• What is Scalp Micropigmentation?

What is Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)?

Scalp micropigmentation (SMP), also known as a hair tattoo, is a cosmetic procedure that uses a medical tattoo machine to create tiny dots of pigment on the scalp to create the appearance of thicker hair. The dots can vary in size and depth, and can give the appearance of a buzz cut or stubble on a bald head, or make thinning hair look denser. SMP can be used to treat many types of hair loss, including: Alopecia areata, Chemotherapy-related hair loss, Hormonal conditions that cause hair loss, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and male and female pattern baldness .

The Process

During the process, a technician uses micro-needles to deposit tiny, colored pigments into the scalp’s upper dermis layer. These pigments mimic the look of natural hair follicles or a closely shaved head, creating the illusion of thicker hair density or a shaved head look. The procedure is typically performed over multiple sessions to ensure even coverage and realistic results, with the pigments chosen to match the client’s natural hair color.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scalp Micropigmentation?

Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a highly detailed procedure in which tiny impressions of pigment are deposited into the scalp. This will replicate the look of hair follicles, achieving the appearance of a much fuller head of hair. Results are extremely realistic and undetectable.

Is SMP just for men?

Both women and men can benefit from SMP.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on the severity of hair loss. Each session can take anywhere from 2-4 hours. On average, most clients will need 3 sessions spaced about 2-3 weeks apart.

Is the procedure painful?

On a pain scale from 1 to 10, with a one representing a minor scratch to ten representing something like a kidney stone or a major burn, most clients rate a SMP treatment overall as a three to five. Some clients have actually fallen asleep on us, but in most cases, the treatments are fairly mild. The most painful areas in general to treat are the areas right above the ears and skin over the temple nerves. The least painful areas to treat are the apex of the scalp and the back crown.

Will I need to take time off of work?

There is no down time with the procedure. Most people experience redness on the scalp for 2-3 days following. You may have some slight scabbing afterwards, which will resolve within 7-10 days.

Are the results permanent?

Scalp Micropigmentation is a form of permanent cosmetics. You can expect results to last for many years. Some fading may occur after 4-6 years. At that point, a one session touch-up may be necessary. For men, it is recommended to keep your existing hair at a short buzz cut length. This will ensure the most natural result possible. However, for men with an existing hairline, we can work density into the thinning areas. Women are not required to cut their hair.

Do I need to keep my hair short?

When hair is cut down to stubble length, the follicles appear black, regardless of their color. For this reason we use only black pigments in various shades from light to dark. For light or gray hair, we use the lightest pigment.

What if my hair goes gray/white?

Actually, this makes very little difference to the shade of your shaven hair follicles. A great many of our clients have gone grey after their treatment, or are in the process of going grey when they have their treatment applied. After many successful treatments we have yet to hear from a client who has experienced an issue, as although the change is very apparent in men with longer hair, shaven follicles look almost identical, even after greying.

What if I had a hair transplant?

People who have had one or more hair transplants are great candidates for SMP. Impressions can be added to existing hair to make it appear fuller without damaging the transplanted hair. This a great option for people who don’t want to endure the cost, down time or scarring associated with additional surgeries. SMP can also be used to conceal scars left by previous transplants.

How much does it cost?

(Receive a copy of our updated pricing guide by clicking the pricing link located at the top of the page) Male and female pattern baldness, density treatments, and alopecia vary in price depending on the severity of hair loss. You will be given an up front quote at the free consultation and that quote will not change, regardless of the amount of sessions needed. There is no tax on the procedure and financing is available through PayPal Credit with 6 months no interest!   (This is generic and may need review)

How real will the Scalp Micro-Pigmentation (SMP) look?

A typical scalp hair from a normal caucasian male is about 77 micrometers in diameter (67 Um in those of Asian descent, and 120 Um in those of African descent). Typically, SMP dots placed in the dermis are 90 to 150 micrometers in diameter. This might seem a bit larger than a real human hair, but when viewed from six inches or further away, the size is indistinguishable from real hair follicles. Often, even close family members standing one foot away (0.3 meters) cannot tell where your real hair ends and the SMP begins.

In terms of hairline style, what are my options?

This is an important decision, however there are a multitude of options available to you. Ultimately this would be dictated to a certain extent by whether you wanted a 100% natural appearance, or if you wanted to opt for a more daring, chiselled hairstyle. We would always advise our clients to follow their natural hairline and to choose an age-appropriate appearance, however each hairline is as individual as the client who chooses it.

What if I want to change my look or even reverse the process?

SMP pigmentation can be removed with an electro-optic Q switched laser, which is used to heat and break-up the SMP pigmentation for easier absorption by phagocytes in the dermis. SMP is fairly easy to remove in most cases because the pigment is not deposited as deeply as normal tattoo ink. The electro-optic laser however, is very expensive and therefore, many clinics which advertise laser removal do not actually own one. We can say that with the feedback received so far, the amount of clients wishing for true SMP® reversal or total removal is less than 1%.

Can SMP be used to conceal hair transplant scars?

Yes. To date we have treated several men who wished to camouflage their linear (strip) or pitted (FUE or plug) transplant scars. Every scar is unique, and we quote a camouflage estimate as a percentage on a case by case basis. We have achieved some awe-inspiring results in this area, making some very large and visible scars almost indiscernible. Please contact us so we can assess your scar fully and provide a camouflage estimation.

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