The type of ink used in SMP is critical to achieving the desired look and ensuring that the results are long-lasting. Pigment-based inks are the most commonly used type of ink in SMP, while carbon-based inks and hybrid inks can also be effective in certain cases.
The ink that is used by SMP practitioners has been carefully formulated to ensure it doesn't change colour over time in the way that traditional tattoo inks can. Traditional tattoo inks contain different ingredients to SMP pigments.
Types of Stamp Ink
Classic stamp ink is excellent for most stamp pads and self-inking stamps and are used across the board in a variety of settings and applications! If you are stamping hands at an entryway of a bar or event, hand and invisible stamp ink is safe for skin and can be viewed under a UV or black light.
The most common type of ink used in permanent makeup procedures is iron oxide pigment. This pigment contains small particles that are suspended in an oil-based solution and injected into the skin using tiny needles.
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.
If done correctly, scalp micropigmentation ink will not discolor, turn blue or green. However, you will notice that overtime your treatment will naturally lighten. Typically, this happens every 4-6 years before a slight touch-up is needed. This is a normal part of the SMP process.
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.
PMU pigments often have smaller sized particles that heal softer and more naturally, which is how we can create such amazing effects with hair strokes or lip pixels. While tattoos can fade over time, permanent makeup fades a lot faster and is a lot easier to remove.
Therefore, the presence of permanent cosmetics should not prevent a patient from undergoing MR imaging.
Dye based inks get absorbed into the paper, Pigment inks dry on the surface of the paper (because they are formulated from solids) and do not get absorbed into the paper, so, pigment inks will probably last longer.
If exposed daily to direct sunlight or bright indoor lights, dye inks may start to fade quickly. Pigment ink has a superior UV resistance and therefore is selected when many years of indoor use or up to two years of outdoor life is required with little fading.
StazOn is the ultimate permanent ink. This highly versatile ink adheres to paper, metal, plastic, acrylic, glossy paper, shrink plastic, transparencies, leather, glass, ceramic and almost any non-porous surface. It only takes about 10-30 seconds to dry on most surfaces.
Pigment-based inks are the most commonly used type of ink in SMP, while carbon-based inks and hybrid inks can also be effective in certain cases. It is important to work with a qualified SMP practitioner to choose the right ink for your needs.
Preparing Your Pigment
Distilled water is mixed with pigment using a ratio of water:pigment (i.e water to pigment). For example, to prepare a color of 20, we would need a mixture of 20:1 = 20 parts of water in Milliliters (20 ml) to one part pigment in milliliters (1 ml).
Pro SMP Ink is made specifically for the prevention of ink fading and spreading, unlike normal tattoo ink which is used for markings big enough that a little spreading is barely noticeable.
The inks contain pigments that are mixed with water and may contain a variety of other components, depending on the ink. Published research has reported that some inks contain pigments used in printer toner or in car paint. The FDA has not approved any pigments for injection into the skin for cosmetic purposes.
Those with especially thin skin or visible veins in the area may be at a high risk of ink migration and poor ink retention, making them potentially unsuitable candidates for permanent eyeliner. It's crucial to consult with the artist to assess suitability and potential risks.
In rare situations, tattoos may make an MRI less comfortable. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that tattoos can cause irritation and burning during an MRI. A scientific review also reported a tattooed athlete experiencing a burn-like injury during an MRI.
Eternal Ink is highly popular among professional tattoo artists for its safety and ease of application. Offers a wide selection of colors and is known for its rich pigmentation.
Results from microblading are more natural than traditional eyebrow tattoos. Each hairstroke is hand drawn in microblading. To the naked eye, these individual hairstrokes blend right in with a clients' real hair.
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.
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.
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.