Scalp Micropigmentation, Answered
The questions we are asked most often about SMP, brows, pricing, aftercare and how the whole process actually runs.
Scalp micropigmentation is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment in which medical-grade pigment is deposited into the upper layer of the scalp in thousands of individual points, each shaped to resemble a natural hair follicle. It creates the appearance of closely shaved hair on a bald scalp, or reduces scalp show-through beneath thinning hair.
Yes. Hair tattoo is the informal name for SMP. The difference from a conventional tattoo is real, though: SMP uses carbon-based pigment rather than ink, a finer needle, and a shallower depth, which is why it fades softly in tone instead of turning blue or green.
Most clients need three sessions spaced around two weeks apart. Scar camouflage typically needs four or five with lighter passes. Brow work is one session plus a perfecting visit six to eight weeks later.
Between two and four hours depending on the area being covered. Brow sessions are shorter, usually around ninety minutes to two hours including mapping.
Most clients describe it as somewhere between a light scratch and a mild sunburn. It is noticeably more comfortable than a conventional tattoo because the needle does not penetrate as deeply. Numbing cream is used for brow work.
Most treatments fall between $500 and $3,500 depending on the area being treated and the number of sessions your pattern of loss requires. We quote a fixed total for the full course at the free consultation rather than charging by the hour — see our pricing guide for what moves the number.
Several years before the pigment noticeably softens. Sun exposure is the biggest factor in how quickly it lightens. A short touch-up session restores the original depth, and most clients return for one every three to five years.
Not with pigment formulated for scalp work. Colour shifting happens when standard tattoo ink is used. We use carbon-based SMP pigment diluted to your natural follicle tone, which fades lighter in the same shade rather than changing colour.
For four days after each session: no washing the treated area, no sweating, no swimming, no direct sun. From day five you can shower and shave as normal. Written instructions are provided after every session.
Yes. Razor, clipper or foil shaver all work — the pigment sits below the surface and is unaffected. Keeping surrounding hair short is what keeps the result consistent.
Yes. Pigment is diluted and matched per client rather than taken from a fixed shade chart, and the technique works across every skin tone.
Yes, and a significant portion of our work is with women. For female clients the treatment is almost always density work under existing hair rather than a shaved-head result. See our women's SMP page.
Neither. SMP is purely cosmetic and does not affect follicles, growth or the progression of hair loss. It also does not interfere with minoxidil, finasteride or a future hair transplant.
Yes, and the two work well together. Wait at least twelve months after surgery so the scars have fully matured. SMP can add density between grafts and camouflage donor-area scarring.
Yes, anywhere within 50 miles of Fredericksburg, at no additional travel charge. The same equipment, sterile protocol and session structure apply.
Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, Woodbridge, Dale City, Manassas, Culpeper, Warrenton, Dumfries, Quantico, Colonial Beach, Bowling Green and everywhere else inside a 50-mile radius.
Call (540) 419-4245, email AHNEWMEsmp@gmail.com, or use the form on our contact page. Consultations are free and carry no obligation.
Still have a question? Call (540) 419-4245 or email AHNEWMEsmp@gmail.com — we answer these all day and there is no obligation attached to asking.
Ready to see what a hairline could look like again?
Consultations are free, private and no-pressure. We map the shape, match the pigment to your skin tone and give you a straight answer on what SMP can and cannot do for your pattern of hair loss.