FAQ

The cost of getting Scalp Micropigmentation varies depending on the level of hair loss being treated. On average, SMP costs $2,500 to $7,500, but your treatment may cost more or less depending on your unique needs.

In order to create a natural gradient effect, multiple SMP sessions are needed. Most people need three SMP sessions to reach their desired result. Each SMP session should be spaced out at least a week apart and the duration time of each session will vary from person to person. On average, a person’s first SMP treatment lasts for 3 to 4 hours, while their second lasts for 2 to 3 hours and their third lasts for 1 to 2 hours.

While everyone’s pain tolerance is different, most people don’t find getting SMP particularly painful. An average client ranks the pain of an SMP treatment at a 2 to 4 out of 10.

No, SMP doesn’t require downtime like a surgery would. There are some aftercare steps you should take in the week following your treatment, such as using sunscreen with a high SPF, but you can generally resume your normal activities.

During an SMP treatment, a tiny needle delivers customized pigment just below the epidermis, the outer layer of skin (which is about as thick as a piece of paper). When pigment passes through the epidermis and into the upper layer of the dermis during an SMP treatment, it will initially be deposited in both layers of skin. Pigment that is placed in the upper layer of the dermis becomes suspended, making it permanent, while the pigment that just touched the epidermis will be cleared away by the outer skin’s natural regeneration cycle. This leaves you with a tiny, natural-looking follicle replication placed in the exact same area as your hair follicles: in the upper dermis.

An average treatment that includes the hairline, the front of the scalp, and the crown will include around 20,000 to 30,000 hair follicle replications. A person may need fewer or more replications depending on their scalp and their unique goals.

No. Scalp Micropigmentation involves the same theoretical technique as tattooing, but it’s very different in application. One of the biggest differences between SMP and a normal head tattoo is ink placement. SMP involves the use of tiny needles that are only a fifth of the size of a tattoo needle. These needles deliver a specialized, color true type of ink directly into the upper layer of skin, providing precise and controlled application. A regular head tattoo would create larger, less natural-looking “follicles” and would also come with some added risks, like color spreading and color changing (standard tattoo ink can oxide in the sun over time, causing it to look green or blue). We advise against getting an SMP-like treatment from a normal tattoo artist who is not trained in SMP, since it’s unlikely to give you natural-looking results.

Immediately after your treatment, you’ll experience some redness on your scalp, which can last for a day or two. Initially, your new follicle replica pigments will appear darker than they will a few weeks after your treatment, since they need some time to settle into your deep skin and be cleared from your outer skin by your body’s natural processes.

Yes! Scalp Micropigmentation can be an excellent solution for disguising scars. Our founder Zoe actually specializes in treating scars on the scalp, including scars from Follicular Unit Transplants (FUT), Follicular Unit Extractions (FUE), facelifts, and brow lifts.

When SMP is done by an experienced professional with an artistic eye, such as our founder Zoe, it looks extremely natural and seamless. A big reason for the popularity of SMP (which is the most popular non-surgical hair loss solution) is how effective and undetectable it is.

Yes. Scalp Micropigmentation is not just for people with dark hair. At Queen of SMP, Zoe custom blends the colors she uses during each SMP treatment. Hair follicles are generally dark when shaved at the roots, so Zoe can create custom grayscale pigments to match those with blonde, red, brown, or black hair.

Like other treatments that deposit pigment into the skin, such as tattoos, SMP can begin to fade over time. Most Scalp Micropigmentation lasts for around 4 to 5 years before beginning to lighten. How much and how quickly SMP will fade depends on a variety of factors, such as genetics, your activity level, and what your scalp is exposed to. Common causes of premature SMP fading include the use of a harsh product (like an acidic shampoo or conditioner) or a lack of sunscreen use. Premature fading can be minimized by using sunscreen, avoiding harsh products, and practicing proper aftercare. SMP that has faded over a long period of time can be refreshed with additional touch up treatments.

Scalp Micropigmentation is a permanent treatment that can soften up or fade over time. With proper aftercare (including diligent sunscreen use), you can typically maintain the initial results of your SMP treatment for 5 to 10 years. If, over time, your SMP fades to the point where you feel it needs a refresh, you can simply have it touched up to restore your desired look. Additionally, if you experience significant hair loss in the future after your initial treatments, you may also want to make a touch up appointment to have your SMP extended and blended with your new natural hairline.

Zoe can provide consultations in person, via a video call, or by responding to emailed images. Visit our contact page or email us at [email protected] to schedule your consultation.

Typically, we can schedule appointments within a week or two of your initial consultation, but appointment availability can vary based on demand. If you’re concerned about making sure your appointment can happen within a specific timeframe, let us know and we’ll see what we can do to accommodate you.

No. We use nano needles that are a fifth of the size of a standard tattoo needle. We use these microfine needles because they provide a highly natural look that mimics the look of real hair follicles.

All of our treatments are done by our founder Zoe Belle. You can see some examples of Zoe’s exceptionally natural-looking work in our online Gallery.

Absolutely not. Sanitation is of the utmost importance to us. We only use single-use needles and every client receives a brand new needle for each of their treatments.