If you’re looking for a lasting hair loss solution, you mainly have two options – SMP or a hair transplant. Both have their benefits and drawbacks, so how do you go about choosing the right one for you? In this post, we’ll look at both treatment options to help you determine the best choice for you.
What is a Hair Transplant?
This is a surgical procedure meant to treat certain hair loss issues like alopecia. The process usually entails extracting individual hair follicles from other parts of your body, called the donor area, and transferring them to the thinning or balding area. The latest hair transplant methods can deliver permanent results by essentially picking up hair follicle clusters in a process known as Follicular Hair Transplantation (FUT).
FUT can be achieved in two main ways: follicular unit extraction (FUE) and strip harvesting. The most popular method for FUT is strip harvesting because of its straightforward approach. It involves removing a strip of hair, usually from the back of the head, and then dissecting it into portions, and then implanting the individual hair follicles. The only drawback to this method is that it ends up leaving a linear scar that can be quite unsightly for patients looking to wear their hair short.
On the other hand, FUE works like strip harvesting, though it tends to be a lot more tedious and time-consuming. The hair follicles are usually removed from the scalp skin and then implanted by creating small holes in the scalp. If done correctly, this method results in a very natural look, with little to no marks.
What is scalp micro pigmentation (SMP)?
SMP is a non-invasive, tattoo procedure designed to replicate the look of natural hair follicles. It involves applying pigments onto the patient’s scalp to fill thinning areas or bald spots, helping the patient achieve a thicker, fuller head of hair. Although scalp micro pigmentation does not restore hair, it’s quite effective at concealing bald spots and thinning areas on the scalp. SMP can also help restore a receding hairline and edge your hair to give you a clean and youthful look. One of the advantages of Scalp micropigmentation is its minimal maintenance requirements. Unlike other hair loss treatments, SMP does not require daily applications or the use of special products. Once the procedure is complete, you can continue with your regular hair care routine, including washing and styling your scalp as usual.
A key benefit of scalp micro pigmentation is that it works for both dark and fair hair. So, you won’t have to worry about the results looking unnatural as the pigments are formulated to match your hair color. If you want a non-invasive hair loss treatment that can help conceal balding or thinning hair, then SMP is the right treatment for you. Find a scalp micropigmentation clinic here.
TO STYLE OR NOT TO STYLE?
One of the main factors when it comes to determining which treatment is ideal for you is whether you’re looking for hair you can style or not.
For those that want to cling to full, thick hair, a hair transplant could be the way to go, so long as you have a great donor site. Nonetheless, keep in mind that if you are almost bald or have gone completely bald, a transplant is unlikely to work because you won’t have a viable donor site to get hair.
If you want a style that you don’t need to worry about maintaining, then SMP could be ideal. So long as you choose a skilled professional, you can get excellent results from SMP. The procedure will also leave behind a fully shaved look that doesn’t need regular maintenance.
WHICH PROCEDURE IS MORE EFFECTIVE?
For people with a viable donor site, hair transplants can be an excellent option. However, they are not 100% guaranteed to work. On the other hand, SMP is nearly 100% effective at concealing hair loss, provided the procedure is done correctly. Plus, with SMP, you are not getting your hair back. SMP is more of a cosmetic procedure, while a hair transplant will result in a full head of hair.
It’s important to also consider your budget. Hair transplants are significantly more expensive than SMP, though the results tend to be much better as you will be getting your hair back. In general, it all depends on the kind of look you’re looking for, how much maintenance you’re comfortable with, and what kind of budget you’re working with.