Traditional body art tattoos do have the tendency to change colour. If it was black to start with, very often they will turn blue as a result of migration (blur), which is due to the type of ink used, and the tissue level the tattoo was implanted. SMP is not implanted at a deep level on the scalp and the simulated hair follicles are implanted in the very top layers of the epidermis. Factors such as sun exposure will have an effect on colour retention, which is why it is important to adhere to the aftercare instructions for your SMP treatment and to use a high factor sunblock every day. The explanation for an ashy or green/grey appearance can be likened to how blood vessels appear green under the skin; the increased absorption of the red spectrum of light gives rise to this phenomenon (i.e. if you absorb red you will perceive green). When pigment is deposited beneath the skin, there is ‘no true’ perception of black. The deeper pigment is deposited, the more potential for change in perception of colour.