How Much Does Scalp Micropigmentation Cost?

Home / All / How Much Does Scalp Micropigmentation Cost?

Posted on : July 06, 2021 | Category : All | Author: Beverly Hills Hair Restoration Team

Scalp tattoos may seem like an unorthodox technique of hair treatment, but are quite effective. I am talking about scalp micropigmentation as a way to improve your hair appearance. SMP is quite an intricate technique of hair treatment. The scalp consists of over 100,000 hair follicles or strands. This means that cutting edge tools and techniques are required by skilled doctors to implant pigments. 

In every square inch, the doctor needs to implant 1,250 pigments by hand. Scalp micropigmentation cost varies in many reputable clinics. Most charge between $1,800 to $3,200. This amount depends on the client’s needs after the procedure. The exact price of having SMP may be more or less based on several factors. Read on to know better the factors that affect scalp micropigmentation cost. 

Skin Type

Most clients have normal skin types. But there are other special skin types that require extra attention. The methods may affect the average scalp micropigmentation cost. 

Here are some of the skin types that we are talking about:

• Skin types that are very dry or flaky. These include severe acne, older skin, highly sensitive skin, and damaged skin that may require more time to perfume the SMP procedure and extra attention. 
• Skin that is very thick may also require much time and e tea attention. Thicker skin is harder to penetrate with procedure needles. Meaning that the thicker the skin, the more time it will take to perform the procedure. Less pressure is needed for the needles to penetrate thinner ski types. If the skin is new, how to carry on the procedure may be affected. 

To get the best out of an SMP procedure, the client will have to inform the doctor if he or she has recently had a hair transplant procedure. 

In some cases, collagen may form at the site where hair was transplanted. Collagen makes the skin very soft and spongy. When injections are made into the scalp, the soft skin will respond like a sponge. This will also have an effect on scalp micropigmentation cost. When combined, a hair transplant technique and the SMP procedure are quite effective. You will however need to consult the hair transplant doctor about the time and the technique that will give optimal desirable results. 

Scarring

If there is a scar on the client’s head, it may also affect how and how long the SMP procedure is done. Hair will no longer grow in scaring tissue, therefore, an SMP will be done on the area of the scalp that has a linear scar. This procedure gives an impression of dense hair. 

Lighter skin types will require the normal SMP technique as well as specialized techniques to ensure that it produces the best results in the end. If the scar is more pronounced, doctors will need to focus on it first before performing the SMP procedure. The doctor may also suggest that the camouflage ink system be done first as a pre-treatment. 

By blending the discoloration into the skin first, the camouflage ink “fades” the scar. Next, the doctor will commence with the normal SMP procedure to yield desired results. A more natural-looking appearance will be seen as though the scar was never there. 

Hair Density and Style

The hair density varies from person to person, even though the scalp may appear to have full hair. For example, the average number of hair strands for a blind is about 150,000. Redheads will have an average of 90,000 hair strands. A skilled doctor will consider the density and fullness of the patient’s natural hair before doing the procedure. 

If the patient isn’t content with his or her natural distribution of hair, the doctor may suggest using the SMP procedure to make the hair density look fuller. In some clinics, this will affect the general scalp micropigmentation cost. The style preferred by the patient may also affect the way the procedure is done and how long it will take to perform it. An example of a very light SMP procedure is the “wet shave” hairstyle. The classic fade on the other hand requires more density meaning that it’s going to take more time thus increasing the scalp micropigmentation costs. 

What is the average scalp micropigmentation cost?

Since SMP is a non-surgical hair treatment technique, the cost of performing it is less than surgical procedures. The aim of this procedure is not to regrow hair it used to grow but to help create an illusion of thicker, denser, and hair that looks evenly distributed. Unlike other hair restoration procedures that require existing hair follicles to work and give the best results, a SMP procedure does not need graft hair to work. 

SMP average cost is $500, but it can range from $350 - $3,500, depending on the clinic you choose to seek services from and the size of the treatment area. For people with short cropped up, and dark hair who don’t want surgical hair treatment, this is the best option. It is also an ideal procedure for people with alopecia, male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness, and those suffering from mild thinning hair. If you had a hair transplant and you want to conceal the linear scar, then SMP is the best option for you. 

Scalp micropigmentation cost can also be influenced by an individual's taste and preference. Let’s look at some of them in the table below 

Influencing Factors of Scalp Micropigmentation Cost 

What affects scalp micropigmentation cost?

From the table above, we have mentioned what will affect the cost of doing SMP. Let’s explain These factors further. What makes SMP unique from FUT Hair Transplant is that it is highly customizable. In eligible persons, there are variations that will affect the scalp micropigmentation costs. Including hair density, health, and overall appearance. Norwood Scale is the standardized classification system used by providers to rate these differences. 

SMP is an ideal hair loss treatment for treating both large areas of the scalp and small bald patches. Other patients may decide to use the SMP procedure to further improve a hair transplant procedure. The practitioner who performs the SMP procedure also affects the clinic’s scalp micropigmentation cost. If you are dealing with a specialized practitioner, then you should expect to pay more for their time. The clinic where the SMP is performed will also have an impact on the cost. High-end hair restoration clinics will charge their clients more. The number of SMP treatment sessions the area will require will also determine the cost of performing the treatment. While some clients will only require a single session, others may need multiple sessions, which will cost more. And lastly, scalp micro-pigmentation costs will vary based on how regularly maintenance is done. 

Also, you can read Does Smart PRP® really work? Is there any evidence to support it?

What does the cost of scalp micropigmentation include?

If you are opting to get a scalp micropigmentation procedure done to treat hair loss, you need to understand first what the practitioners are charging you for. Charges include the cost of supplies that will be used in the SMP procedure. These supplies include aesthetics, tools, permanent markup solutions, gloves, etc. The time when the SMP procedure is done and extra technicians needed also determines the cost. The provider and the location vary in terms of how easy to get resources. A 30-minute session that is to be done twice meant to fill in a small patch will cost less that a SMP procedure that is to fill in a larger scalp area in three one to two hour seasons. 

How much does scalp micropigmentation cost?

To understand better how much you will need to pay for an SMP procedure depending on your needs and concerns, below is the estimated cost range and the concerns they are meant to address. Although the estimates give you a general idea of what to expect in terms of cost, significant variations are also going to help determine the scalp micropigmentation cost ultimately. The estimates involve one to three sessions of a scalp micropigmentation procedure. 

Scalp Micropigmentation  Cost by Type or Concern Area

How much does scalp micropigmentation cost across the United States?

Location plays a very big role in determining the cost of their SMP in the United States. A report in 2019 by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons revealed that the majority of cosmetic treatments are performed on the coast. On the coasts is where things are more expensive, even the cost of having scalp micropigmentation. 

Below is a table showing the cost of having scalp micropigmentation in major cities in the United States. It covers both single and multi-sessions of SMP. 

Average Scalp Micropigmentation Cost by State and City 

How much does scalp micropigmentation cost around the world?

If you want to get a scalp micropigmentation procedure abroad, then we have outlined the cost of SMP in a few countries across the world. You should note that you will need to consider the cost of traveling and recovery time. You will also need to do a thorough research about the facility, the practitioners’ reputation. The scalp pigmentation cost is given in USD. 

Average Scalp Micropigmentation Cost by Country in USD

Does Health Insurance Cover the Cost of Scalp Micropigmentation?

The simple answer to this question is that it doesn’t. To understand better why this isn’t possible, we have a detailed explanation below as defined by the American Medical Association (AMA):

Cosmetic Surgery – Reshapes normal structures of the body in order to improve appearance and self-esteem.

Reconstructive Surgery –  Alterations to abnormal body structures caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, or disease.

Most insurance covers may cover reconstructive surgeries depending on the condition. However, cosmetic procedures are not covered with health insurance. Looking at scalp micropigmentation, it is not a surgical procedure. Even though there are health conditions that may cause hair loss, SMP is regarded as a cosmetic procedure that doesn’t warrant any medical necessity. This makes it unlikely to be covered. 

The Takeaway

A scalp micropigmentation hair loss treatment is a semi-permanent solution for improving one’s head and facial appearance. The procedure helps those who have partial or full-blown hair loss to improve their hair density. No matter the condition of your hair growth or natural hair, SMP caters to every hair loss concern including crown work, severe alopecia, male pattern baldness, scar camouflage. Getting an SMP is more affordable than other hair restoration treatments. The consultation phase will allow you to settle for a more reasonable price and to understand if extra sessions are necessary. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How much does Scalp Micropigmentation Cost in India? 

A single session of scalp micropigmentation in India goes for around INR 25,000 to INR 30,000 and a package of 3 sessions will cost you INR 70,000. However, the client’s needs, skin concerns, and skin type will determine the overall cost. 

How much does SMP hair cost?

The cost of having a scalp micropigmentation will vary depending on the client’s needs and the size of the scalp that needs to be covered. Basically, each may cost between $400 and $1,000.

Begin your journey towards natural-looking, confident hair restoration with a complimentary free hair transplant consultation at Beverly Hills Hair Restoration. Call 310.289.0901 or visit our clinic to schedule your free appointment today.

Here are a few more topics that you shouldn’t miss:
How Much Does A Hair Transplant Cost?
Everything You Need To Know About Beard Transplant?
Like this post? Don’t forget to share