Frequently asked questions about a hair tattoo

A hair tattoo is an aesthetic procedure in which tiny pigment dots are placed in the upper layer of the scalp; the dots imitate the hair roots of short hair. Hair tattoo, scalp micropigmentation and SMP all refer to the same treatment: SMP is short for Scalp MicroPigmentation.

You can read about the procedure in detail on the Hair tattoo page.

The aim of a hair tattoo is not a pattern or a drawing, but the natural look of hair roots. The pigment is placed in tiny, individually positioned dots in the upper layer of the skin, and the shade is created by diluting black pigment to match your hair colour and skin tone. We use devices and pigments made specifically for this purpose.

Among others, it can be an optical solution in the following cases:

• for men who are completely bald on the top and front and want to wear their hair short,
• if someone would like their hair to look denser,
• in thinner areas after a hair transplant, and for scars from surgery or accidents, such as a strip (FUT) donor scar,
• for dot-like marks left in the donor area after an FUE hair transplant.

Suitability is always decided by a personal assessment. We present the treatment options on the Treatments page.

It is not recommended, for example, for someone who is completely bald on both sides at the front of the head but wants to wear their hair long. If we pigment next to the existing hairs, the hair must be worn closely cropped; if we pigment between thin hair, the hair can stay longer.

No. A hair tattoo does not grow new hair, does not stop hair loss and does not treat its cause. It only creates an optical effect: the bald or thin area looks denser and more uniform.

The DOT technique: we place tiny, follicle-like micro-dots in the scalp. We use it both for very closely cropped hair and between longer hairs, adjusting the size and density of the dots to the existing hair and the desired look.

On a completely or largely bald scalp, the pigment dots create the look of freshly cut short hair, together with a designed hairline. The effect looks natural if you also keep your existing hair cut very short.

More: shaved-look hair tattoo.

Yes. With thin but normal-length hair, we place the pigment between the hairs, so less of the scalp shows through and the hair looks fuller – in this case, the hair can stay longer.

However, if the pigment is placed next to the existing hairs, the hair must be worn very closely cropped for a natural effect; next to longer hair, the pigment may look odd. Details: optical density for thinning hair.

Yes, the two procedures can complement each other. A hair transplant moves real hair follicles, while hair tattoo creates an optical effect with pigment dots: it can give a denser overall look in a thinner transplanted or donor area if the amount of donor hair no longer allows another transplant.

More: correction after hair transplant.

After a proper assessment, yes – optically. Pigment placed on and around FUE dots and the linear scar of the FUT method reduces the contrast, so the scar stands out less from the surrounding hair. The scars do not physically disappear.

More: correction of FUE dots and FUT scars.

Even the entire top of the head. We always adjust the number of pigment dots to the area to be treated and the desired density – we place as many as needed.

There is no obstacle to tattooing sideburns. For facial hair, pigmentation often does not look natural, so it is not always possible; we can only answer this after an individual assessment.

The treatment consists of four steps:

• consultation and assessment of the condition of your hair and scalp,
• designing the hairline, the pigment shade and the area to be treated,
• gradually placing the pigment dots,
• placing the pigment dots over the number of treatment sessions in your package, followed by two correction sessions for densifying and refining.

We describe the process in detail on the Hair tattoo page.

Depending on the chosen package, the treatment consists of a minimum of 2–3 treatment sessions (a minimum of 3 for the Large package), complemented by two correction sessions. In the correction sessions, we further densify the dots and make the final refinements so that the hairstyle looks as natural as possible. Refreshing a previous hair tattoo (Touch-up) takes a minimum of 2 treatment sessions, also complemented by two correction sessions.

The length of each treatment session depends on the size of the area to be treated: a smaller area takes less time. We agree on the exact schedule at the consultation.

The procedure involves minimal pain because we only work on the upper layer of the skin. In our experience, older patients hardly feel it, and younger ones compare it to having a fine-tipped pen drawn across their scalp.

Although anaesthesia is not really necessary, we always apply an anaesthetic gel containing 2% lidocaine to the area to be treated, to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.

If you want densification between longer hair, no. But if you want to wear your hair short, come to the treatment with your hair at the length you want to wear it afterwards.

With proper planning and a technique that suits your hairstyle, a natural effect can be achieved, but the result is always individual. The most natural effect can be expected in two cases: when the pigment is placed between thin, normal-length hair, or when the existing hair is very short.

According to our patients’ feedback, the people around them often do not even notice that their hairstyle has been thickened with micropigmentation. You can find real before-and-after photos on the Results page.

We always start from black pigment and dilute it individually to match your own hair colour and skin tone. This way, a shade that suits your individual characteristics can be created.

Yes, the pigment fades gradually and evenly over time. The result of a hair tattoo lasts from 6 months up to 3 years; durability depends on your skin type and on how much sunlight reaches your scalp, as the sun can draw out the colour sooner.

Yes, if you wish: as the pigment fades gradually, a hair tattoo can be repeated or refreshed at any time.

No special aftercare is needed after the treatment, but it is worth following a few rules in the first days:

• do not wear a cap or hat for the first 48 hours,
• for the first 72 hours, avoid intensive sport and heavy physical exertion, the sauna, chlorinated water, and very dirty or dusty places.

After that, you can go about your daily life as before. TATTOOMED products, which support faster regeneration, are available at our clinic. In the longer term, protecting your scalp from the sun can slow the fading of the pigment.

Before the treatment, it is worth choosing an experienced specialist, looking at previous work and clarifying your expectations – we write about this on the Hair tattoo page.

This is not typical. There is no bleeding during the procedure, so there is no scarring either; the treated area does not swell, not even as much as after a traditional tattoo. There is no visible scabbing; at most, a tiny crust may appear here and there.

There is no healing time in the classic sense: there is no visible wound, and you can continue your daily life. However, for the first 72 hours you should avoid dusty, dirty places and heavy physical exertion.

It is not necessary, but if you would like one, we are happy to offer advice before or after the treatment.

The price depends on the chosen package and your individual characteristics. Our starting prices: Small package from HUF 180,000, Medium package from HUF 295,000, Large package from HUF 385,000. These apply to the complete treatment process: the Small and Medium packages include a minimum of 2–3 treatment sessions and the Large package a minimum of 3. Refreshing a previous hair tattoo (Touch-up) starts from HUF 180,000 and includes a minimum of 2 treatment sessions. All four packages also include two correction sessions. For larger areas, a possible discount can be discussed in person.

You can find the details on the Prices page; you can request a personalised quote on the Contact page.

A hair tattoo is a service of HIMG Clinic: the clinic is in Budapest, in District XIII (Szegedi út 56., 1135 Budapest, Hungary). Opening hours: Monday–Friday: 8:00–16:00.

You can read about the clinic on the About us page, and request an appointment on the Contact page.