Scalp Micropigmentation: Tattooing my head was the best decision - (2024)

Let me start by saying that as a beauty editor, I have tried a lot of treatments.

Anti-wrinkle injections? Of course. Zappy lasers that promise plumping and miniature pores? Absolutely. Lymphatic massages for my whole body and face just because the Victoria’s Secret models all promise that’s the only reason they look THAT svelte? You bet. Hell, I’ve even injected salmon sperm into my face because Jenifer Aniston did it! Which, by the way, was such a great treatment that I went back for two more rounds. But I digress.

Today, I’m here to talk about a new and very buzzy treatment called Scalp Micropigmentation, otherwise known as SMP, which, if you’ve heard of brow micropigmentation, follows the exact same concept of disguising or mimicking thinning hair.

Great for both men and women, SMP is aimed at those suffering from a receding hairline (hi, me), patchy bald spots, complete baldness or even alopecia. This non-surgical treatment uses a specialised tattooing technique to create the illusion of real hair follicles with results so natural, most people can’t tell it’s even there. Where has this been all of our lives?

“We’ve seen such a rise in popularity for this kind of treatment ever since brow microblading took offfive years ago,” says Ana James, Owner and Lead Trainer Inkd SMP in Australia. “It’s one of the best solutions for postpartum women too, with great results in disguising hair loss—without the wait!”

If you’re as curious as I was about how SMP works and who can benefit, here’s everything you need to know and how this innovative treatment is rewriting the beauty book on thinning hair. Oh, and if you’re worried, even the most needlephobic will tolerate it.

What Is Scalp Micropigmentation and how does it work?

Think of it as semi-permanent makeup for your scalp! With a cosmetic tattoo gun, not too dissimilar to one used for your eyebrows, Ana says that SMP is used to specifically create very small dots in the skin that look exactly like a hair follicle to give a stubble effect.

“We’re using a very fine and gentle gun, which is a lot less powerful than a traditional tattoo gun,” says Ana. “Specially manufactured for SMP use, three small needles are tightly packed together for ultra fine detailing, it’s pain-free and yields a very realistic result.”

With a completely bald head, Ana says that creating a shadow is essential with a multi-step process of two-to-four sessions. “The more hair loss you have, the more sessions you’ll need, as it’s a gradual layering process,” says Ana.

“We do a nice light layer, then the second session we go around everything we did the first time to build up the density and the darkness. It’s about creating that shadow first, then the final sessions are about creating the details, so it looks like a 3D full head of hair.”

When it comes to hair thickening, Ana just focuses on the parts that are thinning. “In this instance, we’re going for darkness instead of a shadow, which looks like darker individual hair stubbles for a natural result.”

What is involved in a typical treatment?

When I had my treatments (two in total), I visited Scalp Revival SPM in Wollongong, just outside of Sydney, run by scalp tattoo specialist Jackson Cross.

I knew instantly I was in great hands by the look of his immaculate studio and also his perfectly SMP-shaded bald head! Something that I couldn’t help staring in awe at just how natural it looked.

For a typical appointment, there’s a thorough consultation to discuss your desired look, hair colour, and hairline. This step ensures you get a customised plan tailored to you. Jackson also stressed that there are a lot of cowboys out there, so making sure your SMP technician is fully certified and trained is imperative for a great experience.

After each session, you’ll experience some redness and minor swelling, which generally subsides within a few days. You’ll need to avoid direct sun exposure, sweating, and harsh hair products to help the pigments settle (that also means no washing your hair for at least 4 days) to make sure the pigments heal and hold in the skin.

As for final touches, Jackson says that usually around two-to-three sessions are needed for the best results. Each session allows the technician to gradually build up density and adjust shading, and in some cases a fourth session may be required.

My verdict…

Firstly, can I just say, that I can’t believe I haven’t had this treatment sooner? After my first appointment, Jackson aired on the side of caution by subtly outlining a faint shadow of pigment through my hairline, up through my widow’s peaks, and approximately one centimetre each side of my middle parting.

The procedure feels like a light buzzing sensation on the scalp, and a little niggly in areas, but not painful at all. In fact, I almost nodded off at one point.

Afterwards, the real issue for me was not being able to properly shampoo my hair for four days as my scalp needed to stay completely dry. However, I was allowed to clean the area with a baby wipe every evening, and I could apply a very gentle, unscented moisturiser if it felt dry or itchy. For those with long hair, I would suggest planning your social events around sporting a pretty, sleek bun that week.

I found that the pigment from my first round of SMP dropped out about 80 percent. However, after my second round two months later, Jackson added a lot more detail and darkened the pigment considerably for a shadowed look that held in my skin instantly. He did say to expect about 30 percent of that fading down to the final result and suggested I may even want a third session in three-to-four months’ time. I do have quite a stark contrast between my fair scalp and dark hair naturally, so I think I will go back in for that when the time comes.

Overall, I am so happy with my results. I can finally wear my hair up in a ponytail with confidence, not worrying about my ‘bald spots’ as I not-so-lovingly referred to my deep widow’s peaks.

I have been recommending this treatment to anyone and everyone that will listen. So, if you book in too (there are clinics all over the country as well as in New Zealand now), let me know how you go!