SMP is different from a traditional tattoo in more ways than one. The biggest difference is in the type of pigment and its placement. The needle type and size is another important criterion. Scalp micropigmentation pigment is placed at a shallower depth compared to normal tattoo ink. There are three main skin layers, depending on their depth, from epidermis being the top layer to dermis, the second or middle later, and the subcutis, which is the last layer. Each skin layer has different sub-layers.
How Deep Do SMP Needles Go?
The best scalp artists keep it just below the epidermis. There’s a valid reason to keep the pigment just below the top layer or the uppermost part of the dermis. This layer has a thin combination of collagen fiber. Known as papillary layer, it controls temperature and supplies nutrients to other parts of the epidermis.
Why Bother About Depth?
Let’s see why you need to be particular about the needle depth. If the needle penetrates too deep into the the mid-dermis or hypodermis, the results will be flawed as it will create a blurred impression. What does that mean?
Well, if a client receives SMP too deep, then their scalp will only have a vague impression of follicles that look too large. The depth matters as the scalp artist can place follicle sized dots in the upper dermis, which cannot be replicated deeper. If they go too deep, the dots will appear bigger.
On the other hand, if the pigment is implanted on the upper layer, then it might simple disappear after a short while. How? Well, the skin is in a cycle of regeneration. As it regenerates, it will shed the pigment. Besides, pigment placed in the top layer will be exposed to weather elements as well as direct rays of the sunlight and lose its color. In such cases, it may not even last a year.
What about the pigment?
Well, even the type and quality of pigment matters. The best pigments are formulated using natural ingredients and designed to be retained in the top dermis layer, which is just beneath the epidermis.
Dermal cells and macrophages slowly engulf the pigment particles, which then remain suspended in the top dermis. This ensures that they remain visible.
What happens to the pigment inside the scalp?
In some cases, cells die while others may be removed by the lymphatic system. Some cells are swallowed and re-suspended in the top dermis. Patients suffering from alopecia need more SMP sessions due to the nature of their hair loss condition, which attacks the pigment aggressively.
Needle Depth
Any pigment implanted in the epidermal layer will not last long. It is more likely to shed quickly. The best layer for SMP is the papillary layer of the dermis, where the pigment stays suspended for longer and is more likely to last for years.
Now you might be wondering about the best ink for SMP. Well, the top-quality HD SMP pigments are available with DermMicro. These are especially designed not to fade, blur, or migrate. What’s more, they require no dilution and are available for different skin and hair colors.
Order the best quality HD pigments today on DM store.
