Everything you need to know about Scalp Micropigmentation. Still have questions? Then email us at [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
What is Scalp Micropigmentation?
Scalp Micropigmentation (also known as SMP or a hair tattoo) is a non-surgical hair loss treatment where pigments are deposited into the scalp to replicate the natural appearance of real hair follicles, giving you a new hairline and the look of a full head of hair that has been closely-shaven or to add density to thin hair.
Does Scalp Micropigmentation look real?
When an experienced practitioner performs scalp micropigmentation, the results look very realistic. Many clients say that even up close in the mirror, they can’t tell the difference between their real hair follicles and the treatment.
Is Scalp Micropigmentation permanent?
Scalp Micropigmentation is classed as a permanent treatment. Although the results are permanent, they can fade slightly over the years to a lighter colour. We recommend a short touch-up every 3-6 years.
How much does Scalp Micropigmentation cost?
The price depends on your level of hair loss. You can see a visual price guide on our website here, but we do recommend visiting for a free consultation or sending pictures to get an accurate quote.
How long does Scalp Micropigmentation take?
Scalp Micropigmentation takes place over 3 sessions and a standard session lasts 1-4 hours depending on the amount of area that requires treatment.
There is one week between sessions 1 & 2. Then a 3rd session takes place 1 month later.
How do you choose the right colour?
Colour and density are gradually built up over 3 sessions to ensure a perfect colour match and blend with your existing hair.
We always start slightly too light with the colour on session 1, then make small adjustments in the following sessions to get the perfect result.
How do you design the hairline?
The hairline design is a very personal choice. A hairline design is drawn on before each session starts, your practitioner will guide and work closely with you to ensure you get the exact hairline you want. You can decide exactly how soft & natural or sharp & defined the hairline is.
Why Skalp® over other clinics?
Skalp is the longest-running SMP clinic in the world, with the most experienced practitioners in the industry we have changed the lives of over 30,000 happy clients. We have built our reputation as producing the most natural results possible. It is easy for every clinic to claim to be the best but we have the reputation, reviews and testimonials to prove it.
When other clinics want their practitioners to be trained by the best they send them to Skalp to be trained. We have trained practitioners from Vinci Hair Clinic, Creative Scalps, Scalp Micro USA, Gerow Hair, Appear Natural, Abbagnato Tricomedica and Scalp Co to name a few.
Skalp practitioners are trained for 3 months before performing a treatment compared to the industry standard of 3-5 days.
When your Scalp Micropigmentation treatment is carried out by a Skalp® practitioner you can relax knowing you have the most experienced practitioners in the industry performing your treatment, Scalp Micropigmentation is a highly skilled treatment and should only be carried out by a highly trained and experienced professional.
When SMP is performed by an inexperienced or undertrained practitioner you are likely to not get the result you expect or want.
Is Scalp Micropigmentation the same as a regular tattoo?
No — scalp micropigmentation is a highly specialised treatment. The technique, machine, needles and pigment are all different from those used in normal tattooing.
Because of this, an SMP practitioner does not perform regular tattoos, and a tattoo artist should not perform SMP. Unfortunately, we sometimes see cases where untrained tattooists attempt the treatment, which often leads to poor results.
Can I pay monthly for my treatment?
Yes. We offer a finance option where you can split your treatment cost into affordable monthly payments, with 0% interest available at some clinics.
You can apply to finance your SMP treatment here.
Does Scalp Micropigmentation change colour?
The pigment we use for treatment is designed just for Scalp Micropigmentation hair tattoos, it does not change colour like a regular tattoo. The colour will get lighter over the years, but will not change colour after any period of time.
How will I look after a treatment?
You can expect to see visible results and your new hairline instantly. Straight after each session, there may be some redness. Redness usually lasts 24 hours after each session. We gradually build up the density and make small adjustments to the colour and hairline shape over 3 sessions to get the perfect result.
Do I have to shave for Scalp Micropigmentation?
In most cases, yes. For a standard SMP hair tattoo, you will need to shave your hair using hair clippers, a facial shaver, or a razor. We recommend the best length to shave your hair for your treatment to look natural would be a 0.5-grade length or shorter. Of course, we encourage you to experiment with what shaving routine looks and works best for you.
Can Scalp Micropigmentation work for long hair?
Scalp Micropigmentation can work on long hair to give the appearance of thicker hair if you have enough remaining hair. A thickening treatment works the same as on a shaved head by mimicking the appearance of hair follicles so that less of the scalp is visible. If there is not enough remaining hair for the treatment to blend with, we may advise that you would need to shave.
Does Scalp Micropigmentation work for women?
Yes, scalp micropigmentation works very well for women with thin or thinning hair. By camouflaging the scalp and reducing visible skin, it creates the appearance of thicker, fuller hair. Click here for more info on SMP for women.
Will Scalp Micropigmentation work with grey hair?
Scalp Micropigmentation works with any hair colour, as when any hair colour is closely shaved down to the follicle you are left with a grey shade. We match the treatment to how dark your shade is. So it makes no difference if your hair is grey or turns grey after the treatment. Click here for more info on Scalp Micropigmentation and grey hair.
How will my Scalp Micropigmentation look after 5, 10, 20 years?
After about five years, your scalp micropigmentation will appear slightly lighter than when it was first done. At that point, you can choose a quick touch-up to restore the original colour, or simply let it keep fading as you get older.
Can you cover scars?
Yes, If you have had hair transplant surgery then you may have been left with scars. We can camouflage all forms of Hair transplant scarring, Strip/Punch/FUE, so you can wear your hair as short as you like.
Not only can we cover your scars but we can also enhance the results of your transplant by adding density thin/thinning hair.
Click here for more info on Scalp Micropigmentation and Hair Transplants.
Will a shaved head suit me?
The shaved hair look is a style that has stood the test of time. It’s easy to maintain, looks smart, and is effortlessly cool. If you are not sure if a shaved head will suit you, we offer free virtual hairline mock-ups at your free consultation to give you an idea of how you will look with the treatment and your new hairline.
Is Scalp Micropigmentation safe?
Yes it is totally safe and non-invasive. The treatment only goes half as deep into the skin as a regular tattoo. We have never seen any adverse effects due to a hair tattoo.
Will Scalp Micropigmentation damage my existing hair?
As Scalp Micropigmentation is non-surgical, like a regular tattoo, it does not affect the real hair follicles and cannot cause hair loss.
Does Scalp Micropigmentation hurt?
No, for most of our clients the pain is minimal and described as a lot less painful than a regular tattoo. No pain medication is needed and any discomfort is only during the actual Scalp Micropigmentation hair tattoo treatment.
What is the downtime? Do I need to take time off work?
After the treatment, the scalp may look slightly red for about 24 hours. However, most clients return to work the next day because the procedure is non-invasive and requires no real downtime.
For best results, avoid rubbing your scalp or heavy sweating for four days after each session. You can then follow the aftercare guide for proper healing.
Unlike a hair transplant, which can take up to a year to fully heal and show results, scalp micropigmentation gives an immediate visible improvement.
Is there a long waiting list?
We know that when you have decided you want the treatment, you’ll be keen to get started ASAP, however, our clinics are very busy and can get booked up for a while. When you are ready, let us know and we will find you dates that suit you.
What if I want to change my hairline or even remove the treatment?
Scalp micropigmentation is reversible. While most clients keep it, we can remove it using a laser, similar to tattoo removal.
Because the pigment sits closer to the skin surface than a normal tattoo, it fades faster and removes more easily. As a result, full removal usually takes about two sessions.
Over time, some clients prefer small adjustments instead. For example, we can soften the hairline or move it slightly higher to keep a natural look as you age.
How much does a touch-up cost?
After 3-6 years you may feel the need for a touch-up. Whether you want to adjust your hairline, freshen it up or just fancy going a bit darker. Touch-ups are charged at an hourly rate which is £300. A touch-up is usually only one hour long, sometimes two hours depending on the size of the area needing treatment.
Can I see or talk to other people who’ve had SMP done at Skalp?
Yes of course! Our clinics are always busy and we are happy to arrange for you to meet another client that has finished their treatment or are mid-way through their treatment.
