What happens to SMP over time?

Author: Ora Schiller I  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Over time, the pigments in your hair tattoo may gradually fade or pixelate, and the color may soften. However, SMP is designed to maintain a remarkably natural appearance in both men and women, even after five years.

Does SMP fade over time?

Over time, scalp micropigmentation can fade due to the skin's natural exfoliation process and exposure to UV rays. However, this fading doesn't mean the end of your SMP journey. Touch-up sessions are available to revive the vibrancy of your SMP, ensuring it always looks its best.

What happens to SMP when you get old?

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.

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 SMP be fully removed?

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

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

Is SMP reversible?

Is Scalp Micropigmentation Reversible? It is a permanent treatment, but it can be reversed or adjusted once the rest of your hair turns grey. Removals are relatively simple and painless, usually requiring only one or two sessions for complete restoration to a natural hairline.

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.

Does SMP damage existing hair?

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.

Can SMP be reversed?

Can SMP be reversed? Yes, it can. However, we have never had an instance where a client requested this. How soon can I start the treatment?

What is the downside to SMP?

Disadvantages of Scalp Micro Pigmentation
  • Disadvantages of Scalp Micro Pigmentation. An SMP treatment will always look its very best when the surrounding hairs have been shaved. ...
  • 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. ...
  • Will not age.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Does SMP make your head shiny?

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.

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 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 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.

Does SMP blur?

Scalp Micro-pigmentation blowout happens when the pigment goes beyond the intended area, resulting in a blurred or smudged appearance. This can occur due to various factors such as the improper depth of the needle insertion, incorrect technique, or the use of low-quality pigments.

Does SMP fade away completely?

Now, that's not to say that SMP fades away completely. It doesn't. You can bolster your SMP very easily with a touch up appointment. So, your ultimate foundation of SMP will last you at least 5 years, if not longer.

How long has SMP been around?

SMP is a form of cosmetic tattooing developed from 'permanent makeup' As far back as 1902 well known tattoo artist Sutherland MacDonald starting using 'permanent makeup' at his parlour, boasting of an 'all year-round delicate pink complexion' on the cheeks. This look was extremely popular, and the idea took off.

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.

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