The Procedure Process

The Scalp Micropigmentation treatment journey.

Everything you need to know about your scalp micropigmentation treatment, from first SMP consultation to final result. A structured, multi-session process designed around long-term realism. No hidden surprises, no rushed sessions, no guesswork.

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Award Winning practitioner
600+ Treatments performed
5.0 ★ Google & Facebook
8+ Years specialising in SMP
Trainer Of other SMP artists
UK & International clients
About the Procedure

SMP treatments, done properly.

Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is best described as a highly specialised form of cosmetic tattooing. Using advanced techniques and natural pigments, we carefully deposit colour into the upper layers of the scalp to replicate the precise look of real hair follicles.

The result is the appearance of a fuller, denser head of hair, or a sharp, clean shaved look, tailored completely to you. SMP camouflages thinning areas, conceals scars, redefines receding hairlines, and restores confidence by strategically placing thousands of tiny impressions that blend seamlessly with your existing hair and skin tone.

Every treatment is fully customised. From hairline design and density to pigment shade and placement, each detail is carefully planned to suit your face shape, age, and desired style. Whether you want a subtle density boost or a complete hairline restoration, SMP offers a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution that looks natural in any light, at any distance.

Scalp Micropigmentation procedure at ScalPerfection
What SMP Can Treat

A solution for every type of hair loss.

Scalp micropigmentation works across a wide range of hair loss conditions. Pick the one that matches your situation to see how we approach it specifically.

Male Pattern Baldness

The most common cause of hair loss in men. SMP creates the look of a shaved head or fuller density depending on the stage and your preferred result.

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Thinning Hair

Add density to existing hair so it looks thicker and fuller. Particularly effective for early-stage thinning or diffuse loss across the crown.

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Alopecia

From alopecia areata to alopecia totalis, SMP restores the appearance of hair, hairline, and confidence. A proven non-surgical solution.

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Disguising Scars

Camouflage scars from hair transplants, surgery, accidents, or trauma. SMP blends scar tissue with surrounding pigment for a seamless look.

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SMP for Women

Female hair loss is different and requires a different approach. We specialise in adding density and improving parting lines for women.

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Non-Surgical Hair Transplant

All the visual results of a hair transplant without the surgery, scarring, downtime, or cost. The fastest growing alternative in hair restoration.

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Medical Hair Loss

Chemotherapy, alopecia, autoimmune conditions, and other medical causes of hair loss. A compassionate, personalised approach to each case.

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Stress-Related Hair Loss

Telogen effluvium and other stress-induced shedding. SMP fills the gaps while your hair recovers, or maintains the look long term.

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Folliculitis

Disguise the appearance of folliculitis-related damage and scarring with carefully matched pigment that integrates with the surrounding scalp.

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The 6-Step Journey

From first conversation to final result.

Tap any step to see what happens at that stage. Everything you need to plan, prepare, and look after your treatment.

01
Free Consultation Tell us about your hair loss. No commitment, no pressure.
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We start with a conversation to discuss your hair loss situation. This can be via phone, email, WhatsApp, or social media, whichever is most comfortable for you. We’ll need to see your hair loss, which is best done by sending photos through any of these channels:

From there, we can determine the best solution for you, whether it’s a shaved look, camouflage for thinning hair or bald spots, or scar coverage. During the consultation, Grant will walk you through the full treatment process and answer any questions you have. He’s been through SMP himself, so if he doesn’t know the answer, no one will.

Free skin cancer screening included

Grant is certified to check your scalp for signs of skin cancer and will carry out this free assessment as part of every consultation. If he identifies a potential concern, you’ll be advised to visit your GP before continuing.

02
Book an Appointment Once you’re happy with the plan, we lock in your sessions.
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Once you’re happy with our suggested treatment plan, we book you in for your treatment sessions. You’ll typically need 2 to 4 sessions, with the average being 3. These are scheduled 10 to 21 days apart for the best results, allowing the pigment time to settle and the scalp time to heal between visits.

03
Pre-Treatment Preparation The week before your appointment, here’s what to do.
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If you’re going for the shaved look, keep your scalp moisturised in the week leading up to your appointment, and shave with clippers or a foil razor to let air access your scalp. On the day, wash your hair to remove any product and shave your head. We can also shave it for you at the studio if you’d prefer.

If you’re adding density to existing hair, wash your hair on the day of treatment to remove product build-up. This lets us match the pigment to your natural hair colour properly.

Do’s
  • Moisturise scalp daily for 7 days (buzz cut treatment)
  • Eat properly before your treatment for energy
  • Stay hydrated throughout the day
  • Get a good night’s sleep beforehand
  • Bring a cap or silk hat for after your session
Don’ts
  • No alcohol for 24 hours before treatment
  • No pre-workout or high-stimulant drinks
  • Avoid sun exposure for 3 days prior
  • No sunbeds 3 days prior to treatment
  • No blood thinners (e.g. aspirin) for 24 hours unless prescribed
04
The Treatment What happens in the chair, session by session.
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At ScalPerfection, we deliver SMP treatment to the highest possible level. You’ll typically need three sessions over the course of about a month for the full detail of the treatment to come together. Depending on the amount of hair loss and how your scalp heals, some clients may need a fourth session, usually due to immune system response or aftercare not being followed precisely.

In your first session, we lay out your hairline (where required) and begin applying small dots of pigment irregularly to achieve a natural look. The colour is matched as closely as possible to your natural follicles, with a gradient used to blend the edges.

The second session happens 10 days after your first, and the third three weeks after your second. A session can vary between 2 and 6 hours depending on the client and the result they’re after.

You’ll notice an immediate difference after the first session. The second and third add further density and eliminate the look of hair loss completely, with minor adjustments to the hairline and time spent blending into your existing hair for the most natural finish.

What to expect afterwards

As the treatment heals, the pigment will gradually lighten to mimic the hair follicle and natural hair tone. Some redness on the scalp is normal for a few hours up to a few days after treatment. This varies from person to person.

05
Aftercare The 4 to 30 day rule, broken down into 10 simple points.
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Aftercare is critical in any clinical procedure, and SMP is no different. You must adhere to the 4 to 30 day rule, which has been refined over years of practice for the best possible results.

1

Avoid washing and shaving your scalp for 5 days post treatment (day one is the treatment day itself).

2

Avoid getting your scalp wet for 5 days. Protect from rain, water, and sweat. No woolly hats for 10 days; silk or cap hats are fine.

3

No swimming for 30 days after each session. Avoid chlorine contact entirely.

4

From day 6, you can rinse with warm water. Avoid power showers, scrubs, and shampoos. Brief warm baths are fine.

5

From day 6, you can shave with a foil shaver only. Other shavers may agitate or cut the scalp.

6

From day 6, apply moisturiser 2 to 3 times daily (if you’ve had the buzz cut treatment). Skip this for density treatments.

7

From day 10, you can sweat excessively and resume normal exercise routines.

8

From day 5, use SPF 30+ sun cream when needed to protect your scalp from UV.

9

Always protect your scalp from sun before each session. Sunburn means we cannot begin treatment.

10

Do not exercise for the first 5 days. Raised blood pressure and sweating will affect pigment retention.

For 30 days after your final session

Avoid swimming, saunas, and steam rooms. Avoid exposing your scalp to long periods in direct sunlight. After three weeks past your final session, your scalp will be fully healed and you can return to all normal daily activities. We still recommend using SPF for ongoing UV protection.

06
Extra Information Fading, pain relief, and what to expect long term.
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Fading

It’s completely normal for your treatment to fade after your first session. The second and third sessions add density and create a fuller look. Pigment retention varies for each person, so some clients notice more lightening than others.

In the SMP process, pigments are inserted into the scalp. The molecules in your body involved with hair pigmentation also control certain immune genes, so someone with an overactive immune system may experience faster fading. We use a layered method, starting light and building to your correct follicle tone. Trust the process. We’ll discuss fading and immune systems in detail during your consultation.

Pain relief and medications

All clients are different. Some experience slight discomfort, others none. You can take pain relief before treatment, such as Paracetamol, Co-Codamol, or Ibuprofen. Avoid aspirin if possible, as it thins the blood and may cause bleeding. If you take aspirin for a medical condition, let us know and consult your GP for advice.

If you have any further questions about SMP treatment, check our FAQ page or get in touch for a no-obligation chat.

Our Equipment

The kit behind the work.

To produce the best results for you, we use the finest equipment specifically designed for scalp micropigmentation.

Wireless SMP Machine

A market-leading wireless machine designed specifically for scalp micropigmentation. Offers exceptional consistency, control, and precision throughout every single treatment.

REACH-Compliant Pigment

Premium, organic, carbon-based pigment that meets REACH compliance standards. Ensures the highest standards of safety, stability, and long-term colour integrity in the skin.

Ultra-Fine Needles

The smallest, finest SMP needles available on the market. Allows for precise, controlled impressions and the most natural, undetectable results possible at any viewing distance.

Ready to Start?

Take control of hair loss today.

Book your free consultation and see how scalp micropigmentation can transform your look. No commitment, no pressure, just a straightforward conversation about what’s possible.