SMP® Scalp Micropigmentation and Tricopigmentation are both treatments that simulate the look of real 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 Scalp Micropigmentation?
SMP® 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 SMP® Scalp Micropigmentation with a large number of SMP® clinics worldwide, including Canada at HIS Hair Canada | https://Hairtattoo.ca. In fact, SMP® is a registered trademark with HIS Hair Clinic. Through intensive research and development, Mr. Watson has helped adapt the techniques he learned to create innovative SMP® scalp pigmentation techniques. He personally underwent the very first SMP® procedure, and the amazing 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 with scalp scars, including those as a result of hair transplant surgery. Of the solutions available, few 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 as SMP® but has some differences. Tricopigmentation was developed by Milena Lardi of Beauty Medical in Milan, Italy in 2008. The major difference between SMP® Scalp Micropigmentation and Tricopigmentation is the ink being used. SMP® Scalp micropigmentation uses a unique kind of pigment that does not fade much over time, and it is considered a permanent solution for concealing hair loss. Tricopigmentation on the other hand, 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 who are afraid they may not like the permanent SMP®. The temporary pigments used in Tricopigmentation are designed to fade out after 12-24 months, whereas SMP® 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, Tricopigmentation can be reapplied to mimic the receding hairline as you age over the years.
The one thing that the Tricopigmentation marketers does not mention is 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 into the dermis as deep as traditional body tattoos, making removal much easier.
So, is Tricopigmentation a good idea?
It all depends if you do not mind redoing the treatment every 1-2 years and paying for the treatments over time. At HIS Hair Canada | Hairtattoo.ca, we offer both types of inks, the Black:Black permanant SMP® ink and the temporary Light:Black ink. We explain to clients that a SMP® procedure is a permanent solution but can be removed in the future if clients decide they want to alter their look, for example to move back their hairline. Knowing this, we seldom have request for Trichopigmentation, although it is an option.
The main advantage of Tricopigmentation is that is a temporary solution. If you do not like the procedure, it will eventually fade away after 1-2 years. The other advantage is that as your treatment fades away, you can redo it to match your age by doing a receding hairline. 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, Tricopigmentation works out to be more expensive if you factor in the number of treatments you need to do.
The main disadvantage of Tricopigmentation is that is a temporary solution. The fact that you need to 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 Tricopigmentation procedure, you can always switch to the more permanent SMP® after the initial treatment fades.
The other main disadvantage of Tricopigmentation is in the 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 Tricopigmentation treatment to naturally fade away by itself.
The main advantage of SMP® is that it is a permanent trouble-free solution to hair loss. Once done, you do not need a touch up for at least 8 years to 10+ years.
There is no real disadvantage of SMP® if you factor in the fact that the treatment is reversable 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.
