Baldness is a common condition especially among men but surprisingly, the condition is not always linked with age. Studies show that approximately 85% of bald men in the world are specifically suffering from male pattern baldness – a common hair loss condition that is triggered by the genes and male sex hormones, leaving a patterned receding hairline and a thinning of the hair on the crown area. Because of this, the industry has been providing hair loss treatments and solutions and among them, one of the most sought after is the procedure called scalp micro-pigmentation.

What is Scalp Micropigmentation and the FAQs? 

Also referred to as SMP, scalp micro-pigmentation is a procedure or treatment of hair loss where natural-looking ‘hair follicles’ are tattooed onto the patient’s scalp to conceal the bald areas. Unlike hair transplant procedures, the SMP procedure does not make use of any hair strands, thus there is no hair restoration or growing happening. Instead, what it does is it aims to give an illusion that the patient has full-looking hair that was freshly shaved. In other words, the SMP procedure is a type of hair tattooing procedure, a cosmetic technique that aims to restore beauty and confidence among those suffering from baldness.

If you are considering having one, here are the FAQs worth knowing before you seal a transaction:

FAQ #1: Is it the same as a typical tattoo?

Answer: Although SMP is technically about tattooing hair follicles, it is nothing like an ordinary tattoo. It is a special procedure that utilizes advanced pigment that can last long before appearing less intense unlike in normal tattoos. Over time, typical tattoos turn blue but with SMP, the pigment will just fade; not discolor. Moreover, the procedure penetrates less, unlike the traditional tattoo procedure. The needles will only touch shallow skin layers which means you can expect less, if not zero, procedural pain.

FAQ #2: Is the pigment permanent?

Answer: The pigments created from the SMP procedure are permanent. However, they can fade with age, thus touch-ups every three to five years may be necessary if the patient wants to keep its healthy, full-colored look. The fading can fast-track or delay depending on exposed the pigments are in the sun or other chemicals. Nonetheless, the touchups should only cost less.

Meanwhile, although SMP pigments are permanent, they can still be customized, i.e. intensified or reduced as long as you are handled by the right SMP practitioner. Now, if you are only looking for a short-term hair loss solution, you can try tricopigmentation treatment instead. This procedure is almost the same as SMP. The only difference is, it uses ink that is temporary and can fade easily. However, the colors can remain intense for 1 year at the least.

FAQ #3: Is it hard to maintain?

Answer: Unlike actual hair transplant procedures, SMP requires only a simple post-care:

1. You have to cut and keep your real hair short, i.e. the length is preferably three to four days long so that the SMP pigments will seamlessly blend in as if they are also real ones.
2. Touch-ups every 3 to five years

FAQ #4: Are the SMP pigments erasable/removable?

Answer: Yes, the SMP pigments can be erased or removed although they are permanent; thanks to the latest technologies. If the traditional tattoos can be removed, there is no way SMP pigments cannot since they are penetrated less onto the scalp or skin.

Scalp Micropigmentation Pros and Cons

The SMP procedure has been gaining a lot of positive reviews. However, if you plan to go for it to address your hair loss problems, be aware of its own pros and cons. Because it still pays to know what you are getting yourself into.

The Pros

1. One of the good things about the SMP procedure is that you can finally stop spending your hard-earned money on hair loss treatments like ketoconazole, finasteride, etc. It is a one-time, long-lasting solution that will do your finances a favor too.
2. It requires simple post-procedural care. You will only need a few touch-ups every 3 to 5 years and as mentioned above, you just have to keep your real hair short and make it look freshly shaven so that the fake pigments can blend in. Plus, it is so easy to maintain. Since you’ll always have that freshly shaven look, you will no longer have to spend time styling your hair.
3. It can give you full-head, healthy-looking hair in just a matter of hours. Other treatments, except for the transplant, will take longer to yield results. But that is not the case with SMP. Immediate results will show after the procedure and you can get back on track right away since the procedure is non-invasive.
4. It looks real. People coming across you will least likely notice that those hair follicles are just tattoos. It leaves them in awe after finding out the real thing.

The Cons

1. Although it is far cheaper than hair transplants (approximately $3,000 vs $10,000), $3000 is still pricey. But if you have the budget and you want to address your hair loss and self-confidence problems, SMP is an excellent choice if you do not mind keeping your hair freshly shaven.

2. The potential stigma is there but it is highly unlikely.

3. Bored people will wonder how it feels to have freshly-shaven hair all the time. They might ask you why you’ve not allowed your hair to grow. Then again, you should not have to please everybody.

The Verdict – Should you have the SMP procedure or not?

If you are losing so much confidence and faith in yourself because of your baldness and you want to regain that, then there is nothing wrong with having the SMP procedure.

After having one, the public’s reactions will be divided into two although the greater half will surely love it. If you are prepared for that, by all means, give it a try.

The SMP procedure is very popular but only in the bald community. The rest of the public probably does not know a thing about it yet. That makes finding a reliable and expert SMP clinic potentially hard. So, if you know one within your area who can ace the job, go for it. 

You may have noticed in the last few years that self-care tips and routines have become the subject of regular discussion and consideration both on and offline. Whether it’s taking some time to chill out with some games using a Golden Nugget casino bonus code from the comfort of your couch, or doing some yoga every morning, introducing plants to your living space, going for a walk in the evening, or starting a gratitude journal, there seem to be a thousand different ways to incorporate self-care into your life.

Unfortunately, many of us do not have the time in our busy schedules to devote time to morning sun salutations, craft vegan smoothie bowls, or to write down each evening all of the things we are grateful for in life. However, this does not mean that we should exclude self-care from our lives altogether. Instead, we should all make the effort that is required to introduce a little more flexibility and creativity into incorporating regular self-care rituals in our daily lives.

There is no doubt that self-care has been shown to have positive effects on our mental and physical wellbeing, and for the sake of our long-term health, it should not be sacrificed. Below are a few easy tips and tricks to help with building self-care into your life, no matter how hectic your days might be.  

While it is necessary to take part in activities that your friends, children, or partner enjoy, it is also important to spend time doing the things you enjoy, for yourself. If you love reading, painting, or watching movies, try to build in a little time for yourself every week to read and watch what you want to watch. If you have a hobby, then set some time aside to enjoy it.

Start with small changes

Sometimes when trying to build self-care into your routine, it can seem overwhelming. It is simply unrealistic for most of us to start the day with a yoga flow and skincare routine, followed by journaling and finished off with an acai smoothie bowl before we even get dressed for work. However, instead of giving up on self-care altogether, try adding one or two practices to your daily routine, and see what fits.

Perhaps you do not find yoga re-energizing, but you do enjoy a brief evening walk after work and a bedtime skincare routine. Also, if you start a routine and find that you do not enjoy it, move on to try something new, there is no need to stick with something that you do not actively enjoy or find restful.

When you start with small steps and narrow down self-care practices to find things you genuinely enjoy, you will find that it is easy to incorporate small self-care measures into your daily routine, no matter how hectic your schedule.

Declutter your space

It may seem unimportant, or strange, but clutter and mess can have a big impact on mental and emotional wellbeing, as well as on our sense of sense-perception. Take some inspiration from figures like Marie Kondo and recycle or donate the things that you do not need that are taking up valuable physical – and mental – space.

Take care of your body, and it will take care of you

If you are struggling to find a suitable place to start, a straightforward way to introduce self-care into your life is to reassess the care that you give your body. Building a nutrient-heavy diet full of fresh foods and healthy macronutrients is an easy way to care for your body and make yourself feel better both mentally and physically. Also, by making your meals at home, you will be able to slow down, take time to reflect on your day, and add intentionality to your eating.

If physical exercise and movement is not already a part of your schedule, introducing a small amount of physical movement every day is an easy way to relax, unwind, and build self-confidence. Studies have shown that even a minimum amount of exercise can have a significant impact on both your mental and physical health. If you are new to taking exercise, you can start by opting to take a walk to the store instead of driving there, choosing the stairs over the escalator, or adding a walk to your lunch break. There are also many resources online for those who want to start practicing yoga, Pilates, or other kinds of workouts to their daily schedule.

Do you feel sleepy and unmotivated? These are possible symptoms of depression, but is it normal to get depression after a car accident? Read on for more.

Car accidents happen when we least expect them and we’re never ready for how much they can impact our lives. If you’re feeling sleepy, unmotivated, or just unprepared to face the day after you’ve been in a car accident, then you’re not alone. 

Depression after a car accident affects people in many different ways and for many different reasons.

If you’ve recently been in a car accident and you’re wondering if you’re suffering from depression, then there might be a few symptoms that you’re dealing with. 

Keep reading for our guide on the possible symptoms of depression after a car accident. 

Migraines or Headaches

Many times when people think of depression they only focus on mental health but experiencing migraines or headaches more often is a sign of depression after your car accident too. 

The thing about depression headaches is that they tend not to go away with treatment either. Everyone gets headaches every so often but if you are getting them more after your accident, then you may be depressed. 

Make sure that you’re following up with your doctor especially one that specializes in auto injuries. You should also look into how to find a doctor after a car accident to get the proper treatment for any injuries. 

Different Sleeping Pattern

Do you now find yourself sleeping a lot after a car accident or even staying up all night? Changes in your sleeping pattern can definitely be a sign of depression. 

Many people who suffer from depression find themself staying up late at night because of insomnia. You could lay in bed tossing and turning all night and never fall asleep.

On the other hand, once you do fall asleep, then you may never want to get out of bed in the morning. 

Depression also causes people to have a lack of energy throughout their day. It is such an intense feeling that just sleeping better won’t solve their energy shortage. 

If you’re feeling overly tired yet still unable to sleep after your car accident, then you may be depressed. Make sure to talk with your doctor about your sleep troubles.

Anxiety

When it comes to experiencing anxiety you might be wondering what to expect after a car accident. Anxiety after a car accident means that you’re more than just a little worried each day. It may mean that you’re suffering from panic attacks, becoming excessive about something, or even developing phobias. 

Anxiety and depression don’t always go hand in hand but sometimes your anxiety can lead to depression. Yet, after something as traumatic as a car accident, they usually do accompany one another. 

If you feel like you’re experiencing anxiety and depression together, then this is something that you should definitely talk with your doctor about. 

Experiencing Depression After a Car Accident 

If you think you’re suffering from depression after a car accident, then it is completely normal. Depression can come in many different forms and can happen because it might feel like you weren’t in control of the situation. 

Do you best to push through every day but take time to heal from the accident. 

Keel scrolling our blog for more health tips and tricks.

Australia is famous for many things but above all, it’s the easy-going nature of the Australian population that sets their lifestyles apart. Australia is a beautiful country and a continent on its own with a very vibrant culture and an interesting historical background. The stability of the country and cultural diversity has created a generation of prosperous people with a very laid-back outlook towards living. This interprets to active lifestyles that are keen on outdoor events, celebrating life all year round, great Knox food, and contemporary art.

Here are a few attributes that sum up the Aussie lifestyles

The Love For Outdoor Activities

Australia is endowed with incredible natural resources and has a spectacular landscape that makes it difficult for anyone to stay cooped up in the house. There is just so much to see from the great barrier reef, strolling in the Uluru red sands, swimming in the deep blue, or touring the old rain forests which have unique flora and fauna.

The government has made local tourism affordable hence many Australians love to spend their holidays and weekends venturing into the alluring natural landscape like those wineries in Swan Valley. Aussie’s obsession for the outdoors is a habit that has been developed over the generations, and the new generation is taught to appreciate nature from a very young age.

Looking back to its aboriginal culture, their ancestors have a profound connection with nature, almost transforming into a spiritual bond. This is an excellent defining attribute for the Aussie lifestyle as it helps sustain one of the world’s most spectacular natural landscapes.

The country also experiences seasonal wildlife which makes it possible to swim with beautiful manta rays in one month and the next month swim with the harmless whale sharks. This gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “swimming with the fishes”. The Aussie outdoor lifestyle is different for specific regions, for instance, residents of Sydney love a sunrise swim in the ocean while residents of Canberra enjoy cycling along the lake and in Perth, the scenic parks are often filled with laughter and cheers of loved ones on a picnic.

Deep Love For Recreation & Sports

Aussies love a good time just like they love a good joke. You will catch them in recreational facilities conversing in their local slang. Society is also very progressive and receptive to new trends and is generally warm to strangers regardless of their orientation. You will catch the locals using the word ‘Pome’ when referring to English people, which is a light-hearted acronym indicating Prisoners Of Mother England.

Australians are also passionate about their ‘vino’ or wine and have some of the world’s best quality brands locally produced. You will catch most adults toasting with a tall glass of fine red or sparkling white in various recreation outlets. The country has more than sixty active wine regions and has an annual gross production of roughly 1.35 trillion quality wine bottles. Aussie is also a hub for lovers of coffee, and the working class makes it a routine to get a caffeine fix right before going to the office.

The Aussies are also known for their love of “pokies”, the five reels gaming machines called slot machines in the US. The Melbourne Cup is part of the Aussie tradition since 1861 but today looking stylish is more important than betting on the horses. When it comes to sports and recreation, nothing can be more important than Aussie rules. AFL (Australian Football League), founded in 1857, is part of Australian history. With more than 41% of the Australian population watching AFL games or following Aussie Rules football predictions and tips on a regular basis, football conversations are definitely part of the Aussie lifestyle. 

In general, recreation is more of a group activity in Australia where friends and family love to share fun experiences to strengthen their bond. This is also enhanced by the extensive range of finger-licking cuisine which is derived from fresh farm produce and potent local spices.

Lifestyles Influenced By Aussie’s Rich Culture

The history of the land plays a significant role in shaping modern lifestyles. Australia prides itself on having one of the longest surviving cultures of the world. From the stories of the Torres Strait Islanders and those of the Aboriginals, modern society has developed a deep sense of national pride.

Aussie is primarily a multicultural haven that attracts many foreigners worldwide, and cultural diversity is widely celebrated through cultural events. Residents are also passionate about sporting activities, especially rugby, football, and cricket. A majority of Australians are enthusiastic about sports; thus, every sports tournament is well attended.

Another intriguing feature of the Aussie lifestyle is the wide variety of languages spoken exceeding 200 indigenous languages. The formal language is, however, English but social interactions are less formal when compared to that of western countries.

The quality of life in Australia is ranked second best in the world as measured using the human development index. This interprets to higher literacy levels owing to the excellent education system, increased opportunities to sustain livelihoods, higher life expectancy, low mortality rates, high standards of livings, and so on.

Australia comfortably supports different lifestyles ranging from the affluent class to the middle class with reasonable costs of living for families and individuals. The government also guarantees safety, and instances of discrimination against minority groups and migrants are significantly lower than in other developed countries.

Aussie’s informal nature of interaction and socialization has created happier lifestyles across the country. It is not unusual for friends to make unannounced visits to check in on you with a pack of beers to brighten your day. You will also regularly hear the phrase “no worries mate” as you walk around the streets even when such individuals are talking to strangers. The Australian way of life is all about finding ways to put aside stress and tensions, thus genuinely appreciating life and those around you.

Want to know about the history and significance behind prominent LGBTQ+ flags? Then read on to discover the complete guide here.

You’re most likely familiar with the gay pride flag. You’ve probably seen it displayed on television or on social media. However, did you know there are way more LGBTQ+ Flags? In fact, there are 11 different pride flags flying around. 

If you’re an actual member of the LGBT community or even just an ally, it’s important that you get to know these flags so you can tell the difference between them. We can help you out with that.

Check out this helpful guide to learn more about a few of the most common pride flags.

Gay Pride Flag 

First up is the rainbow flag that almost everyone is familiar with. The flag was created in 1978 by Gilbert Baker during a time when the LGBTQ community was only beginning to fight for their rights. 

The optimistic, brightly colored flag was meant to be a symbol of hope during trying times. His original design had 8 colors but these colors were later dropped to make it easier to create them in mass. 

Trans Pride Flag

The trans pride flag was created in 1999 by Monica Helms. The blue color in the flag is meant to represent the traditional color for baby boys. The pink is there to represent the traditional color put in place for baby girls. 

The white color in the middle represents those who have no gender, are neutral in gender, are still transitioning, and those who are intersex. 

The pattern is stitched in a way that no matter how it’s turned or flown, it’s always right. 

Bisexual Pride Flag

The Bisexual pride flag was designed by Michael Page back in 1998. The pink is there to represent girls and the blue symbolizes boys. 

When blended together the two colors make purple which is the color that’s shown in the middle of the flag. 

Pansexual Pride Flag 

The pansexual flag is actually pretty recent. It came about on the world wide web in 2010. It looks a lot like the bisexual flag with a few differences. The pink and blue colors are a lot lighter, representing the traditional genders. 

The yellow in the middle symbolizes attraction to those who are of a non-conforming gender. 

Asexual Pride Flag 

The asexual pride flag also didn’t appear until 2010. Its creation was inspired by the Asexual Visibility and Education Network logo. 

The flag represents asexuality and all branches of it. This includes gray aces who are sort of in-between sexuality and asexuality and demisexuals who only feel sexual attraction in certain situations.  

LGBTQ+ Flags to Familiarize Yourself With

No matter if you’re in the LGBTQ community or are an ally of the cause, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with the different LGBTQ+ flags so you can tell them apart.

These are only a few of the many flags. To learn additional facts about the LGBTQ community, keep tabs on our blog!