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Finding the best scalp micropigmentation (SMP) artist near you can be daunting, but you’re in the right place. At the Scalp Micropigmentation Education Society, we provide a carefully vetted list of SMP artists across the country. These artists have been personally reviewed to ensure they meet the highest standards of skill, safety, and client satisfaction. Founded by Alex Asher, a renowned SMP artist with years of experience, our organization knows exactly what to look for in a top-tier SMP provider. You can trust that our recommendations are based on quality, not convenience, so you can achieve the best possible results without the risk. Explore our list of vetted artists today and start your SMP journey with confidence.

The difference between choosing a tattoo artist, a certified SMP artist, or a vetted artist from our website comes down to expertise, training, and trustworthiness.

• • Tattoo Artists: While skilled at body art, tattoo artists work at different depths and are not familiar with SMP techniques. They typically use standard tattoo inks and equipment, which can result in unnatural results, color fading, or improper pigment placement. Tattoo artists never use pointillism, the technique essential for natural-looking SMP. Would you choose an artist that specializes in color anime to get a black-and-white portrait?

• • Certified SMP Artists: Certification means they’ve completed a training program, often lasting just a few days. While this is a start, it takes years of perfecting the craft, learning from past results, and understanding how treatments evolve over time to become a truly great SMP artist. Real expertise comes from seeing results firsthand, even years after the initial treatment.

• • Vetted SMP Artists on Our Website: Our vetted artists have not only completed certification but have also demonstrated consistent results over time. With the guidance of Alex Asher, a renowned SMP artist, we identify the difference between good and great work. Our network includes top artists worldwide, ensuring you are in good hands when finding a reputable studio near you.

No, SMP EDU SOCIETY is a non profit. We exist solely to provide people that are looking for this solution with the information needed to prevent bad SMP treatments from occurring and to be connected with reputable SMP artists around the country in order to prevent bad work from occurring.

Pigment that is placed in the dermis are 90 to 150 micrometers in diameter. This might seem a bit larger than real human hair, but when viewed from six inches or further away, the size is indistinguishable from real hair follicles. If your SMP is done properly, often, even close family members cannot tell where your real hair ends and the SMP begins.

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is also known as a Hair Tattoo and has a similar process to that of a tattoo but with some key differences. The needles, machines, and pigments we use are designed specifically for Scalp Micropigmentation. Traditional tattoos are placed 5 plus layers into the skin whereas our Scalp Micropigmentation procedure is placed 2 layers into the skin allowing the pigment to hold its follicle-like shape.

The cost of a scalp micropigmentation (SMP) procedure typically ranges between $2,500 and $5,000 for a complete treatment, depending on factors like location, artist experience, and the complexity of your case. While it might be tempting to look for cheaper options, it’s important to understand that lower-priced procedures often come from less experienced artists, which can result in poor-quality work.

At the Scalp Micropigmentation Education Society, our mission is to help you avoid the emotional and financial burden of bad SMP work. We provide resources and a vetted list of experienced SMP providers across the country, ensuring that you invest in quality from the start. Choosing a reputable artist is crucial to achieving natural, long-lasting results without the need for costly corrections.

A scalp micropigmentation (SMP) procedure typically takes between 2 to 4 hours per session, with most treatments requiring 2 to 3 sessions spaced about a week apart for optimal results. The duration of each session depends on the area being treated and the complexity of the work needed.

At the Scalp Micropigmentation Education Society, we emphasize the importance of taking the time to choose a skilled, experienced SMP artist. Rushing through sessions or choosing a less experienced provider could lead to unsatisfactory results that may require costly corrections or even painful laser removal. Our mission is to help you make informed decisions and connect you with vetted SMP professionals who prioritize quality, ensuring you get the best results without the risk of future issues.

No, your hair color doesn’t matter when it comes to scalp micropigmentation (SMP). Skilled SMP artists are trained to match the pigment with your natural hair color and skin tone, ensuring a seamless and natural look. Whether your hair is dark, light, or graying, the pigments can be customized to blend with your existing hair or shaved scalp.

However, it’s crucial to work with an experienced SMP professional who understands how to tailor the pigment to your specific needs. Poorly executed SMP, where the pigment doesn’t match your hair color, can lead to unnatural results, making it vital to choose a reputable provider.

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) can effectively treat a variety of hair loss conditions. It is commonly used for:

• Male and female pattern baldness: SMP creates the appearance of a fuller head of hair for individuals experiencing thinning or baldness.
• Alopecia: Whether it’s patchy hair loss (Alopecia Areata) or more widespread, SMP can help camouflage the affected areas.
• Hair transplant scars: SMP can be used to conceal scars from previous hair transplants or other scalp injuries.
• Thinning hair: SMP can add density to areas where hair is thinning, making the scalp less visible.
• Complete hair loss: For those with total baldness, SMP creates the look of a closely shaved head.

Choosing a reputable SMP provider is essential to achieve natural-looking results for any of these conditions.

The healing process after a scalp micropigmentation (SMP) procedure typically takes about 4 to 7 days. During this time, you may experience mild redness or slight scabbing, which is completely normal. It’s important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your SMP artist to ensure proper healing.

After the initial healing period, the pigments will begin to settle, and your scalp will gradually take on the desired appearance. However, full results may not be visible until all sessions are complete, which could take several weeks depending on the number of sessions required. Be mindful that the quality of aftercare and the artist’s expertise play a key role in the final outcome.

Proper aftercare is essential to ensure the success and longevity of your scalp micropigmentation (SMP) results. Here are the general aftercare steps to follow after your SMP procedure:

1. Avoid Washing Your Scalp for the First 3-4 Days: Keep the treated area dry and free from water, sweat, or any products for at least the first few days to allow the pigments to settle.

2. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Protect your scalp from sun exposure for at least a week, as UV rays can fade the pigments.

3. No Strenuous Exercise: Avoid activities that cause excessive sweating for about a week, as sweat can interfere with healing.

4. No Picking or Scratching: Let any scabbing heal naturally without picking at it to prevent disrupting the pigments.

5. Moisturize After 4 Days: After the initial healing phase, gently moisturize the scalp to keep it hydrated, but avoid products with harsh chemicals or fragrances.

6. Follow-Up Sessions: Attend all scheduled follow-up sessions to ensure the final result is even and natural-looking.

Following these aftercare procedures is critical to maintaining the quality of your SMP. Proper aftercare reduces the risk of complications and ensures you get the long-lasting results you desire.

When done by a skilled and experienced scalp micropigmentation (SMP) artist, people will not notice that you have a “tattoo” on your head. The purpose of SMP is to create a natural look that replicates the appearance of real hair follicles, blending seamlessly with your existing hair and skin tone.

However, results can vary greatly depending on the artist’s skill. If SMP is done poorly, with incorrect pigment placement or mismatched colors, it can look unnatural and draw unwanted attention. This is why it’s crucial to choose a reputable, vetted SMP artist to ensure your treatment looks realistic and enhances your appearance without being noticeable.

There are three main reasons why scalp micropigmentation (SMP) could potentially turn blue or green, and all of them stem from inexperience or improper technique:

1. Depth of Pigment Placement: SMP pigments must be placed at the correct depth in the skin. If the pigment is deposited too deep, it can spread and appear bluish or greenish over time, as the ink interacts with your skin’s layers. Skilled SMP artists understand the precise depth needed to achieve natural, long-lasting results without discoloration.

2. Using the Wrong Color for Your Skin Tone: SMP pigments should be carefully chosen to match your natural hair color and skin tone. If the artist uses a color that is too dark for your skin tone, it can give off a blue or green tint as it fades. Experienced SMP artists know how to select the right pigment shades to avoid this issue.

3. Skin Undertone: Some individuals have specific undertones in their skin that can cause pigments to appear blue or green if not handled properly. In these cases, the artist must understand color theory and mix in additional pigments to neutralize the undertone. Only experienced artists with a deep knowledge of color theory can adjust for this, ensuring a natural result.

Each of these issues comes down to a lack of experience or improper training. Choosing a vetted, knowledgeable SMP artist who understands these critical factors is the key to avoiding unnatural results.

Whether you need to buzz or razor shave your head before or after your scalp micropigmentation (SMP) treatment depends on the type of procedure you’re having done:

Hair Thickening SMP is designed to add density to thinning areas by creating the appearance of a fuller head of hair. It’s an ideal solution for those with diffuse thinning who want to enhance their existing hair without shaving it all off. While it’s not required to buzz your hair for this treatment, it is recommended. A clean-shaven canvas allows the artist to place each impression precisely, ensuring a natural, seamless result. However, if you prefer to keep your hair length, the treatment can still be effectively performed.

Buzz Cut/Full Bald Look SMP: For those opting for the buzzed look or who are dealing with complete hair loss, buzzing or shaving your head is essential both before and after the treatment. This ensures the pigment replicates the look of a freshly shaved scalp, providing the most natural results.

Your SMP artist will discuss the best approach for your specific needs, whether it’s hair thickening or a buzzed look.