Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a detailed hair tattoo. We use tiny dots of natural pigment to replicate the look of real hair follicles on your scalp and camouflage hair loss seamlessly. It’s a great way to give the appearance of a fuller head of hair, cover up thinning spots, or even create a brand new hairline that is created based off of your personal face shape, so looks completely natural.
As you can see in these images of our client Kyle, we start with a foundation of follicle impressions and then use this to build out the rest of the density on subsequent sessions.
Showcasing Healed results are important as this demonstrates the long term results you can expect, if your practitioner lacks skill and experience, the healed results can look patchy and unnatural.
We’ll start with a conversation to discuss your hair loss situation. This can be via phone, email, WhatsApp, or social media, depending on what’s most comfortable for you. We will need to see your hair loss, which can be achieved by sending photos via any of our available platforms (text, Facebook/Instagram messenger, WhatsApp, Email), or we can arrange a video call or face to face consultation. From this, we can determine the best solution for you, whether it is ‘the shaved look’, camouflaging thinning hair or bald spots, or to cover scars.
During the consultation, our practitioner Alex will discuss the full treatment process with you and answer any questions you may have. Alex has been through the treatment himself, so you can even see what SMP looks like up close and in ‘real life’
Once you’re happy with our suggested treatment plan, we’ll book you in for your treatment sessions. You’ll typically need 2-4 sessions, with the average being 3. These are scheduled 2 weeks apart on average, for the best results.
If you are thinking of the ‘shaved look’, in the upcoming week prior to your appointment, we recommend that you keep your scalp moisturised and shave your hair with clippers or a foil shaver to allow the air access to your scalp. On the day of your treatment you should wash your head to remove any product and where possible shave your head. Alternatively, we can shave your head for you; this will be discussed in your free consultation.
If you are having the treatment to correct the density of your scalp to make your hair look fuller and thicker, we require you to wash your hair on the day of the treatment to remove any product build up. By washing your hair, we can match the pigment to the tone of your hair colour correctly.
At Alex James SMP, we believe our clients deserve the best and we aim to deliver SMP treatment to the highest level possible. Usually, you’ll require a total of 3 sessions, over a period of one month for the detail of the treatment to have the desired effect. Depending on the amount of hair loss and healing outcome, some clients may need to return for a 4th session. This can be due to your immune system rejecting the pigment, or not following the aftercare guidelines correctly.
In your first session we’ll lay out your hairline (if required) and begin applying small dots of ink to replace the missing hair follicles over the full top of your scalp and crown (or where is required) to achieve a natural look. The shade of the pigment is matched as closely as possible to your natural follicles and a gradient is used to blend in at the edges.
The second treatment is approx 14 days after your first treatment and the third is three weeks after your second treatment. A session can vary between 2 – 4 hours depending on the client and the end result they are looking to achieve.
You’ll notice an immediate difference after the first session, rejuvenating your appearance and helping you leave full of confidence and with an improved self-esteem!
The second and third sessions add further density in colour and eliminate the look of hair loss completely. We can make minor adjustments to the hairline and will spend a lot of time blending into your existing hair for the most natural look.
Please note, as the treatment heals the pigment will gradually become lighter to mimic the hair follicle and natural hair tone. During the treatment, redness may appear on the scalp for a few hours and up to a few days post treatment. This all depends on the individuals skin sensitivity.
After care is important in any clinical procedure and SMP is no different.
After your SMP treatment you must adhere to a 4 to 30-day rule. This rule has been introduced for the best results of your treatment. Without abiding by these rules, the treatment will not have the desired effect.
1. Avoid washing and shaving your scalp for 5 days post treatment (day one starts the day of your treatment)
2. Avoid getting your scalp wet for 5 days. This includes protecting your scalp from the rain, water and sweat. You will need to avoid wearing wooly hats up to 10 days after your treatment. You may wear a cap.
3. Avoid swimming for 30 days after your treatment. This includes your 1st, 2nd and 3rd session. Avoid your scalp coming into contact with chlorine.
4. On day 6 after your treatment you are able to rinse your scalp with warm water. Where possible, avoid power showers, coarse scrubs, shampoos and rubbing your scalp hard. This may remove some light scabbing, if the scabs are removed the pigment may fade. You are able to briefly soak your scalp in a warm bath.
5. On day 6 after your treatment you are able to shave your head. It is advised to use a foil shaver or clippers only. Using other shavers including wet razors may cause the scalp to become agitated and cut your scalp.
6. After your treatment you are able to apply Aveeno moisturiser on your scalp 1-3 times a day. If it is your first session, continue applying moisturiser until your next session. This will make your scalp softer for the pigment on your next session. If you are adding density to your hair, you will not need to apply moisturiser.
7. On day 10 after your treatment you are able to sweat excessively and resume any exercise routines you may have.
8. On day 5 after your treatment, use a minimum of factor 30 sun cream to protect your scalp from the sun if necessary.
9. Protect your scalp from the sun before each treatment. This will make it easier for us to get the colour match perfect plus it makes the treatment more comfortable for yourself. If you do have sun burn, we will not be able to begin your treatment.
10. Most importantly for the first 5 days including the day of your treatment DO NOT exercise. This will cause your blood pressure to raise and increase the risk of you sweating from your scalp and affect the outcome of the treatment. From day 5 you are able to exercise causing minimal sweat and from day 10 you are able to sweat excessively.
Three weeks after your final session has passed, your scalp will be fully healed, and all normal daily tasks can now be completed. However, we recommend that you use SPF to protect your skin when exposing it to sunlight long term.
It’s completely normal for your treatment to lighten/soften after your first micropigmentation session. The second and third sessions will add more density and create a fuller look. The first session is a foundation for the rest of the treatment.
It’s important that you trust the process!
All clients are different, some clients can experience slight discomfort during the treatment whereas others may not. Pain relief can be taken prior to the treatment, such as Paracetamol, Co-Codamol and or Ibuprofen. Where possible please refrain from using aspirin as this is used as a blood thinner and may cause bleeding. If you take aspirin due to a medical condition, please inform us and consult your GP for advice.
If you have any further questions about SMP treatment, check our FAQ page, or contact us for a no obligation chat.
To produce the best results for you, we use the finest equipment specifically designed for scalp micropigmentation including different needle sizes to replicate your hair follicle size.
Add definition to receding hairlines, or recreate a full buzz cut look after male pattern baldness using Alex James SMP’s signature realism stubble effect. Colour matched to suit your skin tone.
No two hairlines are ever the same. All hairlines are 100% customised to each client.
We will take into consideration your face shape, natural hairline, ethnicity, age and desired style when designing your hairline with you.
Treatment to disguise thinning hair. A shaved head is not necessary for this treatment as we tattoo through your hair, around your natural hair follicles.
This treatment does not affect any current or future hair growth and is great for adding fullness to thinning hair as well as hair transplant areas. By adding the tattooed follicles to your scalp it reduces the contrast between your visible skin and hair, which gives you the appearance of a fuller head of hair. At our clinic, we understand how hair density can have an effect on one’s confidence and appearance.
Scalp micropigmentation is designed to increase hair density non-invasively with advanced techniques used to replicate hair follicles for increased fullness and density.
Micropigmentation may be associated with male hairloss, but it can also help females experiencing hair density problems. At our clinic, our team specializes in increasing female density through carefully applied pigmentation techniques.
SMP can camouflage hair loss for individuals with small or large bald patches by filling in gaps with natural-looking pigmentation. The pigments are carefully matched to your hair colour, making the bald spots blend seamlessly into the surrounding areas.
SMP can camouflage FUT and FUE Hair Transplant donor scar areas. After a transplant, some individuals feel self conscious about their donor area and scalp micropigmentation can replicate the missing follicles to camouflage this by filling in gaps.
Are you struggling with hair loss, thinning hair, or a receding hairline? Alex James SMP offers professional scalp micropigmentation just outside Greater Manchester, delivering natural-looking, long-lasting results. Our advanced SMP hair tattoo technique replicates real hair follicles, creating the illusion of a fuller head of hair.