What is scalp micropigmentation (SMP)?
Answer: Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment that uses tiny, colour-matched pigment dots in the upper layers of the scalp to copy the look of real hair follicles, creating the illusion of a sharper hairline, fuller density, or an even buzz-cut look that reads naturally at home, on camera, and in everyday photos for people with thinning, balding, or scarred areas.
- What it is: A cosmetic pigment treatment that visually copies hair follicles on the scalp.
- What it creates: The impression of a clean buzz-cut, stronger hairline, or fuller density under existing hair.
- Where it matters: In the mirror, on FaceTime, and in social photos as natural-looking stubble, not obvious ink.
- Who it helps: People with thinning, receding hairlines, scars, alopecia, or full baldness who want a low-maintenance look.
Who SMP is designed for
SMP is built for people who care how their hair looks in real life, on video, and in photos — not just under perfect studio lighting. It works whether you’re fully shaved, thinning through the top, living with alopecia, or carrying transplant scars that never quite disappeared.
- You keep your hair short or shaved and want your hairline to frame your face again.
- You have thinning density and are tired of seeing scalp show through in every picture.
- You have scars or patchy spots from transplants, injuries, or alopecia.
- You want a look that holds up on FaceTime, Zoom, and social media without constant styling tricks.
How SMP is different from a regular tattoo
SMP shares tools with tattooing — machine, needle, pigment — but the intent and technique are completely different. The goal is not artwork on the scalp; it’s a controlled pattern of dots that reads as natural stubble from normal viewing distance.
- Depth: SMP pigment sits more shallow than most body tattoos to reduce blowouts and blurring.
- Pigment: Chosen and diluted to heal as soft, hair-like dots instead of bold body-art colour.
- Technique: Built in light layers, not one heavy pass, so it can be adjusted to your skin and lighting.
- Result: In day-to-day life the eye reads “hair”, not “ink”.
What SMP can and can’t do
SMP is strongest where visuals matter most. It doesn’t change your biology — it changes what you and everyone else see.
- Can: Sharpen a weak or receded hairline so your face frames stronger in photos and video calls.
- Can: Darken exposed scalp between thinning hairs so the overall look is fuller and more even.
- Can: Break up shiny scars from transplants or injuries so they blend back into the surrounding pattern.
- Cannot: Grow new hair, stop shedding, or change your hair texture — it’s visual engineering, not surgery.
How SMP fits with other hair loss options
SMP doesn’t cancel out other tools — it often completes them. Transplants can move real hair but are limited by donor supply and may leave scars. Fibres and sprays can fill in on good days but can rub off, sweat out, or streak.
SMP sits underneath as a stable visual base. It can make a previous transplant look thicker, make short hairstyles look intentional instead of forced, or simply give you a clean, consistent look that doesn’t wash away when you shower or hop on a last-minute video call.
Next steps if you’re exploring SMP
The easiest way to see if SMP is right for you is a quick, at-home FaceTime consultation. We look at your hair loss pattern and skin type on camera, talk through shaved vs. density looks, estimate how many sessions you’ll need, and answer your questions — all before you ever travel to the studio.
Related: How long does SMP last? • Is SMP safe? • View real SMP results