FAQ

Does it hurt?
This is a virtually painless procedure. There is a light discomfort. For clients with pain sensitivity we do offer a numbing application.

What kind of pigment do you use?
We use Li Pigments who have been in business over 30 years and are one of the top trusted brands in the world. We also use 5pm Shadow pigments, which were created by one of the best artists in the world of the Scalp Pigmentation industry. The pigment is medical grade, reaching UK standards as well as approved by the FDA, and was specially formulated for SMP.

What kind of needle is used?
Our practice uses a variety of needles. We have the smallest needle in the world as well as many in increased sizes. Each client is unique and requires different tools to get the most hyper realistic results.

Is this a tattoo? Technically speaking – yes. However this is a highly specialized treatment. All of the products we use were created specifically for these procedures. Also, we are not going deep like a regular tattoo. So it is a tattoo, but nothing like a piece of body art.

How long is the procedure?
The average procedure is about 3-5 hours

How many sessions does this take? On average 3-4 sessions. However some treatments may take more depending on the skin and other factors.  This is a gradual procedure and we do not rush perfection.

I have had a hair transplant with minimal results- can this help?
Absolutely. This is a great way to add more density without having to go back and get more surgery. This is highly effective in the hairline area. Hair transplant surgeons can only get the grafts so close, it is very difficult for them to create a dense hairline. Scalp Pigmentation is perfect for this.

Can this procedure hide my FUE/FUT scar?
Yes, it is very effective at camouflaging these types of scars. We also offer micro-channeling(aka Microneedling) with Human Stem Cell Growth Factors to help break down the scar tissue to help make it more smooth and a better canvas for the ink. Then we camouflage it with pigment for optimal results.

Can I still get a hair transplant after?
Yes. At any time if you want to add volume you can always get a hair transplant. It will add to the look,, you will have some extra density .

I have had a transplant and am overall happy with it- are you able to just add density?
Adding density is a great way to enhance your hair transplant surgery. By placing follicle impressions throughout the scalp it will give the all around appearance of a full head of hair. Great results on the hairline. HIGHLY recommended.

I’ve done some research and read this procedure can turn blue or odd colors, is that true?
There are many factors to consider when/if a head turns blue or green. It could be due to incorrect application by technician, incorrect aftercare by client, pigment selection or, in all actuality, it could be due to the skin of the treated area changing over time. For example, if you live somewhere bright and sunny, and move to somewhere dark and gloomy, the texture and appearance of your skin can/will change to adapt to its’ new environment. During this time the reflection of the pigment could change. Luckily, blue and green hues are the least of your worries with us. We specialize in the correction of those hues. It’s a very simple adjustment and something not to fear too much!

What if I am not happy with this procedure?
This very rarely happens. First call us and tell us what you don’t like – most of the time there is some type of adjustment we can do in office to help. In the worst case scenario, you would need to get a laser removal treatment. Although this sounds harsh, because of the high quality ink we use and how shallow we stay in the skin, the Scalp Pigmentation removes easily.

How much does this cost? We base our prices on the surface area needing coverage. We use the Norwood Scale as a guide.

Prices can range from as low as $500 for a density fill to $4500 for a norwood 7 (horseshoe shape). Scars and alopecia patients effect pricing as well.

Can I return to work/school after this?
Yes. Generally most people do not experience redness. Any redness should subside within 4-6 hours, in severe cases maybe 24 hours.

How long does it take to heal?
There is a 10 day healing process with the first 4 days being the most crucial. We give you detailed aftercare instructions you must follow.

SCALP TRICOPIGMENTATION

This procedure has a similar end result to regular SMP. The main difference is that this type of treatment is meant to be a less permanent solution. The pigment and technique used is designed to fade out. With this procedure you will need regular touch ups every 3 to 6 months. Some results can last a little over a year.

Is Trico for me?

Scalp Tricopigmentation has a very similar result to traditional SMP, but it is meant to fade out of the skin because the pigment formulation is biocompatible with our immune system, so the ink is broken up over time. Touch ups are needed every 3-6 months and the procedure can last up to 2 years after a series of treatments (the more ink you layer over time, the longer results can last). We achieve these semi permanent results by using a different ink formulation than traditional smp.

Tricopigmentation is really great for certain cases. People that are still on the fence about committing to this look can always “give it a try”. Most people who do it for this reason end up having us transition them to a more permanent result over time.

We also recommend Tricopigmentation to men who still have medium to long hair but just want to add some density to the hairline.  This way, if the balding does become more severe or the hairline changes we can adapt.

Tricopigmentation is also a very effective treatment for certain types of alopecia. Sometimes the hair will be patchy, but the areas of the head that would have hair would constantly change every 3 -6 months. Here we can execute trico and make sure the density is matching as often as possible.

SCALP PIGMENTATION FOR SCARS

Scalp Pigmentation is a very effective treatment for all types of scarring. The most common scars that we see are from FUT and/or FUE hair transplant scars. We also treat various accident scars and other cosmetic procedure related scarring. Scalp pigmentation can camouflage the existing scar by placing impressions through the scar tissue making it undetectable. In some cases we use skin tone pigment specially created for this application to help hide any discoloration in the scalp.  A technician must be highly trained in color theory to execute these procedures properly. All of our technicians have advanced training and participate in continued education every year.