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Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a non-surgical cosmetic tattoo treatment that places thousands of tiny pigment dots in the scalp to recreate the look of hair follicles. It makes thinning hair look denser, rebuilds a receding hairline, hides hair transplant scars and gives a clean shaved-head look. Results usually last three to five years before a refresh.
Scalp Micro-pigmentation is a form of semi-permanent makeup used to restore the look of hair on someone who is experiencing hair loss.
HOW IS IT DONE?
Scalp Micro-pigmentation is performed similarly to other types of permanent makeup; with a needle that vibrates at a high speed with pigment on it. The needle is rotating at such a high speed that it mimics the look of each hair follicle when implanting the pigment into the scalp.
When the needle is vibrating, it gets implanted into the same skin layer that hair follicles are formed resulting in a very natural look. This procedure will last 3-6 years and the client will just have to get the treatment touched up and they will be good again for another 3-6 years. Since this procedure lasts a long time, the cost for this procedure is very high compared to other forms of permanent makeup. A scalp procedure ranges anywhere from $2,000 to $4,500 which is a very profitable technique to perform.
Who is scalp micropigmentation for?
- Men with male pattern baldness who want a defined hairline and a natural buzz-cut look.
- Women with thinning hair who want the part line and crown to look fuller while keeping their hair long.
- People with alopecia who want to fill in patchy areas.
- Hair transplant patients who want to camouflage FUE dots or a FUT strip scar, or add density between grafts.
Does scalp micropigmentation look real?
When the dot size, spacing and shade match the client’s natural hair, SMP is very hard to tell apart from a closely shaved head. Results that look fake usually come from dots that are too large, a hairline drawn too straight or too low, or pigment that has faded toward blue. That is why the artist builds density over several sessions instead of all at once.
How many sessions does SMP take?
SMP is applied in layers over more than one session, with time between sessions for the scalp to heal. Each session takes around three hours. Layering lets the artist adjust density and shade as the dots settle, which keeps the result soft and natural.
Does scalp micropigmentation hurt?
Most clients describe it as a scratching or prickling sensation rather than pain. The hairline and crown are usually the most sensitive areas.
How much does scalp micropigmentation cost?
Across the US, a full SMP treatment usually costs between $2,000 and $4,500. At Elite in West Los Angeles, scalp micropigmentation is $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the size of the area treated. A hairline or scar camouflage sits at the lower end and full-head coverage at the higher end. See our scalp micropigmentation service in Los Angeles for details, or read the full guide to scalp micropigmentation cost in Los Angeles.
Scalp micropigmentation vs hair transplant vs hair fibers
A hair transplant moves real follicles and can restore growing hair, but it is surgery, has a recovery period and depends on having enough donor hair. Hair fibers are a temporary cosmetic you apply every day. SMP sits in between: non-surgical, semi-permanent and low-maintenance, but it creates the appearance of hair rather than new growth. Many clients combine SMP with a transplant to add density or hide scarring. We compare the two in detail in scalp micropigmentation vs hair transplant.
SMP aftercare
For the first days after each session, avoid washing the scalp, heavy sweating, swimming, saunas and direct sun. Over the long term, sunscreen on the scalp and avoiding harsh exfoliants help the pigment last longer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I grow my hair out after SMP?
Yes. For thinning hair, SMP is designed to sit under longer hair and reduce scalp visibility. For a shaved look, you keep the hair short so it blends with the dots.
Will SMP turn blue or green?
Color shift usually comes from the wrong pigment or placing it too deep. A trained artist uses SMP-specific pigment and matches the shade to your hair and skin tone.
Can scalp micropigmentation be removed?
Yes, it can be lightened or removed if needed, which is one reason good artists start conservatively and build density over sessions.
HOW DO I LEARN SCALP MICRO-PIGMENTATION?
We have world-renowned scalp micro-pigmentation training here at Elite. There are many mistakes that can be made when performing this technique and since it is on someone’s head, you don’t want to make those beginner mistakes. In our training, we teach all of our students the proper way to perform this technique and what mistakes to avoid.
“We have a 3-day scalp micro-pigmentation training course available year-round. This training will come included with the exact machine and products our professional team uses! You can book your training.
Getting SMP, or learning to perform it
We perform scalp micropigmentation at our West Los Angeles studio, for both density work on thinning hair and full hairline restoration. Artists who want to add SMP to their menu can take our scalp micropigmentation training, one of the highest-ticket services in permanent makeup and a natural second skill alongside microblading certification. See every program at the Los Angeles training center.
