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Microblading for fuller brows has taken the beauty world by storm, but did you know there’s a similar technique for your scalp?

Enter scalp micropigmentation (SMP), a revolutionary procedure that’s transforming lives. Also known as “hair tattoo”, SMP is a non-surgical solution that creates a realistic illusion of thicker, fuller hair — boosting confidence without the commitment of surgery.

Plus, unlike hair transplants or other hair loss treatments, you get immediate results and a confidence boost!

Interested to know more? Read this ultimate scalp micropigmentation guide to understand its benefits, the procedure, aftercare tips, the best SMP treatments in Singapore, and more!

What is Scalp Micropigmentation?

@studiokaijen

Witness the transformation of Scalp Micropigmentation. ✅ Facing a receding hairline, bald spots, or thinning hair? Let us be your solution to regain your confidence. 📩 DM us now and rediscover the confidence that comes with a revitalized appearance. 📞 Or WhatsApp us @ +65 89121993. ❤️ Act now because you deserve to look and feel your absolute best! #smp #smpsg #smpsingapore #scalpmicropigmentation #hairlosstreatment #hairlosstreatmentsg #scalpmicropigmentationsg

♬ Lofi Vibes – Gentle State

Imagine a pointillist painting (an artwork created solely with tiny dots). Similarly, scalp micropigmentation uses pigment dots to create a realistic illusion of hair density!

Unlike traditional tattooing, SMP utilises a specialised technique with finer needles and shallower pigment placement. This creates a more subtle, semi-permanent effect that replicates hair follicles.

Gisele Jara, a Los Angeles-based camouflage tattoo artist at Studio Sashiko, which offers a range of cosmetic hair and brow services, described SMP as using a pen-like tattoo machine to “create micro-dotted impressions on the scalp that mimic hair follicles” on Allure.

@scalpink_lv

And yes- it works regardless of your hair color. I use color-matching pigments to create a seamless look #scalpmicropigmentation #SMP #femalehairloss #lasvegastiktok #hairlosssolutions #pmu #cosmetictattoo #hairtattoo #hairlosstiktok #scalpcare

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In case you were wondering, it is a permanent treatment so make sure you’re as clear and specific as possible about what you want during the consult and procedure!

So if you’re grappling with hair loss or a receding hairline, SMP might just be the answer to all your prayers. However, it’s important to note that it’s purely a cosmetic improvement and doesn’t cause hair to regrow.

Scalp Micropigmentation vs. Microblading vs. Tattooing

scalp micropigmentation singapore smp

Credit: @scalpcentric/Instagram

Scalp micropigmentation and microblading are often confused since both procedures involve depositing pigment into the skin, but they’re distinct techniques for different areas.

Micropigmentation uses a tattoo device to form pin-pricks of pigment that look like hair follicles for an overall ombre or shaded effect.

On the other hand, microblading is done with a thin, needle-tipped, non-electric handheld tool to draw individual hair strokes on the outermost layer of the skin. This is better suited for the brows and hairline as the strokes can blur and distort on the scalp due to constant movement.

“Microblading relies on small strokes, semi-permanent ink, and a blade that cuts into the skin — it’s totally different,” noted Jara.

scalp micropigmentation singapore smp

Credit: @monostudiosg/Instagram

Compared to solid lines in a traditional tattoo, the pigment deposits for SMP are meticulously placed in varying sizes and depths to create a realistic illusion of hair follicles. This pointillist approach allows for natural-looking density and texture, mimicking the short stubble of a buzz cut or adding depth to a thinning hairline.

Additionally, pigment is deposited deeper into the skin for tattooing. Meanwhile, Jara shared that a needle for SMP only penetrates 1.5 to 2 millimetres into the top layer of the dermis.

“This is the sweet spot for scalp micropigmentation. If the needle only hits the surface layer of [the] skin, cell turnover causes the pigment to quickly fade. Go too deep into the subcutaneous layer and the pigment loses its shape and spreads out, staining the scalp with round blotches,” Jara said to Allure.

Benefits of SMP for Hair Loss

If you haven’t guessed yet, “hair tattoo” offers a unique and transformative approach to hair loss, providing a range of benefits for both men and women.

@studiokaijen

Are you tired of battling 𝙝𝙖𝙞𝙧 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙨 but 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙝𝙖𝙞𝙧 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙩? ? Are you on the hunt for a 𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 that truly resonates with you? Look no further! Here’s why 𝙎𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙥 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙜𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 (𝙎𝙈𝙋) stands as your ultimate game-changer: ✨𝐍𝐨𝐧-𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: SMP offers a non-invasive, affordable option, empowering you to take control of your appearance without the commitment of surgery. ✨𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞: Experience the transformation without any downtime – dive back into your routine immediately! ✨𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬: Witness a remarkable transformation in just hours, not months. SMP delivers instant results, elevating your confidence and self-esteem right from day one. ✨𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: Bid farewell to thinning hair with SMP’s hyper-realistic results. Your secret treatment will remain your confidence booster, with no one knowing you’ve had the procedure. ✨𝐇𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐥𝐞-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: Say goodbye to expensive hair products and time-consuming routines. SMP demands minimal maintenance, freeing up your time to focus on what truly matters. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐌𝐞? ✨𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲: Trained and certified in Korea, my technique is cultivated from the beauty capital of the world. Korea’s commitment to beauty guarantees you the most refined and sophisticated SMP experience. ✨𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗣𝗶𝗴𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: Utilizing top-quality pigments, I ensure your SMP stands the test of time, maintaining its vibrancy and natural look. ✨𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Your confidence takes precedence. Choose me for a personalized SMP experience that goes beyond your expectations! 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰 𝘒𝘢𝘪𝘫𝘦𝘯! 𝘋𝘔 𝘮𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶! #smpsingapore #smpsg #smpkkorea #sgbeauty #hairloss #hairlosstreament #hairlosssolution

♬ flower day – jeanie

Other than the obvious benefits (boosted confidence and a more youthful appearance), there are also a couple of compelling reasons.

  • Conceals hair loss: SMP excels at forming the illusion of thicker, denser hair. By strategically depositing pigment into the scalp, it can effectively camouflage thinning hair, a receding hairline, or even areas of complete baldness.
  • Addresses various types of hair loss woes: Whether you’re experiencing male pattern baldness, female hair loss, or hair loss due to medical conditions like alopecia, this versatile solution is a discreet and effective way to achieve a fuller-looking scalp.
  • Instant transformation: Unlike hair loss medications or surgeries that require time to show results, you can see a visible difference right after the “hair tattoo” procedure! You can walk out with a fuller-looking scalp, eliminating the need to wait for months to see an improvement.
  • Customised look and more control over results: SMP allows for a high degree of personalisation. Since the treatment is applied by a skilled technician, you can collaborate to achieve your desired look. This includes aspects like hair density, hairline positioning, and overall style. This level of customisation is unmatched by other hair loss solutions like regrowth formulas, which offer limited control over the outcome.
  • Long-lasting results with low maintenance: One of the biggest advantages is its longevity. While results can vary depending on factors like skin type and sun exposure, the pigment typically lasts for 12 to 18 months. This means you can enjoy a fuller-looking scalp for an extended period without the daily upkeep required with hair transplant surgeries or hair loss medications.
  • Non-surgical and minimally invasive: Unlike hair transplants or scalp surgeries, SMP offers a significant advantage — it’s a non-surgical procedure. This translates to no downtime and a faster recovery period.
  • Minimal discomfort: While not entirely painless, it is generally considered much less uncomfortable than other hair loss treatments. Experts agree it ranks significantly lower on the pain scale compared to procedures like hair transplants, which often involve scalpels and anaesthesia.
  • Scar camouflage: Beyond hair loss concealment, it can also be used to effectively camouflage scars on the scalp. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with scarring from previous hair transplant procedures or injuries.

The “Hair Tattoo” Procedure: What to Expect

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Scalp Pigmentation at Lebellbrow Studio #scalpmicropigmentation #hairlinesingapore #scalpmicropigmentationsingapore

♬ original sound – Lebellbrow Studio – Lebellbrow Studio

Here’s what you can expect during an SMP procedure.

  1. Consultation: This initial meeting is crucial for discussing your hair loss concerns, desired outcome, and medical history. The technician will analyse your scalp to determine suitability and recommend a personalised treatment plan.
  2. Scalp Analysis: The technician will meticulously examine your scalp, assessing factors like skin tone, level of hair loss, and existing hair density. This analysis helps you choose the most suitable pigment colour and design a hairline that complements your facial features.
  3. Colour Matching: Finding the perfect pigment colour is essential for achieving a natural look. Pigments will be mixed to match your existing hair colour or desired shade, ensuring seamless integration with your existing hair.
  4. Topical Anesthetic Application: To ensure your comfort throughout the procedure, a topical anaesthetic will be applied to numb the scalp.
  5. Pigmentation: This is where the artistry begins. The technician uses a specialised micropigmentation device to deposit tiny dots of pigment into the upper dermal layer of the scalp. The dots vary in size, depth, and density to mimic the natural appearance of hair follicles.

A typical SMP session can last anywhere from two to five hours, depending on the complexity of the treatment area. To achieve optimal results, multiple sessions might be necessary.

Best Scalp Micropigmentation Services in Singapore



















 

SMP Alternatives: Hairline Embroidery





 

Aftercare for Your Scalp and Expectations

Scalp micropigmentation offers a transformative solution for hair loss, but proper aftercare is essential to optimise results and ensure a smooth healing process!

Before you embark on this journey, it’s crucial to understand that while you will see a visible difference right after the procedure the pigment settles and softens over the following days before revealing the final look within a week or two.

Additionally, the pigment will gradually fade over time and touch-up sessions are typically recommended every 12 to 18 months to maintain the desired density and colour.

The scalp typically heals within seven days following the procedure. During this time, it’s crucial to follow specific aftercare instructions provided by your technician. These may include avoiding strenuous exercise, swimming, and excessive sun exposure.

Maintaining a gentle scalp care routine is essential for optimal results. This includes using lukewarm water, a mild shampoo, and avoiding harsh chemicals or scrubbing the scalp.

It’s also important to refrain from sun exposure until you have fully healed. Additionally, make sure to apply SPF on your scalp if you venture outdoors.

Cost and Longevity of an SMP Treatment

scalp micropigmentation singapore smp

Credit: Lebellbrow Studio

The cost of SMP procedures in Singapore typically falls within the range of S$4,000 and upwards.

However, it’s important to understand that the exact price can vary depending on several factors like the complexity of the treatment area, the number of sessions, and the scalp size and hair loss pattern.

While cost is a consideration, it’s crucial to prioritise quality and experience too! Choose a reputable clinic with qualified technicians who can deliver natural-looking and long-lasting results.

The best approach? Schedule consultations with various clinics to discuss your specific needs and receive personalised quotes.

This allows you to compare pricing structures and treatment plans to find a clinic that aligns with your budget and expectations!

As for longevity, the pigment of an SMP procedure usually lasts for 12 to 18 months.

Who is a Good Candidate for Scalp Micropigmentation?

Prime candidates for SMP include anyone who:

  • Is experiencing gradual hair loss or thinning throughout the scalp
  • Has a receding hairline
  • Is suffering from alopecia areata or other forms of hair loss
  • Requires a solution to camouflage scars on the scalp

Now, just because you feel like you’re losing hair doesn’t mean you’re suited for the procedure.

Certain scalp conditions, such as active psoriasis or eczema, might not be suitable for SMP due to potential complications during healing.

And if you’re expecting complete scalp coverage or hair regrowth, SMP might not be the right solution.

Is Scalp Micropigmentation Safe?

scalp micropigmentation singapore smp

Credit: Trichomd

Scalp micropigmentation is a safe and effective procedure when performed by a qualified and experienced professional.

However, like any cosmetic procedure, there are some potential risks involved, especially if you choose an unlicensed or inexperienced technician.

Hence, choosing a licensed and experienced technician is paramount for ensuring a safe and successful SMP experience.

They will have the proper training and knowledge, and use sterile equipment to minimise infection risks, including medical-grade pigments specifically formulated for SMP that are rigorously tested and designed for safety and minimal allergic reactions.

Featured image credit: @scalpmicrosd/TikTok, @scalpink_lv/TikTok, @studiokaijen/TikTok