Scalp Micropigmentation FAQ

For the treatment, we use professional SMP pigments. SMP lasts up to 1-5 years.

The treatment process:

Scalp Micropigmentation typically involves 2-3 sessions of 2-3 hours each, spaced around 10-14 days apart. This meticulous process ensures perfect color, density, and hair follicle size matching for a seamless blend with your existing hair. Dasha, using specific needle configurations and varying penetration depths, needle angles, and distribution settings, meticulously replicates each individual hair follicle, giving you a natural-looking and confidence-boosting result. After each session, the redness subsides within around 24 hours, and your treatment comes with a 1-year guarantee

How many treatments should I expect?

While scalp micropigmentation can achieve amazing results, it's not a one-and-done process. Most clients benefit from 2-3 sessions, tailored to their individual needs. These sessions are spaced 10-14 days apart for optimal healing and color refinement.

Treatment cost

The cost of Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) depends on the area you’d like to enhance — whether it’s just the hairline, a thinning crown, or the entire top area.

A small area may take around 1 hour, while a full scalp can take up to 3 hours.

Depending on the size of the treated area, the cost per session ranges from $700 to $1,500.

For hair transplant or other scar camouflage, the cost per session ranges from $400 to $1,000.

SMP typically requires three sessions, spaced 10–14 days apart, to achieve the most natural and consistent result.

Scalp Micropigmentation FAQ. Cosmetic and Mediical Tattoo by Dasha. Permanent makeup and reconstructive tattoo, scalp micro-pigmentation in Christchurch, New Zealand

As a bonus, our clinic offers a complimentary review session after your third and final treatment, which can be scheduled 4–5 months later to assess the healed results and add pigment if needed. In addition, eligible clients may qualify for a Ministry of Health subsidy, which can reimburse up to 90% of the Scalp Micropigmentation treatment cost. Further details will be provided during your consultation at our clinic.

*To receive an accurate quote, you can book a consultation or send photos for an approximate price estimate.

Please make sure to include a photo of the back of your head as your second image to help us assess the treatment area accurately.

Payment options

Payment plans are available, please make a deposit to confirm your spot, then 4 weekly payments.

The treatment must be paid off in full at the day of procedure.

Please pay your treatment fee into the following bank account:
Dasha CosTattoo
02-1268-0124762-000
*Please use your name and the date of the treatment as the reference.

How long does scalp micropigmentation take?

The Scalp Micropigmentation treatment typically takes 2-3 hours per session depending on your degree of hair loss. Most clients can expect between 2-3 sessions to complete their treatment depending on the extent of hair loss or scarring. These treatments are usually spaced about 10-14 days apart.

How long do the results last?

After completing your treatment (2-3 sessions), expect the pigment intensity to last for 1-5 years. Over time, you might notice a slight, gradual lightening of the pigment. This gradual lightening can be addressed with 1 touch-up session every 2-3 years, ensuring you maintain your desired style for years to come.

Do I need to take time off work?

Scalp micropigmentation is requires no down time. In most cases, you will not need to take any extended time away from work or other functions. After treatment it is common to notice slight redness on the scalp for 2-24 hours post session. This redness subsides quickly and most clients return to work either right away or within a day. Clients are also allowed to wear hats or headwear should they feel the need.

How do I choose a hairline?

If you're unsure of the ideal hairline style for you, your treatment specialist can help. With their artistic expertise in fitting hairlines to individual features, Dasha can recommend the perfect option. Throughout your sessions, you can also fine-tune the design for a truly personalized result.

Is Scalp Micropigmentation permanent?

Scalp Micropigmentation is a form of semi-permanent tattoo. Often referred to as a cosmetic hair or scalp tattoo, this treatment typically lasts 1-5 years. After that time, a client may experience some slight fading, to which they can come back in for a touch-up. This cosmetic solution will not wash off but can be tweaked as years go on.

Will it change color like tattoos?

Not at all! Unlike tattoo ink, SMP pigment fades naturally within the color spectrum of short hair. It contains no colorants or additives and won't discolor. Additionally, SMP uses specialized equipment with needles and machines designed for the scalp, ensuring a safe and controlled process.

If I have hair left, can I leave it long?

Depending on the extent of thinning, some clients can keep their hair longer, as scalp pigmentation thickens areas and reduces scalp visibility. However, for extensive baldness or very low hair density, a shorter style is recommended.

Will Scalp Micropigmentation work with gray hair?

Yes, those with gray hair can still benefit from the scalp micropigmentation procedure. First, most clients are recommended to cut their hair to a short buzzed length. When this is done, gray hair does not appear as gray because the hair root itself is darker. Hair only shows gray as it gets longer. Second, I use a gray-scale pigment that can be adjusted in shade to blend with lighter hair tones. I simply create a lighter dilution for blending into the existing gray hairs.

Can Scalp Micropigmentation camouflage my transplant FUE/FUT scar?

Yes! By replicating tiny hair follicles inside the scarring and blending the color around the scarring area, transplant and surgical scars can see massive improvement in concealment. More info

If I am lighter or darker skin tone will this treatment still look good?

Yes! I am able to match the shade of our pigment to a wide range of skin tones. Whether you are Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic, Asian, or Pacific Islander and much more…scalp micropigmentation can work for you.

How long until I can sweat after the scalp micropigmentation treatment?

We recommend no heavy sweating or intense exercise for 7 days after your scalp micropigmentation treatment.

Does the scalp micropigmentation procedure hurt?

For most clients, the pain minimal and it’s consistently less painful than traditional tattoos. After your session, you won’t experience any further discomfort.

Is Scalp Micropigmentation for long hair?

Scalp Micropigmentation is used to add density to thinning areas. We are able to add thickness to areas common areas like the crown, hair parting and more. For people that are using scalp micropigmentation to rebuild their hairline, we recommend keeping your hair short for a more balanced look.

Can I still use Propecia and/or Rogaine after my treatment?

Clients can continue using Propecia during and after their scalp pigmentation procedure. Rogaine (topical minoxidil) should be suspended during the course of treatment and for 30 days post your final session. This is to ensure the proper healing and settling of pigment without interference of the chemicals found in Rogaine foam.

Do you have Scalp Micropigmentation Before and After Pictures?

Yes, please check out our transformations page which shows our client’s before and after images. Click here

How long until I can scrub, shampoo, or shave the smp treatment area?

We recommend no scrubbing, shampooing, or shaving over the treated area for 3-4 days after your scalp micropigmentation treatment.

Can I wear a hat after my scalp micropigmentation treatment?

Yes, you can wear a hat or a cap after your scalp micropigmentation treatment.

Can I go in the pool, sauna, or steam room after my scalp micropigmentation treatment?

To ensure optimal healing and pigment retention, we strongly recommend you avoid chlorinated pools, saunas, steam rooms, and tanning beds for 1 month post-treatment.

Will scalp micropigmentation grow my hair back?

While scalp micropigmentation doesn't regrow hair, it creates the illusion of short, close-cropped styles. Keeping your hair shorter ensures the most natural outcome as the pigment dots closely mimic individual hair follicles.

Here is a very detailed post about SMP. It answers the most common questions:

1. Why we need 3 sessions.
2. How the skin looks after the first session and whether 1 session is enough. Short answer — no.
3. What the ideal length of side hair should be when the crown is bald. Short answer — 0 mm.
4. How SMP looks when dense side hair is grown long.
5. Does it look natural? 100%! The photos show healed results after each session. The photo from session 4 was taken 6 months later during a follow-up, where we assess healed results and add more density if needed.