Frequently Asked Questions

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a widely popular non-surgical hair loss solution whereby minuscule deposits of pigment simulate hair follicles on the scalp. SMP, however, is extremely intricate and not a mere “hair tattoo.” We use different pigments and needles to accurately simulate tiny hair follicles.

SMP is permanent, however, the “dots” or injected pigment lessen in circumference very slightly over time. While this is not technically fading, the scalp will benefit from a touch-up session every 4-6 years. This nearly imperceptible decrease in circumference happens because macrophage cells in the human immune system will gradually break up and disperse pigment from any procedure, albeit extremely slowly.

Expect some redness which will subside after a day or two.

Yes, SMP can be removed with an electro-optic Q switched laser, which is used to heat and break up SMP pigmentation for easier absorption by phagocytes in the dermis. SMP is easy to remove because the pigment isn’t deposited as deep as traditional tattoo ink.

Your scalp micropigmentation will last for several years.  It is likely that over time it will begin fading slightly.  This usually happens in a period of 5-7 years.  There are several factors that come into play when we look at the degree of fading. Things like your skin, how your body responds to the treatment, the skill level of the artist, and the products used are just some of the factors that will impact your SMP investment. So, how your scalp pigmentation fades is individualized to your body, skin, lifestyle, the artist, and their products.

No, sorry scalp micropigmentation is not covered by insurance. SMP is a cosmetic procedure by nature, so it is rarely ever covered by medical insurance. It’s worth checking with your insurance provider about potential coverage since policies vary as do personal circumstances.

SMP is a non-surgical hair loss solution. Needles deposit pigment below the upper layer of the skin, similar to a body art tattoo. The procedure is very safe when performed by a professional.

Unlike traditional tattooing, SMP pigment is deposited near the epidermal layer rather than deep inside the dermal layer. SMP can be removed by laser much more easily than traditional tattoos.

We recommend always using some sort of sunscreen to retain the ink its longest. Should you choose not to use sunscreen, for the first 30 days you must cover your head with sunscreen or a hat.

Depending on the level of baldness, first treatment sessions generally take 1-3 hours while the second and third sessions take 1-2 hours. Each session is performed 1-2 weeks apart with the average client receiving 3 sessions.

In the first 4 days following treatment, avoid shaving, showers, sweating, scrubbing, shampooing topicals, and long-term exposure to sunlight. It’s okay to lightly dab the area with wet cloths, but do not soak the head. After 4 days, it’s okay to shower (lightly), shave, and use fragrance-free moisturizers. After 10 days, you can resume your normal activities, but it’s still best to avoid long-term sunlight for 30 days. We have pages on our site that go over proper SMP aftercare for bald heads and density treatments.

This is a personal preference, but most clients opt for a buzzed look where they shave every 1-3 days. We have a page in our “aftercare” section on our site with the best clippers for SMP.

The cost of SMP varies per client.  We base the cost on how much of the treatment needs to be applied and by how many sessions are needed per client.  We offer FREE consultations for everyone. During the consultation, we will be able to assess your scalp and from there we can judge approximately how much treatment and how many sessions you will need.

Scalp micropigmentation looks incredibly real, as long as it is applied correctly. Many of our clients say their family, friends, and co-workers say they look younger or something looks different about them, but no one ever knows what it is that has changed and that’s what we want!

No, sorry, scalp micropigmentation will not grow your hair back. However, SMP gives you the look of short hair, a tight buzz-cut, or fuller hair density.