Scalp micropigmentation adds small cosmetic pigment impressions to create the appearance of closely shaved hair follicles or fuller-looking coverage in thinning hair. It is a non-surgical appearance treatment, not hair regrowth or a cure for the cause of hair loss.
Scalp SMP treatment at a glance
- Sessions and spacing
- Most scalp micropigmentation treatments are completed in 2–3 sessions, typically scheduled 7 days apart. Scheduling can be adjusted for clients traveling or requiring additional time between visits.
- Typical longevity
- Scalp SMP typically lasts 5–10 years before a touch-up may be needed. Results vary by skin, lifestyle, sun exposure and aftercare.
- Complete treatment pricing
- Most complete scalp micropigmentation treatments range from $2,500 to $4,500, including all sessions needed for the agreed treatment. Small scar treatments and unusually extensive cases are quoted individually after consultation.
Candidacy and realistic expectations
SMP may suit people considering a defined hairline, a closely shaved appearance, or reduced contrast between thinning hair and visible scalp. The best approach depends on your existing hair pattern, preferred haircut and the coverage you want. Density work and a shaved-look hairline are different goals, so the design should reflect how you plan to wear your hair.
A consultation is a chance to review your scalp, reference photos and expectations. SMP does not add hair length or texture, stop future hair loss, or erase scar tissue. Existing pigment or scarring can affect the available options. We discuss achievable changes rather than promise that every result will match a photograph.
See our real client results and client experiences, or request a free SMP mockup as a visual starting point, not a prediction.
SMP compared with a hair transplant
SMP uses pigment to create a visual impression of follicles; a hair transplant is a surgical approach that relocates existing hair follicles. SMP cannot produce growing hair, while a transplant aims to provide actual hair coverage. These are different choices, not interchangeable promises of the same result.
Your goals, existing hair and willingness to consider surgery matter. Speak with a qualified medical provider about transplant suitability, risks and outcomes. Our role is to explain the cosmetic pigmentation option, including camouflage of existing transplant scars, without claiming it is medically superior.
Preparation and aftercare
Follow the individual preparation and aftercare instructions supplied by your artist. Discuss sun exposure, scalp care, exercise and your usual products before treatment, and ask before restarting activities that could affect the treated area. Healing and pigment retention vary, so your artist will guide your individual aftercare plan. Discuss medical questions with your healthcare provider.
The SMP FAQ covers common planning questions. Contact us for guidance specific to your agreed treatment.
What is Scalp Micropigmentation?
Scalp micropigmentation or SMP is the process of adding permanent cosmetic pigmentation to the scalp. It's a safe, non-surgical, non-invasive advanced hair restoration procedure.
In layman's terms, scalp micropigmentation can be thought of as a scalp tattoo that mimics actual hair follicles, giving the illusion of natural hair. At SMP INK, our professional staff prides themselves in SMP that looks so real that only the client knows it's not!
Our Technique and Treatment
We utilize different micro-sized needles to insert small deposits of organic pigments to mimic your hair follicles. We select our pigments specifically for SMP so you don't have to worry about the pigment changing colors or fading prematurely.
How We Can Help
Our SMP treatments are carefully selected to meet each person's specific needs and goals. Clients typically require two to three treatments to see the best results. The result is 3D follicle replication that gives the illusion of realistic and natural-looking hair. Our technique ensures that the pigmented follicles are identical to your actual hair follicles.
Scalp Micropigmentation Services
Hairline Restoration
With scalp micropigmentation, you can recreate a hairline that fits your age and style. Choose from crisp, clean-cut, natural, youthful, slightly receded, mature, and many other styles.
Each person is different, and so is their hairline. At SMP INK, we fully understand this concept. That's why one of our professional artists will meet with you and carefully discuss the best option that fits you. Our SMP artists will make sure to give you the hairline you've always wanted by carefully adding pigment to your scalp to give the illusion of a full, natural hairline.
Scar Camouflage
When a patient undergoes a hair transplant, the process sometimes leaves them with massive scars on the back of their head. This is due to the healthy hair follicles being removed from the back of the scalp and moved into balding areas.
We can camouflage these scars with scalp micropigmentation. Our talented SMP experts can achieve this scar camouflage by matching hair follicles to surrounding areas.
Male and Female Pattern Baldness
When it comes to male or female pattern hair loss, it used to be that the only proven method to solve this problem was undergoing hair transplant surgery. This surgery is an invasive medical procedure that costs time and money. However, a new treatment for male and female pattern baldness is scalp micropigmentation. This treatment doesn't involve surgery and is undetectable.
Our staff can create a dense-looking head of hair with a hairline that fits your age and style. Your head doesn't need to be shaved when you get scalp micropigmentation. This is especially great news for patients suffering from female pattern baldness.
Alopecia
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that attacks the hair follicles, causing them to fall out. Symptoms of alopecia areata include:
- Patchy, coin-shaped hair loss, mainly from the scalp
- Itching or burning sensation in the affected area before the hair loss occurs
- Thinner growing hair near the base around bald spots
- White spots and pinpoint dents appear in the nails
- Rough nails
Scalp micropigmentation can camouflage bald spots caused by alopecia with pigment deposits to help you regain your confidence. SMP is one of the most effective treatments to help cover up alopecia bald spots. Unlike other treatments, scalp micropigmentation changes the appearance of coverage, rather than treating the underlying cause of alopecia.
Touch-Ups
If you've had scalp micropigmentation done in the past, you might notice the pigment starting to fade. The lifespan of scalp SMP is typically 5–10 years before a touch-up may be needed, depending on skin, lifestyle, sun exposure and aftercare. Your artist can assess pigment lightening and discuss any touch-up needs and costs with you.
Corrections
If you've had a bad experience with SMP in the past, we can help fix that. Not all SMP artists are created equal, and unfortunately, it's the client who suffers. At SMP INK, our studio was founded by Beau and Isabel in 2018 and has completed 300+ treatments. We assess existing work and discuss realistic correction options before proposing a treatment plan.
Coming from the city? Read about scalp micropigmentation for Seattle clients, including travel and parking details for our Federal Way studio. Looking to restore facial hair too? See our beard micropigmentation service.
