Have you been losing your hair but hesitated to address the problem? Perhaps you've read up about medications like finasteride and heard about the side effects. Perhaps you looked up hair transplants and realized it's far more complex and expensive than you imagined. 

Either way, it's natural to feel like giving up and simply accepting the fact that you aren't getting your locks back. According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, male pattern baldness affects about 50% of men. Likewise, women will also experience some thinning of hair by fifty years of age. 

With so many Canadians experiencing hair loss, scalp micropigmentation comes as a pleasant compromise. In this article, we will discuss what exactly SMP is and how much you should expect to spend on the procedure.

What is Scalp Micropigmentation?

To put it simply, SMP is a form of cosmetic tattooing. That's right, this treatment isn't about replacing or regrowing hair follicles. Instead, it prioritizes aesthetics. The great thing about SMP is that it works at any stage of hair loss.

If you have a bald spot and hair thinning at the crown of your head, SMP will cover up the stark contrast of bare skin. The visual difference is incredible to see, and many Canadians on the fence feel reassured about the procedure when they witness the results. Chris Sims, a dentist, expressed some concern about how the results would look before his first session. 

However, his worries soon disappeared after the first session. 

“I was looking forward to what was coming in sessions two and three as my look was starting to evolve and refine,” Sims explained in a talk with Ink2Scalp. “It went from fear to excitement and also, being able to see what's coming next for my life, like a new chapter...It was awesome.” 

Sims' experience with SMP has become a common theme in Canada today. That said, how much should you expect to spend on it?

Understanding the Cost of SMP in Canada

Let's get city-specific to answer the cost question. Generally, a Scalp Micropigmentation Toronto clinic will charge you anywhere between $450 to $1,300 per session. Clinics in other parts of the country will also be similarly priced. You typically need two to four sessions of SMP, with the final cost totaling anywhere between $1,200 and $3,900. 

Let's break that down so it makes a little more sense and you understand the factors that affect your price. After all, if there's going to be a $2,700 difference between the bottom and top end, you need to know what's happening.  

To begin with, coverage is perhaps the biggest factor. You will be paying more if you wish to get SMP for a large area of your scalp. The extra sessions will naturally contribute to additional costs as a result. Remember, each clinic tends to have its own touch fee structure for follow-ups, so contact them before making an appointment. 

If there are scars you wish to cover up with SMP, then that's going to be another factor that affects prices. Similarly, the skill and reputation of the clinic and clinician also play a role in affecting prices. You should objectively assess your requirements and budget accordingly. 

Maintenance and Other Fees to Consider in the Future

As with most cosmetic treatments, SMP isn't a one-and-done deal. That said, it requires far less time and isn't as complex as the maintenance of other procedures. 

Touch-up sessions are generally recommended every one to three years, and these can cost between $150 and $500. 

You might also need to spend some money on certain aftercare products as part of ongoing care. Sunscreen lotions are one such investment to factor in because you will be advised to avoid excessive exposure to the sun. 

You might need to invest in quality options instead of the usual over-the-counter sunscreen. That may add up to around $20 to $50 per protective product.

You will also want to keep an eye on any changes in your insurance policy when having follow-up appointments. You might have done so when you first had the procedure, but it's worth checking once again. SMP is viewed as a cosmetic procedure by most insurance companies, and you never know when they decide to update or change their terms.  

That said, it's common to simply pay out of pocket for an SMP, and most clinics also offer easy installment methods. Just remember to read up on the clinic you are thinking of visiting and understand their fee structure thoroughly. 

Long story short, getting an SMP procedure in Canada is a surprisingly affordable option. This is especially true when you compare it to other alternatives like hair transplants.

Those procedures can cost upwards of $15,000, and the maintenance and additional costs for them are also more expensive. As such, SMP seems to be an effective compromise between price and results as of today.