SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION VS TRICOPIGMENTATION, WHICH IS BETTER?
Scalp Micropigmentation and Tricopigmentation are treatments that simulate the look of natural hair follicles by injecting microscopic specialized pigmented ink into the superficial layer of the dermis in balding or bald areas of the scalp.
What is SMP® Scalp Micropigmentation?
Scalp Micropigmentation was developed in the UK by Ian Watson of HIS Hair Clinic over 17 years ago. HIS Hair Clinic is recognized as the leader in Scalp Micropigmentation with many SMP clinics worldwide, including Canada at HIS Hair Canada | https://Hairtattoo.ca. SMP® is a registered trademark with HIS Hair Clinic. Through intensive research and development, Mr. Watson has helped adapt his learned techniques to create innovative scalp pigmentation techniques. He underwent the very first SMP procedure, and the fantastic results are there for all to see.
The SMP hair loss treatment is available for both men and women. It provides a solution for those suffering from general hair loss, various forms of alopecia or scalp scars, including those as a result of hair transplant surgery. Few of the solutions available are as permanent, immediate, non-invasive, realistic, hassle-free, and cost-effective as the SMP Scalp Micropigmentation procedure.
What is Tricopigmentation?
Tricopigmentation is a temporary version of SMP that does not last as long as scalp micropigmentation. It shares many similarities with SMP but has some differences. Milena Lardi of Beauty Medical in Milan, Italy, in 2008, developed Tricopigmentation. The significant difference between SMP Scalp Micropigmentation and Tricopigmentation is the ink used. Scalp micropigmentation uses a unique pigment that does not fade much over time and is considered a permanent solution for concealing hair loss. On the other hand, it uses a different type of ink that begins to fade after several months, and the treatment needs to be reapplied every one or two years to maintain the look of the hairline.
Why would anyone want a temporary SMP treatment?
Tricopigmentation has been marketed as a “try it” before going permanent solution for those afraid they may not like the permanent SMP. The temporary pigments used in Tricopigmentation are designed to fade out after 12-24 months, whereas Scalp micropigmentation can last 8 to 10+ years without a touchup. The other theory is that as men age, their hairline recedes, so as the pigment fades, it can be reapplied to mimic the receding hairline as you age.
The marketers do not mention that a permanent SMP can be removed with laser and non-laser tattoo removal methods with excellent results. This is because the ink in SMP does not penetrate the dermis as deep as traditional body tattoos, making removal much more accessible.
So, is Tricopigmentation a good idea?
It all depends if you do not mind redoing the treatment every 1-2 years and paying for it over time. At HIS Hair Canada | Hairtattoo.ca, we offer permanent SMP ink. We explain to clients that an SMP procedure is a permanent solution but can be removed in the future if clients decide to alter their look, for example, to move back their hairline. Knowing this, we seldom have requests for this treatment, although it is an option.
The main advantage of Tricopigmentation is that it is a temporary solution. If you do not like the procedure, it will eventually fade after 1-2 years. The other advantage is that you can redo your treatment to match your age by doing a receding hairline as your treatment fades away. So, in your 20’s, your hairline may look different than when you are in your 60s, and you can adjust it every 1-2 years.
Being a temporary solution, the initial price for Tricopigmentation is often cheaper than SMP. However, over time, it is more expensive if you factor in the number of treatments you need.
The main disadvantage of Tricopigmentation is that it is a temporary solution. The fact that you must come and redo the procedure every 1-2 years is inconvenient, and the costs involved in paying for all those treatments every few years. The hope is that if you like the procedure, you can always switch to the more permanent SMP after the initial treatment fades.
The other main disadvantage of Tricopigmentation is ink. While laser and non-laser tattoo removal techniques can be used to remove or fix a bad SMP job, the pigment used for Tricopigmentation makes it impossible to remove until they allow the treatment to fade away by itself naturally.
The main advantage of SMP is that it is a permanent trouble-free solution to hair loss. Once done, you do not need a touchup for at least eight to 10+ years.
TAKEAWAY
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) and tricopigmentation (TP) are two popular hair restoration treatments that involve tattooing the scalp to create the look of hair follicles. SMP is a permanent procedure that consists in depositing ink into the scalp to replicate the look of hair follicles. At the same time, TP is a temporary procedure that uses a different type of ink and technique to create the illusion of hair follicles.
SMP usually addresses hair loss in individuals with balding or thinning hair. The procedure involves creating tiny, realistic-looking dots on the scalp that mimic the appearance of hair follicles. The ink used in SMP is generally more permanent than in TP, and the procedure typically requires several sessions to achieve the desired look.
On the other hand, TP is a non-permanent option that typically lasts for 1-2 years. The ink used in TP is designed to fade gradually over time, which means that the procedure will need to be repeated periodically to maintain the desired look. TP is often used to create the appearance of fuller hair in individuals who are experiencing mild to moderate hair loss.
There is no real disadvantage of SMP if you factor in the fact that the treatment is reversible with laser and non-laser tattoo removal procedures.
Whether you are contemplating SMP Scalp Micropigmentation or Tricopigmentation, why not give the originators of SMP Scalp Micropigmentation a call for a free no, obligation consultation? We have two locations, 600 Sherbourne St #605, Toronto, and 9140 Leslie St #301, Richmond Hill. You can also call us at 647-492-9093 for a free consultation.
