SMP Unwrapped : What Happens During Your Scalp Micropigmentation Appointment

Navigating the journey of SMP can spark questions, from the treatment process to its outcomes. Here's a breakdown of what happens during scalp your micropigmentation treatment when you choose me as your specialist:

Consultation:

The very first step (and probably one of if not THE most important) is to find out if this treatment is appropriate for you!

Ideally, this is best done at a complimentary in-person consultation – not only does it allow us to meet and determine if we are a good fit for each other, but I can also do a thorough examination of your scalp which helps me to determine whether treatment is appropriate for you. Seeing you in person also allows me to give you a fixed treatment price

If you are unable to come in to clinic for a consultation, we can chat via video link. As I won’t be able to see your scalp / hair properly, it’s helpful for you to send me good quality photos for me to be able to get a better idea of your concerns and so I can offer you a price estimate.

If you decide to go ahead with treatment, you will need to do a skin sensitivity test at least 48 hours prior. This can either be done in clinic as part of your consultation, or sent to you by post for you to do at home if your consult was via video link.

Booking:

Booking your SMP appointment is simple. Once we've confirmed a date, a £75 non-refundable booking fee secures your spot. I'll provide the necessary consent and medical history forms for completion beforehand, streamlining the process.

First Treatment Session:

On the day of your first treatment session, we'll review your paperwork, address any lingering questions, and outline your treatment plan.

 If you are having a new hairline, we will chat about the shape (old photographs of yourself before hair loss can be a good reference for this). I will then mark out a new hairline for you to approve. This design isn’t one size or design fits all – it should be a natural look that complements your features

During a Treatment Session:

Throughout your treatment, you will either by lying on a treatment couch, or

sitting on a an SMP chair (or a mix of both).

With meticulous precision, I'll replicate hair follicles in the treatment areas, seamlessly blending them with your existing hair.

You could be on my couch for several hours so you are welcome to bring your own entertainment such as music or something you can watch, plus earphones / buds.

You should make sure you eat and drink before you come for your appointment, and bring a drink / snack to keep your blood sugar levels up during your time with me.

Some common questions about treatment:

How Long does it take?

SMP is a marathon, not a sprint!

Run a mile from any artist who says your treatment will be complete after a single session!

Typically, treatment is spread across three sessions spaced at least 5- 6 weeks apart. For some, a fourth session may be need to make any final tweaks. (Treatment for scar camouflage may require fewer sessions).

Treatment time varies depending on the area's size and complexity. As a rough guide, I typically block out 5-6 hours to create a new hairline and shaved head effect for someone with pattern baldness (Norwood Scale 7-8).

For female density work on thinning hair in a smaller area (Ludwig Scale 4) I’d probably block out half of this time. For a simple small trauma scar, treatment time could be as little as an hour.  I’ll discuss this with you as part of your consultation.

Does it hurt?

I’m a complete wuss when it comes to pain and discomfort and have a VERY low pain threshold! I made a point during training to have my trainer do some SMP on me on different areas of my scalp so that I could experience how it felt.

While sensations vary, my personal experience was one of mild irritation, akin to a mosquito bite. For most, discomfort is minimal and perfectly manageable.

Will it look natural?

The goal of having SMP is to disguise your hair loss so that you can feel less self-conscious, not draw attention to it, so if I don’t feel that it’s possible to meet your expectations, or if I don’t feel I can achieve the most natural look possible, I will tell you so.

I use the very latest in pigment technology, scientifically developed and tested for SMP, from which I create a bespoke mix to suit your skin undertones and overtones so that your treatment will heal to a neutral shade, without unwanted hues of blue-grey.

How much does it cost?

To help you budget and plan, I offer SMP on a fixed price basis (subject to an in-person consultation so that I can examine the area(s) to be treated).

This includes up to three treatment sessions and a complimentary check-up within 6 weeks to 3 months of your last session so I can check the final healed results for you. I include 30 minutes of additional treatment time in this appointment in case any minor revisions are needed.

When you compare the price of SMP with other options such as hair transplant, you can see that SMP is not only cost-effective but has the added advantage of no surgery, no downtime and instantly visible results.

Speaking of hair transplants -  SMP serves as an ideal complementary treatment, especially in cases where transplanted hair growth appears thin, as it effectively creates the illusion of thicker, fuller hair.

How long does it last?

 With proper aftercare, SMP results typically last 3-5 years or longer before a colour refresh is needed.

Do bear in mind each of us is different and we are working with skin which is a live organ, so individual experiences may vary. 

SMP artists cannot give any guarantees when talking about healed results or longevity of treatment.

There you have it -the low down on what happens during scalp your micropigmentation!

I hope you found my blog series on hair loss helpful.

If you have any questions about anything you’ve read, just drop me an email or give me a call – I’m here to help.