Is SMP a tattoo?
Article by Emma Furlong | Date Published 4th July 2024
Intro From The Author
As a student of, specialist in and subsequent educator of Micropigmentation I have always atested that SMP is a Micropigmentation procedure and not a tattoo but over the years I feel those blurry lines have merged and so I have written this article to try and help shed some light on the subject based on my opinion, experience and research.
I feel its fair to say we sometimes get caught in semantics but as SMP continues to evolve as an industry perhaps we are now more aligned on the how, why and when (and of course when not) rather than what terminology we each use to define what we do.
It is for you, the reader, to decide how you chose to advertise and market your treatment.
Is SMP a Tattoo?
A common question from prospective clients and students alike is, "is SMP (Scalp Micropigmentation) a tattoo?" The very simple answer, based on the definition of the word ‘Tattoo’ is yes, but this question is more complex than a simple yes or no. It sparks considerable debate within the world of SMP as the distinction hinges on both scientific and definitional nuances.
When we think of a tattoo, we typically think of permanent body art often decorative, sometimes tribal, that is visible on the body often for a lifetime. When we think of micropigmentation we think of short lasting treatments such as brow replacement or areola pigmentation. When we think of SMP we think of a non-surgical solution which replicates hair follicles using carbon-based inks. SMP is a hair loss treatment option for men and women which lasts longer than many other micropigmentation treatments, as it mostly uses a diluted carbon-based ink, which can fade much faster than tattooing but last longer then semi permanent pigments. If SMP isn’t permanent, can it truly be categorised as a tattoo?
According to the dictionary, a tattoo is defined as marking or colouring the skin with a needle. Under this broad definition, micropigmentation, body art tattooing, and SMP all qualify (in the dictionary) because they all involve marking the skin.
Reasons SMP is considered micropigmentation:
• The treatment fades over time.
• The pigment is implanted at the same depth as micropigmentation.
• Super fine needles, typically categorised as micropigmentation needles, are used.
Reasons SMP is considered a tattoo:
• Tattoo ink, usually carbon-based, is often used, which tends to cluster and last longer in the skin.
Let's delve into some of these points in more detail.
In micropigmentation, generally small needle configurations are the norm, typically ranging between 0.18 to 0.3 mm. These super fine needles enable the intricate work of a micropigmentation practitioner. The smaller the needle, the smaller the amount of pigment left behind in the skin.
Conversely, tattoo needles are mostly larger, starting from 3 mm and going up to configurations as large as a 17-magnum etc, (which involves 17 needles penetrating the skin simultaneously). These larger needles create bigger holes, depositing more pigment and resulting in substantial saturation of colour.
For a full guide to understanding needle diameter, tips, tapers, configurations and numbering please read our blog
When it comes to how our body responds to pigment and ink, the depth of penetration plays a crucial role. Micropigmentation works at around 1.5 mm, just below the junction between the epidermis and the dermis. Tattooing delves slightly deeper at around 1.95 mm, fully into the dermis. It’s a minute difference, but makes for a massive difference in the longevity.
Is chemically inert and highly stable, it is also hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. Its resistance to chemical reactions and breakdown meaning that once it's deposited in the dermis, it doesn’t degrade or dissolve easily. Although carbon black particles are small, their size and shape contribute to their entrapment within the skin. Nanoparticles, including carbon black, can be efficiently engulfed by macrophages but are difficult to process and remove due to their durable nature. Look out for my forthcoming article on how pigments and inks react in the body.
Carbon black particles also have a tendency to stick together! They form large groups or clusters which leave the immune system struggling even further to break them down.
Carbon is also a fundamental element in the human body so it is not seen as such a threat in the immune response.
Don't forget there are also short lasting options, which are specially blended pigments specifically for SMP, which are implanted in exactly the same way but will fade quicker. We do not advocate using facial colours for SMP - go with the ones made for the job!
The stroke length of a machine refers to how far the needle travels back and forth in the cartridge, ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 mm. In micropigmentation, a shorter stroke length of 1.5 to around 3.2 mm is advisable, while in tattooing, a stroke length of 3.2 to 4 mm may be preferred.
A longer stroke length means the machine picks up more pigment, which can be deposited into the skin. It also affects the "hit" on the skin: a longer stroke length will hit the skin harder, akin to pulling a rubber band back further before letting go. For delicate areas, a softer hit is essential to minimise skin trauma.
Ultimately, SMP shares characteristics with both micropigmentation and tattooing and straddles the line between the two.
And let’s face it, how much does it matter what we call it? So therefore SMP is a long-lasting but not permanent hair loss solutions which can have a significant and positive impact on an individuals' social and emotional wellbeing.
Whatever you decide to call it, the most important thing is that you are correctly trained, insured and licenced. If you feel SMP is a tattoo then you need to have a tattoo licence and be insured accordingly, same rules apply if you are offering micropigmentation. In the UK the Level 4 qualifications are in Scalp Micropigmentation, and I have not yet found a level 4 specifically for Scalp Tattooing.
Whatever you do, the one thing I do feel strongly is that everybody does SMP needs to work in a clean, safe environment. Use equipment that you were trained to use, which is fit for purpose, and that you ALWAYS put your clients/patient’s safety FIRST!
Resourse:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10296316/
https://www.beilstein-journals.org/bjnano/articles/6/120
https://micropmutattoosupply.com/blogs/news/why-did-pmu-artists-believe-carbon-black-was-organic?srsltid=AfmBOor9-Qb8ffVBQH6irdHMH1xbo9o9o0pr0FQ1AwM1BIKqScF42SQo
