How Much Does Scalp Micropigmentation Cost?
Read our guide to find out how much does scalp micropigmentation cost. We’ve done the research for you and give you average prices according to hair issue.
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in April 2019. Updated in November 2021.
Scalp micropigmentation is the hair loss solution. It can recreate the look of hair density, it lasts for years and years, and the results are guaranteed, unlike with other hair loss treatments.
It’s a form of cosmetic tattooing, which means it’s done by implementing a pigment solution into the skin of the scalp. The result is an area covered with tiny dots that look like a buzz-cut hairstyle on clients who shave their head or have no hair, or a shadow that gives the illusion of volume on clients with longer hair.
SMP gives long-lasting results, but it’s not an insignificant investment. Keep reading for info on how much does scalp micropigmentation cost.
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How Much Does Scalp Micropigmentation Cost on Average?
The price of scalp micropigmentation is determined according to the size of the area treated. The cost of treating the whole scalp is around $4000. The average cost of covering smaller patches or scar camouflage is around $2000.
Bear in mind that most artists only set the price upon consults, once they get to assess the state of your hair and how much work will need to be done. So we can only give you a ballpark price, not tell you how much the treatment will cost in your particular case.
Want to find out more about scalp micropigmentation? Follow the links:
Scalp Micropigmentation Before and After
Scalp Micropigmentation for Women
Image source: Instagram @ink.barber
What Factors Determine the Scalp Pigmentation Cost?
The scalp micropigmentation cost is determined based on several factors:
- The size of the area treated
- The number of sessions needed
- The exclusivity of the artist
- Location
The Area Treated
The scalp micropigmentation price is primarily determined by the amount of work that needs to be done. The severity of baldness is determined through comparison with the Norwood scale, a standardized classification system. The larger the area, the higher the cost.
If scar camouflage is added to the treatment, the price is usually higher. Scar treatment on its own is cheaper than whole scalp treatment.
Image source: Instagram @beauty_and_scalpsalon
The Number of Sessions
The standard number of sessions needed to achieve the desired effect is 2-3 for most clients, and those are most often included in the initial price. If further sessions are needed, those are usually charged extra, and the total cost is higher.
The average price of an additional session is around $700.
The Exclusivity of the Artist
Some artists charge more than others, and the price range is quite wide. Artists who’ve been working for years charge towards the higher end of the price range. Those who are just starting out charge significantly less, because they’re still building their reputation.
Exclusivity is also largely determined by the academy where the artist got certified. Some academies are well-known, their courses cost more, and so artists who were trained there charge a higher scalp micropigmentation cost.
Location
Large cities are more expensive generally, so the micro scalp pigmentation cost is also higher. However, it’s not uncommon for small towns to also have a high average scalp micropigmentation cost.
It all depends on the competition in the area. If there are many artists offering the treatment, you can expect a wider price range in that area.
How Much Does Scalp Micropigmentation Cost in the USA?
The average scalp micropigmentation cost in the US is around $2000 for smaller areas and scars, and around $4000 for the treatment of the whole scalp.
The chart below shows average prices and the price range for different hair loss issues.
NOTE: The scalp pigmentation cost in the chart refers to 2-3 sessions – the initial session and the mandatory touch ups. Further sessions are charged extra.
Some artists charge each session separately. Check with your artist before booking an appointment.
Some of them also charge for consultations.
Taxes and additional fees may apply.
| Area Treated | Average SMP Price | SMP Price Range |
| Scar Camouflage Only | $1,800 | $1200 – $2000 |
| Receding Hairline | $2,000 | $1500 – $2500 |
| Mild Balding | $3,000 | $2700 – $4000 |
| Severe Balding | $4,000 | $3000 – $5200 |
| Adding Density | $2,500 | $2500 – $3200 |
| Corrections | $2,500 | $2200 – $3200 |
| Extra Session | $700 | $350 – $1000 |
Source: PMUHub’s market research
What’s Included in the Initial Scalp Micropigmentation Cost?
The scalp micropigmentation procedure usually consists of 2-3 visits.
Most artists include at least 2 sessions in the initial scalp micropigmentation cost, and many include the 3rd one, too. Bear in mind that this is not a rule, so you should check with your artist how many sessions you get for the price they set.
Most artists offer free consults, but some of them charge extra.
If you look at the big picture, you should also consider the cost of touch ups you’ll need after a few years to keep the results fresh. The cost of those touch ups depends on the degree of fading. The more faded the results, the higher the price.
Image source: Instagram @brogueandink
Is Scalp Micropigmentation Cheaper than a Hair Transplant?
The most popular treatment for hair loss is still a hair transplant, even though it’s a very invasive treatment and the results are not guaranteed. Since it is a surgery, the price of a hair transplant is much higher than the scalp micropigmentation cost.
- SMP price range: $1500 – $5000
- Hair transplant price range: $3000 – $15000
So if you’re looking for a more cost-effective solution, scalp micropigmentation is the way to go. Even though the results of SMP do fade at some point, they will last for years. A hair transplant is supposed to be a life-long solution, but the high failure rate makes it a much riskier investment.
NOTE: SMP prices for scar camouflage on its own were excluded from the sample.
How Do I Choose an Artist Based on their Scalp Micropigmentation Price?
Scalp micropigmentation is not a small investment, so you want to get the best value for your money. This means you need to find an artist who uses high-quality supplies and does great work, but doesn’t over-price it.
The best way to find a good SMP artist is to research the artists in your area and compare their prices. The tricky thing here is the fact that most artists only set the price after consults, once they get to assess the amount of work that will need to be done.
So you should book consults with several artists to get the sense of what the treatment will cost for you.
Still, the primary factor that should help you decide on the artist should be the quality of their work, not their scalp micropigmentation price.
Does Scalp Micropigmentation Cost Pay Off?
Scalp micropigmentation is a cost-effective treatment for a number of hair loss issues. It gives immediate effects, and as long as you find a certified, experienced artist who uses high-quality pigments, there’s very little chance of it going wrong.
It’s not a small investment, but given the fact that the results last 4-8 years without frequent touch ups, and the huge boost in self-confidence it gives, it’s definitely worth it.
Image source: Instagram @secretlooks_aesthetics
Scalp Micropigmentation Cost – Main Takeaways
The average price of a scalp micropigmentation treatment for more severe cases is about $4000, while treatments done on smaller areas or scar camouflage cost around $2000. Most artists don’t disclose their prices, but only determine them upon consults, once they see you and assess the amount of work that will need to be done in your particular case. So if you want to get the best quality for a decent price, the best practice is to contact several artists and see which offer sounds best.
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