Hair loss treatment doesn’t stop at hair transplants. If you think that’s stating the obvious, then you’re probably a bit more clued-up on the subject of hair restoration than the average person. You may be aware of beard and eyebrow transplants, microblading, and platelet-rich plasma treatment but most people aren’t. It’s the same story with micro scalp pigmentation (MSP); people are surprised when they hear about it. Here’s the funny thing, though. Once they know what MSP is and what it does, they often find it more appealing as a treatment for hair loss than some of the other procedures.
This article is going to look at MSP and outline why it’s the hair loss treatment that gets under your skin in more ways than one!
MSP Defined
Let’s start by explaining what we mean by MSP. It has been described as artistic camouflage for the head. It’s similar, in principle at least, to microblading. That’s the procedure where pigment is put into the eyebrow area with micro-needles to create the impression of tiny hairs, thus improving the density of the brow. The procedures are also similar in that they are both painless; MSP is applied to the scalp with the aid of a topical numbing agent. So, where do they differ?
The obvious difference is the area treated, but there are others. To start with, the pigment is inserted using different tools. Microblading technicians do their stuff using a manual blade. The MSP process, on the other hand, resembles tattooing. In part, that’s down to the fact that the skin on your head is thicker than the skin on your brow, so a more powerful delivery mechanism is required for the pigment. MSP needles aren’t as big as those used in tattooing, however, as the penetration of the skin isn’t as deep.
MSP takes two or three sessions to complete. It’s a semi-permanent treatment. The pigment will stay strong and consistent for up to about five years, after which the colour will lighten and you may need a touch-up.
Objectives
Microblading and MSP also have different end goals. While the former is designed to create the effect of full hairs, the purpose of MSP is to use countless tiny dots to create the suggestion of natural hair follicles that one sees on a closely-shaved head. The technique is known as ‘pointillism’.
MSP can be used in various hair loss contexts. While it’s best known for creating the fashionable shaved-head look, that’s not where its usefulness ends. MSP can also be used in cases of thinning hair to fill in areas of the scalp that would otherwise show up through sparse strands. In the same way, it can benefit those experiencing the patchy hair loss associated with alopecia.
The common thread in all these cases is that the MSP pigment covers exposed areas of the scalp with its tiny, hair follicle-like dots, so giving the impression of a fuller head of hair. It is this subtle, camouflaging ability that makes MSP so popular once its uses are understood. It is quietly effective; no one knows you’ve had it done unless you tell them.
Choose Carefully!
MSP sounds great, but does it have any downsides? Like all medical procedures, there are slight risks attached, such as allergic reactions to the pigment or post-procedure infection. It is important to stress that the risks are small and can be eliminated almost entirely if you choose your service provider with care. That means finding a practitioner who has the necessary training and adheres to standards set by a professional body.
The least you should expect are a display of credentials or training certificates, a clean and sterile environment with a sink, needles that are taken from an unopened packet (so you know they haven’t been used on a previous client) and the use of barrier equipment such as gloves. If the practitioner doesn’t have these, make your excuses and leave. Hunt around for a practitioner with a solid reputation for good work. MSP is as much an art form as it is a procedure, so you want someone with that extra bit of flair.
Conclusion
The biggest danger when it comes to MSP treatment is falling into the hands of an untrained or unskilled practitioner. To avoid that, you need to do some research. Word-of-mouth recommendations are good, particularly when you can see good-quality workmanship standing in front of you.
If you’re worried about hair loss or thinning, why not speak to a hair specialist at Vinci Hair Clinic? We’re one of the world’s leading hair restoration organisations, with state-of-the-art clinics in many countries. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to all our new clients, either in person or over the phone using photographs. All you have to do is get in touch and book your appointment!
