Scalp Micropigmenation (SMP) FAQ

What Exactly is Scalp Micropigmentation or SMP?

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) was developed as both a cosmetic procedure for men and women suffering with all types of hair loss, and as a medical procedure to help conceal scars in general, as well as scars from hair FUT and FUE hair transplant procedures, burns, birthmarks, as well as the full spectrum of alopecia.

During the procedure your technician uses sophisticated microneedles to deposit custom mixed pigments (that match your hair color) into the dermal layer of your scalp. This technique is specially designed to replicate tiny hair follicles to restore thinning hair to resemble its previous density.

SMP is a viable alternative to traditional hair transplant surgery, hair systems, pills, and fibers.

Who should NOT have SMP?

Clients suffering from active eczema as needles may cause flare ups & a flare up may cause your SMP to heal inconsistently. Clients experiencing Dermatitis , Psoriasis, and Fol liculitis' should also not have SMP as these conditions may cause your SMP not to heal well. We also want to stay away from further irritating your scalp. Clients with Keloid Scarring should consult with your dermatologist before having SMP.

Do I have to shave my head before SMP?

The short answer to this is NO! SMP works on both long and short hair. SMP is great for both men and women.

Women & Pain Level

Women for density, when timing the booking of your appointment, keep in mind that pain tolerance is reduced just before and during, menstruation.

What will my scalp look like directly after treatment?

The area of the scalp that has been treated will have some redness for 24 hours after treatment, though this tends to be less visible on darker skin tones. In addition, the pigmentation will be darker for up to 7 days after treatment, again, depending on your skin tone.

Thereafter, the pigmentation will appear to become lighter and softer as the pigment filled scabs begin to flake away. These scabs flake away in the first 3 to 10 days. As this happens, it appears to the observer that the SMP dots are shrinking.

When the healing process is complete, the final dots are often 90 to 170 Um in diameter and blend seamlessly into any natural hair. By about one month, after any treatment, the pigments will begin to “set” and thereafter, fading will be almost zero.

How many sessions are required for my SMP to be complete?

Every client will be a little bit different, typically it will take 2-3 sessions for your SMP to be complete. This also depends on how quickly you heal and how closely you follow our aftercare protocol.

How long does each SMP session last?

Typically, we try not to go more than 3 hours during a session.

 SMP is not a painful procedure, but we do have a lot of nerves in the scalp. Usually, clients are good up until about the 3-hour mark after that the nerves tend to become more sensitive.

How long will it take for my final SMP appearance to form?

The first treatment often places a very light application on the scalp to assess fading and density levels.

The normal reaction from many clients is to assume that the SMP is too light. However, this is a normal part of the treatment and allows me to better treat the scalp in later sessions. The second treatment is 10-14 days later, and adds the majority of the density to your new look.

Treatments three or later are usually for completing the look, addressing darkness matching or to even the density across the scalp.

Does SMP Make my hair grow back?

SMP is a form of cosmetic tattoo and will not make your hair grow back. However, if you are bald, it will help give you the illusion of a 5 o’clock shadow & if your hair is thinning it will give the illusion of thicker fuller hair.

Should I get a hair transplant before SMP?

My recommendation would be to get SMP done first as this will help to correctly map out your hairline. If you decide to go with a hair transplant first, you will have to wait 8-12 months before you can have SMP done. We will have to follow the guidelines that you are given by your hair transplant physician. I would also like to add that after speaking to many clients and hearing about their experiences many if not all of them wish that they had gone with the SMP before getting a hair transplant. SMP is less risky, doesn’t require any down-time, the results are immediate and there is very little after care.

Will SMP look good on my skin tone?

SMP looks good on any skin tones. Whether you’re a Fitzpatrick 1 or a Fitzpatrick 6. The pigments are custom blended to match your specific hair color and skin tone so that it looks very natural.

Will SMP turn blue or green like other body tattoos?

When SMP is done correctly meaning the inks should be modified to match your skin tone and hair color & placed at the correct depth in your scalp or the most superficial layer of skin it should keep its true color.

Can I take Propecia & Rogaine with my SMP?

Propecia is fine to take with your SMP; you do not have to stop taking it. You should stop taking Rogaine/Minoxidil at least two weeks prior to coming in for your SMP as it dries out your scalp. We need your scalp to be moisturized in order for the SMP process to go more smoothly.

Can I have SMP if I have severe dandruff or very dry flaky scalp?

No, I would not be able to complete SMP on your scalp if you have either of those conditions. Please reach out to your dermatologist so that they can recommend treatments (typically something like Selenium Sulfide 2.5%). Once your scalp issues have been cleared up then we can proceed with your SMP.

What if I am Pregnant or Nursing? Can I still get the tattoo?

I wish that we could, but unfortunately if you are nursing or pregnant you are not a suitable candidate at this time.

­­­­

How much does scalp micropigmentation cost?

We would need to schedule a in person or virtual consultation to find out how extensive the hair loss is in order to give you an accurate quote.