Scalp micropigmentation for men: what is it?
Scalp micropigmentation is a semi-permanent make-up technique. We use it to recreate the look of short shaved hair or, where possible, to add density through longer hair to give the illusion of a full head of hair.
Scalp micropigmentation is not only for men, but also for women. It can be a good complement to a hair transplant, which often gives insufficient results beyond Norwood stage 3 or 4. The main difference from a traditional tattoo is that SMP is shallower, because we place the pigment in the superficial layer of the skin, which is the dermis. This is essential to stop the ink from spreading and creating unsightly dots.
Why do men in particular use it?
Men tend to be more affected by hair loss than women. This is partly due to higher testosterone levels, and genetic factors also play a part.
Socially, baldness is more accepted in women than in men, although the distress is the same. As a result, scalp micropigmentation very quickly found a male audience in the early 2000s, but today more and more women are turning to scalp micropigmentation as the technique grows in popularity. The causes of hair loss in women vary: hormonal imbalance, menopause, etc.
How do I know if I am a good candidate?
You are probably wondering whether you are a good candidate for scalp micropigmentation. It is a very personal question; it is a state of mind. We are not here to tell you whether or not you should have SMP, because it is a personal decision.
If you are struggling with your hair loss, we encourage you to consider scalp micropigmentation, because it is an excellent solution to hair loss. But if you are not particularly affected by baldness, we advise you to think it over before making your decision.
You also need to be in good health. If you are on heavy medication or have significant health problems, we generally advise you to see your GP before having scalp micropigmentation.
As a general rule, scalp micropigmentation is for everyone. We like to hold a free consultation at So Pigment to discuss your project and suggest options: scalp micropigmentation for longer hair or shaved-look scalp micropigmentation. We also sometimes turn down rather unusual requests, in the client’s interest as well as our own.
To check quickly, take our ‘Am I a good candidate?’ quiz: a few questions are enough to find out whether scalp micropigmentation suits your situation.
The cosmetic results
Scalp micropigmentation for a shaved look in men is done in 3 sessions.
The first session involves drawing the shape of the hairline with a white pencil. The practitioner advises you on where to place the line, taking into account the shape of your face and your age. The practitioner then starts with a first layer of density. The first session is the foundation, with small gaps between the pigments.
The 2nd session adds density, and the same goes for the 3rd session.
When it comes to choosing the hairline, our scalp micropigmentation for men offers 3 possible options:
A fragmented hairline,
a defined hairline with sharp, pronounced edges,
and a ‘medium’ hairline, meaning neither too pronounced nor too soft.
As a result, every scalp micropigmentation is unique and personalised. SMP is designed to give a discreet, aesthetic result, but the effect can vary from person to person.
Scalp micropigmentation for men with longer hair is also done in 3 sessions, and the process is the same as for shaved-look SMP. The difference is that we use a darker pigment, which means you must not cut your hair shorter than about 1 cm. Once shaved short, your follicles look much lighter, so there would be a contrast with your micropigmentation, which stays dark.
Our pigments come from French suppliers that comply with current European regulations, and we are required to buy our equipment from French suppliers who are themselves subject to the same standards.
What are the results, and what can you expect?
The results of your scalp micropigmentation are visible after 1 session, because we work on the whole thinning area. However, they are still light; for example, in men the crown still looks bald after 1 session. After the first session, the effect remains light and builds up gradually over the following sessions. After each session, the pigment becomes finer as the skin renews its cells and sheds a small amount of pigment, freeing up space, which is why several sessions are needed. The shade also becomes lighter, so spacing your sessions several days apart lets the practitioner adjust the shade slightly if needed.
Advantages and limits of scalp micropigmentation for men
Scalp micropigmentation for men has several advantages: the close-shaved look is very well accepted in Western societies and has even become fashionable. Scalp micropigmentation on longer hair gives immediate results, unlike hair transplants.
There is no need for local anaesthetic, unlike a hair transplant. Some people choose scalp micropigmentation alongside other cosmetic treatments.
The limits of our technique are that scalp micropigmentation is not hair; it is a different alternative. For example, in terms of aftercare, long exposure to strong sun without sun protection must be avoided, mainly because of possible sunburn and UV rays, which affect the health of your skin and therefore how long the pigment lasts, as it may fade faster. A man with shaved-look SMP is very easily exposed to sunburn. That is why, for the aftercare of scalp micropigmentation for men, we recommend looking after your scalp pigmentation by moisturising, exfoliating from time to time and protecting it from long, intense sun exposure when necessary.
ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
+ Fashionable short haircut | -It is not hair |
+ No anaesthetic needed | -Take care during long sun exposure |
+ A change may be visible from the first session, but the final look is achieved gradually over the three sessions. | -Look after your scalp |
+ Natural and undetectable | |
+ Excellent complement to a hair transplant on long and short hair |
Testimonials and client feedback
Our only aim, of course, is your satisfaction. Your opinion matters, and we will always listen to you so we can give you the best advice for an important step like scalp micropigmentation.
Mini FAQ - Key points to remember
Scalp micropigmentation for men: what exactly is it?
Scalp micropigmentation is a semi-permanent make-up technique for the scalp that recreates the look of shaved hair or creates an illusion of density on longer hair.
Who is male scalp micropigmentation for?
It is for men affected by baldness, thinning hair or alopecia, at any stage, and it can also complement a hair transplant.
What results can you expect?
The result is gradual and natural. The first effects are visible from the first session, but the final result is achieved after three sessions.
Is scalp micropigmentation permanent?
No, it is a semi-permanent solution. The pigments fade over time, and touch-ups may be needed to keep an even result.
Scalp micropigmentation is a cosmetic service and is not a medical procedure. The information shared on this page is for information only. Results can vary from person to person.
