels of DHT in the scalp and has a substantially lower impact on serum DHT in the body, which makes it less likely to cause side effects than oral finasteride.” https://www.usarx.com/drug/finasteride/does-topical-finasteride-work

To learn more or by topical Finasteride. Hims might be a good place to start.

Forehims.com

For other additional coverage if you’re either thinning or if you’re passed the point of pharmacologic intervention and still want to address your balding; check out Dermimatch Hair clinic in Scottsdale, AZ. https://www.dermimatch.com/

Tags Arizona, finasteride, hair loss, scalp micropigmentation in Phoenix Arizona., Scottsdale, SMP

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Laser Off – Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)

Post author By Von Hessler
Post date September 24, 2021
No Comments on Laser Off – Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)

With so many people wanting to learn Scalp Micro pigmentation due to high income potential and relatively low cost to start up in the industry; the need for SMP correction has never been more prevalent. Unfortunately, many folks looking to get into the business are going through short training courses lasting 2-3 days typically. Some of these courses are 100% online which means the student gets zero experience on real skin. For the folks going to an in person training course; they are typically getting to practice on a human model however, they are not seeing their heeled results a week out making the training much less useful.

Luckily there are a few options to either fix the bad SMP or have it lasered off completely. Some options other than laser would be a saline solution, a diluted lactic acid or acid base or a complexion correction pigment needled into the bad SMP impressions. These options are limited and should only be used to correct some bad impressions and not for correcting a whole head of bad SMP work.

Laser is the best and cleanest option for getting rid of bad SMP. If the SMP was done with carbon pigment as most SMP is and the artist did not go too deep; SMP can typically be removed in one laser session as opposed to a traditional tattoo. This is because a tattoo is applied into deeper layers of the skin while SMP should be applied much shallower. Plan for two laser sessions to make sure all the impressions and dark spots are removed fully.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=laser+off+scalp+micropigmentation&&view=detail&mid=FFE0ADCEB89978FF8E3EFFE0ADCEB89978FF8E3E&&FORM=VRDGAR&ru=%2Fvideos%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dlaser%2Boff%2Bscalp%2Bmicropigmentation%26FORM%3DHDRSC4

When looking for a SMP artist, do your research and also make sure they have apprenticed with someone for a decent amount of time instead of just completing a 3 day course. There is no substitution for working on real clients and seeing the progression and healed results.

Tags Arizona, Laser Tattoo Removal, scalp micropigmentation, Scottsdale, SMP

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At Home Hair Transplant Scar Correction Options

Post author By Von Hessler
Post date September 20, 2021
No Comments on At Home Hair Transplant Scar Correction Options

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
No Comments on Hair Transplant Scar Concealment Options In Addition to SMP

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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Saw Palmetto For Hair Loss.

Post author By Von Hessler
Post date September 9, 2021
No Comments on Saw Palmetto For Hair Loss.

If you have done any research for your hair loss you may have heard or even been prescribed Propecia (Generic name – Finasteride) an FDA approved Type II- Alpha Reductant which inhibits the body’s Testosterone from converting to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT has been linked to hair loss by blocking blood flow to the hair follicle.

Unfortunately with any medication there are side effects and Finasteride is no exception. Finasteride works by altering the body’s hormones which can lead to sexual and other side effects (Finasteride (Oral Route) Side Effects – Mayo Clinic)

If you have already experienced side effects from Finasteride or are unwilling to take the medication; there are some alternatives you may want to try. One of those alternatives is the natural supplement sold at your local drug store called Saw Palmetto. Although not an FDA approved medication, it has been shown that an extract of Saw Palmetto berries may block 5-Alpha Reductase which is an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT.

There is no concrete evidence that this is a viable substitute for Finasteride but it may be worth a try if you do not want to take finasteride or if you have experienced side effects from the medication.

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

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Best Options For Combating Hair Loss

Post author By Von Hessler
Post date August 22, 2021
No Comments on Best Options For Combating Hair Loss

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

scalp micropigmentation

Scalp Micropigmentation For Hair Transplant Scars

Post author By Von Hessler
Post date August 11, 2021
No Comments on Scalp Micropigmentation For Hair Transplant Scars

Two of the most common methods to perform a hair transplant are known as FUT (Follicular Unit Transplant) and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction). Both techniques will leave some level of scarring on the scalp.

FUT for a majority of hair restoration clinics is considered to be the older of the two methods and some clinics consider FUT to be obsolete. FUT also known as “Strip Method” is performed when a Surgeon cuts a strip of skin from the back and sides of your head (Donor Area) and extracts the follicles individually from the strip of skin. After the strip of skin is taken from the donor area, the strip is then sutured closed leaving a surgical strip scar.

FUT is not the favored method today as you will be left with a noticeable scar if you were to ever shave your head later in life. This method may be suggested by a surgeon if a maximum number of grafts are needed to obtain the best coverage in the balding area or if FUE grafts have been exhausted.

SMP on Strip Scar – FUT

(Work performed by Dermimatch Hair Clinic in Scottsdale Arizona).

FUE is considered the “Gold Standard” and the preferred method of performing hair restoration surgery. Unlike FUT, this method does not extract a strip of skin from the donor area thus; it does not leave a strip scar. Some clinics have referred to this method as “Scar-less” which is misleading to say the least. FUT utilizes a small extraction punch to extract individual hair follicles from the back and sides of the head (Donor Area). These punches leave small dot scars across the donor area. If done in a strategic pattern over a broad portion of the donor area, these scars are much less notable and the hair can be kept shorter or oftentimes even buzzed.

SMP on FUE

FUE Before

FUE After

(Work performed by Dermimatch Hair Clinic in Scottsdale Arizona).

SMP is an excellent solution to help conceal these scars. Unfortunately SMP is not a miracle solution and it does not address the scar texture differences of healthy tissue. This means if your scar is raised or indented you will need to seek other solutions in addition to SMP for the best results. Some of these solutions are scar revisions (Your transplant Doctor will usually do this at no cost), laser skin resurfacing Laser Skin Resurfacing Types, Conditions It Treats, Complications, and More (webmd.com) , micro-needling Microneedling: Benefits, side effects, and risks (medicalnewstoday.com) , fillers and steroid injections (See your local Dermatologist).

Tags hair loss solution, 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