Pain is subjective, but there are clear patterns in how people describe SMP.

• Most clients describe it as scratchy, buzzing, or prickly, not stabbing or burning.
• On a 0–10 scale, many people put it around a 3–5 with numbing.
• Some spots (temples, hairline edge) can feel more sensitive than the mid-scalp.
• Anxious clients often say the idea of it was worse than the actual sensation.

You can take breaks, bring headphones, and we’ll adjust pace and technique to keep you as comfortable as possible.

A few factors change how SMP feels from person to person.

• Skin sensitivity: Very thin or sensitive skin can feel sharper than thicker skin.
• Numbing: Topical numbing creams can knock the edge off the sensation.
• Stress level: Walking in extremely anxious can amplify how every pass feels.
• Session length: Longer appointments can feel more intense toward the end simply from fatigue.

Good communication helps: if a certain area feels too sharp, we can adjust pressure, angle, breaks, or numbing on the spot.

SMP is considered a low-risk, non-surgical procedure when it’s done in a clean, professional setting.

• We use single-use, sterile needles and disposable consumables.
• Contact surfaces are covered and disinfected between every client.
• Pigments are chosen to be stable and appropriate for scalp use, not random body-art inks.
• We review your health history to spot any red flags or need for clearance ahead of time.

No cosmetic treatment is risk-free, but with proper hygiene and planning, SMP sits in a very manageable safety profile for most healthy adults.

The most common responses are mild and short-lived, but it’s important to know the full picture.

• Normal: Redness, slight swelling, tightness, and a darker look for the first few days.
• Less common: Small scabs or flaking as the skin renews; temporary itchiness while healing.
• Potential risks: Infection if aftercare is ignored, allergic response to pigment, or poor aesthetic outcome if the work is rushed or too deep.
• How we reduce risk: Clean technique, patch testing when appropriate, and clear aftercare instructions to protect your skin while it heals.

If you ever notice unusual pain, heat, spreading redness, or discharge, that’s your cue to contact a medical professional quickly.

Some situations deserve an extra layer of clearance before any micropigmentation or tattoo-style procedure.

• History of severe allergies or reactions to pigments, dyes, or numbing agents.
• Autoimmune conditions or medications that strongly affect healing or immunity.
• Blood-thinning medications or clotting disorders.
• Active, uncontrolled skin conditions on the scalp (e.g., infections, open lesions).

We can flag these concerns during your consult, but your own doctor is the best person to say whether SMP is appropriate given your specific medical history.