SMP pigment is chosen to match the look of your natural hair stubble against your skin, not your hair's full colour. For many Asian clients this means a softer dark tone rather than pure black, tested on a small area and judged in daylight. Too dark or too large dots look unnatural.
Why shade matters
SMP recreates the look of tiny hair follicles. If the shade is too dark for your skin, the result can look like a painted shadow. Reviews of SMP describe natural results depending on technique and pigment choice.
How we choose
Your NPM practitioner looks at your skin tone, the colour of your existing short hair and how your skin looks in daylight, then tests the shade.
Over time
Pigment softens with time and sun. That is one reason touch-ups are common, and why we would rather start slightly lighter.
Questions
Will SMP turn blue or green?
Pigment choice and depth matter. Ask how NPM chooses and places pigment to reduce that risk.
Can I see the shade first?
Yes, it is discussed and tested before the full session.
Studies mentioned
These studies looked at ingredients or general approaches. None of them tested our treatments or products, so they are background, not proof.
- Park JH et al. Natural results of scalp micropigmentation: A review. J Cosmet Dermatol 2022.Review. Reviews how scalp micropigmentation is used to create the look of density and what affects a natural-looking result. It does not grow hair.PubMed 35947499doi:10.1111/jocd.15297
- Rassman WR et al. Scalp micropigmentation: a useful treatment for hair loss. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am 2013;21(3):497-503.Review / case experience. SMP is cosmetic tattoo camouflage that creates the look of density. It does not grow hair.PubMed 24017991doi:10.1016/j.fsc.2013.05.010