At Ultra Scalp Ink, we have had many different types of questions about the procedure. We had one prospective client ask the following query – “I never heard about this procedure until recently. Can you let me know – “How Long Has SMP Been Around?” Let’s take a look at what we’ve been able to find out.
There is some controversy over who is the true founder of Scalp Micropigmentation. This is a question that has been debated for many years. Scalp Micropigmentation is a phenomenon of modern cosmetology. Throughout history, when someone’s hair was less than what they preferred it to be, there were not many options on how to properly fix it. From wigs toupees, or just a normal cap or hat, it seemed to be the only alternative or just shaving it all off. Hair transplants became an option starting in the 1950’s.The first hair transplant surgery for male pattern baldness was performed by Dr. Norman Orentreich in New York City, USA in 1952. This was and is an option but the procedure has many negatives. From the extremely high and costly price to the fact that the procedure does not always work and you need to go back many times for more treatments. With the advent of Scalp Micropigmentation, people rejoiced at finally having a different option to keep their hair looking as youthful as they feel.
As different tools evolved through time and people came up with creative ideas to move the industry forward, we entered the era of cosmetic makeup. During the 1920s, women had sought after a new and creative use for permanently inked skin. This would be makeup that lasted for many years. A man by the name of Sutherland MacDonald is credited with performing the first permanent makeup procedures. The procedures he produced were simple by our standards today but, for that time, it was incredibly revolutionary. Products such as lip liner, eyebrow shaping, or blush on the cheeks were the new in thing! It was an expensive procedure but the cost of makeup was a deciding facto.
Traditional tattoos had taken on a stigma at that point in history but the idea that tattoos could be as innocuous as makeup was very attractive. At that time, doctors and other medical figures protested against these practices. They claimed that only skin grafts would be enough to erase the damage to their fair skin. For the nay sayers, it was too late as the ball had already started rolling! Permanent makeup continued to become as popular as a traditional tattoo. In the years to come, while a traditional tattoo became less popular, at times, permanent makeup remained popular and grew to where it is today.
From what we can gather, the first experiments with Scalp Micropigmentation were in the 1970’s. It wasn’t truly developed until 2000. The first reported use of micropigmentation on the scalp was in 2001 by Traquina who reported the results of micropigmentation performed on 62 patients with scalp scars. There are reports that the first treatment in the UK was performed in 2002. The first general treatment offered to the public took place in 2006. It has since drummed up a storm of popularity. Extremely small needles, specially blended and crafted inks, and ultimate patience all coming together to create stunning results. It was finally an alternative to the dilemma of people worrying about thinning hair The practice of Scalp Micropigmentation joins the likes of permanent makeup and traditional tattoos in the league of permanent body art that will live on for centuries to come.
As it comes to that time of the year again, Angela and I, the team at Ultra Scalp Ink, hope everyone has an amazing holiday season! Looking forward to meeting new clients in 2025!
