Two questions that come up frequently among hair care enthusiasts are whether scalp massaging tools really help, and how to manage hair after Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP). Dr. John Watts — dermatologist, trichologist and hair transplant surgeon in Hyderabad — answers both directly.
Does a scalp massaging comb help hair growth?
Dr. Watts confirmed that scalp massaging combs are somewhat useful in improving blood circulation to the hair roots. “This can help in hair growth. Hence, there is nothing wrong in using a scalp massaging comb as improved blood circulation to hair roots can help carry more nutrition to the scalp hair and aid in growth,” he explained.
However, he was clear about bamboo combs: “Whether one uses a plastic comb or a bamboo comb makes no difference. Some people may prefer using a bamboo comb but it should be seen as a mere fancy item,” he said.
Can you let hair grow after Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)?
Dr. Watts explained that SMP works by creating micro hair-like dots on the scalp to provide the illusion of a shaved head — a camouflage technique for people who cannot undergo a hair transplant.
If you have hair thinning in a small area and use SMP on that patch alone, you can generally allow surrounding hair to continue growing. However, if SMP has been applied across the entire front of a completely bald scalp, letting the sides grow long will break the illusion.
“If you let it happen, the illusion that SMP creates on the front of the scalp would be lost. People can see that it is just an artificial paint job if the side and back hair is let to grow normally,” explained Dr. Watts.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Do scalp massaging combs help with hair growth?
Dr. Watts says they are somewhat useful — improved blood circulation to hair roots can help carry more nutrition and support growth. However, bamboo combs offer no additional benefit over regular combs.
Is it mandatory to shave your head before SMP?
It depends on the extent of balding. SMP creates an illusion of a shaved head. You can let surrounding hair grow if only a patch has been treated, but if the entire frontal scalp is pigmented, growing the sides long will break the illusion.
Can SMP be used on partial scalp areas?
Yes. If you have hair thinning in a small area and use SMP there, the surrounding hair can continue to grow normally without disrupting the result.
