Most adults with hair loss are good candidates for scalp micropigmentation. SMP has fewer restrictions than surgical hair restoration because it is a cosmetic tattoo procedure with no incisions, no grafts, and no general anesthesia. The key question is not whether you qualify but whether SMP matches your aesthetic goals.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Ideal SMP Candidates
SMP works across a wide range of hair loss types, stages, and patient profiles. The following groups see the best results.
By Hair Loss Type
| Hair Loss Type | SMP Application | Expected Result |
|---|---|---|
| Androgenetic alopecia (Norwood 2-4) | Density fill between existing hairs | Appearance of thicker, fuller coverage |
| Androgenetic alopecia (Norwood 5-7) | Full buzz-cut simulation | Appearance of a closely shaved full head |
| Female pattern hair loss (Ludwig 1-3) | Density fill through thinning part and crown | Reduced scalp visibility, fuller appearance |
| Alopecia areata | Patch coverage | Blended, even appearance |
| Traction alopecia | Hairline and temple restoration | Natural-looking hairline |
| Post-transplant scarring (FUT) | Scar camouflage | Strip scar becomes nearly invisible |
| Post-transplant scarring (FUE) | Dot scar blending | Donor area appears uniform |
By Patient Profile
SMP does not discriminate by age, gender, or skin tone. The procedure is equally effective across:
- Age: No minimum or maximum. Patients range from their early 20s to 70s.
- Gender: Men and women are both treated regularly. Female patients typically receive density fill rather than the full shaved-head look.
- Skin tone: All Fitzpatrick types (I through VI). Pigment shade is customized to each patient.
- Hair color: Black, brown, blonde, red, and gray hair are all matchable with the correct pigment blend.
Who Should Avoid SMP
While SMP has broad candidacy, certain conditions make it inadvisable or require special precautions.
Medical Contraindications
| Condition | Concern | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Active scalp infection | Needles can spread infection and pigment will not hold | Treat infection first, then reassess |
| Psoriasis (active flare in treatment area) | Koebner phenomenon can trigger new plaques at needle sites | Wait for remission, consult dermatologist |
| Active eczema or dermatitis on scalp | Irritated skin heals unpredictably, pigment retention poor | Stabilize condition before treatment |
| Keloid-prone skin | Needle penetrations may trigger keloid formation | Get a small test patch first, proceed with caution |
| Blood thinners (warfarin, heparin) | Increased bleeding during procedure | Consult prescribing physician about temporary pause |
| Immunosuppressive therapy | Healing may be compromised | Discuss timing with your physician |
| Diabetes (uncontrolled) | Slow healing, higher infection risk | Stabilize blood sugar first |
Expectation Mismatches
SMP is not the right choice if you:
- Want to grow real hair. SMP is cosmetic only. It creates a visual illusion.
- Want to wear your hair long. SMP is designed for closely cropped or shaved styles. On longer hair, density fill can help, but the shaved-head simulation requires keeping hair very short.
- Expect a permanent, maintenance-free result. SMP fades over 4 to 6 years and requires periodic touch-ups.
- Cannot commit to the full session series. Completing only one of the required 2 to 4 sessions leaves an incomplete result.
SMP After a Hair Transplant
SMP and hair transplants are complementary, not competing, procedures. Many patients use both.
Common Post-Transplant SMP Uses
- FUT scar camouflage: The linear strip scar is one of the most common reasons patients seek SMP. Pigment dots deposited across the scar tissue blend it with the surrounding donor area.
- FUE dot scar coverage: While FUE scars are small, some patients develop visible white dots in the donor area. SMP fills these in.
- Density boost in thin transplant zones: If graft survival was below expectations or if the transplanted area still looks thin, SMP between transplanted hairs can increase perceived density.
Timing: Wait at least 6 to 12 months after your transplant before starting SMP. The scalp needs to be fully healed and the transplanted hairs should be in their growth phase so the practitioner can accurately assess where additional pigment is needed.
Self-Assessment Checklist
Use this checklist to evaluate your candidacy before booking a consultation.
| Question | Good Candidate | Poor Candidate |
|---|---|---|
| Is your scalp free of active infections or skin conditions? | Yes | No (treat first) |
| Are you comfortable with a short/shaved hairstyle? | Yes | No (SMP works best short) |
| Do you understand SMP does not grow real hair? | Yes | No (unrealistic expectations) |
| Can you commit to 2-4 sessions over 3-8 weeks? | Yes | No (incomplete results) |
| Are you willing to apply SPF and do periodic touch-ups? | Yes | No (results will fade faster) |
| Are you free from keloid scarring history? | Yes | No (test patch recommended) |
If you answered "good candidate" to most questions, SMP is likely a viable option for you.
Next Steps
To determine your current stage of hair loss and whether SMP, a transplant, or a combination approach fits your situation, check the Norwood scale or read our SMP complete guide. For a personalized assessment, use the free AI tool at myhairline.ai/analyze.