Does SMP removal damage hair?

Author: Hayden Turcotte  |  Last update: Friday, June 27, 2025

It does not harm hair follicles and does not interfere with natural hair growth. The safety and success of the procedure heavily rely on the skill and expertise of the practitioner. SMP can be a standalone solution or combined with other treatments like hair transplants.

Does SMP laser removal damage hair?

Will it damage the remaining hair? In most cases no! Directly after treatment, you may find the hair turns white, but it will regrow. In some cases, you may be asked to shave but generally, we can work through the hair.

Does SMP damage existing hair?

Scalp Micropigmentation SMP does not affect transplanted hair or harm existing hairs. It is considered safe as long as it is done properly at a medical facility.

Can SMP be completely removed?

SMP should be done with an understanding that it is permanent like a tattoo.It generally cannot be removed. It is very difficult to remove SMP from the entire head. For example pigment containing Iron Oxide cannot be easily removedCertain SMP colors cannot be removed well.

What is the downside to SMP?

Possible risks include: Allergic reaction to the cosmetic pigments. Infection from unsterilized needles. Unnatural or undesirable appearance after treatment.

Can Scalp Micropigmentation Be Removed? A Hawaii SMP Practitioner Explains

Does anyone regret SMP?

SMP is a good choice for many patients. Unfortunately, some people also report having scalp micropigmentation regrets after their procedure. This can stem from lack of research, questionable clinics giving out misleading information and choosing the wrong procedure.

How does SMP look after years?

Five years after Scalp Micropigmentation, expect a slight fading of the pigments. Still, the overall shape and design generally remain well-preserved. At this stage, clients often opt for minor touch-ups of the SMP to their current preferences. This ensures the treatment gives it a natural and vibrant look.

Can hair grow over SMP?

Can you grow your hair out after SMP? The answer is yes, you can do whatever you like with your own hair.

What to do if SMP is not enough?

If you do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) or Maternity Allowance (MA), you may be able to claim New-Style Employment and Support Allowance (New Style ESA) for a short period before and after birth.

Does SMP damage hair transplant?

Q: If someone wants to get a hair transplant in the future, can they still get SMP? A: Yes. The tattooing is placed very high up in the dermal papillary layer of the skin (0.7mm to 1.1mm), which is too shallow to create any scarring that would be detrimental to grafts being placed in the future.

Can hair grow through SMP?

Scalp micropigmentation doesn't grow hair or change your natural hair growth. And beyond what you may have read, it also won't cause hair loss or damage your existing hair follicles.

What is the truth about scalp micropigmentation?

Scalp micropigmentation isn't a treatment for hair loss. It doesn't help you grow hair or change your natural hair-growth pattern. However, it won't cause additional hair loss or damage your existing hair follicles. As with any procedure, it's important to find a skilled provider.

Can you reverse scalp micropigmentation?

Needles deposit pigment under the upper layer of your scalp which mimics the look of hair follicles. Similarly, the process of removal is also the same. There are three methods which are popular in the industry today. Laser removals, saline removal and UNDO system are the methods that have worked well.

Does SMP damage hair follicles?

It is important to clarify that SMP does not damage hair follicles. In contrast to invasive procedures and treatments involving the insertion of foreign substances into the scalp, SMP is a surface-level procedure that does not interfere with the underlying hair follicles.

What is the recovery time for SMP laser removal?

The recovery time for Laser Scalp Micro Pigmentation Removal varies from person to person, but it typically takes around 7-10 days for the treated area to heal completely. You may experience discomfort, swelling, and redness during this time.

What are the cons of micropigmentation?

Cons
  • Not a permanent solution – top-ups and new procedures are required every few years, so it's an ongoing investment.
  • While results fade, some pigment will stick around underneath your skin. ...
  • Doesn't grow back lost hair – the result is purely an illusion.

Does SMP have to be paid back?

If you get contractual maternity pay you might only keep your full amount if you return to work. You won't need to pay back statutory maternity pay or Maternity Allowance, even if you don't return to work.

How much does it cost for SMP?

It is safe to say the average cost of scalp micropigmentation ranges from $1,800 to $4,000 depending on the amount of hair loss. The amount of hair loss is measured on the Norwood Scale.

How do I make SMP last?

Be aware that SMP is a semi-permanent solution, and the pigmentation may gradually fade over time. Furthermore, to maintain optimal results, some individuals choose to have touch-up sessions every few years, and it's totally up to the individual's needs.

What are the downsides of SMP?

Disadvantages of Scalp Micro Pigmentation

An SMP treatment will always look its very best when the surrounding hairs have been shaved. In most cases, the SMP treatment works best to add the appearance of a “shaved look” to an already shaved head. When SMP is done in areas that have longer hair, it may be noticeable.

Can SMP be fully removed?

Remember, SMP isn't a life sentence—you have options to fade or remove it completely.

Do people regret scalp micropigmentation?

Even though scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a life-changing solution for hair loss, a small percentage of people experience scalp micropigmentation regrets. Most of the time, these regrets stem from just a few common mistakes that can be easily avoided.

Can you tell if someone has had SMP?

Scalp micropigmentation can look either like hair that is denser or like shaved hair. But just as it would be odd to have only part of a head shaved, so too does SMP look odd when there is a mix of haired (long hair) and non-haired (closely shaved) areas on a scalp.

Why is my scalp micropigmentation gone wrong?

The most common reason for scalp micropigmentation going wrong is a rushed job given by the technician. The results will look unnatural, blotchy, and sometimes even wonky. Basically, it will look nothing like actual, real hair.

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