SMP Treatment
SMP Touch-Up - from £300
A maintenance session that refreshes the colour and crispness of an existing SMP treatment.
Scalp micropigmentation softens gradually over several years. A touch-up session refreshes the pigment so your look stays sharp and consistent.
Typically 1 session, about 3 hours per session.
Who it suits
A touch-up suits anyone whose scalp micropigmentation has softened or lightened over the years and wants it looking sharp again - that natural fading is normal, not a fault. It also suits people who had SMP done elsewhere and feel it has gone patchy, too warm in tone, or sits too low or high, and want it reassessed and refreshed. Whoever did the original work, you are welcome here.
What the session is like
It starts with looking closely at the work you already have, in good light, to see how the pigment has aged and where it has faded most. Stephen colour-matches to your healed tone - older SMP can shift slightly over time - then re-deposits where density has thinned and redefines the hairline and edges. It is usually one session of a few hours, focused only on the areas that need it rather than redoing everything.
Your result
Done well, a touch-up brings back the crispness and an even, consistent colour across the scalp, so faded or blotchy patches blend back in with the rest. Where another artist's work is being corrected, the aim is to soften what was bothering you and bring the overall look closer to what you wanted. Individual results vary with your skin and how the existing pigment has aged, and we will be honest about that at your consultation.
Aftercare
Aftercare is gentler than a full treatment because less of the scalp is worked on, but it matters. For the first few days keep the area dry and avoid heavy sweating, swimming, saunas, steam and direct sun, and skip the gym until any redness settles. Do not pick or scrub. Once healed, light moisturising and daily SPF help the refreshed pigment hold its colour for longer. You will get full written aftercare on the day.
Common questions
Will you touch up SMP done by another artist?
Yes. We touch up and refresh work done elsewhere all the time, and you do not need to have been an existing client. Everything starts with a free consultation, in person or by video call, where Stephen assesses the existing pigment honestly. Occasionally older work needs more than a single refresh, and if so we will tell you straight rather than overpromise.
How often do I need a touch-up?
There is no fixed schedule - SMP fades gradually over several years rather than on a set date. Most people come back for a refresh somewhere in the region of every few years, when they notice the look softening or lightening. Sun exposure, skin type and how you look after it all play a part, so it really varies from person to person.
Can faded or patchy SMP be corrected?
In most cases, yes. Fading is normal and re-depositing pigment usually evens it back out, and patchy or inconsistent areas can often be blended in so they read as one. The honest answer depends on the original work and your skin, which is why we assess it first at a free consultation before committing to anything.
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.