SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION FAQ

SCALP MICROPIGMEMTATION FAQ

Everything you need to know about hair loss, scalp micropigmentation and recovery time

scalp micropigmentation

What is SMP?

Scalp Micro Pigmentation (SMP) was developed as both a cosmetic procedure for men and women suffering with all types of hair loss, and as a medical procedure to help conceal scars, burns, birthmarks, as well as the full spectrum of alopecia. 

During the SMP procedure, a blend of unique pigments specifically formulated for the client are deposited into the dermal layer of the skin on the scalp. These deposits create an extremely realistic illusion that replicates hair follicles. SMP is a viable alternative to traditional hair transplant surgery, hair systems, pills, and fibers.. 

Around the world, thousands of clients live their lives free from hair loss without lengthly maintenance routines, unwelcome side effects or signifiant ongoing financial outlay.

scalp micropigmentation FAQ

Does scalp micropigmentation look real?

A typical scalp hair from a Caucasian woman is about 77 micrometers in diameters (67 Um in those of Asian descent, and 120 Um in those African descent). Typically, SMP dots placed in the dermis layer are 90-140 micrometers in diameter.

While this might seem a bit larger than a real human hair, this slight difference is virtually indistinguishable from real hair follicles. Often, when viewed 1 foot away, close friends and family will not be able to tell where real hair ends and the SMP begins.

female hair loss products

What causes hair loss?

As hair on the scalp goes through it’s normal cycle of growing and shedding, DHT makes the follicles miniaturize. That means they get thinner and shorter because the growing cycle doesn’t last as long. 

The growing cycle becomes so brief that new hairs can’t grow through the skin. For women, hair loss can be caused by an imbalance of thyroid hormones, pregnancy, disease and certain medications.

how long does scalp micropigmentation last

How long will SMP last for?

With proper care and treatment, including using high sunscreen when outside, SMP will commonly last for many years. For a healthy client with a normal immune system, we expect that the color will last with original vibrance for about 4-6 years, with gradual fading of the pigment to last up to 8 years.

Fortunately, if a touch up is needed, a fee is charged which is generally cheaper per session than the original treatment fee. It’s important to note that each individual is different so an estimated range of longevity will be provided at our consultation meeting.

how long does scalp micropigmentation last

Will SMP fade, smear, or turn blue as the years pass?

Any pigment applied to the dermal layer of the skin will eventually fade, but we expect SMP to last several years or more, before even minimal fading is noticed. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun often breaks apart some tattoo inks for easier absorption by the body, resulting in increased fade rates and slight smearing. 

As the inks are degraded, their chromophores are often altered resulting in changed color. If this occurs, we can easily offer touch up sessions, or revise the ink color by adding additives to mute, neutralize, or warm up the tone again.

do head tattoos hurt

Is SMP reversible? Is receiving SMP treatment painful?

Yes, SMP pigmentation can be removed with an electro-optic Q switched laser, which is used to heat and break-up the SMP pigmentation for easier absorption by phagocytes in the dermis. SMP is fairly easy to remove in most cases because the pigment is not deposited as deeply as normal tattoo ink. 

The electro-optic laser, however is expensive and therefore, many clinics which advertise laser removal do not actually own one.

As for pain, it depends on the individual. In some cases, clients have fallen asleep while I have completed treatment. In other cases, clients experience pain across the temples or above the ears during treatment. Most clients rate their pain on a scale of 1-10, as 3-5 during treatment.

SMP hairline tattoo

How long will it take for my final SMP appearance to form?

A normal client depending on hair loss extent, will take two to four treatments to achieve their final appearance. Most treatments are 2-3 hours long with small breaks as needed. The first treatment often places a very light application on the scalp to assess fading and density levels. 

The normal reaction from many clients is to assume that the SMP is too light. However, this is a normal part of the treatment and allows me to better treat the scalp in later sessions. The second treatment is 10-14 days later, and adds the majority of the density to your new look. 

Treatments three or later are usually for completing the look, addressing darkness matching or to even the density across the scalp.

SMP Scottsdale Arizona

What will my scalp look like immediately after treatment?

The area of the scalp that has been treated will have some redness for 24 hours after treatment, though this tends to be less visible on darker skin tones. In addition, the pigmentation will be darker for up to 7 days after treatment, again, depending on your skin tone. 

Thereafter, the pigmentation will appear to become lighter and softer as the pigment filled scabs begin to flake away. These scabs flake away in the first 3 to 10 days. As this happens, it appears to the observer that the SMP dots are shrinking. 

When the healing process is complete, the final dots are often 90 to 170 Um in diameter and blend seamlessly into any natural hair. By about one month, after any treatment, the pigments will begin to “set” and thereafter, fading will be almost zero.

scalp micropigmentation arizona

How do I choose a hairline? If I have hair left, can I leave it long?

If you are unsure of what style or type of hairline will work or you, I will be there to help. With an artistic eye and experience on how to fit a hairline to head shape and age, I can help recommend what’s best. Over the course of our sessions, we can tweak and adjust the hairline for the perfect, natural result.

Depending upon the pattern and extent of your current hair, some clients are able to maintain a longer length. Scalp micropigmentation can help thicken areas so that less of the scalp is seen showing through. However, if there is a strong pattern of hair loss or just not a lot of hair density left, the client is recommended to crop it shorter.

hair transplant scar Scalp Micropigmentation FAQ

Can Studio Conceal camouflage my transplant scar?

Yes, absolutely! By replicating tiny hair follicles inside the scarring and blending the color around the scarring area, transplant and surgical scars can see massive improvement in concealment.

Google reviews

Kirstin Aurora
Kirstin Aurora
2023-01-28
Jayd and her team were absolutely amazing. The studio space, the support, the tools…every single part of the training was the best quality. Jayd is an amazing instructor and I feel confident with my new skills to start on my own.
Pious Vintage
Pious Vintage
2023-01-28
I found Jayd on Instagram searching for camouflage tattoo training for scars and stretch marks. After researching other artists I knew she was the instructor I was looking for. I flew in from Arkansas and she made the process so easy. She is by far one of the most thorough and genuinely caring instructors I have ever had. She covered every area of scar and stretch mark tattooing, color selection, marketing and so many things I didn’t even expect to receive. There are many instructors out there just trying to make money and don’t really care about the content. I feel like she has taken all of her own professional experiences with tattooing and training and gives you the best! I highly recommend Studio Conceal. Her employees are one of a kind, excellent! I’ve never felt so welcome and taken care of. Thanks Jayd! -Lucinda P
Kimberly Kukla
Kimberly Kukla
2023-01-19
I couldn’t have asked for a more professional experience from Jayd and Jess! I went in for areola tattooing with my mom ( who had it done as well). They were both so open to any changes and any concerns we wanted to make from our previous consultation a few weeks before and open to offering any suggestions from their professional standpoint. The studio is immaculately clean and very tidy. I honestly don’t have words to describe the experience other than it’s something I’ll never forget and getting to do it with my mom was even more special . Jayd and Jess , you both are the most beautiful women I think I’ve ever met inside and out and I adore you both and will forever be so grateful for the “ completion “ of my journey through all of this. I can’t thank you both enough for everything ! And Jayd your talent is like nothing I’ve ever seen before and you’re so magical with your work! I truly love you both and thank you from the bottom of my heart and my moms! Can’t wait for the TU appointment soon!! Love, Kimberly C.
Elizabeth Quezada
Elizabeth Quezada
2022-12-17
Jayd & Jess went above and beyond to ensure i was getting the correct treatment to achieve my desired goal. Jess was very informative, patient, and honest with every step of my session. Truly made me feel cared for. They both have a genuine desire and passion you can feel to help others reach the results theyre looking for. And that was the best feeling for me. I traveled from out of town and they both made my consultation and session smoother than I could’ve imagined. 🤍 thank you so much ladies, looking forward to my results . Will 1000% recommend. Y’all are changing lives 🙏🏼
Anissa Jacob
Anissa Jacob
2022-12-03
Jayd did an amazing job on my stretch mark camouflage. She deserves 10 stars. They were very welcoming, I felt like family. The studio is pristine and up to date with CDC guidelines for Covid 19. Jayd and her assistant, Jamison went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable during my procedure. The procedure was quick and painless. We even got in a few good laughs and she even gave me a gift bag. The candle she gave me smells better than Bath & body works. I am overall, incredibly impressed from the moment I walked in to the moment I left. I feel very blessed to have met her. Studio conceal is the best in AZ!!
Claudia Ofarrell
Claudia Ofarrell
2022-12-02
Jayd is excellent.
Suzanne Coleman
Suzanne Coleman
2022-11-28
Studio Conceal is filled with artists that want to bring joy back into peoples lives. Jayd is very empathetic and skilled in her work. She takes her time to understand the clients needs and wants and creates miracles that I can attest gave me back my confidence! Thank you Jayd for your huge heart, the card, the candle, the water, the robe all of it made me feel feel at home. Jamison her assistant is very caring checking up on me and very helpful in making me comfortable during the sessions. Thank you Jamison, you are a beautiful soul. Both are amazing for anyone looking for natural looking results! xo-Suzanne
Damena Hernandez
Damena Hernandez
2022-11-05
Awesome learned so much. EVeryone was so friendly! So hands on loved loved ❤️
Andrea Chandler
Andrea Chandler
2022-11-05
I took a class with jayd here in AZ and it was one of the best experiences I have ever had! She is so knowledgeable so kind and so helpful.
tatiana davila
tatiana davila
2022-11-05
I have had the BEST experience with Jayd. She is filled with love and knowledge and i am eager to start my journey with all that i have learned. i will take a flight for Jayd and her team ANYYYYDAY❤️

Our Scalp Micropigmentation reviews

Love our SMP service? Please use this Scalp Micropigmentation Review Form.

Female SMP - love the results!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
July 3, 2022

I just completed 3 sessions of female scalp micropigmentation (SMP) with Jayd and she’s absolutely incredible! She is so warm, personable, and professional. I started looking into SMP after experiencing hair loss as a result of PCOS and thyroid issues. Jayd was so knowledgeable on how these conditions affected pigment retention during SMP and really took the time to explain the process to me. Jayd really focuses on evidence and results which made me feel a lot more confident about the procedure. She also made me feel so comfortable and checked in with me during the sessions to make sure I was comfortable. She reached out after each session about how I was healing and how I felt. I could already see a noticeable change after my first session, and now after 3 sessions, I could not be happier with the results! I had an amazing experience with studio conceal and I could not recommend Jayd more!

Monica
Scroll to Top