Do I need to keep the shaved look for scalp micropigmentation?

There’s no single rule that says you have to keep a shaved look for scalp micropigmentation (SMP). Everyone has their own style and taste when it comes to what they think looks good on them. It’s your hair and you can style it in the way that you prefer. 

The bottom line is that it depends on your current hairstyle, your level of hair loss, and your treatment goals, or what look you’re wanting to have. After evaluating these different factors, a hair loss specialist will be able to guide you on the look that will fit you best. 

Still, there’s no doubt that a shaved head is a clean and natural look for most men. Maintaining a shaved look after scalp micropigmentation also requires little work.

So, when do I not need a shaved look after scalp micropigmentation?

Hair thinning only on the sides

If you’re someone with a good hairline and decent volume on top, there’s not much of a reason to need a shaved look. If you only have hair thinning on the sides, you can get scalp micropigmentation to fill in the thinning areas. Scalp micropigmentation will help boost the appearance of volume on the sides, especially if you keep a faded or tapered style on the sides. 

Fairly defined hairline with some hair thinning on the top

You probably don’t need to completely shave your head if you only have a specific area thinning on top. Scalp micropigmentation can be used to conceal the thinning areas and create a look of thicker hair. Adding more density into these areas is all you really need to have fuller looking hair. In this case, you wouldn’t have to shave your head. 

Medium to long hairstyle with some hair thinning on the top

As with having a defined hairline, if you have medium to long hair with only some areas thinning on top, you likely don’t need to shave your head. Scalp micropigmentation can help add fullness to the areas thinning on top. It will also create a more blended look so that the hair looks consistent with the rest of your hairstyle.

When should I keep my head shaved after scalp micropigmentation?

Natural look

A shaved look after scalp micropigmentation is often recommended for a lot of guys. This is because SMP achieves the most natural look. Scalp micropigmentation is usually needed to help produce a more defined hairline in addition to filling bald spots on the top. 

Easy to maintain

Shaving the head doesn’t mean using a razor either. After scalp micropigmentation, you can use an electric shaver or trimmer to maintain a fresh buzz-cut hairstyle. Instead of having to maintain a longer hairstyle, you can easily keep your hair trimmed with an electric shaver every few days. 

Stylish + cohesive look

In some cases, if you don’t maintain a shaved look after scalp micropigmentation, your actual hair may appear darker and thicker than the SMP pigment. This can create a contrasted look, which could accentuate the hair loss areas. Without a shaved look, the grown out hair can reduce the flow and blended look of scalp micropigmentation.

Scalp micropigmentation is not hair transplantation. While it creates a realistic buzz-cut style, ink pigment is not the same as an actual hair follicle. Allowing hair to grow too long in some areas can create texture that disrupts the uniform look of SMP.

If you have more questions about the shaved look after scalp micropigmentation, you can consult a hair loss specialist to find out what your options are. At Scalp Micro USA, trained specialists are there to support you on your hair loss treatment journey.