Possible risks include: Allergic reaction to the cosmetic pigments. Infection from unsterilized needles. Unnatural or undesirable appearance after treatment.
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. It's worth considering whether scalp micropigmentation is a look you'll want when you're older.
Challenge 4: Fading and Discoloration
Over time, SMP pigments can fade or change color due to factors such as sun exposure, skin type, and the client's lifestyle. This can result in an unnatural appearance, particularly if the pigment fades to a different color than the client's natural hair.
No! Most people who had SMP don't regret having it done. But people do regret BAD scalp micropigmentation.
So just to clarify, good SMP is not noticeable as unnatural. Good SMP is noticeable because it looks clean, it looks healthy, your hair looks denser, and you look younger, more aware, fresher, and your face is framed better and so, those are all things that I want people to notice about me personally.
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. This matured look of SMP after 5 years fits well with the natural aging of the scalp and hair.
Choosing SMP instead of a hair transplant. For some people with hair loss, SMP is the perfect solution. As this SMP patient explains, it works well if you're used to being bald: Those who want more styling options, or prefer to wear their hair long, a hair transplant is a better option.
Scalp micropigmentation doesn't grow hair or change your natural hair growth. It's not a hair loss treatment. It also won't cause hair loss or damage your existing hair follicles. Scalp micropigmentation is a way to make it look like you have fuller, thicker hair.
Over time, sun exposure and skin cell turnover can lead to slight fading of the SMP pigment. However, this is usually a slow process and can be managed with regular touch-up sessions. This ensures your SMP always looks fresh and natural, regardless of your age.
To conclude, does scalp micropigmentation look fake? No, not at all. But only if you make sensible and well-informed decisions when investigating clinics, technicians, and treatments.
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.
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.
Micropigmentation Is a Safe Procedure
The fact that the procedure is non-invasive means that there are no deep incisions into your scalp.
It's important to note that scalp conditions like active psoriasis or eczema may not be suitable for SMP treatment. Consulting with a qualified hair loss doctor or SMP technician can help determine if you're a good candidate for the procedure.
Scalp Micropigmentation is a semi-permanent solution, typically lasting between 4 to 6 years before noticeable fading. However, the exact duration can vary based on several factors, including your skincare routine, immune system, lifestyle habits, and exposure to UV light.
It does not feel like hair
SMP is a great way to create an illusion, but it will still feel the same as a bald head. So if you are looking for a way to restore actual hair, SMP is not the right choice for you.
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.
Remember, SMP isn't a life sentence—you have options to fade or remove it completely.
Scalp micropigmentation (also known as SMP or hair tattoo) is the perfect treatment to camouflage the area and the best thing is, it will leave you with 100% natural results and it will almost be like the scar was never there to begin with.
Most people, including family members, cannot differentiate between natural and SMP follicles. However, it is noticeable in the same manner as if someone had shaved only this portion of their head and not the sides.
Think of sunlight or artificial light bouncing off the surface of a shaved smooth SMP scalp. When this happens, the surface will shine and shine will be noticed after having a wet shave. When there is hair growing from the scalp there is not as much shine because the hair disrupts the shine on the skin surface.
Statutory Maternity Pay ( SMP ) is paid for up to 39 weeks. You get: 90% of your average weekly earnings (before tax) for the first 6 weeks.
With any pigment in the skin, the appearance changes over time. “Permanent” pigments can fade, and “temporary“ pigments never leave. Ultraviolet (UV) light, in particular, will fade scalp micropigmentation pigments more quickly than otherwise, so sun protection for the head after treatment is essential.