The Procedure Process
Scalp Micropigmentation
Scalp Micropigmentation Procedure
Everything you need to know about the Scalp Micropigmentation Procedure
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 is designed to camouflage thinning areas, conceal scars, redefine receding hairlines and restore confidence. By strategically placing thousands of tiny impressions, we create the illusion of natural hair growth, blending 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.
If you’re ready to take control of hair loss and regain your confidence, book your consultation today and see how scalp micropigmentation can transform your look.
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1. Free Consultation
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2. Book an Appointment
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3. Pre-Treatment
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4. The Treatment
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5. Aftercare
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6. Extra Information
We’ll start with a conversation to discuss your hair loss situation. This can be via phone, email, WhatsApp, or social media, depending on what’s most comfortable for you. We will need to see your hair loss, which can be achieved by sending photos via any of our available platforms
or we can arrange a video call or face to face consultation. From this, we can determine the best solution for you, whether it is ‘the shaved look’, camouflage thinning hair or bald spots, or to cover scars.
During the consultation, our practitioner Grant will discuss the full treatment process with you and answer any questions you may have. Grant’s been through the treatment himself, so if he doesn’t know the answers, no one will!
Grant is also certified to check your scalp for signs of skin cancer and will carry out this free assessment as part of your consultation (if in person) or before your treatment begins. If he identifies a potential problem, you will be advised to visit your GP before continuing.
Once you’re happy with our suggested treatment plan, we’ll book you in for your treatment sessions. You’ll typically need 2-4 sessions, with the average being 3. These are scheduled 10-21 days apart for the best results.
If you are thinking of the ‘shaved look’, in the upcoming week prior to your appointment, we recommend that you keep your scalp moisturised and shave your hair with clippers or a foil razor to allow the air access to your scalp. On the day of your treatment you should wash your hair to remove any product and where possible shave your head. Alternatively, we can shave your head for you; this will be discussed in your free consultation.
If you are having the treatment to correct the density of your scalp to make your hair look fuller and thicker, we require you to wash your hair on the day of the treatment to remove any product build up. By washing your hair, we can match the pigment to the tone of your hair colour correctly.
Pre-treatment instructions
DON’TS
- Do not drink alcohol for at least 24hrs prior to the day of your treatment. This will thin your blood causing irritation to your scalp during your treatment, ultimately affecting the desired effect of your treatment.
- No high stimulant drinks on the day prior to your treatment such as, ‘pre workout drinks’ normally used for exercising. This can make you excessively sweat and increase the sensitivity of your scalp, affecting the results of your treatment.
- Avoid exposing your scalp to the sun for long periods 3 days prior to your treatment. This can cause sun burn and increase the sensitivity of your scalp, affecting the results of your treatment.
- Avoid sunbeds 3 days prior to your treatment. This can cause your scalp to become more sensitive, affecting the results of your treatment.
- Avoid taking blood thinning medication such as aspirin 24hrs prior to your treatment unless this is part of your prescribed medication.
DO’S
- Lightly moisturise your scalp every day 7 days prior to your treatment (if you’re aiming for the buzz cut treatment). This will cause the scalp to become soft and less dry, making the treatment easier for our technician and yourself.
- Eat prior to your treatment. This will increase your energy levels, making you feel more comfortable throughout the treatment session.
- Stay hydrated. This will increase your energy levels, making you feel more comfortable throughout your treatment.
- Get a good night’s sleep.
- Bring a cap or silk hat (optional) as straight after your treatment your scalp will look red and agitated so on your travels you might want to cover your scalp.
At ScalPerfection, we believe our clients deserve the best and we aim to deliver SMP treatment to the highest level possible. Usually, you’ll require a total of three sessions, over a period of one month for the detail of the treatment to have the desired effect. Depending on the amount of hair loss and healing outcome, some clients may need to return for a fourth session. This can be due to your immune system rejecting the pigment, or not following the aftercare guidelines correctly.
In your first session we’ll lay out your hairline (if required) and begin applying small dots of ink irregularly to achieve a natural look. The colour of the ink is matched as closely as possible to your natural follicles and a gradient is used to blend in at the edges.
The second treatment is 10 days after your first treatment and the third is three weeks after your second treatment. A session can vary between 2 – 6 hours depending on the client and the end result they are looking to achieve.
You’ll notice an immediate difference after the first session, rejuvenating your appearance and helping you leave full of confidence and with an improved self-esteem!
The second and third sessions add further density in colour and eliminate the look of hair loss completely. We can make minor adjustments to the hairline and will spend a lot of time blending into your existing hair for the most natural look.
Please note, as the treatment heals the pigment will gradually become lighter to mimic the hair follicle and natural hair tone. During the treatment, redness may appear on the scalp for a few hours and up to a few days post treatment. This all depends on the individual.
After-care
After care is important in any clinical procedure and SMP is no different.
After your SMP treatment you must adhere to a 4 to 30-day rule. This rule has been introduced for the best results of your treatment. Without abiding by these rules, the treatment will not have the desired effect.
4 to 30 Day rule
1. Avoid washing and shaving your scalp for 5 days post treatment (day one starts the day of your treatment)
2. Avoid getting your scalp wet for 5 days. This includes protecting your scalp from the rain, water and sweat. You will need to avoid wearing wooly hats up to 10 days after your treatment. You may wear silk or cap hats.
3. Avoid swimming for 30 days after your treatment. This includes your 1st, 2nd and 3rd session. Avoid your scalp coming into contact with chlorine.
4. On day 6 after your treatment you are able to rinse your scalp with warm water. Where possible, avoid power showers, coarse scrubs, shampoos and rubbing your scalp hard. This may remove some light scabbing, if the scabs are removed the pigment may fade. You are able to briefly soak your scalp in a warm bath.
5. On day 6 after your treatment you are able to shave your head. It is advised to use a foil shaver only. Using other shavers including wet razors may cause the scalp to become agitated and cut your scalp. They will also remove a fine layer of skin from the scalp where you may need your SMP treatment to be touched up sooner.
6. On day 6 after your treatment you are able to apply moisturiser on your scalp 2-3 times a day. If it is your first treatment, continue applying moisturiser until your next session. This will make your scalp softer for the pigment on your next session. If you are adding density to your hair, you will not need to apply moisturiser.
7. On day 10 after your treatment you are able to sweat excessively and resume any exercise routines you may have.
8. On day 5 after your treatment, use a minimum of factor 30 sun cream to protect your scalp from the sun if necessary.
9. Protect your scalp from the sun before each treatment. This will make it easier for us to get the colour match perfect plus it makes the treatment more comfortable for yourself. If you do have sun burn, we will not be able to begin your treatment.
10. Most importantly for the first 5 days including the day of your treatment DO NOT exercise. This will cause your blood pressure to raise and increase the risk of you sweating from your scalp and affect the outcome of the treatment. From day 5 you are able to exercise causing minimal sweat and from day 10 you are able to sweat excessively.
For up to 30 days after your third and final session you should:
- Avoid swimming, saunas or steam rooms
- Avoid exposing your scalp to long periods in direct sun light
Three weeks after your final session has passed, your scalp will be fully healed, and all normal daily tasks can now be completed. However, we recommend that you use SPF to protect your skin when exposing it to sunlight.
Fading
It’s completely normal for your treatment to fade after your first micropigmentation session. The second and third sessions will add more density and create a fuller look. Pigment retention varies for each person and some may notice more lightening or fading that others.
In the scalp micropigmentation process, pigments are inserted into the scalp. The molecules in your body involved with hair pigmentation also control certain immune genes. In someone with an overactive immune system, the micropigmentation can fade faster than normal. At ScalPerfection, we will use the correct method and start the treatment light, building up to your correct follicle tone/hair colour. It’s important that you trust the process.
We will discuss fading and immune systems further in your consultation.
Pain relief and medications
All clients are different, some clients can experience slight discomfort during the treatment whereas others may not. Pain relief can be taken prior to the treatment, such as Paracetamol, Co-Codamol and or Ibuprofen. Where possible please refrain from using aspirin as this is used as a blood thinner and may cause bleeding. If you take aspirin due to a medical condition, please inform us and consult your GP for advice.
If you have any further questions about SMP treatment, check our FAQ page, or contact us for a no obligation chat.
Our Equipment
To produce the best results for you, we use the finest equipment specifically designed for scalp micropigmentation:
- Machine –We use a market-leading wireless machine, specifically designed for SMP, offering exceptional consistency, control and precision throughout every treatment.
- Pigment – We use REACH compliant premium, organic, carbon pigment ensuring the highest standards of safety, stability and long term colour integrity.
- Needles/cartridges – we use the smallest, finest scalp micropigmentation needles on the market. This allows for precise, controlled impressions and the most natural, undetectable results possible.
Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional and exceptional servicePosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently completed advanced SMP training with Grant at ScalPerfection and honestly can’t recommend it enough. I’m still relatively new in the industry and had already completed two previous training courses, but they mainly involved theory and working on small areas of live models. You don’t really get to work on a full case or see healed results, which is such an important part of learning. Grant’s training was completely different. It was one-to-one and I worked on the same model from start to finish over three sessions, which meant I was able to see the healed results each time and really understand the process properly. I love how natural Grant’s work looks and it’s the standard of work I want to produce myself. Even though I’d already done two courses, I learned far more than I expected and have completely changed parts of my technique because of it. Grant was incredibly supportive throughout and continues to be available if I need advice, which makes a huge difference when you’re still building your confidence in the industry. Whether you’re a beginner or someone who has been doing SMP for years and wants to improve their technique, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend his training. There’s a reason people travel from all over the world to see him for both an SMP treatment and for training.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Grant at Scalperfection SMP was brilliant. A very professional guy who chats to you so you understand everything with the process he is doing. He makes you feel very comfortable while having the work done. If anyone is thinking about having scalp micropigmentation then I would highly recommend Grant. His detail and skill are very excellent and would highly recommend anyone to go and have a chat with Grant. I am over the moon with my results and has exceeded my expectations. Thank you so much Grant 😊Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Couldn’t recommend this business more, my procedure looks far better than I could have imagined, grant is very professional and makes you feel at ease.can see why people come far and wide. Thank you so muchPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Recently just completed my treatment with grant as a model for a upscaling training for a another artist. as many would I had some question and concerns about the treatment (will it look right, is it right for me, will I look like a Lego head. Will it be natural How treatment to be performed and processes.) Grant explained everything in detail listened to what I wanted and explained the process the build up and how we would get there, he was there if I needed both post and pre care was given and I was able to contact should I need. over the 3 sessions it was easy to see he is a highly skilled at his job and was given reassurances,explanations and feedback to both myself and the person training I cannot recommend the service and care highly enough. Over the moon with the results exactly what was after natural soft hairline the look of fullness to the head and crown like it’s my own shaved head. Thank you for everything RyanPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was a life changing experience at ScalPerfection. I wanted to take a moment to recognize the fantastic work done by Grant! After unsuccessful hair transplants and some undesirable previous SMP on donor area I was trapped in really bad circumstances considering the whole outcome. Poor SMP has been lasered out without any damage to the skin and new hairline has been designed and created in no rush process. If you looking for high quality SMP work, professionalism and full support with advice, I would recommend Grant without hesitation! Many thanksPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had my first session with Grant on 24/2/26. The environment was clean and I appreciate the initial consultation where Grant took his time to answer all of questions, share his knowledge and manage expectations. I was pleased with the results of the 1st session and look forward to the next.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My husband had SMP 10 years ago and not knowing any different I thought that it was a fairly good job. Over the years, as it was meant to fade all it seemed to do was change colour slightly and some areas of pigment just spread into one another, I still thought it looked OK, but my husband was not happy with it for a long time and wouldn't go out without a hat on. When he decided he was going to do something about it and he found Scalperfection, he was still unsure in case he ended up with another bad job, but the photos and reviews were excellent so I was totally on board with him having it redone. It took a lot of patience having the previous SMP lazer removed as it seemed to have been done with ink that didn't want to budge, but Grant got rid of it and was then ready to start the treatment. After the first session, when my husband got home I have to say I was completely amazed at just how realistic it is, I never would have thought it was possible to make it look as real as it does. Now that the treatment is finished, it looks so real, it has taken years off him and his self confidence is back, and no more hats thank goodness!! Grant has a real skill and if you are considering having this done I would not think twice about going to see him, my husband was nervous due to the terrible job he had done last time but he worried unnecessary as quite honestly, I never would have thought it could look so realistic.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A massive thanks to Grant at scalperfection! I had a bad smp treatment and lived with hats for 10 years, I spent years researching and met other practitioners who did not inspire any confidence at all, then I found the best, Grant! An extremely professional educated approach to meet all my needs removing my old smp which was deep in my scalp but Grant managed to remove it with zero damage to my scalp. The smp treatment itself, oh my goodness I can't tell where my own hair is and where smp begins, that's how good it is! I can't praise his expertise enough! If you are looking into getting smp and you want it to look real as it should get to scalperfection you will be glad you did!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From start to finish the service at Scalperfection with Grant was absolutely top-notch. I had a lot of questions during the consultation stage before my SMP treatment and nothing was ever too much trouble, always quick to reply whether by message or voice note and happy to explain every detail. During the actual treatments Grant’s professionalism really stood out. Everything was done with precision and care to make sure the result matched exactly what I wanted, not just a standard approach. The aftercare was clearly explained and the follow-up check-ins after each session made sure my healing and results were spot on. I honestly couldn’t have asked for more attention to detail or a better overall experience. Highly recommend Grant at Scalperfection to anyone considering SMP, you’ll be in expert hands from start to finish. I’m over the moon with my SMP results and will definitely be returning to Grant for other treatments in the future!
