What does sun do to SMP?

Author: Mr. Napoleon Thiel Sr.  |  Last update: Monday, November 17, 2025

Directly exposing your scalp to the sun's rays can accelerate the fading of your treatment, which is why it's crucial to invest in an SPF-containing product to preserve your new hairline. Ultraviolet rays can cause your scalp tattoo to fade much like it does on car paint or leather fabrics.

Can you go in the sun with SMP?

UV rays can break down the pigments before they have fully settled into the skin. Even after the initial healing period, it's crucial to protect your scalp from the sun to preserve the longevity of your SMP results. Always wear a hat or apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when spending time outdoors.

How to make SMP fade faster?

Regular exfoliation with sea salt can help speed up the fading process. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub designed for the scalp. This method works by removing the top layer of skin cells, which can help lighten the pigment over time.

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.

Does sweating ruin SMP?

After SMP treatment, do not wet your hair. For example, a wash, swim, or sweat session could all lead to faster fading for your skin. And, as each piece of ink is like a small open wound to the skin, it can also be painful. Avoid shaving as well with a normal blade until 15 days after and direct sunlight for 30 days.

When Am I Able To Expose My Head To Sunlight After SMP Treatment?

What causes SMP to fade?

SMP pigment fades over time due to factors like sun exposure, aftercare, immune response, scalp health, and artist skill. Proper aftercare and sun protection can help minimise this fading. SMP touch-ups, necessary every 2-5 years, are generally more affordable as they usually require just one session.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Why did my SMP turn blue?

SMP may turn blue for a few reasons, often related to the type of pigment used, the depth at which the pigment was implanted, or external factors affecting the scalp.

Can you laser off SMP?

If you've undergone a scalp micro pigmentation (SMP) treatment in the past and now want to remove it, laser scalp micro pigmentation removal might be the solution you're looking for.

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.

Does SMP look better with a tan?

This is because the UV rays from natural sunlight and tanning beds can break down the pigments. As a result, the same can fade prematurely and result in a blotchy appearance. If you want to maintain the best results from your SMP treatment, it is best to avoid tanning.

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.

How do I keep my SMP dark?

Protecting it from sun damage through sunscreen application and avoiding prolonged exposure to UV rays will keep the pigment vibrant for longer. Additionally, maintaining a regular cleaning routine and adhering to any post-treatment guidelines provided will maximize the benefits of your SMP procedure.

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.

Does Vin Diesel have SMP?

Vin Diesel is an American Actor best known for his roles as Dominic Toretto in the Fast and the Furious movies. He began experiencing hair loss when he was quite young. He embraced this look for many years and also received SMP to sharpen his look with a natural-appearing hairline.

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.

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 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.

Do any celebrities have scalp micropigmentation?

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx makes our list of celebs with SMP. Foxx, a household name in Hollywood, is widely recognized for his versatile acting skills. In his 40s, Foxx opted for scalp micropigmentation to enhance his looks and camouflage his receding hairline.

What is the world's best scalp micropigmentation?

Skalp® is recognised as the world's number one Scalp Micropigmentation hair tattoo clinic, known worldwide for offering the most natural & realistic results.

Does SMP look fake?

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.

Is SMP good for thinning hair?

SMP can help make thinning hair look fuller, but it can't completely fill in bald patches or a receding hairline. Consider pairing SMP with proven hair loss treatments like finasteride and minoxidil that can promote a healthy hair growth cycle.

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