Are there any side effects of scalp micropigmentation?

    ← back to Scalp Micropigmentation

    Surveyed from the published FAQs of 137 scalp micropigmentation providers. The percentage on each highlighted claim is the share of surveyed providers who make that claim on their own sites — it shows how common a claim is, not that it is true. Hover to see who.

    Also asked as: “Are there any side effects?” · “Are there any risks or side effects?” · “Are there any side effects or risks?” · “Are there side effects?”

    Most providers say that temporary redness, swelling, or itching65%Stated by 65% of the providers we surveyed. Including Juan Collado SMP, Finishing Touch SMP LLC, thINK aHEAD SMP, Emulate Follicles, SMP STUDIO UK, Anna Mitchell Trichology Clinic, and 14 more. may occur after scalp micropigmentation, but these effects typically resolve within a few days. Additionally, most clinics assert that side effects are minimal53%Stated by 53% of the providers we surveyed. Including Scalpalex Scalp Micropigmentation, Onur Akdeniz SMP, MB Elegant Micropigmentation, New Creations Studio, Your Scalp, EDGE SCALP INK, and 14 more..

    A minority of clinics claim there are no side effects12%Stated by 12% of the providers we surveyed. Including Scalp Revive, Micro Culture SMP, ILEA Hair Restoration, The Look SMP Clinic, The Scalp Shop, RejuveDERMA Skin & Hair Clinic, and 10 more.. That is not accurate: like any tattoo, SMP carries risks, described below.

    About a quarter of providers mention that temporary discomfort31%Stated by 31% of the providers we surveyed. Including DC Scalp Micro, INKonHair Clinic, Luxe SMP Clinic, Rejoice Hair Transplant, 1 Point Tattoo, Dinaaz Hair And Skin, and 14 more. or sensitivity may occur during or after the procedure. They also emphasize the importance of choosing a qualified practitioner26%Stated by 26% of the providers we surveyed. Including Hair Restoration Specialists, Dr. Navnit Haror, Robert S. Haber, MD, DPC Clinic, Finescalps, Foli Sim, and 14 more. to minimize risks. This includes the rare possibility of infection or allergic reaction23%Stated by 23% of the providers we surveyed. Including Enhanced Scalp Micropigmentation Toronto, ​Glojas Hair Transplant Specialist - Best HairLoss, The Hairfront, Kalosa, Etch Scalp Micropigmentation, Brow House Studio & Brow House Institute, and 14 more. to the pigments used.

    A minority of clinics highlight that there is no downtime19%Stated by 19% of the providers we surveyed. Including Gentlemen's Scalp Prestige, Integrated Ink SMP Micropigmentation, Hairlusion, New Level Aesthetics, Give Good Face, Afri Scalp, and 14 more. required after the procedure, allowing clients to resume their daily activities immediately. They also describe scalp micropigmentation as a non-invasive procedure15%Stated by 15% of the providers we surveyed. Including The Body Studio, Klarity Skin Clinic, Scalpture Ink - Scalp Micropigmentation Studio, Australian Aesthetics and Hair Transplant, Bioskin, Labelle, and 13 more.. It is non-surgical, but needles break the skin to place pigment in it.

    The importance of following aftercare instructions18%Stated by 18% of the providers we surveyed. Including Dr Madhavi's Advanced Skin Hair and Laser Clinic, Nico's SMP, Areola and Hair Studio, Tailored Scalp Micropigmentation, Ogzy Skin and Scalp Tattoo, High & Tight SMP- Scalp Micropigmentation, Light Fantastic IPL/Laser/Aesthetics, and 14 more. is noted by some providers to further minimize risks and side effects. Additionally, a thorough consultation13%Stated by 13% of the providers we surveyed. Including BioCell Cosmetic Clinic, Folliderm - Hair Care Experts, Scalp Ink, Hair Savvy Studio, GalaStudio PRO, Micro Hair Clinic, and 12 more. is recommended to discuss potential risks and side effects before undergoing the procedure.

    A minority of providers say serious complications are unlikely when the procedure is performed by a trained professional16%Stated by 16% of the providers we surveyed. Including INKT, Mahendra Hair Transplant & Skin Clinic, smp by hamudi, SMP Remedy Derby, EDEN Aesthetics Clinic, Tajmeel Clinic- Bournemouth, UK, and 14 more.. How often complications happen after SMP has not been well measured.

    Risks that providers often leave out

    No tattoo pigment is FDA-approved for injection into the skin. Reported tattoo risks include (FDA Tattoos & Permanent Makeup Fact Sheet; FDA: Think Before You Ink):

    • Allergic and granulomatous reactions, which can appear right after the procedure or years later and are hard to treat because the pigment is hard to remove.
    • Keloid scars in people prone to them.
    • Infection, from unsterile equipment or contaminated ink. Tattoo and permanent-makeup inks have been recalled in the US for microbial contamination (Yoon et al., 2023). Bacterial tattoo infections can be serious (Serup et al., 2015).
    • Swelling or burning during an MRI scan, which is rare.
    • Blurring, spreading or colour change: SMP pigment can spread under the skin or change colour (Hobayan & Shipp, 2026).
    • Hard-to-fix results: poorly done SMP is hard to correct (Park et al., 2025), and laser removal usually takes several sessions and may be incomplete or scar.

    See a doctor if redness, swelling, heat or pain gets worse instead of better, if the area oozes, or if a rash or lumps appear.

    What clinics say

    Claims from clinics' own websites

    In their own words — drawn from 197 clinics whose published guidance fed this answer, showing 24. 8 translated into English from the clinic's own language.

    1. Possible side effects such as swelling or small crusts are harmless and disappear after a few days. Translated
      ElbHair I ‪Haartransplantation Hamburg, DE
    2. … associated with scalp micropigmentation. These may include infection, allergic reactions, and scarring.
      Enhanced Scalp Micropigmentation Toronto Toronto, CA
    3. … post-care recommendations we provide significantly helps to minimize any potential risks. Translated
      Cristian Ojeda Micropigmentación Capilar Sevilla, ES
    4. … as with any procedure, minor complications can arise, such as temporary redness or itching. Translated
      Riezu Capilar Micropigmentación capilar en Bilbao Bilbao, ES
    5. SMP is safe with no reported side effects.
      Scalpalex Scalp Micropigmentation Addis Ababa, ET
    6. … SMP is generally safe, some potential side effects may include minor discomfort during the procedure, temporary redness or swelling.
      Finishing Touch SMP LLC Las Vegas, US
    7. … any medical-surgical procedure, there are minor risks, such as slight swelling, temporary redness, or, in rare cases, infections. Translated
      Alpha Beauty: Haartransplantation in Hannover Hannover, DE
    8. Some clients may experience minor redness or mild swelling, which typically subsides within a few days.
      Juan Collado SMP New York, US
    9. … it’s a safe and non-invasive treatment, you might wonder about micropigmentation side effects.
      Onur Akdeniz SMP İstanbul, TR
    10. Potential side effects include redness, swelling, and minor bruising, but these usually subside within a few days.
      Kelly Smith-Forshaw - Cosmetic & Medical Tattooing, and Laser Removal Worthing, GB
    11. Swollen lymph nodes are the most common side effects of scalp micropigmentation.
      thINK aHEAD SMP Union, US
    12. … medication, it can have side effects. The most common ones are mild and transient (nausea, digestive discomfort). Translated
      Clínica Albia - Medicina Estética y Capilar Bilbao, ES
    13. NO, Scalp Micropigmentation is a non-invasive procedure with no side effects.
      Emulate Follicles Bengaluru, IN
    14. No, there is no side effect for this kind of treatment.
      MB Elegant Micropigmentation North Vancouver, CA
    15. SMP is a safe and minimally invasive procedure with minimal risks.
      New Creations Studio North Richland Hills, US
    16. It is a safe procedure, but temporary side effects such as redness or swelling may occur, which disappear within a few days. Translated
      Inktenza Micropigmentación Capilar Barcelona, ES
    17. In practice, side effects are rare and, almost always, mild. Translated
      Dr. Raphael Mendes - Tricologia e Transplante Capilar Rio de Janeiro, BR
    18. … pregnancy, breastfeeding, uncontrolled diabetes, active autoimmune diseases, anticoagulant medication, active skin infections or inflammatory conditions on the scalp.
      Scalp MicroArt Constanța, RO
    19. … London clinic, we use only natural pigments, and none of our clients experience any adverse side effects.
      Your Scalp London, GB
    20. As SMP is such a new treatment, there have been no known cases of side effects, so you can feel safe and secure throughout the course of your treatment.
      Scalp Revive Leeds, GB
    21. However, if side effects occur, they are reversible by adjusting the dose or discontinuing the treatment.
      Instituto Médico del Prado México - Dr. Espinosa Custodio Ciudad de Mexico, MX
    22. Possible side effects include mild swelling, infections, or scarring. Translated
      New Hair Clinic Köln, DE
    23. However, potential reactions might include temporary redness, tenderness, or minor swelling.
      SMP STUDIO UK London, GB
    24. Minor risks include temporary redness or irritation, but these typically subside within a few days.
      DC Scalp Micro Glasgow, GB