Can scalp micropigmentation change colour over time?

Quick answer

A scalp hair tattoo can develop a blue or green appearance, but this is not an inevitable part of fading. Colour change is more likely when pigment choice, depth, skin behaviour, sun exposure or technique are not well controlled. I plan SMP to soften gradually and to be matched to the client’s natural follicle colour.

Why can a scalp tattoo look blue?

When someone searches for “scalp tattoo turning blue”, they are usually describing one of two things. The pigment may have been selected or mixed poorly for the client’s hair and skin, or it may be sitting at a depth that changes how the colour is seen through the scalp.

SMP uses tiny deposits of pigment to create the visual impression of follicle shadow. The colour is not viewed directly on the surface. Light passes through the skin, and the skin can scatter shorter blue wavelengths more strongly than longer red wavelengths. This can make a dark pigment appear cooler or slightly blue, particularly as the result settles and softens.

That does not mean every dark scalp micropigmentation result will turn blue. A suitable pigment colour, restrained density and accurate placement all matter. I match the pigment to the client’s current hair and follicle colour rather than applying one generic black shade to every scalp.

Can SMP fade to green?

A greenish cast is also possible, and I explain this before treatment. The colour seen through the skin can be affected by how light is absorbed and scattered, while ultraviolet exposure can influence pigment over time. The original pigment formulation and the way it was implanted also affect how the colour of a fading hair tattoo is perceived.

Green or blue tones may be more noticeable when the surrounding natural hair changes, when the scalp becomes more visible, or when the pigment has faded unevenly. A person whose hair becomes lighter or greyer may notice more contrast against an older SMP colour. I discuss this before treatment because SMP does not stop natural hair from changing.

My aim is a soft follicle effect, not a painted scalp. A gradual hairline and carefully controlled dot placement help the result remain believable as it settles. For some clients, particularly those with more advanced hair loss, a fully shaved finish gives the most consistent relationship between the pigment and the remaining hair.

What causes SMP colour change?

Colour change is usually influenced by several factors rather than one isolated cause:

• Pigment selection: the shade needs to relate to the client’s hair colour, skin tone and intended grooming style.

• Placement depth: pigment placed too deeply can spread and look blurred or cooler. Pigment placed too shallowly may fade quickly.

• Sun exposure: ultraviolet light contributes to fading and can alter the balance of colour seen through the skin.

• Skin and immune response: natural skin renewal and macrophage activity gradually remove or soften pigment.

• Scalp texture: scar tissue and uneven areas can hold pigment differently from unaffected skin.

SMP is described as permanent because pigment remains in the skin, but it gradually fades. It does not wash out with shampoo, but it does gradually become lighter and less defined. A touch-up is normally a matter of reinforcing softened areas, not automatically repeating the original treatment from the beginning.

How do I reduce the risk of a blue or green result?

I start with a consultation rather than choosing a colour from a chart. We discuss your current hair colour, the way you intend to shave or clip your hair, your hair loss pattern and the finish you want. A soft hairline is usually the most discreet option. Some clients with darker skin tones prefer a sharper edge-up that resembles a fresh barber finish, but the design still needs to suit the individual face and future hair pattern.

Technical control is just as important as colour. SMP pigment should be deposited in the upper dermis, without unnecessary bleeding. Dots that are too large, too close together or placed too deeply can merge as the skin heals. That can create a heavier appearance which is harder to correct than a result built gradually.

I plan treatment over more than one appointment when appropriate. The first session can establish a lighter foundation, with later sessions adding density and detail after the scalp has healed. The number of sessions depends on the area, skin and desired result, and I assess this at consultation.

When choosing a practitioner, review healed work rather than only fresh photographs. Pay particular attention to hairlines, because a poorly planned hairline can make otherwise careful work look unnatural. It is also sensible to ask about SMP-specific training, hygiene, pigment choice, patch testing and what happens if you later want a correction or removal.

What should I do if my existing SMP has turned blue?

Do not try to judge the final colour during the first few days. Fresh treatment can appear darker or stronger, and normal healing changes the appearance as the skin settles. Full healing can take approximately a month or longer, depending on the individual treatment and how the scalp responds.

If the blue or green tone remains after healing, arrange a review with an experienced SMP professional. The options depend on the pigment, depth, shape and condition of the skin. Correction may be possible in some cases, depending on assessment. In some cases, laser removal is considered, but removal is a separate process and can be more difficult when the original pigment has spread or been implanted incorrectly.

I would not add more dark pigment to cover a colour concern without an assessment, as it may make later correction harder. I would first establish whether the issue is genuine colour change, temporary healing, uneven fading or blurred placement.

After treatment, follow the provider’s aftercare instructions. In general, keep the scalp dry and avoid sweating, hot showers, steam rooms and sun exposure for the advised early period. After the final treatment, avoid swimming, saunas and steam rooms, and direct sun, for 28 days. Long term, SPF 30 to 50 helps protect the appearance of the result.

At Scalp Revive in Alwoodley, Leeds, I provide scalp micropigmentation as well as scalp tricopigmentation treatment. If you are unsure whether a lasting or temporary finish suits your plans, that distinction is worth discussing before any pigment is placed.

For scarred areas, I assess the texture and surrounding skin carefully, and you can read more about scalp micropigmentation for scar camouflage before arranging a consultation.

You can book a free consultation if you would like me to assess your scalp, colour and expectations in person.

Frequently asked questions

Does black SMP always turn blue as it fades?

No. A blue cast is possible, but it is not an unavoidable stage of every result. Pigment formulation, skin tone, implantation depth, sun exposure and natural fading all influence appearance. A carefully matched, lightly layered result should soften gradually rather than changing suddenly to an obvious blue shade.

Can blue SMP be corrected without removal?

Sometimes colour can be adjusted during a later appointment, but this depends on how deep the pigment is, whether it has spread and how much remains. Adding a correcting colour without assessing the healed scalp can make the result heavier. An experienced SMP practitioner should examine it first.

How soon can I tell whether my SMP colour is wrong?

The first few days are not a reliable guide because the scalp can look darker or stronger immediately after treatment. Allow the skin to heal and the pigment to settle before judging the colour. If a concern remains after the expected healing period, arrange a professional review.

Does sun exposure make SMP turn green?

Sun exposure can accelerate fading and may affect how the remaining pigment is perceived, but it is not the only possible reason for a green appearance. Pigment choice, skin optics, placement and uneven fading can also contribute. Protecting the scalp from sunlight is important after treatment and long term.

Can grey or white hair affect SMP colour?

Yes. SMP is matched to the current follicle and hair colour, so a noticeable change in natural hair can alter the overall balance. Grey or white hair may need a restrained, understated approach rather than a strong dark shade. I assess the hair, scalp and intended shaved length before recommending a colour.

Is green-looking SMP a sign of infection?

Colour on its own is not usually a sign of infection. However, contact your healthcare provider or practitioner if you also develop fever, pus or drainage, severe pain, marked redness, warmth or swelling. Those symptoms need prompt attention. Follow the aftercare instructions you were given and do not pick or disturb healing skin.

Can tricopigmentation help if I am worried about permanent colour change?

Tricopigmentation is designed as a more temporary scalp finish, so it may be relevant for someone who wants to trial the appearance or avoid committing to a lasting result. Suitability still depends on the scalp, hair loss pattern and expectations. I can explain the differences during a consultation.