The preliminary work we do before Scalp Micropigmentation treatments at Scalp Prodigy lay the foundation for successful results. It’s why we spend the time working with you to choose the right type of hairline and it’s also why we always perform a patch test for our clients who come in for Scalp Micropigmentation in Las Vegas.
Why Is a Patch Test Needed for SMP?
There are some SMP providers that skip patch tests or only perform them upon request. We believe patch tests are important for all of our clients. While it’s true that most people have no adverse reactions, for those that do, it’s critical to identify these reactions before working on the hairline. Consider it an insurance policy—you probably don’t need it, but if you do, you’ll be glad you had it.
A patch test allows us to identify:
Atrophic or scarred skin that reacts to pigment differently than expected. This is particularly important when we perform SMP to camouflage scars. Scarred skin can require a different technique to achieve the desired results.
Allergies and sensitivities to ink. We use the highest quality organic ink, 5PM Shadow, which is made from carbon black, distilled water, and alcohol. This ink is non-toxic and formulated differently from tattoo ink, which can migrate and change color once it enters the skin. It’s exceptionally rare to have an allergy to this pigment because it doesn’t contain metals, but it’s still advisable to patch test.
Allergies and sensitivities to needles. Like our pigments, we’ve gone out of our way to source the highest quality needles for SMP. We use Japanese steel needles, which are known for staying sharper for a longer length of time. It’s rare to have a sensitivity to these needles, but because stainless steel contains trace amounts of nickel and iron, it can cause discomfort in some clients with hypersensitive skin.
Color matches. By performing a patch test, we can ensure that once the pigment is under your skin, the color is correct and matches your natural hair follicles.
A patch test also allows you to understand what SMP will feel like when you’re ready for your first session. Most clients rate the pain somewhere between a 2 and a 4 on a scale of 1 to 10, but it’s still helpful to know what to expect since everyone has a different threshold for pain.
What Happens During an SMP Patch Test?
We perform a patch test in an inconspicuous location, allowing us to see the results of SMP on your unique skin and letting you preview your results. We perform patch testing in a small area with a sparse spread of micro dots which means that your patch test won’t be noticeable to anyone once you leave our studio.
Patch tests are a great way to test sensitivities in 24 hours if you are nervous about allergies. It is highly unlikely that you will have a reaction, but for those who just want to be sure the ink doesn’t irritate their skin, a patch test is always available. If you don’t experience any rashes or sensitivities we will move forward with your full SMP treatment.
Learn More About the Scalp Micropigmentation Process
If you’re ready to build your confidence with hyper realistic scalp micropigmentation, contact Scalp Prodigy today at 702-331-0201 or book an appointment at one of our three locations on our website.
