Techniques & Tools Flashcards

What is 'dot migration' in SMP and what primarily causes it?

Answer: Dots spreading beyond their original size due to excessive depth or large needle gauge

Dot migration occurs when pigment is placed too deep or with too wide a needle, causing the dot to spread and blur.

How should a practitioner adjust needle depth when working on thinner scalp skin, such as in the temporal region?

Answer: Decrease depth to avoid placing pigment in subcutaneous tissue

Thinner temporal skin requires shallower needle depth to keep pigment in the dermal layer and prevent migration.

Which motion technique is used when placing SMP dots to avoid dragging pigment across the skin?

Answer: Straight stippling (perpendicular insertion)

Perpendicular stippling — pressing straight down and lifting — creates clean, isolated dots without dragging pigment.

What is the purpose of the 'test dot' method performed at the start of an SMP session?

Answer: To assess how the client's skin accepts pigment before full application

Test dots placed in a discreet area reveal how the skin accepts and retains pigment before full coverage is applied.

When creating an SMP hairline, which dot placement approach creates the most natural transition?

Answer: Irregular, sparse dots at the outer edge graduating to denser dots behind

Irregular, sparse dots at the hairline edge mimicking natural hair density variation create the most realistic appearance.

Which needle speed setting (strokes per minute) is typically used for SMP to maintain controlled dot placement?

Answer: 1,500–2,000 SPM

SMP practitioners typically use 1,500–2,000 SPM for controlled, precise dot placement without excessive skin trauma.

What role does needle cartridge 'click depth' or adjustable grip depth play in SMP technique?

Answer: It sets the length of needle exposure to regulate insertion depth

Adjustable grip depth controls how far the needle protrudes, directly regulating the depth of pigment insertion.