According to statistics, approximately 35 million men and 21 million women experience hair loss problems at some point, making it a common concern. While there are countless hair treatment options, Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) remains the most cost-effective and safest way to achieve your hair goals.
Scalp Micropigmentation is one of the smartest decisions you can make to solve all your hair loss concerns. However, like any other job, the results of the hair SMP procedure heavily depend on the type of SMP practitioner you choose.
The last thing you want is to roll out your dollars only to go home and have everyone asking why you have a tattoo on your head. If you don’t want to end up in such a situation and seek natural-looking hair that mimics hair follicles, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few questions you should ask your practitioner to determine whether they qualify for the job or not. Stick around to learn more!
How to Find a Qualified Scalp Micropigmentation Artist – A Handy Guide
Check Your SMP Artist’s Experience and Qualifications
How Long Have You Been Practising Scalp Micropigmentation?
Asking an SMP practitioner how a Scalp Micropigmentation procedure is carried out is like asking a maths kindergarten question to a 20-year-old. They will have an answer to that. However, asking about their history will give you an overview of how much they have experienced. Is there a background related to the SMP procedure? Where did they acquire the training and certifications? How long have they been in the industry? Keep in mind that the hair tattoo has been around for the last 10 years, so you can assess their expertise based on this fact.
Have You Worked With Clients With Similar Hair Types and Concerns?
This is perhaps the most critical question to ask in the process of Scalp Micropigmentation artist selection.
SMP can be done on all hair types in a range of styles. If the practitioner is new to the industry, they may be unable to perform some techniques, including blending the ink with the pattern of your hair follicles. Can they cover up scars from FUE and FUT? Can they feather out the hairline? These are a few tips on what you should ask.
Assess Their Portfolio and Style
Can You Show Examples of Various Styles and Hairlines You’ve Created?
Again, when choosing an SMP practitioner, you need better assurance than online reviews and word of mouth.
Ask them to share their portfolio with you if they have videos and photos of the before and after photos on their social media handles. This should be a good starting point. Make sure you zoom in to get a clear view of the shaping, hairline style, and colour matching. If they match your exact needs, you can proceed to the next step.
Can I See the Work In Real Life?
Seeing the actual work in real life is essential to consider during your Scalp Micropigmentation selection. While it may seem like a stupid thing to ask for, it counts. However, a qualified practitioner should be able to do this without hesitation. If it sounds like too much to ask, then look around. You will soon find someone who has partaken in the procedure. If it looks good, you just found your SMP practitioner. If not, move on to the next.
Health and Safety Measures
What Measures Do You Take to Ensure a Clean and Sterile Working Environment?
The first impression says a lot about the SMP qualifications. If you see things out of place once you step into the clinic, there is a high chance that the practitioner won’t handle your procedure like a professional. However, if you wish to give them the benefit of the doubt, ask how they ensure a clean and sterile environment. Do they disinfect the tattoo beds, chairs and tool stations? How about disposing of the used equipment?
How Do You Address Concerns Related to Infection Control and Client Safety?
Let’s face it – getting an infection is one of the biggest fears we have before going for the procedure. And it’s normal- after all, who wants to have more problems with you? That said, this question should never be missed when choosing an SMP practitioner. A good practitioner will always ensure that your scalp is in good hands. Using new needles, disinfecting tattoo ink cups, hair tattoo machines, hair clippers, rulers, and hairline pencils should be some of the precautions they take to avoid infection.
How to Set Up Realistic Expectations
How Long Does Scalp Micropigmentation Take?
Scalp Micropigmentation is not a one-time process. You will need 2-4 sessions for more natural-looking results. An SMP practitioner should be able to tell you how many sessions you will need to acquire a complete look. Each session is usually 10-20 days apart to avoid irritating the scalp. The sessions take around 2-4 hours to complete.
Will My Hair Tattoo Fade Away?
The type of product they use on your scalp is an essential consideration during your Scalp Micropigmentation artist selection. To make an informed decision, ask about the quality of the pigment. You can even ask for the name and do your research just to be entirely sure they are using the best products on your scalp and confirm it won’t fade away and lasts long.
Discuss Your Aftercare and Follow-Up Queries
When Can I Expect to See the Finished Result?
After the first treatment, you may see some redness on your scalp, which will eventually go away. You will also notice a difference in your hairline. Now, the type of results you see will depend on how well you follow the aftercare instructions. An SMP artist will list to-dos and don’ts, like avoiding washing your scalp, scratching, etc. If you follow these instructions as stated, you will start to see the expected results with the 2nd-4th session.
How Does Your Follow-Up Treatment Schedule Process Work?
One main reason why hair tattoos are sought after is that they don’t disrupt your regular routine. For those with busy schedules, make sure to enquire about the follow-up treatments. Some practitioners can do it in the evenings or at weekends. Thus, you don’t have to worry about missing one. Also, remember to ask the way forward if the unexpected happens and you can’t make it for the session. Some artists are strict about schedule changes; however, if you provide early notice, they will provide a day that works perfectly for you guys.
Ready to grab the bull by its horns and acquire your hair goals? Keep these questions about SMP artist qualifications at your fingertips, and your Scalp Micropigmentation artist selection process will be seamless.
We hope you enjoyed reading this post. Follow us for more!