When you’re considering scalp micropigmentation, the right artist, design, and aftercare can make all the difference in your results.
Here, we’re covering the top five scalp micropigmentation regrets, from unnatural pigment to improper care, so you know what to look out for when planning your hair tattoo.
The good news? Most of them can be avoided by doing your research and working with an artist you trust.
At Edge Scalp Ink, our master artists use SMP to create the appearance of a fuller, thicker hairline, creating results that look natural and age-appropriate, never “blocky.”
Ready to get your hairline back without surgery? Book a consultation with Edge Scalp Ink today.
Want to learn more about hair tattoos? Check out our full scalp micropigmentation video playlist.
1. Choosing the Wrong Scalp Micropigmentation Artist
You’ve got to do your research.
Make sure you check out:
- Before-and-after photos
- Google reviews
- Artist portfolios
Check all of that out, but also meet with your artist. Meet with several artists, and then go with your gut about who you vibe with the most and who you build rapport with.
Ask all the questions you need to ask before making your decision.
2. Having Unrealistic Expectations
It’s very important to know that scalp micropigmentation has its limits.
For instance, one extreme example is someone who has what we call the “horseshoe” or “cul-de-sac.” All they have is hair in the back, and they’re growing it out so that it’s about five inches long. Then, they want SMP only on the top.
That’s not going to work. There isn’t enough hair in that area to create a balanced look.
In that situation, I would say you need to shave your head. It’s the only way.
You’ve got to be realistic. You can’t go with a hairline that is extremely low and expect to get away with it without the result looking terrible.
Your artist should be somebody you trust, and work with you collaboratively to figure out the best look you can achieve.
Depending on your needs, your artist can help you explore the differences between SMP and hair transplant surgery to decide on the best approach for your needs.
3. Agreeing to an Unnatural Design
The word “unnatural” is opinion-based. Some people think sharp hairlines don’t look natural, while other people think they do.
It’s up to you to decide what you want. If you’re redoing your hairline, make sure your artist takes enough time—especially during the first session—to draw it on properly.
Then you can look at the design and figure out what you want.
Your hairline is not going to look right if:
- The widow’s peak is angled too sharply
- The hairline is too low
- The hairline isn’t centered
- The side profile comes too far inward
Again, people have different opinions about what qualifies as an unnatural hairline design. That’s why it’s very important to work with your artist until you reach a design you’re comfortable with.
Then, you can go from there.
4. The Artist Using The Wrong Ink
It’s very important that the artist use scalp picropigmentation pigment.
For instance, if someone has black hair, your first instinct might be to say, “I’m going to use black pigment,” right?
However, if you use regular tattoo pigment, that pigment isn’t going to look right on the scalp. You have to use an appropriate SMP pigment.
There are many pigments out there, and you can ask your artist which one they use. It might be a proprietary pigment used by that artist or clinic.
Again, it’s important to look at photos of what the artist has done in the past, and make sure that’s the shade and pigment you want to go with.
5. Not Following Aftercare Instructions
It’s very important that your scalp micropigmentation treatment heals properly and that you don’t interfere with the healing process.
We use a four-day window. For those four days:
- You can’t wet your head.
- You can’t shave your head.
- You can’t do anything that makes you sweat.
- You can’t expose your scalp to intense sunlight.
That gives your scalp time to heal. The pigment can begin to settle, and the initial healing can take place without unnecessary interference.
You want to avoid side effects like infection and heavy scabbing because those problems could damage the pigmented area. You might end up with splotchiness, and that’s something you want to avoid.
We’ll give you detailed SMP aftercare instructions to make sure your scalp heals properly.
What Can You Do If You Regret SMP?
So, what can you do if you’ve already had scalp micropigmentation treatment and you don’t like it?
Maybe it’s driving you crazy.
One thing you can do is get a second opinion from different artists.
Even if the artist you’re considering isn’t in your area, you may be able to schedule a video consultation. They can look at the result and give you information about your options.
Sometimes, you can soften a hairline. I do that all the time when hairlines are too sharp.
If there’s splotchiness, you can sometimes fill in certain areas to fix the uneven appearance.
In the worst-case scenario, you may have to get the pigment lasered out.
At the end of the day, you don’t want that to happen, but it is a possible way out of the situation.
You just need to be careful.
Avoid SMP Regrets & Book A Consultation at Edge Scalp Ink
I think the best piece of advice I can give you is to do as much research as possible before you get SMP.
Take as much time as you can, so you don’t end up in a situation where you need a second opinion or regret your results.
At Edge Scalp Ink, we’re a boutique SMP clinic, allowing us to spend more time on your hair tattoo and create the most natural-looking, age-appropriate results.
Ready to get your hairline back? Book a consultation and meet with our master artists.