Scalp Micropigmentation: The Complete Guide for Men
Scalp micropigmentation explained — cost, pain, results, maintenance and who it actually suits. Everything you need to decide if SMP is right for you.
If you’ve accepted that your hair isn’t coming back — or you’ve decided you’d rather shave it than fight it — scalp micropigmentation (SMP) might be the most useful thing you read about today.
It won’t grow your hair back. What it will do is make you look like you have a sharp, closely-cropped head of hair — even if you’re completely bald.
Here’s everything you need to know before booking a consultation.
What Is Scalp Micropigmentation?
Scalp micropigmentation is a cosmetic tattooing technique that deposits tiny dots of pigment into the scalp, replicating the appearance of hair follicles.
Done well, it looks like a freshly-shaved buzz cut. The result is a defined hairline, full-looking scalp, and the appearance of density — without a single actual hair.
It’s sometimes called a “hair tattoo,” which is technically accurate but slightly misleading — the technique, ink, and depth are all different from a traditional tattoo.
Who Is SMP For?
SMP works for a wide range of men:
- Completely bald men who want the look of a shaved head with definition
- Men with significant thinning who want to add the illusion of density
- Men who’ve had a hair transplant and want to conceal the donor scar or fill gaps
- Men with alopecia (patchy or total hair loss)
- Men with scalp scars from surgery or injury
It suits men who are comfortable with a very short (grade 0–1) shaved look. If you want to keep your hair long, SMP isn’t the right tool — it’s designed to complement a buzzed or shaved head.
How Does SMP Work?
The practitioner uses a specialist needle and machine to deposit pigment into the upper dermis — the top layer of skin — in tiny dots that mimic the size and appearance of hair follicles.
A full treatment is done across 2–4 sessions, spaced 7–14 days apart. Each session typically lasts 2–4 hours depending on the area being covered.
The sessions are spread out because:
- Pigment fades slightly between sessions — this is by design, not a problem
- The practitioner can build density gradually and correct any unevenness
- Skin needs time to heal before the next pass
Does SMP Look Natural?
In the hands of a skilled practitioner — yes, impressively so.
The key is matching pigment to your natural hair colour and skin tone, replicating a natural hairline (slight irregularity rather than a perfectly straight line), and placing dots at the correct depth so they don’t blur over time.
Poor SMP looks like a blue-grey smear across your scalp. Good SMP looks like you just came back from the barber.
Always check a practitioner’s portfolio thoroughly before committing — ask to see healed results, not just freshly-done work.
Cost: What to Expect in the UK
SMP is priced based on the area covered and the number of sessions required.
| Coverage | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Small scar/patch concealment | £300–£600 |
| Crown thinning concealment | £800–£1,500 |
| Full head (significant thinning) | £1,500–£2,500 |
| Fully bald head | £2,000–£3,500 |
London and major city clinics tend to sit at the higher end. Regional clinics can be significantly cheaper for the same quality — it’s worth travelling if you find a practitioner with an excellent portfolio.
Avoid going cheap on this. A bad SMP job is expensive to correct or remove.
Does SMP Hurt?
Honestly — yes, a bit. But it’s manageable.
Most men describe it as similar to getting a tattoo — a scratching or stinging sensation, particularly around the temples and hairline where the skin is thinner. The top of the scalp tends to be less sensitive.
Most clinics apply a topical numbing cream beforehand, which reduces discomfort significantly. Sessions of 2–3 hours are generally fine for most men. Longer sessions become more tiring.
Pain level: 4–6/10 without numbing cream, 2–3/10 with.
Results: What It Actually Looks Like
Immediately after a session, the pigment will appear darker and more intense than the final result. Over the next 7–10 days, the colour softens and fades by around 30–40% as the skin heals.
This is normal — and why multiple sessions are needed to build the right depth and density.
After completing the full course, results are immediate and long-lasting. Most men are genuinely pleased with the change — SMP can significantly boost confidence, especially for men who’ve been self-conscious about hair loss for years.
How Long Does SMP Last?
SMP is long-lasting but not permanent in the same way a traditional tattoo is.
Expect the pigment to begin fading noticeably after 4–6 years. At that point, a touch-up session (1–2 hours, fraction of the original cost) refreshes the look.
Several factors affect longevity:
- Sun exposure (UV fades pigment faster — use SPF on your scalp)
- Skin type (oilier skin tends to fade faster)
- Aftercare in the early weeks
Aftercare: The First Few Weeks Matter
The weeks immediately after treatment are critical:
- Days 1–4: Keep scalp dry, no sweating, no sun exposure
- Days 4–28: Moisturise daily with a light, fragrance-free moisturiser
- Ongoing: Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen to your scalp when outdoors
Avoid swimming (especially chlorinated pools), saunas, and heavy exercise for the first 4 days after each session.
SMP vs Hair Transplant: How to Choose
| Factor | SMP | Hair Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable for complete baldness | ✅ | ❌ |
| Permanent hair growth | ❌ | ✅ |
| Cost | £1,500–£3,500 | £3,000–£15,000 |
| Recovery time | Minimal | 1–2 weeks |
| Maintenance | Touch-up every 4–6 years | Ongoing (finasteride/minoxidil) |
| Looks like hair | From a distance | Yes |
Some men combine both — a transplant for the hairline and crown, SMP to add density and conceal the donor scar.
You can read our full hair transplant guide here.
How to Find a Good SMP Practitioner
This is the most important decision you’ll make. The UK has excellent practitioners and some terrible ones.
What to look for:
- A portfolio with 50+ healed results (not just fresh work)
- Clear before/after photos across different skin tones and hair colours
- A consultation where they discuss your hairline shape, pigment matching, and expectations honestly
- A practitioner who doesn’t rush you or oversell
Red flags:
- Unusually low prices (£500 for a full head is a warning sign)
- Portfolio of only fresh results
- No consultation process
- Pigment that looks blue or green in their photos (sign of wrong ink)
Where to look: The SMP community on Reddit (r/ScalpMicropigmentation) is one of the most useful resources for unbiased reviews and practitioner recommendations.
Bottom Line
Scalp micropigmentation is one of the most effective solutions for men who want to stop fighting hair loss and start looking sharp instead.
It’s not for everyone — you need to be comfortable with a shaved or closely cropped look. But for men who are, it delivers results that no supplement, serum, or fibre can match.
The cost is real (£2,000–£3,500 for a full head), but it’s a one-time investment that lasts years. Compare that to the ongoing cost of finasteride, minoxidil, and PRP therapy indefinitely, and SMP starts looking very sensible.
If you’ve been avoiding the shaved head because you think it’ll look worse — SMP might change your mind entirely.
