Frequently Asked Questions

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Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a non-invasive approach to addressing hair loss that simulates the look of a full head of hair. SMP involves tattooing tiny dots onto the scalp to mimic the appearance of hair, with patterns that resemble closely shaven hair follicles. This method can create various looks, such as a shaved head, increased density in thinning areas, or concealment of skin conditions and scars. It's an accessible option that offers immediate results and is generally suitable for most people. SMP is not a hair regrowth treatment but a cosmetic technique that creates the illusion of hair. Unlike traditional tattoos, SMP utilizes a fine, single microneedle to deposit pigment into the skin's dermis layer, not as deeply as regular tattoos.

Yes, scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a relatively safe hair loss treatment with satisfying results. It is a non-invasive and requires little to no strict lifestyle change and maintenance and requires no downtime or recovery.

SMP does not hurt much, but it may depend on each person’s pain threshold. Prior to treatment, a practitioner will perform SMP and apply a local anesthetic or topical numbing cream to the scalp to reduce pain. Some people may not experience any pain, while others may feel mild discomfort or low level of pain. 

  Some of the benefits of SMP are: 

• It can restore the natural hairline in the case of moderate to complete baldness.
• It can conceal varying forms of alopecia and diffuse thinning.
• It can reduce the visual impact of scarring, burns, or blemishes on the scalp.
• It is an affordable treatment compared to hair transplants or other alternatives.
• It is a low-maintenance procedure that does not require special products or care.
• It gives a fuller and more youthful appearance.
• It can boost the confidence and self-esteem of people who are unhappy with their hair loss.

 SMP may come with risks. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source lists the following as potential risks of tattoos and permanent makeup:

• Infection: Unsterile equipment or contaminated inks can transmit infections, including HIV, hepatitis, and bacterial skin infections.
• Allergic reactions: Although rare, some people may have an allergic reaction to the pigments in the ink.
• Keloid formation: If people are prone to keloid scars, they may not be suitable for SMP. Keloid scars are thick, raised scars that some people may develop after injury or trauma to the skin.
• Granulomas: Granulomas are areas of inflammation that can form around a foreign substance, such as tattoo pigment.
• MRI interference: Although rare, there have been some reports of tattoos or permanent makeup causing swelling or burning when people have had an MRI scan. Although the risk may be low, people can inform a radiologist beforehand.

To remove SMP, people may require laser removal. It may require multiple sessions and can cause side effects.

No, people suffering from:

• Skin breakouts
• Psoriasis
• Keloids
• Ink allergy.

are not good candidates for SMP and should consult with their doctor and a trained professional before undergoing the procedure.

SMP is best suitable for people suffering from:

• alopecia areata
• male or female pattern hair loss
• scalp scars

 The cost of SMP treatment widely varies. It depends on various factors such as the extent of hair loss, and any special requirements.

To provide an accurate quote, you’ll need a consultation. However, an average price give or take the amount of work needed could be a ballpark $2,500.

We have a range of prices that start at $1,200 and up to $5,500 for an individual who has Alopecia with no hair at all. We base this off the Norwood Hamilton scale. Most of our clients have a horseshoe pattern and need a hairline, top, sides and blending. These jobs usually range between $2500-4,000 based on the specific needs of the client.

 Generally, you can see results immediately after the first session. However, it does take 2-3 sessions to achieve the overall desired result. Each session takes anywhere between 1 to 3 hours, depending on work and where in the process you are.

SMP falls into the category of permanent cosmetics, so people widely consider it a semi-permanent to permanent procedure.  While the effects may last up to eight years, the treated area will fade over time since all skin naturally exfoliates itself.

While the color may lighten, it’ll only change if an incorrect pigment is used.

That said, if you have very dry skin, fading is likely to happen more quickly. As the skin tends to flake with dry skin, this can inadvertently exfoliate the pigment off at a quicker rate.

Absolutely, Scalp micropigmentation is a suitable option for men and women experiencing hair loss or thinning.

Female pattern baldness is often characterized by diffuse thinning across the top of the head, particularly noticeable in areas where the hair parts.

The main goal of SMP treatment for women is to reduce the contrast between the hair and the scalp. By minimizing this contrast, it creates a permanent illusion of fullness. 

 One of the benefits of scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is that it provides a natural-looking solution. We create an incredibly realistic look. It is unlikely that people will be able to tell that you have had the treatment done. Scalp may be slightly red immediately following the procedure. 

In most cases, clients have reported mostly friends and family making comments on the "hair" looking fuller, and or looking younger.

• Shower before each treatment. You won’t be able to wash or wet your scalp (this includes sweating excessively) for three days after each appointment.
• Each treatment typically takes between 2-4 hours.
• How many treatments you need will depend on the amount of scalp getting SMP. Even if it’s only for a small area like a widow’s peak, three to four treatments are still needed for long-term retention since SMP is a process of layering color.
• Treatments will be scheduled one to few weeks apart.

In the weeks between treatments, don’t go swimming, use steam or sauna rooms, or take extremely hot showers that may cause a steam storm.

Avoid exposing your scalp to the sun for the first three days (wearing a hat is fine). On the fifth day after treatment, you can expose the treated skin to sun for short period of time with 30+SPF. Keep in mind, that less sun exposure to the treated area means better long-term retention.

  Men normally lose their hair when three main factors interact: genetics, age, and hormones.

Also known as androgenetic alopecia, male-pattern baldness happens as hormone levels change over the course of a man’s life.

Genetic factors also affect the likelihood of male-pattern baldness.

These factors contribute to the gradual shrinkage of the tiny cavities in the skin at the base of hairs, known as scalp hair follicles. Hair grows progressively shorter and finer until no new hairs grow.

Most white men develop some degree of baldness, according to their age and genetic makeup. Male pattern baldness affects up to half of all white men by the age of 50 years and up to 80 percent of men in the same group by the age of 70 years. Other ethnic groups, such as Chinese and Japanese, are less affected.

Men with more first- and second-degree relatives who lose their hair have a higher chance of losing hair themselves.

According to Genetics Home Reference, hair loss in men has been linked to prostate cancer, diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure, or hypertension.

It can occur as a reaction to stress or after an illness or major surgery, or as a side effect of some medications, such as anticoagulants, or blood thinners, and vitamin A supplements.

Hair loss can also indicate a health condition, such as lupus, a fungal infection, or a thyroid problem. 

Other possible causes include:

• Iron deficiency
• Excess vitamin A, possibly as a result of retinoid drugs
• Severe chronic illness, such as diabetes or lupus
• Malnutrition
• Use of anticoagulants, or blood thinners
• Telogen effluvium, a disturbance of the hair growth cycle

A number of genetic changes have been linked to male pattern baldness, but only one has been confirmed by research, the androgen receptor (AR) gene.

Other research has suggested that an abnormal quantity of a protein called prostaglandin D2 in the scalps of some men could linkTrusted Source to hair loss.

Anyone who is concerned that hair loss may be a symptom of a health problem should see a doctor.