How long does SMP take to settle?

Author: Morgan Connelly  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 30, 2025

The pigment colour may appear darker until it has had time to settle and you have washed off the excess pigment, approximately 5-7 days. Again this is more noticeable on lighter skin. It is not uncommon to lose implanted colour, which is why you will require 2-3 treatments to ensure an even colour match all over.

How long does it take for SMP to settle?

How Long Does SMP Take To Heal? Scalp micropigmentation has one of the fastest healing times compared to other hair loss solutions. You'll be fully healed in 4-7 days! SMP or scalp micropigmentation takes about 7 days in between appointments to heal.

How long will SMP remain dark after healing?

After care for 3D Scalp Micropigmentation is simple and fast. Redness will occur from the procedure itself, but will lessen 24 to 48 after the procedure. Also, the pigment on the scalp will appear darker than the desired outcome, but will soften within 1 to 2 weeks.

Does SMP look good after 1 session?

Gunna be honest and say in my opinion smp can look good if you don't over do it. That light fade looks good and natural I'd stay at that and not do 3 more unneeded sessions it will look fake. I have never done smp but that looks good. Stay at one session don't over do it, or people will know it's fake.

Does SMP lighten after a few days?

Yes, Scalp Micropigmentation typically does lighten after a few days following the treatment. This initial lightening is a normal part of the healing process. When SMP is first applied, the pigment may appear darker and more intense.

The reason why you need to keep your hair short after the SMP treatment

What if my SMP looks too dark?

If your SMP is significantly darker than desired, it's wise to consult with a professional who specialises in scalp micropigmentation correction. They can assess your situation and recommend the most suitable method for fading the pigment. They might combine several techniques to achieve the best results.

Does SMP look better after healing?

The pigments may soften, leading to a more natural look that blends seamlessly with any existing hair. The key contours and hairline designs set during the initial treatment remain visible, preserving the overall aesthetic.

Should you moisturize after SMP?

After cleansing, apply a moisturizer designed explicitly for post-scalp micropigmentation care. This helps to keep the skin hydrated and nourished, preventing dryness and flakiness that may affect the appearance of your SMP treatment.

Does SMP look good in real life?

A skilled SMP artist creates tiny, layered dots in different shades to mimic natural hair follicles. Does scalp micropigmentation look real? Quality scalp micropigmentation should look like real hair follicles.

When can I buzz my head after SMP?

For some people, it may be safe to shave their heads as soon as a week after SMP. For others, it may be necessary to wait a little longer in order to ensure that the scalp is completely healed. Ultimately, it is best to check with your SMP artist to see what their recommendation is.

What happens to SMP when you go GREY?

When you go grey, scalp micropigmentation remains unchanged because the pigments are deposited into the scalp, not the hair. If you have SMP and your hair starts to grey, the SMP may become more noticeable if there was an attempt to blend it with your natural hair colour before greying.

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.

When can I wet my head after SMP?

UV rays can cause the pigment to fade or change color. Avoid swimming or participating in any activities that could cause your scalp to become wet for at least 10 days after the procedure.

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.

How to sleep after SMP on scalp?

Can you sleep normally after SMP? Yes you can, the treatment does not affect your sleep. Ensure you have a clean pillow.

Does sauna fade SMP?

All of the treatment area needs to be kept clean and getting the scalp wet should be avoided. This means that to ensure lasting results, for at least a month after your last SMP treatment you should not use facilities such as saunas, tanning beds, chlorinated pools or steam rooms.

Do people regret SMP?

SMP is a good option for many patients. Unfortunately, some people report regretting their scalp micropigmentation operation. This could be due to a lack of study, questionable clinics providing deceptive information or selecting the incorrect surgery.

What are the downsides of SMP?

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

What does bad SMP look like?

Bad SMP often looks unnatural, with colour fading, uneven hairline, it's patchy and not applied evenly, and a harsh hairline might be visible. You might notice stark contrasts due to poor pigment choices.

How does SMP look after 5 years?

However, SMP is designed to maintain a remarkably natural appearance in both men and women, even after five years. Instead of a harsh contrast, the fading of high-quality pigments creates a subtle and realistic look, similar to natural hair. Some clients report liking the treatment even more after five years.

Do tanning beds fade SMP?

No matter what the pigment is going to fade over time. Don't worry touchup sessions are priced accordingly to how much we need to touchup, but touchup costs are never full price. Reasons SMP fades: Sun, Sun, Sun and Tanning beds.

Can I wash my head 3 days after SMP?

The First 4 Days After SMP Treatment

We know you want to keep your scalp clean. However, for the short term, do not wash your head for 4 days following your SMP treatment. Directly after treatment, you may notice some scabs on your scalp. This is normal, and scabs will fade quickly during the healing process.

How much does SMP cost?

On average, a hair transplant procedure costs $8,000, while an SMP treatment costs around $3,000. Hair transplant costs will also vary depending on whether you get an FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) or FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) cosmetic procedure. FUE is usually the more expensive of the two.

Can SMP fall out?

SMP Removal

“Permanent” pigments can fade, and “temporary“ pigments never leave.

Do SMP dots get smaller?

Each dot is a tiny scab that also contains SMP pigment. Those dots will look larger and darker during the healing process, but don't worry; they will get smaller and lighter. As your scalp heals, the scabs come away and take some pigments with them.

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