What is Scalp Micropigmentation?
Providing All The Answers You Need
Will my hairline look natural?
SMP is designed to achieve a natural result and it can be as subtle or sharp as you like. The idea is to restore and enhance your natural features, or recreate the hairline you have lost. We work with you to ensure that your hairline will be tailored to your individual needs and desired final look.
How long will it last, will it change colour over time?
You can expect your SMP results to last up to 5 years, with a touch up included within the first twelve months if need be - however, it usually isn’t necessary. At your one month review, we may or may not retreat the area, depending on your satisfaction with the results. We do recommend maintenance touch ups after 5 years. The general rule is, the better your lifestyle and how you take care of your SMP, the longer the treatment will last with optimal results. In regards to colour, regular tattoo ink isn’t used, so your head will never turn blue or green. Instead, we use carbon-based pigments to ensure that you get a long lasting result which will not discolour over time.
Does it work on blondes/redheads?
This treatment absolutely works on blonde and red hair - SMP is not limited by your skin tone or hair colour. During your consultation, we will assess the hair and choose the right undertone to use during your initial treatment. The colour is easily adjustable to your natural hair, so final results will look as close as possible to those blonde or red tones.
I’m not bald, but my hair is thinning, can I still get SMP?
Even if you’re not bald, SMP is a great solution for both men and women experiencing hair thinning. Whether it’s to recreate the hairline you have lost, or to get back the density, SMP is a great alternative for those who don’t wish to shave their head in order to achieve their desired aesthetic.
Do I need to keep my head shaved or shave before treatment?
You don’t need to keep your head shaved unless you want to. There are a number of factors such as your personal preference, shape of the area treated and the extent of hairloss to determine whether or not you should keep your head shaved. During your initial consultation, we will walk you through the process which includes showing you the exact placement of your new SMP hairline. We will also shave your head for you on the day of treatment if need be.
Is everyone a candidate for SMP?
Most people are suitable candidates for SMP. Contraindications, such as psoriasis, active acne, or cancer treatments will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine if and when you will be suitable for treatment. Book a consultation with me to formulate a tailored treatment plan and to discuss your options.
What do I need to do for Aftercare?
The aftercare is an important part of your treatment in order to achieve your desired result. SMP is a low invasive but delicate procedure which requires specific care such as avoiding any activities that will induce sweating such as exercise or saunas, wetting the area, touching or shaving and dusty environments for up to 4 days after your treatment. During your appointment, we will go through specific instructions for keeping your treatment area clean which will help to achieve the best results.
How long does each treatment take?
The length of your appointment will depend on the size of the area being treated, but range from one to four hours. To achieve the best results, each treatment is split up over a number of sessions to allow healing of the treated area. Our treatments are tailored for each individual and will be discussed during your consultation. After the healing process, we then book a final review to ensure you’re satisfied with the final result.
Will my hair growth be affected?
SMP will not affect your natural hair growth. SMP is designed to replicate the look of thicker, denser hair to achieve an authentic result- which is why we recommend you keep your hair at a short stubble length - particularly if it’s a new hairline. For clients who already have longer hair or an existing hairline seeking the appearance of more volume, your growth won’t be impacted in any way.
Is it effective for alopecia sufferers?
SMP can provide a great result for those suffering with Alopecia. We understand that that Alopecia can be a stressful diagnosis for both men and women to come to terms with. SMP is both a popular and effective treatment for those seeking a solution to hair thinning and hair loss and can assist in camouflaging both scarring or non-scarring alopecia.
Can I take painkillers or use numbing cream?
Yes, panadol can be taken prior to the appointment but we advise against any blood thinners. Numbing cream is not encouraged as it can affect the pigment and overall result. The treatment is relatively comfortable and we will do everything to ensure your treatment is manageable. We can take as many breaks throughout the treatment as need be.
Treatment Questions
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How long do the treatments take?Treatment time will depend on a number of factors such as the size of the area being treated, however, you can usually expect treatments to take from 1 hour to 4 hours with the final touch ups around 30 minutes.
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Can I receive laser tattoo removal?If you have a previous tattoo and you aren’t happy, then you do have the option to have laser tattoo removal. SMP tattoos are fairly easy and simple to remove, it doesn’t affect the hair growth or the follicle.
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Can you tattoo beards?SMP is a great solution for beards which have scarring, patches, or if you simply wish to enhance your natural beard line.
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Do I need to keep my head shaved?There are a number of factors that contribute to the answer of this question. Factors include but are not limited limited to: The size of the area that is treated The shape of the area that is treated The extent of hair loss Personal preference During your consultation, you will be walked through the exact process step-by-step, as well as being shown the exact placement of your SMP hairline. If it is further forward than your current hairline, it will look much more effective if all the hair is maintained as short as stubble for the most natural results.
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How long does the tattoo last/ how often will I need a touch up?You can expect your SMP results to last up to 5 years. These results are dependent on lifestyle and how the area is taken care of. Usually, the only maintenance needed is after 5 years. In the unlikely event that you need a touch up within the first twelve months (due to any fading), this will be included in the initial treatment price.
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How do I prepare for my appointment?Please arrive for your first appointment having your hair styled the way you typically wear it or the way you plan to once your treatments are complete. If you razor your hair, please razor at least 3 days prior to your appointment, as it is important to be able to see clearly where your hairline starts and finishes. Remaining treatments I will shave your head for you. Please make sure you arrive with a clean head. No gels or styling products, or residual dirt or sweat from throughout the day. If you shampoo your hair regularly, you are welcome to on the day of your appointment, as the treatment area will need to stay dry for 4 days post treatment; a shower cap is recommended. Other instructions to prepare for your treatment include: Avoiding blood thinners 2 days prior to treatment Eat breakfast/lunch on the day of your treatment. You are welcome to bring snacks for longer appointment times to make the process more comfortable! If razoring, please do so 24 hours prior to your treatment Avoid dying your hair less than 48 hours prior to your treatment Avoid direct sunlight to the treatment area a week prior to your appointment (no sunburn present). A hat is recommended.
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Is there any recommended maintenance and post treatment aftercare?Being a non-surgical and non-invasive treatment, there is little to no downtime associated with SMP. There are, however, some steps recommended to allow your treatment to heal quickly and to obtain the best possible results. From days 1-4 after your treatment, the following activities should be AVOIDED: Physical activity such as gym that will induce excessive sweating Sauna, steam room or swimming (for 28 days) Wetting the area (shower cap recommended when showering) Touching or shaving the area Dusty environments - for any trades or workplaces that require being exposed to this environment, a clean hat is recommended Moisturiser or shampoo Direct sunlight Following the 5 days after your appointment you SHOULD: Wash your head gently with lukewarm water and baby shampoo Apply a non perfumed moisturiser such as Aveeno in order to prevent dryness and flaky skin If you wish to shave your head, it is recommended to use ONLY a trimmer or electric shaver - NO razor shaving for at least 10 days. Additionally, for at least 3 weeks after your SMP appointment, the following activities should still be AVOIDED: *Failure to follow these instructions may result in pigment or colour loss.
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Do I need to shave my head prior to my appointment?No, you don’t need to! If you are considering shaving your head, please get in touch prior to your appointment so that the best advice can be provided.
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Will my hairline look natural?During your in-depth consultation, Ceri will work with you to ensure that your hairline is in the right position and shape for you. The technique that is used ensures that the SMP hairline created is a soft and natural looking fit for you and your hair goals. You will never have to worry about a harsh hairline; SMP results are designed to look as real as possible.
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Does this service work on blonde hair?The imitation of natural looking hair follicles is not limited by your skin tone or hair colour. Colours are easily adjustable to suit your treatment so that your final results look as closely to real as possible, including blondes and redheads!
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What happens if I go grey?If you go grey, the best solution is to keep your head shaved to avoid the light reflecting too much off the white hair. SMP is completely undetectable and provides an excellent result for those who start to go grey.
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How many years of experience / what qualifications do you have?Ceri has 16 years of experience in the beauty industry and specialises in skin and beauty. Ceri started her own business six years ago, and she has been cosmetically tattooing eyebrows since 2017. Ceri completed her SMP training at Scalp Micropigmentation Australia Training Academy, Sculpted SMP is a registered company under the Corporation Act 2001 and is taken to be registered in South Australia.
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What are the signs and symptoms of infection?Infections are extremely rare, however if you do start to experience the following symptoms post-treatment, it is recommended to see a healthcare professional: Swelling A slight amount of swelling is typical for a fresh tattoo, however if swelling becomes excessive, uncomfortable and pain radiates beyond the site of the tattoo; this could be a sign of infection. Fever Fever is a symptom of an underlying condition, which is most often an infection. Please contact a medical provider if you think you may have a possible infection.