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WHAT IS SCALP MICRO PIGMENTATION (SMP)?SMP stands for Scalp Micro Pigmentation, a non-surgical, permanent hair loss solution that gives the illusion of a close buzz cut hair style on a bald head or adds density to a thinning hair line or crown. The procedure can also be used to conceal scars from hair transplants, surgery and accidents. We do this by inserting pigment into the scalp, emulating tiny hair follicles. Clients walk away with the appearance of a full head of hair that they simply chose to shave down.
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DOES IT LOOK NATURAL?The entire concept of Scalp Micro Pigmentation is to simulate what you would look like with a full head of hair, whether you keep it closely cropped, shaved down or long. Artists at The Scalp Shop pride themselves on making this look as realistic as possible, so in short, yes. Feel free to view our gallery of Before + Afters.
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HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?Treatment fees depend on the amount of hair loss a person has and what their goals are. Most treatments fall between $2500-$4000 price range. To know what your personalized treatment plan and quote looks like, we invite you to schedule a free consultation today.
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IS SCALP MICRO PIGMENTATION PERMANENT?Yes, Scalp Micro Pigmentation is considered permanent because it typically lasts 4-6 years and will only lighten over time. When this happens, you may come in for a touch-up session which costs a fraction of the initial treatment fee.
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CAN THE TREATMENT BE COMPLETED IN 1 SESSION?Usually the Scalp Micro Pigmentation treatment takes between 2 and 4 sessions to achieve a completed look. Sessions last anywhere from 2-4 hours each, with a 10-14 day break in between visits.
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HOW LONG WILL MY FINISHED LOOK LAST?The initial scalp make over should last years and will slightly lighten over time, but will never discolor like a tattoo. We offer density touch ups for a fraction of your initial cost.
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IS THE TREATMENT PAINFUL?Pain is individual, however our past clients have reported the pain being minimal, and highly tolerable for many hours at a time. Once the treatment is over, any discomfort you may feel typically subsides right away.
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CAN I FINANCE MY TREATMENT?Yes! We have teamed up with United Medical Credit to offer financing for people wishing to get their SMP treatment now, and pay later. Learn more about it here.
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IS THE TREATMENT THE SAME AS GETTING A TATTOO?No, Scalp Micro Pigmentation is a form of Cosmetic Pigmentation that uses completely different machines, needles and pigments. The pigments will never discolor like tattoo inks, only lighten over time.
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CAN I RETURN TO WORK RIGHT AFTER GETTING THE TREATMENT?In most cases yes, however there may be redness on the scalp that can last 1-3 days following your session. You are able to wear hats or head coverings right away if desired.
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IF MY HAIR IS LONG, DO I NEED TO SHAVE IT DOWN?"It is possible to keep your hair long, however we would need to assess the extent of your hair loss to give you our expert opinion. Scalp Micro Pigmentation can add the appearance of a thicker head of hair allowing some to maintain a longer hair style. However, those needing more density are typically advised to closely crop or shave down their hair.
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AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR SMP IF I HAVE GRAY HAIR?Absolutely. With Scalp Micro Pigmentation, we replicate hair follicles no matter what color hair you have - be it gray, red, blonde, black or brown, we’ll match it.
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WHAT HAPPENS IF MY HAIR TURNS GRAY AFTER GETTING SMP?If you're keeping your hair at the right length, the gray isn't usually noticable. This is because the root of the hair typically looks darker than when it grows out. During your procedure, we help you determine the proper length to cut your hair so that your SMP remains undetectable.
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IS SMP SUITABLE FOR ALL SKIN TONES?Yes! Scalp Micro Pigmentation is the leading hair loss solution and looks realistic no matter the tone or color of your skin.
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WILL MY HAIR STILL GROW AFTER GETTING SMP?Scalp Micro Pigmentation does not cause your hair to grow and does not stop your hair from growing.
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WHAT KIND OF PIGMENT DOES THE SCALP SHOP USE?We use an all natural, gray-scale, charcoal based pigment that will not turn blue or green over time like other tattoo inks.
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WILL SCALP MICRO PIGMENTATION MATCH MY HAIR COLOR?Yes! We expertly pre-mix our pigment to match all hair colors. Whether it's blonde, gray, red, brown, black or somewhere in between, the root color falls along the spectrum of gray. After assesing your hair, we use our gray-scale pigment system to tone match on the spot using anywhere from black to the lightest shade of gray to match your hair.
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HOW IS SMP DIFFERENT THAN A REGULAR TATTOO?We use machines that are calibrated specifically for Scalp Micro Pigmentation, micro sized needles that replicate the look of hair follicles, as well as inks that will not change color over time. Additionally, we insert the pigment only 2mm into the skin, which is significanly shallower than regular tattoo depth.
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WHAT IS BACK 2 THE FUTURE?Book your free Back 2 The Future Consultation here.
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WHAT IF I HAVE NO IDEA HOW MY HAIRLINE SHOULD LOOK?No problem! We can help. Come in to the shop for a free Back 2 The Future Consultation where we mock up different hairlines for you see on yourself. You'll leave with photos and videos to help you decide which hairline you like the most. Additionally, you can purchase our Back 2 The Future cream to try multiple hairlines in the privacy of your own home.
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ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?Unlike other hair loss treatments, Scalp Micro Pigmentation has no side effects. Unless you're referring to the added confidence and swagger, then yes ;-)
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DOES SCALP MICRO PIGMENTATION WORK TO CAMOUFLAGE TRANSPLANT SCARS?Absolutely. By strategically inserting pigmented follicles on and around the scar, we can make it naturally blend in to your surrounding hair. Feel free to take a look at our gallery of Scar Work Before + Afters.
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ARE CONSULTATIONS FREE?Yes. We can take a look at your scalp and provide a free personalized treatment plan and quote either virtually, in person, on the phone or via email. Book your free consultation today.
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DO YOU HAVE PHOTOS OF SMP RESULTS?Yes, lots. Dive in to our gallery of Before + Afters to view our Scalp Micro Pigmentation transformations.
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WHAT MAKES THE SCALP SHOP DIFFERENT?So many things. First off, the difference between good and great are the details. At The Scalp Shop, we are artists who care deeply about aesthetics. This translates into hyper-realistic results that are tailor made for each client. Second, is our experience. Being the first firm to conceptualize and perform SMP in New York City in the late 90s, we've got the time in on understanding all aspects of SMP. Third, is our Back 2 The Future SMP simulator. We created Back 2 The Future to remove all uncertainty when it comes to how your new hairline will look. Before we begin any treatment, we sculpt and co-design different hairlines on you until everyone agrees it's perfect. We don't play white line roulette. Fourth, is our inspired space. We've curated and created everything from the art, music, films, furniture, sneakers, boots, shirts, hats, soaps, motorcycles and more that make up the decor surrounding you. You know you're in an artist's space when you enter The Scalp Shop. And fifth, is our energy. It is our mission to go above and beyond for our clients, so they know people care for them and their happiness. We also like to have fun and make people feel comfortable enough to do the same. So be prepared to laugh, relax and have a great time.
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WHY ARE THERE NO SIGNS ON YOUR BUILDING?We are sign-free business out of respect to our clients who wish to keep their treatment a private experience.
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DO YOU ACCEPT WALK-INS?We do all of our consultations and treatments by appointment only. This affords our clients complete privacy with no interruptions.
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MAY I BRING A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER TO MY APPOINTMENT?Yes, you are welcome to bring a loved one to your consultation or treatment session. However, we prefer that you do not have more than 1 person accompany you to your appointment.
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IS THERE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OR PARKING NEARBY?We are located a few blocks away from the 116th stop on the 6 subway line. If driving, there is free street parking or paid parking at the East River Plaza just 1 block away. The entrance to East River Plaza is on E. 116th St. between Pleasant Avenue and the FDR.
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IS THE SCALP SHOP COVID COMPIANT?Yes. As New York State licenced practitioners, sanitization and safety has always been of upmost importance to us. In addition to our regular cleaning, we are committed to following WHO and CDC safety guidelines by adhering to a strict sanitization protocol.
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WHERE IS THE SCALP SHOP LOCATED?We are located in Manhattan at 477 East 115 St. New York, NY. Our building is close to the corner of Pleasant Avenue.
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DO YOU TEACH SCALP MICRO PIGMENTATION?Absolutely. We've worked tirelessly to offer the most comprehensive certification training so our students are prepared for greatness. You can learn all about our private and group Scalp Micro Pigmentation Training here.
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DO YOU OFFER FINANCING FOR SMP TRAINING?Yes! We have teamed up with United Medical Credit to offer financing for people wishing to begin their SMP Training now, and pay later. Learn more about it here.
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WHEN IS IT SAFE TO SWEAT AFTER EACH SESSION?We advise keeping the scalp as dry as possible for the first 3 days while your SMP heals. It is ok to lightly sweat on day 4 and by day 7, you are safe to resume activities that cause heavy sweating.
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WHEN CAN I FIRST WET MY SCALP AFTER TREATMENT?We recommend wetting the scalp 5 days after your treatment.
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WHAT KIND OF SKIN CARE PRODUCTS SHOULD I USE AFTER SMP?Have you ever had a leather baseball glove that you had to keep oiled so that the leather didn't get stiff and crack? That's what will happen to your skin without the proper moisturizer. As the body's largest organ, your skin stretches out about 20 feet. Whatever is applied to it will absorb into your blood stream, affecting you topically and biologically. Basically what we're saying is, it's important to not just rub anything on there. We recommend avoiding products with alcohol and synthetic chemicals/fragrances to prolong the look of your Scalp Micro Pigmentation and keep your skin looking young and feeling healthy. Since 99% of products on the shelf contain harsh and harmful ingredients, we hand-crafted our own all natural, chemical-free Scalp + Body Butter and Soap so you can feel good about what you are putting on your skin.
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WHEN IS IT SAFE TO USE POOLS, SAUNAS, STEAM ROOMS AND TANNING BEDS AFTER TREATMENT?"30 days after your final session.
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WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO MAINTAIN MY SMP?After receiving Scalp Micro Pigmentation, we recommend moisturizing the scalp regularly, applying a good quality sunscreen before UV ray exposure and avoiding skin care products with alcohol and synthetic ingredients in them. This will keep your SMP looking fresh while preventing premature fading.
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HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CUT MY HAIR AFTER GETTING SMP?If you are keeping a closely cropped look, this answer ranges from person to person based on how quickly your hair grows. There is no clear cut rule to this, but typically people trim their hair every few days to maintain a seamless and realistic look.
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HOW SHORT DO I NEED TO KEEP MY HAIR AFTER GETTING SMP?Depending on your preference, we suggest keeping your hair shaved to a close stubble or shaving all the way down to skin. Not sure which tools are the best for the job? After testing 30 different shavers, we've taken the guess work out of the equation for you. Get the right buzz cut length for SMP using the TSS SMP Perfect Stubble Shaver, or go for a smooth, bald cut using the TSS SMP Foil Shaver. Feel free to check out more of our Scalp Micro Pigmentation Supplies at Butcher James.
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