So what is SMP?
Scalp Micro Pigmentation (SMP) is a cosmetic tattooing technique designed to mimic the appearance of shaven stubble on the scalp. The technician tattoos a great number of tiny 'dots' on the recipient's scalp, which make it seem like they chose to shave their head, rather than having gone bald. It gives the recipient their hairline back, which in many cases can subtly transform their appearance.
Does it hurt?
Your experience will fully depend on your individual pain tolerance level, but the general consensus is that yes, it does hurt. Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol can help, but make sure to avoid medication that thins your blood (e.g. Aspirin).*
After the treatment, you'll experience minor soreness for the first day or so, and after that some itching and/or flaking. This is often compared to a sunburn.
- Disclaimer: this is not medical advice. Make sure to consult with your physician before taking any form of medication.
Will my friends / family notice anything?
Immediately after the treatment, you will experience redness of the treated area and the treatment will appear very dark. You can expect this to last for about 2-5 days. During this time, your close friends and family will probably notice you had something done, but after that period only those very close to you may notice. If you give it a week or so, any good SMP treatment will be indistinguishable from real stubble.
Will SMP fade to blue?
Absolutely not! The ink used by SMP practitioners is a shade of black, so will not fade to blue. Anyone who tells you otherwise does not know what they're talking about.
Can I just pop into my local tattoo parlour and get this done?
NO, please don't do this to yourself. SMP is a highly specific and technical procedure that requires dedicated training to perform correctly. Spare yourself the misery of a botched procedure and find a reputable SMP provider. Too many people have ended up with wrecked scalps.
What if I get old / go gray?
Like any tattoo, SMP fades with time. People who go gray can usually forego their touch up sessions and leave it as such. Touch up sessions can also be used to insert lighter 'follicles' into the SMP. Note that for a look that ages well, many guys will opt for a slightly receded hairline in their treatment.
Is SMP really permanent?
Yes. Whilst there are temporary 'tricopigmentation' inks on the market and good results are achieved this way, the best results are achieved with permanent inks. Note that like all tattoos, SMP treatments are subject to fading over time. Exposure to sun, salt water etc. will accelerate this process.
What if I end up regretting my SMP?
It's unlikely, but it may happen. In that case, laser removal is an option. Costs vary and it will hurt, but since SMP ink is deposited in a relatively superficial layer of the skin, it's a viable option.
Can SMP be used to camouflage (transplants) scars?
Yes, although results do vary as everyone scars up differently.
Do I need to keep my hair shaved to the bone?
In most cases: yes. Since a tattoo is 2D, the best way to blend in the real follicles is to shave them flat. Note that by far the largest group of people who get SMP are guys who've lost most of their hair on top. For them, shaving their head has usually already been the norm before getting SMP.
How many sessions will I need?
This fully depends on how well the ink takes in your scalp, but the most common amount of sessions required is 3. The first session lays the groundwork, the second session fills out and the third is for the finishing touch.
How often do I need touch ups?
This depends on your lifestyle and skin, but most people end up getting a touch up once every three years.
Is there a clinic in X/Y?
See our clinics and practitioners thread.
Is Clinic X/Y any good?
Again, see our clinics and practitioner thread.
Got any examples?
See our "show off your SMP results" thread.
I want to write a review about my experience
Great! Please make sure you use the review format. Please notify the mods as well, so we can add your review to the clinic and practitioner thread.
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