SMP Treatment
Density SMP Treatment - from £600
Adds thousands of tiny pigment impressions between existing hairs to reduce scalp contrast and create the appearance of fuller, thicker hair.
Density SMP is a non-surgical treatment that adds thousands of tiny pigment impressions between your existing hairs, reducing the contrast between hair and scalp so thinning areas look fuller and thicker.
Typically 2-3 sessions, about 4 hours per session.
Who it suits
Density SMP suits people who still have hair on top but are seeing more scalp than they used to - thinning over the crown or front, often most obvious in bright light or photos from above. It is for those who want to keep their own hair at its current length and are not ready to shave down. If your hair is diffuse rather than fully bald in patches, there is usually enough to blend pigment in among. Individual suitability is confirmed in person.
What the session is like
Stephen works in among the hair you already have, placing thousands of tiny pigment impressions on the scalp in the gaps between strands. The aim is to fill the visible skin showing through, not to touch your hair, so nothing is cut or shaved. He builds the depth gradually and checks the blend against your own colour as he goes. Sessions run a few hours; most people find it calm and easy to sit through.
Your result
The visible scalp underneath your hair is softened, so there is far less contrast between skin and strands and the top looks fuller and more even - especially under the lighting that used to give the thinning away. Crucially, you keep your own hair and its length; the pigment sits beneath it as a backdrop. It recreates the appearance of density rather than adding real hair, and individual results vary with your hair, skin and how much thinning you have.
Aftercare
For the first few days keep the scalp dry and avoid heavy sweating, the gym, swimming, saunas and direct sun, so the fresh impressions settle cleanly between your hairs. Wash your hair gently and only as advised, and skip strong styling products on the treated area early on. Once healed, light moisturising and daily SPF on any exposed scalp help the colour stay even. Full written aftercare is provided at your appointment.
Common questions
Do I need to shave my head for density SMP?
No. Density SMP is designed for people who want to keep their hair, so there is no need to shave or cut it. Stephen places the pigment on the scalp in the gaps between your existing hairs, working underneath the length you already have. You carry on wearing your hair exactly as you do now.
How much hair do I need for it to work?
Enough that the pigment has hair to blend in among rather than standing alone. Density SMP works best on diffuse thinning where strands still cover the area but the scalp shows through; it adds a backdrop that reduces that show-through. Where hair is very sparse or an area is fully bald, a different approach may suit better. Stephen will tell you honestly what is realistic at your consultation.
Will it still work if my hair keeps thinning?
The pigment stays in the areas it was placed rather than moving about, so it carries on softening the contrast on the scalp as the hair around it changes. Like all SMP it isn't permanent - the colour fades gradually over the years and can be refreshed with a top-up. And if your hair thins a lot more over time, more of the backdrop shows, so you may want a review or a further session to keep the blend looking even. It does not stop or treat hair loss; it works alongside whatever your hair does.
Does scalp micropigmentation hurt?
Most clients describe SMP as mild discomfort rather than pain - comparable to a light scratching sensation. Numbing options are discussed at consultation. Sessions last a few hours, and any redness usually settles within 24-48 hours.
How long does SMP last?
Scalp micropigmentation typically lasts around 3-7 years before it softens enough to want a touch-up. Longevity depends on skin type, sun exposure and aftercare. A short touch-up session refreshes the look when needed.
Is SMP permanent?
SMP is long-lasting but not strictly permanent. Pigment sits in the upper layers of the skin and fades gradually over years, which is why occasional touch-ups keep it looking sharp. This also means the look can evolve with you.