Are the pigments used in scalp micropigmentation safe?

    ← back to Scalp Micropigmentation

    Surveyed from the published FAQs of 16 scalp micropigmentation providers. The percentage on each highlighted claim is the share of surveyed providers who state it — hover to see who.

    Also asked as: “Are the pigments safe?” · “Are the pigments used in SMP safe?” · “Are the pigments safe and tested for cosmetic use?” · “Are the pigments safe for health?”

    Many potential clients worry about the safety of pigments used in scalp micropigmentation. The pigments used in scalp micropigmentation63%Stated by 63% of the providers we surveyed. Including MB Elegant Micropigmentation, Luxe Micro scalp micropigmentation Melbourne, SMP Virtuosos, BrowSugar, Rizzieri, Unyozi Beauty-Permanent Makeup & Scalp Micropigmentation, and 4 more. are safe, according to most providers. They also claim that the pigments are specifically formulated for this procedure56%Stated by 56% of the providers we surveyed. Including SMPCA, Scalpology, SMP Hair Clinic, Cairns Cosmetic Tattoo, SKINEAV, Mujtaba Aesthetics, and 3 more..

    Some providers assert that the pigments are non-toxic31%Stated by 31% of the providers we surveyed. Including Katty K Permanent Makeup School & Studio, MB Elegant Micropigmentation, Scalpology, and 2 more.. Similarly, about a quarter state that the pigments are composed of natural or organic materials31%Stated by 31% of the providers we surveyed. Including Elysium Cosmetic Tattoo and Academy, NPM Scalp Micropigmentation Singapore Hair Tattoo hair loss solution, SMP Hair Clinic, and 2 more.. Another claim from some providers is that the pigments are medical-grade25%Stated by 25% of the providers we surveyed. Including Luxe Micro scalp micropigmentation Melbourne, Rizzieri, Unyozi Beauty-Permanent Makeup & Scalp Micropigmentation, and 1 more..

    A minority of providers offer additional assurances, stating that the pigments are hypoallergenic19%Stated by 19% of the providers we surveyed. Including SKINEAV, Mujtaba Aesthetics, Scalpology. and free from harmful chemicals19%Stated by 19% of the providers we surveyed. Including KOPFSCALPHAIRLINE - SMP LONDON, BrowSugar, Katty K Permanent Makeup School & Studio.. Some providers assert that the pigments comply with safety standards19%Stated by 19% of the providers we surveyed. Including Cairns Cosmetic Tattoo, Rizzieri, Unyozi Beauty-Permanent Makeup & Scalp Micropigmentation. and regulations.

    Concerns about heavy metals are addressed by a minority of providers who claim that the pigments are free from heavy metals13%Stated by 13% of the providers we surveyed. Including MB Elegant Micropigmentation, BrowSugar.. Some providers highlight the durability of the pigments, stating that they are long-lasting13%Stated by 13% of the providers we surveyed. Including SMPCA, Elysium Cosmetic Tattoo and Academy., though a minority also note that touch-ups are needed13%Stated by 13% of the providers we surveyed. Including KOPFSCALPHAIRLINE - SMP LONDON, BrowSugar..

    Some providers distinguish that the pigments are not standard tattoo ink13%Stated by 13% of the providers we surveyed. Including SMPCA, SMP Hair Clinic.. Finally, a minority claim that the pigments are safe for all skin types13%Stated by 13% of the providers we surveyed. Including Luxe Micro scalp micropigmentation Melbourne, SKINEAV. — an absolute that no injected pigment supports, since an existing tattoo-ink allergy is itself a reason clinics turn clients away.

    All of the above are supplier and clinic descriptions rather than verified facts. "Natural", "organic", "medical-grade" and "hypoallergenic" have no agreed regulatory meaning for pigment placed into skin, and the US Food and Drug Administration states that no colour additive is approved for injection into the skin. Published reports on tattooing and permanent makeup describe allergic and granulomatous reactions, infection, and colour shifting. If you have reacted to tattoo ink, hair dye or cosmetics before, ask the clinic for a patch test and speak to a doctor or dermatologist before booking.

    Sources

    Cited from clinics like these

    In their own words — the 24 clinics whose published guidance fed this answer. 8 translated into English from the clinic's own language.

    1. We work with tested, professional SMP pigments and pay close attention to hygiene, compatibility, and a clean color selection. Translated
      Scalp Frankfurt I Haarpigmentierung Frankfurt am Main, DE
    2. Yes, they are. The pigments are carbon base and free of heavy metals.
      MB Elegant Micropigmentation North Vancouver, CA
    3. I use pigments formulated specifically for SMP, not standard tattoo ink — they hold their tone cleanly over years and don't shift blue or …
      SMPCA San Lorenzo, US
    4. Yes, the pigments used in scalp micropigmentation are hypoallergenic and specifically formulated for this procedure.
      Scalpology Brent, GB
    5. These pigments are safe and non-toxic, and we take every precaution to ensure your well-being during the treatment.
      SMP Virtuosos North Bethesda, US
    6. … the type of pigments used by artist ensures that they are safe, of high-quality, and really suitable for your skin type, minimizing the risk of any complications.
      Luxe Micro scalp micropigmentation Melbourne City of Port Phillip, AU
    7. … pigments do not contain metal particles and are therefore medically safe. Translated
      SCALPSTUDIO | Zürich Zürich, CH
    8. Ensure the pigments used are free from harmful chemicals and safe for the skin.
      KOPFSCALPHAIRLINE - SMP LONDON London, GB
    9. Yes. The pigments used in tricopigmentation are designed to be biocompatible, hypoallergenic, and suitable for the scalp. Translated
      Medikemos Hair Transplantation Uccle, BE
    10. … pigments do not contain metal particles and are therefore medically safe. Translated
      Haarpigmentierung Freiburg Freiburg, DE
    11. We only use natural carbon and water based pigments created specifically for Scalp Micropigmentation.
      SMP Hair Clinic Melbourne, AU
    12. The color pigments have no side effects, are anti-allergenic, and dermatologically tested. Translated
      Haarpigmentierung Berlin, DE
    13. High-quality, organic pigments are essential for achieving natural, long-lasting results.
      Elysium Cosmetic Tattoo and Academy Knoxville, US
    14. The pigments used in a trichopigmentation treatment are medical grade, not harmful to the body, as they are hypoallergenic, biocompatible, and highly certified, in full compliance with … Translated
      Luz Estela Franco Micropigmentación Cartagena, CO
    15. Our pigments are safe and don’t contain metal or harmful material.
      BrowSugar Singapore, SG
    16. No, the pigments used in micropigmentation are safe and comply with health standards. Translated
      JM.Micropigmentation Sion, CH
    17. Pigments used in permanent cosmetics have an extensive record of safety.
      Rizzieri Voorhees Township, US
    18. The pigments we use are medical-grade, hypoallergenic, and designed specifically for cosmetic tattooing.
      SKINEAV Vaughan, CA
    19. … are exclusively composed of natural minerals chosen for their safe, non-toxic properties.
      Unyozi Beauty-Permanent Makeup & Scalp Micropigmentation Toronto, CA
    20. For health, they are not dangerous.
      Katty K Permanent Makeup School & Studio Orlando, US
    21. They are organic and inorganic and are known to be safe for cosmetic use, colourants, and micropigmentation to the face and body.
      Cairns Cosmetic Tattoo Cairns, AU
    22. These pigments are safe, hypoallergenic, and have been extensively tested for their suitability.
      Mujtaba Aesthetics New York, US
    23. … focusing on stable, natural-looking results and scalp safety.
      NPM Scalp Micropigmentation Singapore Hair Tattoo hair loss solution Singapore, SG
    24. These pigments are hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested, free from heavy metals and toxic components. Translated
      Institut Dermalys Lausanne, CH