Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a non-invasive treatment for hair loss that is meant to be a long-term solution. Typically, clients will not need a touch-up for 4 to 6 years. SMP can fade for several reasons, some external and some internal. The good news is that many of the fading factors are within your control.
Others are more intrinsic. Some amount of fading will occur no matter what, because of things like the natural exfoliation of your skin, and your immune system trying to remove foreign particles such as pigment. To address intrinsic fading you may need more sessions, though a full touch-up usually is not needed for several years.
Sun Exposure
The strongest single threat to your hairline is sunlight. Ultraviolet radiation carries enough energy to break down the pigment molecules — and it does this even when it is cloudy.
You can guard against it by wearing a hat or applying a minimum SPF 30, which blocks 97–98% of UV radiation. Avoid lotions with alcohol near the top of the ingredients list, which cause excessive dryness.
Scalp Sunscreen is SPF 40, 100% mineral-based and non-comedogenic, with a built-in mattifier — so it protects without leaving the greasy shine most body sunscreens do.
Time
Over time your immune system gradually absorbs pigment and works to excrete it. SMP is deposited beneath the epidermis — deep enough that it will not shed with the upper layers of skin, but your macrophage cells still treat it as a foreign substance and wear at it.
How quickly this happens varies by individual, determined by things like skin type and time in the sun. Some people hold pigment much longer; others need more frequent touch-ups.
Failing to See an Experienced Practitioner
Some untrained artists treat SMP as a simple procedure rather than a specialised skill, and offer low prices to draw you away from a certified practitioner. The result is often low-quality pigment placed at the wrong depth.
Check your practitioner’s certification and portfolio before committing, and read their client reviews. Never decide on price alone — demand quality and be prepared to pay a little more for it.
Not Using the Right Scalp Aftercare
After your procedure your scalp needs to heal, and it is important you do not interfere with that recovery. That includes knowing which aftercare products maintain your pigment and which fade it.
High on the list to avoid are products containing alcohol. Many skin and hair products use it as a fast-drying agent — look for isopropyl alcohol, SD alcohol or denatured alcohol in the ingredients.
Advice varies slightly by clinic, but generally you should only begin showering and moisturizing from around the fourth day after your procedure. After that, moisturize your scalp at least once every day. Keeping it hydrated prevents the drying out that leads to fading — and because Matte Moisturizer hydrates without adding grease, it will not leave the shine that flattens the look of your SMP.
Your Key Takeaway
Many factors cause SMP to fade, both extrinsic and intrinsic. The most important controllable ones are hours in the sun without protection, choosing an unqualified practitioner, and applying abrasive or inappropriate aftercare products. Beyond that, your body breaks the pigment down very slowly over time regardless.
You can minimise the threats by making the right choices: gentle non-abrasive cleansing, daily hydration, and SPF. See the Folicule scalp range for products made specifically for bald, buzzed and SMP-treated heads.