Treatments
What is Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)?
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a non-surgical way to restore the appearance of hair. Whether you are dealing with thinning hair, pattern baldness, or scarring, here is what SMP does, who it is right for, and how to decide if it fits your goals.
Key takeaways
- SMP is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that tattoos microdots of pigment onto the scalp to replicate the look of natural hair follicles.
- It can mimic a closely shaved head, add the appearance of density to thinning hair, and camouflage scars from FUT or FUE procedures or injuries.
- It requires maintenance: plan to refresh the pigment every 3 to 6 years, and avoid direct sun exposure to prevent fading.
- SMP will not create actual hair growth. Advanced Hair Restoration® does not offer SMP; we offer permanent hair transplantation with Advanced FUE™.
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that creates the appearance of a fuller head of hair by tattooing microdots of pigment onto the scalp. The process uses specialized needles and pigments to replicate the look of natural hair follicles, creating the illusion of a closely shaved head or adding density to thinning hair.
Unlike traditional tattooing, SMP is specifically designed to match the appearance of real hair, with pigments that resist discoloration over time. This technique offers a long-term solution for people experiencing hair loss, balding, or thinning hair.
What does SMP do?
SMP provides a range of benefits, including:
- Illusion of a shaved head. For people who prefer a buzzed look, SMP mimics the appearance of a shaved or closely cropped head.
- Added density. SMP can create the appearance of fuller hair for people with thinning or diffuse hair loss.
- Camouflage for scars. Those with scars from hair transplant procedures (FUT or FUE) or injuries can use SMP to mask these areas.
- Solution for alopecia. SMP offers a cosmetic option for people with conditions like alopecia areata or totalis once the hair loss is permanent or stable.
Who is SMP right for?
SMP can be beneficial for people facing:
- Pattern baldness. Both men and women with androgenetic alopecia can benefit from SMP, depending on their hair loss stage.
- Thinning hair. People seeking added density without undergoing a hair transplant.
- Hair transplant scars. Those looking to conceal scarring from FUT or FUE procedures.
- Complete hair loss. SMP is ideal for people who have no hair and prefer the aesthetic of a closely shaved scalp.
- Medical conditions. People affected by conditions such as alopecia or chemotherapy-related hair loss may find SMP helpful once the hair loss is permanent or stable.
Free consultation
Want real hair, not just the look of it?
SMP creates the appearance of hair; it does not grow it. In a free, in-person consultation, an Advanced Hair Restoration® hair loss professional examines your scalp and donor area directly and maps the exact graft count for a permanent hair transplant.
Questions to determine if SMP is right for you
Consider these factors to decide if SMP aligns with your goals:
01
Desired outcome
Are you seeking a permanent solution for hair loss, or a solution that masks thinning or, in the case of shaved heads, provides the appearance of a shaved head of hair?
02
Commitment
SMP requires maintenance. Are you prepared to refresh the pigment (have another treatment) every 3 to 6 years to ensure natural-looking results?
03
Skin and scalp health
Do you have healthy skin? Healthy skin is essential for optimal SMP results. Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or active scalp infections may impact candidacy.
04
Lifestyle
SMP is low-maintenance but requires certain precautions, such as avoiding direct sun exposure to prevent fading.
05
Expectations
SMP will not create actual hair growth, but it can deliver a realistic aesthetic. Understanding its limitations is crucial.
Is SMP the right option for you?
To make an informed decision, consult a qualified SMP practitioner. They will assess your scalp, discuss your goals, and provide insight into whether SMP aligns with your expectations. If you are exploring multiple options, weigh the pros and cons of SMP against hair transplants, wigs, or medication.
SMP is a versatile and customizable procedure, but its success lies in the expertise of the practitioner and the clarity of your goals.
What we offer
Advanced Hair Restoration® does not offer SMP, but we do offer a permanent way to restore your own growing hair: an Advanced FUE™ hair transplant, Guaranteed to Grow for Life™.
Schedule a free consultation with one of our experts to learn more about permanent hair transplantation and Advanced FUE™. Consultations are in person, because a hair loss professional examines your scalp and donor area directly and maps your exact graft count.
Questions patients ask
Scalp micropigmentation questions
Is scalp micropigmentation permanent?
It is a long-term solution, but it requires maintenance. The pigments are designed to resist discoloration over time, yet you should be prepared to refresh them with another treatment every 3 to 6 years to ensure natural-looking results, and to avoid direct sun exposure to prevent fading.
Does scalp micropigmentation grow hair?
No. SMP will not create actual hair growth. It tattoos microdots of pigment onto the scalp to replicate the look of natural hair follicles, which can deliver a realistic aesthetic. Understanding that limitation is crucial before you decide.
Who is SMP right for?
SMP can benefit men and women with pattern baldness, depending on their hair loss stage; people seeking added density without undergoing a hair transplant; people with scars from FUT or FUE procedures or injuries; people with no hair who prefer the look of a closely shaved scalp; and people with alopecia or chemotherapy-related hair loss once the hair loss is permanent or stable. Healthy skin matters, because eczema, psoriasis, or active scalp infections may impact candidacy.
Can SMP hide FUT or FUE scars?
Yes. People with scars from FUT or FUE hair transplant procedures, or from injuries, can use SMP to mask these areas.
Real Results
Simple 1 Day Treatment®. Lifetime Results.
Every photo below is a real Advanced Hair patient: Advanced FUE™, their own natural hair, Guaranteed to Grow for Life™.
Kyle M. · 3,000 Advanced FUE™ grafts
Scott H. · 2,500 Advanced FUE™ grafts
Madison T. · 3,300 Advanced FUE™ grafts
AJ S. · 2,500 Advanced FUE™ grafts
Individual results may vary.
Next step
Want your own hair back?
SMP can mask hair loss, but it will not create actual hair growth. Permanent hair transplantation with Advanced FUE™ is our proven way to get your hair back in areas of thinning and loss. Consultations are free and in person, so a hair loss professional can examine your scalp and donor area directly and map your exact graft count.