M.T.E.C Ltd. Director Dawn Cragg MBE
58a Bridgegate,
Retford,
Nottinghamshire.
Guidelines
for Hair Scalp Pigments
(For
hair scalp only. NOT to be used near the eye or eyebrow area.)
Mei-cha® is proud to announce Hair Scalp Pigments. The Hair Scalp
Pigment Series is a highly
concentrated version of selective organic hair scalp colours made exclusively
for hair scalp procedures only; sometimes referred to as Scalp MicroPigmentation
(SMP).
SMP is a permanent cosmetic ‘tattoo’ that resembles the very
short hairs of a closely shaved scalp. It is an alternative technique that
offers a different styling option for men and/or women who do not want or are
not eligible candidates for hair transplant surgery.
SMP can be used for a variety of scalp conditions that
include: Genetic androgenic alopecia (AGA) otherwise known as male pattern
baldness (MPB), scarring alopecia from a variety of autoimmune diseases of the
scalp (e.g. alopecia areata, alopecia totalis), and scarring from neurosurgical
procedures or burns. It is also used to manage the unnatural appearance that is
associated with outdated hair transplant procedures and is also an option for
men who are totally bald. It is essentially the process of having a person’s
scalp tattooed with tiny dots that look like stubble, giving the appearance of
a short ‘buzz-cut’(‘Grade 1’) hairstyle. This is a non-surgical procedure, but
should only be performed by experienced technicians trained and qualified in
the art of Scalp Micropigmentation.
SMP is a great enhancement to hair transplant surgery by
creating a thicker look to the transplanted area. Today’s hair transplant
surgery can create a completely natural appearance using a person’s own hair to
provide fullness in thinning areas. The SMP process adds to the look of
fullness by reducing the contrast between a person’s scalp and their hair
colour or to shade small areas where hair is thinning to also make hair look
thicker. It can also camouflage scars found on the scalp, including those that
form from ‘Strip Harvesting’. Scalp micropigmentation at least gives a person
the appearance of some hair or a
hairline.
Like a tattoo, SMP is a permanent procedure. However, although
similar to a tattoo, it is a technique that uses different needles and
specialised pigments. The result resembles a closely shaved head of hair.
The use of SMP is vast and uses a specialist technique. The
pigments used for these types of procedures are a specially formulated range of
organic pigments. Mei-Cha® have years of renowned experience and
knowledge in the pigmentation industry. Coupled with intense research they have
been working to produce high quality, safe pigments, made specifically for the
application of SMP, which do not include heavy metals such as lead, and are
iron-oxide free. Mei-Cha’s® aim was also to develop long lasting,
natural scalp pigment shades that are true to colour but fade gradually over
time.
Mei-cha® has developed the perfect solution; the Hair Scalp Pigments, designed for the EXPERIENCED TECHNICIAN to
achieve a safe, high quality, natural looking, true to colour, healed version
of hair, with scalp shades designed to the client’s desire.
What we have accomplished is to use selective organic
colours as a base, greatly increasing the density value, by utilising a creamy
texture that maintains the consistent, long lasting formula during use. The Hair Scalp Pigments
offer so many options in the choice of shades, correctors and
additives. Refer to the Colour Identification Chart (CDC) for additional information.
What makes the Hair Scalp Pigments different from the typical permanent cosmetic
pigments?
The hair scalp pigments are organic which produces deeper;
more intense colour but are longer lasting pigments and made as a highly
concentrated formula. However, these specific pigments are not yet certified by
the FDA- Food and Drug Administration. (i.e. FD&C and D&C organic
pigments are certified by the FDA for
topical cosmetic use only (USA).
On the other hand, these specific Hair Scalp Pigments are allowed in the EU as
safe for tattooing, provided that the specific pigment/s have passed the EU
resolution ResAP (2008)1. All Mei-cha® pigments are tested according
to these resolutions, providing a high level of safety and a minimum
health-risk for our customers. The EU specifications require continuous testing
and re-certification every 18 months, by which Mei-cha® abides. They
have passed all the EU Resolution’s stringent testing; meeting the guidelines
within the European Union.
Why Organic
Pigments for Hair Scalp Procedures?
Organic Pigments are the same as the deep, strong, intense
tattoo pigments used to create the works of art depicted on skin tattoo
designs. Traditional Organic Pigments may discolour, but that is dependent on
the type of pigment used, the depth to which the pigment was placed into the
skin, and the amount of sun exposure. The techniques used in SMP (pointillism,
or ‘dots’) can lose its definition over time and that is greatly dependent on
technique, sun exposure to the area, client health history, and many other
contributing factors. The key to minimizing these effects is to use organic
scalp pigments that Mei-cha® has created. Since the scalp covers a
broad area of skin, iron-oxide pigments used here could migrate over time. This
look is greatly minimized using Mei-cha’s® organic-based pigments,
special techniques, and specific instruments and needles for this procedure.
Don’t Organic
Tattoo Pigments Change Colour Over Time; such as Grey, Blue, or Orange, etc?
There is always the possibility for the pigment to change
over time. There are various factors which can contribute to pigment loss
and/or colour changes. These factors include - but are not limited to - the
area of the body being pigmented, sun exposure, client age & health
conditions, medication taken, pre/post-care treatments, etc. Discolouration is
highly dependent on the type of pigment used, the depth of which the pigment is
placed in the scalp, the machine & needles used, and the experience of the
technician. Each individual client absorbs pigments differently and at
different rates, particularly when dealing with scalp tissue. There is always a
chance of the colour changing slightly.
The Hair Scalp
Pigments created by Mei-cha®
are pre-neutralised, which means they have the bases already manufactured
within the pigment to neutralise the red, green, orange, and blue, that is
responsible for colour changes. However, it is important to colour-match
properly. The pigment selected should be matched appropriately to tone with the
client’s skin and hair colour although the stubble from white hair (and most
colours of hair) looks grey close to the skin. It is important to choose the
correct colour to obtain that natural look. (Remember, dark hair turns to grey
later in life).
Another key
point is pigment colours that contain titanium-dioxide (white) will fade faster
than those with iron-oxide. Also sunlight also increases fading. Clients should
be advised that titanium-dioxide will turn black if exposed to laser. Caution
is advised when using pigments that contain titanium-dioxide and a sunscreen
should be applied to protect pigment colour.
Since SMP is
the same principle as a tattoo in that pigment is deposited underneath the skin
with a needle, Mei-Cha® has created this range of pigments that can
be custom-blended, making it easy to create that specific skin or hair colour.
What does the Pigment Colour Look Like
after the Procedure?
Typical to a
tattoo or permanent cosmetics application, immediately after the procedure the
scalp will look slightly pink, somewhat similar to sunburn. This pinkness will
fade within 48-72 hours. In lighter skin-tones the pink will be more
noticeable. The appearance will be that of a full head of hair that has a
closely shaven look. The pigmentation may appear more pronounced until the
scalp has been washed, the excess pigment removed, and healing has settled in.
Dependent on the client, type of skin, etc., the pigment will fade as it
settles in after the healing process. A re-touch should be scheduled after one
month to fill in the areas missed or faded.
What if the Client Wants the Procedure
Removed?
The treatment
is permanent, but it can be adjusted (and in some cases reversed). A
laser-removal process can be performed unless a pigment containing
titanium-dioxide (white) has been applied. In this case a removal gel is
available to technicians who have been trained in this special technique by
Dawn Cragg MBE.
What are the Do’s & Don’ts related
to the Hair Scalp Pigments?
·
Consumer
Caution and Alerts. Since these are highly concentrated versions of selective
organic lip colourants they are much stronger and therefore an allergic
reaction is more likely to occur. Disclaimer, waiver, and consent forms are
required and should always be completed and signed by the client, although a
disclaimer may not be acceptable in a court of law.
·
Patch/sensitivity
testing is essential. (Refer to ‘Patch Test Guidelines’ for further
details/instructions on patch-testing.)
·
The Hair Scalp Pigments should be used by experienced
technicians trained in scalp techniques.
·
CAUTION: The Hair Scalp Pigments should be
used on the scalp area only!
·
The
Hair Scalp
Pigments should only be mixed
with other Hair
Scalp Pigments. These pigments should not be mixed with iron-oxide based pigments, other organic
pigments, or other manufacturer’s pigments.
·
24
hours prior to treatment the client should not take the following substances:-Alcohol,
stimulants i.e. painkillers like ibuprofen, tea, coffee, soda/cola containing
caffeine or any other substances that contain stimulants.
GENERAL AFTERCARE
INSTRUCTIONS.
·
AVOID EXPOSURE TO SUN, TANNING BEDS, & UV
RAYS. Use effective sunscreen, 50SPF or higher for protection. Since this is
the scalp area and easily exposed to the sun, if SPF is not used, a hat is
recommended to avoid sun damage as this will affect both the pigments used and
the longevity of the Scalp MicroPigmentation procedure.
For 7 – 14 days after the procedure:-
·
DO NOT TOUCH THE AREA. – Do not scratch, rub, or
pick the scabs. Do not use any shampoo.
·
MINIMIZE WATER EXPOSURE
·
AVOID shaving or washing the scalp.
·
AVOUD USING LOTIONS ON THE AREA, including
cosmetic creams, exfoliating cleansers, Aloe Vera, etc.
·
AVOID WORKING IN THE GARDEN OR OUTSIDE. Dirt and
pollutants from the environment may cause infections.
·
AVOID sweaty exercise
·
AVOID seafood, salty, and spicy foods i.e.
curries.
·
AVOID SWIMMING, long, hot, steamy baths,
showers, and Jacuzzis.
·
AVOID chlorinated swimming pools for a minimum
of one (1) month.
·
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
·
Laser removal may cause discolouration,
particularly if any of the Hair Scalp Pigments used contain titanium-dioxide.
These Hair Scalp Pigments comply
with all European Union (EU) requirements for Tattooing & Permanent Cosmetics
as outlined in Directive 76/768/EEC, ANNEX II, ANNEX III PART I & II,
EU-Resolution ResAP (2008)1
The uses are endless. We hope you enjoy these new products that will
provide the confidence and convenience which technicians and their clients
deserve.
E-mail: dawn@dawncragg.net
