Scalp Micro Pigmentation ★ Hairline Tattooing
Scalp Micropigmentation, or SMP is sometimes called a hair tattoo. This cosmetic treatment uses a fine needle to apply dots of ink to the skin.
Unlike body tattooing, the depth is comparatively shallow to ensure a crisp outline. Each dot mimics a single hair follicle, which collectively, provide a very realistic impression of a full head of hair.
- SMP Prices 💲
- SMP FAQ 📖
Call me on 4926 7778 or 0422 276 202 if you have any questions or to make a booking. You can also book online.
Have a brilliant day,
Andrew Thompson.
Prices ★ Rockhampton Scalp Micropigmentation
The Norwood Scale is used by SMP practitioners as a universal guide to measure male pattern baldness, whether caused by Alopecia, genetics, hormonal changes, or general aging.
The following price guide refers to the total cost, usually over 3 sessions, approx 1 month apart. As everyone's needs are different, the cost is approximate.
When you come in for your free consultation, I can determine how much time is needed, and will be able to give you a firm price.
- Norwood 2 to 3: $600 to $1600
- Norwood 4 to 5: $1600 to $2400
- Norwood 6 to 7: $2400 to $3600
You don't need to pay for the whole thing upfront. In fact, please don't. It's just unnecessary paperwork. You'll pay 40% of the total on the first session, then 30% each time after, totalling 100% of the cost.
If you decide down the track you only want 2 treatments, that's fine. You don't need to pay for the third.
All prices include a routine checkup at 12 months so I can see how your SMP is holding up. At this review, if you have had 3 treatments, I will also perform up to two hours top-up work if needed, absolutely free of charge.
FAQ ★ Rockhampton Scalp Micropigmentation
Some visitors want brevity, some want detail. To that end, you'll find a short answer to each question, plus links to any related articles I've written in the Backstage section of the site. Enjoy. 😊
- I'm partially bald. Do I need to have my whole head tattooed?
- Do I have to get a buzz cut for SMP?
- Are you qualified to perform SMP?
- Does SMP hurt like a normal tattoo?
- How long is recovery time after SMP?
- How many SMP sessions do I need, and how far apart?
- I'm a public figure. It will be embarrassing to suddenly have a hair line.
- What skin colour is best for scalp micropigmentation?
- Will I end up with a Lego man hairstyle?
- What could prevent me having an SMP treatment?
- I have scars on my head. How will that look with SMP?
- I've had fading after my first treatment? Is that normal?
- My head is itchy post-treatment. Is that normal?
- How long will my SMP last?
- What do I need to do or avoid after my SMP session?
- Can I get top up treatments in the future if it starts to fade?
I'm partially bald. Do I need to have my whole head tattooed?
No, I'll only do the areas that need to be done. This is why there's a variance in pricing from one person to the next, depending on how many hours are needed.
SMP artists use the Norwood Scale to ascertain your degree of baldness. See SMP Pricing for full details.
Do I have to get a buzz cut for SMP?
Maybe. It depends on your situation. Which of these situations apply to you?
- My hair is thinning through the middle but my hair line hasn't receded and I don't have any big bald spots. In this case, no you shouldn't need to change your hairstyle to a buzz cut.
- My hair line is receding or I have a big bald spot. Yes, you will need to maintain a buzz, foil, or rotary cut. Some older clients who are very bald and greying and want full scalp coverage also elect to wet shave daily so that only the SMP is visible.
Are you qualified to perform SMP?
Yes. The process of accreditation, licencing, and seemingly endless renovations took almost a year to complete due to the in-depth requirements for performing skin penetration treatments in Queensland.
I was fortunate to train extensively and gain Master Class Certification under SMP pioneer and trainer, Aaron Grundy at his Gold Coast training centre before his retirement.
I attained my HLTINF005 Maintain Infection Control for Skin Penetration Treatments through Toowoomba TAFE.
Finally, the premises and procedures at Man Thing Rockhampton were inspected for compliance by Rockhampton Regional Council (RRC) environmental health office.
Man Thing was subsequently issued with a Higher Risk Personal Appearance Licence.
These three processes are required before you can legally operate an SMP studio in Queensland.
At time of writing, Man Thing is the first and only registered provider of SMP treatments in the greater Rockhampton Region.
Does Scalp Micropigmentation hurt like a normal tattoo?
How long is recovery time after SMP?
Due to the fact that the SMP needles penetrate quite shallow, recovery time is minimal.
You will experience some pinkness after the treatment but many people notice it's calmed down in a day or two.
Following each session, I will give you some Bepanthin Tattoo Aftercare Ointment to take home. Apply as often as you need to aid recovery.
Taking an oral antihistamine can also aid the process but it's usually not necessary.
How many SMP sessions will I need, and how far apart?
I will divide your SMP procedure into two to four sessions, ideally a fortnight or month apart.
Traditionally, the time frame used to be 7 days apart, which is adequate time to heal, as your body's immune system (white blood cells called macrophages) encapsulate the deposited ink and calm any inflammation.
However, many SMP artists have extended this time frame in recent years to allow for fading.
Fading occurs in the months after SMP happens because your skin heals over that encapsulated ink deposit, which can lighten its appearance by up to 30%.
I'm thinking of your result for the long-term, not how it looks in a week's time.
What happens at each SMP Session?
At your first session, we'll have a consultation. I'll explain the procedure and you can ask questions to ensure we're both on the same page. I'll then map the area and ink the first layer of dots.
This initial dot placement will be less dense than later sessions to ensure that we have the right shade of ink and needle thickness.
Your first session is usually the longest and may take 4 to 6 hours, depending on the size of the treatment area.
On the second visit, I'll begin to fill in the density and do some edge feathering for a natural look.
On the third visit, we'll do more in-fill and edging and you will leave with the finished result, the illusion of a freshly shaved head of hair.
I'm a public figure. It will be embarrassing to suddenly have a hair line.
Honestly, most of my clients are public figures. Business people, retail workers, local celebrities and so forth.
You'll find that most people will be supportive, or even envious. I get a lot of referrals from people asking where clients had their treatment done.
If you're particularly self-conscious about having a sudden hairline, I'm happy to extend the sessions to make your hairline appear more gradually.
For example, instead of 3 monthly sessions, we can do 6 fortnightly sessions. That also means each treatment will be shorter if you need to fit in with a busy schedule.
What skin colour is best for scalp micropigmentation?
All skin colours look great. Skin tone doesn't affect suitability for treatment, as I match the pigment to the shade of your hair, not your skin.
What could prevent me having an SMP treatment?
These factors will limit or restrict your ability to receive SMP:
- Dandruff or overly dry scalp. See your GP or chemist for a treatment to moisten your scalp 2 weeks before your fist SMP session.
- Auto immune diseases.
- Blood-borne diseases, e.g. HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis C.
- Type 1 Diabetes.
- Heart disorders.
- Keloid and hypertrophic scarring.
- Blood thinners: Warfarin is contraindicated. Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) users should ask their GP if it's OK to pause taking their dose for a 96 hour period i.e. two days each side of their SMP treatment.
- Skin cancer.
- Topical hair solutions, steroid injections and micro-needling of the scalp must be discontinued during your course of SMP sessions.
- Recent hair transplant procedures: If under 6 months, you will need to provide a letter from the practitioner who performed the procedure giving us clearance to perform SMP.
I have scars on my head. How will that look with SMP?
Many guys want as close to perfect coverage as possible. Scars can be covered with SMP very effectively.
That said, some men do like to keep a few battle scars, which can actually add to the realism of SMP. If that's your goal, I simply work around the scar, framing it instead of obscuring it.
There is no hard rule. It's entirely up to you.
I've had fading after my first treatment? Is that normal?
Absolutely. Your first session is the foundation treatment. It will be the least dense and also the lightest shade. On top of this, I need to make a few educated guesses, particularly ink shade, needle size, and depth of penetration.
The result from the first treatment tells me everything I need to know for subsequent sessions.
Keep your expectations real and don't feel disillusioned if it's not quite perfect from the outset. You'll notice a big difference after the second treatment.
My head is itchy post-treatment. Is that normal?
Yes. The itchiness is caused by the body repairing itself. It's a natural process.
Definitely do not scratch or rub the area, as this will affect the ink and the healing process.
If the Bepanthen cream doesn't provide enough relief, an antihistamine tablet can help.
How long will my SMP last?
SMP is intended to be low maintenance. It is a permanent procedure, however over time, its appearance can soften due to your body's natural healing processes.
Between 3 and 6 years is realistic, depending of course on how well you take care of your scalp.
Sun exposure is the number one cause of fading scalp micropigmentation, so remember to use sunscreen and wear a hat, particularly in our harsh Central Queensland climate.
Other factors that can accelerate tattoo degradation include your body's own immune response, scalp health, and excessive abrasion or exfoliation.
Remember to moisturise your scalp with a quality tattoo balm to maximise your SMP's lifespan.
At 12 months after your scalp micro-pigmentation procedure, come back for your routine checkup so I can see how your SMP is holding up. At this review, I will set aside time to perform any top-up work if needed. Click the prices link below for full T&C.
What do I need to do or avoid in the days following my SMP session?
Until all pinkness or inflammation has left the skin:
- Avoid wetting the treated area unnecessarily, e.g. swimming, hot tubs, sports where your head will sweat excessively.
- When you shower, gently wipe your SMP with lukewarm water. Do nut scrub. Pat your head dry and apply your Bepanthen lotion.
- Do not apply sunscreen, topical creams, sprays etc except the lotion I gave you. Anything else might inflame your skin, cause an infection, or dilute the ink pigment.
- Avoid perspiration and steam, i.e. no gym, exercise, hot tubs, saunas. A cool room with natural air flow is ideal.
- If scabbing occurs, to not pick at it. Allow it to fall off natural.
- Avoid direct sunlight and other strong sources of UV.
- Do not let animals lick the treated area.
- Avoid dust, pollen, or any environments that may carry airborne toxins or allergens.
- Do not perform micro needling on your scalp.
- Vitally, if pinkness or inflammation extends beyond a few days, contact us before trying any other solution.