Welcome to the Inkling SMP FAQ guide. Below, you will find detailed information about Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP), including how the treatment works, candidate suitability, expected longevity, pricing, and aftercare.
Scalp Micropigmentation is an advanced, non-invasive cosmetic tattooing procedure designed to restore the visual appearance of hair density. Using specialized micro-needles and custom-matched pigments, tiny follicle-like impressions are deposited into the dermal layer of the scalp.
SMP does not grow hair—it masterfully reduces scalp contrast and camouflages thinning areas. Whether creating a clean 3D shaved-look hairline or adding visual volume to longer thinning hair, SMP provides consistent, natural, and completely undetectable results for both men and women.
Yes. Every treatment plan accounts for your natural hair growth patterns, scalp tone, and root color. When creating density, the tattoo impressions are seamlessly faded into surrounding hair to ensure a natural transition. If you regularly dye your hair, we match the pigment to your natural root color. We ask that you color your hair a minimum of 1 week prior to your first and final sessions, ensuring your scalp is thoroughly washed twice before your appointment to remove any leftover topical dye.
Yes. Hair density restoration works by depositing micro-impressions between existing strands to reduce scalp show-through across thinning areas like the hairline, crown, temples, or a widening part line.
For Female Density: No prep or shaving is required—we treat directly between your existing hair.
For Male Density: Suitability depends on your current thinning pattern, age, and long-term goals. If hair loss is extensive, adding density to longer hair may lack longevity compared to shaving down and fully recreating a hairline.
The Golden Rule: For longer hair, SMP micro-impressions must stay strictly within your existing natural hairline. Pigment cannot extend into bald areas outside the hairline without shaving.
Yes. I offer complimentary 20-minute consultations (available in-person or via phone). During this time, we evaluate your scalp, discuss your hair loss history, outline realistic expectations, and provide a customized quote.
The number of sessions depends on your unique coverage goals and starting density. While smaller targeted areas may only require a single touch-point to fill light thinning, a comprehensive hairline restoration or deep multi-dimensional density typically requires up to 3 tailored sessions to achieve full, seamless coverage. An in-person consultation will provide you with solid answers and a precise plan tailored to your scalp.
Sessions are spaced 10 to 14 days apart. This allows the skin ample time to heal, enabling us to evaluate the healed pigment depth and make precise adjustments to shade and density during your next visit.
Scalp Micropigmentation is considered a permanent cosmetic treatment, with results remaining vibrant for 3 to 5 years. Factors influencing longevity include cellular metabolism, sun exposure, skin oiliness, and active hair care regimens.
Natural Fading & Maintenance: Over time, your body’s natural immune response slowly breaks down the pigment. As gentle lightening occurs, crisp micro-dots gradually soften into a lighter, less defined background shade. A quick touch-up session easily restores sharp follicle replication and complements your existing SMP.
Addressing Oversaturation: If previous SMP work becomes overly saturated, dark, or blurred, adding more pigment will not produce a natural result. Instead, a toning or lightening session is recommended. Because I offer both Laser and Non-Laser Tattoo Removal, we can precisely lift or tone heavy pigment—resetting the canvas so fresh, crisp micro-impressions can be reapplied.
How much does Scalp Micropigmentation cost?
SMP pricing varies based on the degree of hair loss, total surface area, and procedure complexity (such as scar camouflage, density filling, or full hairline reconstruction). Because every client’s goals and scalp requirements are unique, pricing is customized rather than a fixed rate. An in-person or phone consultation is necessary to accurately evaluate your scalp and provide a precise plan.
Full Package Treatments: Range from $1,500 to $4,000+ CAD, covering your complete multi-session transformation and initial touch-up support.
Hourly Rates & Partial Sessions: Fixed hourly rates can be applied for targeted work; however, a specific result cannot be guaranteed within hourly blocks.
30-Minute Test SMP Session ($100): For clients who are unsure or want to see how their skin responds before committing to a full package, I offer a trial session. We deposit test micro-impressions into a small, discreet area of the scalp.
Long-Term Maintenance: Returning clients seeking color refreshes down the road are billed at a dedicated hourly or per-session rate.
SMP is non-invasive and requires no extended downtime. You can return to work and daily activities immediately following your appointment. Mild redness or scalp tenderness is normal and typically subsides within 24 hours.
To ensure optimal pigment retention, a 3-4 day dry heal protocol is required after each session. During these 3-4 days, you must avoid sweating, soaking the head in water, and applying scalp products, lotions, or hats that cause friction.
No, Scalp Micropigmentation will not damage your existing hair or impede natural growth. The reason comes down to depth and anatomy: natural hair follicles originate deep within the lower dermal layer of the scalp, roughly 4mm to 5mm below the surface.
By contrast, specialized SMP pigment is deposited at a micro-depth of just 1mm to 2mm within the upper dermis. Because the micro-needle works strictly above the bulb of your living hair follicles, the procedure completely avoids existing roots. In fact, many clients find that the gentle stimulation of the upper scalp during treatment can actually encourage localized blood circulation.
For Hairline Reconstruction (Shaved / Bald Look): Yes. When rebuilding a hairline outside areas of active hair growth, keeping your remaining hair shaved close to the scalp (typically with a 0 or 0.5 guard) is required to ensure a seamless, undetectable transition between natural hair and micro-impressions.
For Hair Density Restoration (Thinning Hair): No. If you are maintaining hair length and simply filling in diffuse thinning across the scalp, shaving is not required. Adjusting your current haircut or styling routine slightly may be recommended to optimize your final result and achieve maximum visual density.
Most clients report minimal discomfort, describing the feeling as a light, sharp tapping sensation against the scalp—significantly less painful than traditional body tattooing. Taking Tylenol 20 minutes prior to the start of your session can help alleviate minor sensitivity. There is no lingering discomfort once the session is complete.
Who is a good candidate for Scalp Micropigmentation?
SMP is a safe, versatile hair loss solution suitable for all ages, skin types, and skin tones. You may be an ideal candidate if you are experiencing:
* Male or female pattern baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia)
* Diffuse thinning hair or widening part lines
* Receding hairlines or lost facial framing
* Hair transplant scars (FUT or FUE) or surgical scalp trauma
* Alopecia Areata or hair loss related to autoimmune conditions (hormonal symptoms, stress, PCOS, thyroid imbalances)
While SMP is suitable for most individuals, client safety is paramount. You should consult your physician prior to treatment if you have underlying medical concerns. Key contraindications include:
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, or Planning: We strictly do not perform SMP or cosmetic tattooing during pregnancy or nursing.
Active Scalp Conditions: Active inflammation, severe eczema, or psoriasis in the treatment area.
Medical & Cardiac Conditions: Uncontrolled heart disorders or Type I Diabetes.
Medications: Current use of blood thinners, or Accutane use within the past 6 months.
Recent Surgeries or Hair Transplants: Hair transplants or major surgical scalp trauma within the last 10–12 months.
Note: If you are currently using hair loss treatments like topical Minoxidil (Rogaine), PRP therapy, microneedling, or scalp steroid injections, we will establish a safe timeline to integrate SMP alongside your regimen.
Yes. Inkling SMP operates strictly under public health regulations and highest industry standards. Every procedure utilizes sterile, single-use, packaged needles, medical-grade barrier controls, and fully insured clinical protocols.
Hairline design is a deeply collaborative process. Using classic barbering geometry and facial mapping, we craft a hairline tailored to your bone structure, head shape, and age. We prioritize soft, broken, hyper-natural edges over harsh templates, always starting conservatively in session one to allow room for tailored adjustments.
SMP blends beautifully with grey and silver hair. Because SMP pigments naturally lighten slightly over time, future touch-up sessions allow us to adjust the shade using lighter, softer tones. Adding subtle root shading beneath grey hair creates the illusion of natural depth and volume.
Yes, but managing tissue expectations is essential. Scalp Micropigmentation works by matching color and replicating hair follicles to blend scars into surrounding hair. However, SMP alters pigment—it cannot alter the physical texture of the skin.
Texture & Skin Irregularities: Raised scars (hypertrophic or keloid scars) or pitted, sunken scars (atrophic scars) reflect light differently than smooth skin. While SMP effectively neutralizes color contrast, any physical raised edges or depressions in the tissue will remain.
Tight or Inconsistent Scar Tissue: If your scars feel tight, tethered, or raised, I strongly recommend completing a few targeted microneedling sessions with me before starting SMP. Microneedling helps break down rigid collagen, soften dense scar tissue, and improve skin elasticity—creating a smoother, far more receptive canvas for seamless pigment retention.
The studio is located in historic Chinatown in Vancouver, BC:
Inkling SMP
288 E Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC Canada