Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) typically involves some level of discomfort, but the pain experienced during the procedure (when done correctly) is generally manageable but does vary from person to person.

Generally speaking a conventional tattoo is more uncomfortable than Scalp Micropigmentation. When applied by an experienced artist, scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is relatively painless. With over 2000 SMP sessions under my belt,  I am yet to have a client that could not tolerate it. In fact the vast majority of my client’s will fall asleep at some point during the procedure. 

Here are some factors to consider:

Pain Tolerance: Pain perception varies among individuals. What may be uncomfortable for one person may be more tolerable for another. If you have a low pain threshold, you may experience more discomfort during SMP.

Sensitivity of the Scalp: The sensitivity of your scalp can affect the level of discomfort during SMP. Some areas of the scalp may be more sensitive than others, and the level of discomfort may vary accordingly.

Numbing Agents: Before starting the SMP procedure, a topical numbing cream or local anesthetic may be applied to the scalp to minimize discomfort. These numbing agents can help reduce pain and make the procedure more tolerable.

Needle Sensation: SMP involves the use of a micro-needle or tattooing technique to deposit pigments into the scalp. While the sensation is often described as similar to a light scratching or pricking feeling, it can vary depending on the individual’s pain threshold.

Duration of the Procedure: The duration of the SMP procedure can impact the level of discomfort. Longer sessions may lead to more fatigue and increased discomfort compared to shorter sessions.

It’s important to discuss with your chosen SMP artist before the procedure has begun regarding pain expectations as they can inform you about what to expect. Once the procedure has begun communication is also important as your SMP provider can make adjustments, provide breaks if needed, and ensure your comfort to the best of their ability.

Remember, while some discomfort is normal during SMP, the pain is usually manageable and temporary. If you have specific concerns about pain, it’s recommended to discuss them with your SMP artist during the initial consultation so they can address your specific needs and provide appropriate guidance and support.

Rob James is one of Canada’s busiest and in demand SMP artists, known for his ultra realistic  natural style. Rob works from his busy Vancouver Clinic, Advanced Scalp. 

Rob is always open to questions, queries and in person consultations regarding SMP. 

As one of Canada’s busiest SMP artists I consult with many potential clients on a weekly basis.  Most of the questions I answer revolve around the SMP procedure and the desired look the client wants to achieve. However, occasionally someone asks me “How will the SMP look years from now?”

This is a very good question and one I think deserves some attention.

So today’s blog post I will try to answer this often overlooked question.

So, how will your SMP look in years to come?

How will my SMP look years later?

First off let’s assume that you have done your homework, you’ve searched for good, experienced artists, who are creating work you like. You’ve had your consultation with your chosen SMP artist and you’ve set a date to begin your SMP.

(In order to answer this question correctly I can only go on my own experience and style as a reference.)

Typically, my own SMP style focuses on realism and a natural aesthetic. Over the years I have learnt to stick to and perfect the one style, and that’s subtle realism. My goal with every SMP is for it to go unnoticed, nothing makes me happier than when a client returns to my clinic and says, “I love it, and no one has said a thing” to me this is a result.

However, one of the downsides to a subtle, realistic SMP (in my experience) is longevity. It might not last as long as a heavy, solid SMP. A good SMP is finding that happy medium between realism and longevity.

As with all tattoos, conventional and cosmetic there will always be fading. On average I tell my clients that my style of SMP will last anywhere between 3-5 years before a touch up is needed. However some will perhaps need a small touch up after 2 years, whilst others won’t need to touch it for 5 years. This all depends on your own individual immune system as well as how you follow the aftercare.

A conventional tattoo will last a lifetime, primarily due to the pigment depth and placement technique. SMP due to its shallow depth and delicate placement technique will not. The reason being is that for an SMP impression to look like a hair follicle, the pigment must be placed at a shallow depth, with a very tiny needle. Bad SMP is often simply due to pigment depth (too deep) and/or needle size (too thick) resulting in patchy, discoloured blobs, throughout the scalp.

So after several years how will the average properly applied SMP look?

SMP on the left, faded & in need of refresh / SMP on right, immediately after refresh

When applied properly and aftercare is followed adequately, the SMP should evenly fade throughout. The pace of fading does vary from client to client. On average after about 3 to 5 years you will need what is called an SMP touch up. The touch up is not a completely brand new SMP, as the base tone from your original SMP is already there. The touch up usually takes about 2-3 hours to complete and usually brings the SMP back to what it was like 3 years prior, essentially a fresh SMP.

If an SMP which is done correctly and is simply left alone, it will eventually completely fade away.

When an SMP becomes heavy and monotone looking,

This is usually the result of an initial SMP being applied too dense, heavy, dark or deep, and the pigment has merged into one. This risk is also possible if a client insists on too many touch ups in too short a period of time.

A heavy, deep SMP faded out after several years

To minimize these risks, it is best to always wear your surrounding hair as short as possible and to apply a subtle, lighter SMP. It is better in my opinion to have a touch up after two years than be stuck with something unrealistic looking that you’re not happy with.

For more information regarding the correct application of SMP or to find out if SMP is for you. Please do not hesitate to contact me at my Vancouver SMP clinic, Advanced Scalp with Rob James. I am always more than willing to answer any SMP related questions.

As one of Canada’s busiest SMP artists a frequent question I receive is:

“Is SMP better than a hair transplant” or “should I get SMP rather than a hair transplant?”

It’s important to note SMP and a hair transplant are very different procedures with very different results, so let’s explore this topic further.

Hair transplant vs. SMP

Is SMP better than a hair transplant?

As you probably know a hair transplant is a medical procedure where actual hair is harvested from the back of the recipient’s head and transplanted on to other areas, where the hair has thinned or disappeared from (usually hair line to crown).

If the transplant is successful the individual will generally want to keep their hair a little longer, rather than sport a shaved look, which is traditionally the SMP aesthetic.

Asking the right questions

So, the primary question you need to ask your client when they are trying to choose between hair transplant and SMP, is what is their long-term hair goals? Do they want to grow their hair? Maintain it at the current length? Cut it short? Or add density to their existing hair? The answer will help guide the client and SMP artist.

Adding density to transplanted area short hair

Adding density for longer hair

If they want to sport a dense super short, shaved look then I would absolutely recommend SMP. However if they want to wear a fuller head of mid length to long hair, then only a transplant can accomplish this.

However, there are those who receive a hair transplant and then choose SMP to help conceal scarring as well as to increase the appearance of more volume (density treatment).

When done properly this is often a good pairing of the two procedures.

Pros and cons of a hair transplant

Several things to keep in mind when it comes to a hair transplant are:

Cost, a hair transplant is significantly more expensive than SMP.

Scarring, weather you’re receiving an FUT or FUE, there is always scarring to contend with.

Down time, a hair transplant is a medical procedure, with a significant amount of down time and recovery.

Continued hair loss, many times a recipient will receive a transplant to a certain area of the scalp, but continue to lose hair elsewhere.

Rejection, sometimes the newly transplanted hair is not suitable and fails to grow.

Pros and cons of SMP

Several things to keep in mind when it comes to SMP are:

Longevity, SMP will not last forever (about 3-5 years before refresh is needed).

Realism, SMP is a two dimensional cosmetic tattoo, which can only produce the illusion of increased short hair or conceal bare scalp and lighter coloured scar tissue.

Quality: SMP results can vary greatly depending on your selected artist’s experience, your skin chemistry or immune response as well as your aftercare adherence.

It is difficult to change the style or repair heavy, blown out areas without laser removal. For these reasons experienced guidance, clear communication, realistic expectations are vital in order to avoid negative outcomes.

Adding density to longer transplanted hair

About Rob James:

Whether you’re considering a hair transplant or SMP, it is always advisable that you sit down with an experienced practitioner. This way you can garner all of the right information in the right order and make the best possible decision.

My mantra when it comes to SMP is, slow and steady wins the race and you can always add more, you cannot take away.

Rob James works out of his private clinic in Vancouver BC and is always available for a stress free, pressure free information session regarding SMP.