Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a popular hair loss treatment for men. It involves tattooing small dots on the scalp to simulate the appearance of hair follicles. SMP is a highly customizable treatment, and one of the most important decisions you will make when getting SMP is choosing whether to go dark or light. In this article, we will explore the factors to consider when making this decision.
Light vs. Dark
First, let’s define what we mean by “dark” and “light” in the context of SMP. Darker SMP involves using a combination of several shades of dark ink and more density to create a shadow effect on the scalp, while lighter SMP involves using a lighter ink shade and less density to match the client’s natural hair color.
Another factor to consider is the client’s personal style and preference. Younger clients usually want a dark scalp micropigmentation treatment, while older clients may want a lighter look with softer edges. Some clients prefer a more dramatic, defined look and may choose a dark scalp micropigmentation even if their skin and hair colors suggest otherwise. On the other hand, some clients may prefer a more natural look and may opt for a lighter SMP look to create a seamless blend with their natural hair.
It’s also worth considering the maintenance required for each option. Dark scalp micropigmentation typically lasts longer than light scalp micropigmentation, but it may require more touch-ups over time to maintain its dark color. Light scalp micropigmentation, on the other hand, may require more frequent touch-ups to maintain its natural look, as the color may fade over time.
If you are treated by an experienced SMP artist, they will usually make recommendations on which style may look best. At Edge Ink, we treat clients of all ages and some prefer a darker look, while some prefer a lighter look. To see exmples of these different looks, visit our before and after scalp micropigmentation photos page from our treatments in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Short Hair vs. Long Hair
The name of the game is matching the pigment to the existing follicles. This takes an expert eye, experience, and advanced technique to accomplish. If the artist is working on a person who has their hair shaved down, then the pigment shade used should be lighter. In contrast, if the person has longer hair and wants more hair density, then dark scalp micropigmentation is preferred to dramatically reduce the contrast between the skin and hair.
Will SMP Look Good On My Skin Tone?
Scalp micropigmentation, when done by the right artist can be used to create realistic hair follicles on any skin tone. From dark to light skin tones, our pigment is versatile enough to get the job done and last for years.
At Edge Ink, our treatments are all fully customized. You can choose light scalp micropigmentation or dark scalp micropigmentation. Both styles have a wide range of shades that we can get to match your skin tone and hair. With short hair we will use a lighter shade than the one used to create density in longer hair.
Matching the Pigment
The key here is to match the pigment to the client’s existing hair or the SMP will not look real. A trained eye and extensive experience is needed to get it right. A seasoned scalp micropigmentation artist will mix the right pigment shade and will always start lighter because if they go too dark, they can’t go lighter later. The artist will also know to anticipate some fading which is normal and makes the pigment look even more real on the scalp.
The Pigment
Finding the right pigment for SMP is not easy. There are some artists who have their own special pigments, but they don’t sell them. There are some SMP pigments that are sold commercially, one of the best is Folicule.
Scalp micropigmentation should never be completed in only one session. There are too many variables at play for the SMP artist to consider. Time and patience are the keys to a great scalp micropigmentation treatment.
Have a question about our treatments in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area? Visit our FAQs page.
Never use regular tattoo pigment for scalp micropigmentation. It is formulated differently since it is used for a different purpose. A lot of the SMP horror stories you’ve read are a result of an inexperienced artist using the wrong pigment for SMP. Check out this blog post from Pygmenta about botched SMP treatments.
Edge Scalp Ink in Rockville, MD, specializes in natural hairlines. We customize all treatments to the individual and never provide one-style-fits-all results. Take a look at our gallery and contact us for your free consultation.
