Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)
Thousands of tiny pigment impressions placed to replicate the look of hair follicles. It adds the appearance of density to thinning hair, defines a receded hairline, or covers scalp scarring — and it's the longest-lasting thing we do.
- Photo consultation before booking
- Discreet treatment setting, discretion assured
- Built over 2–3 sessions
Gallery
Scalp micropigmentation: a closer look
A few clear visuals show the density effect, hairline detail and scale of the pigment impressions.
What it actually is
The look of density, not actual hair
Tiny individual dots of pigment are placed in the scalp at varying depths and shades to mimic the appearance of hair follicles emerging from the skin. Viewed at a normal distance, the eye reads density rather than dots.
It's used three ways: to add the appearance of fullness to thinning hair, to define a receded or uneven hairline, and to camouflage scalp scarring — including from hair transplants.
SMP does not grow new hair. It creates the appearance of greater density by placing pigment on the scalp. If your goal is hair regrowth, please speak with a medical professional about the options available to you.
Honest assessment
Is this right for you?
SMP requires a suitability assessment before an appointment is confirmed. Please send clear photos of the area so we can review the pattern of hair loss, existing work and the result you are hoping for.
This will likely work well for you
- You have diffuse thinning and want the appearance of more density
- You keep your hair very short or shaved and want a defined hairline
- You have scarring from a hair transplant, injury or surgery
- Your hair loss has been stable for a while
- You want something that lasts years rather than months
SMP works especially well alongside short hair. If you shave or buzz, the result is close to indistinguishable at normal viewing distance.
Let's talk first, or wait
- You have cancer, or are undergoing chemotherapy
- You have diabetes or anaemia
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have active scalp acne, folliculitis or psoriasis
- You have unstable or rapidly progressing hair loss — the pattern will move away from the work
- You have a history of keloid scarring
- You're on prescribed blood thinners
If your hair loss is still changing quickly, it may be better to wait before proceeding because the treated pattern may no longer match as the hairline changes. We can review photos first and discuss whether the timing is appropriate.
On the day
How it works, session by session
SMP is built up across sessions rather than completed in one. That's deliberate — density is easy to add and difficult to remove.
Photo consultation
Before booking. Send clear photos in good light from several angles. We will explain whether SMP may be suitable, what you can reasonably expect and the estimated treatment cost.
Session 1 — foundation
Hairline design agreed with you first, then the base layer of density. Deliberately conservative, as it is far easier to build up than to take away.
Session 2 — density
Two to four weeks later, once the first layer has settled. We add depth, vary tone, and refine the hairline.
Session 3 — refinement
If needed. Final blending and any adjustment. Most clients need two to three sessions in total.
The full detail
Before, during and after
Everything you'd want to know, tucked away so it's here when you need it and out of the way when you don't.
Before your appointment
- Shave or trim to your usual length 1–2 days before, unless we've agreed otherwise
- Please wash your hair the morning of the appointment — you won't be able to for a few days after
- No sunbathing or scalp tanning for a week beforehand
- No alcohol for 24 hours; no caffeine that morning
- Avoid blood thinners for 48 hours unless prescribed
- Please eat beforehand — it's a long session
- Please bring photos of how your hairline looked previously, if you have them
Aftercare
Days 1–4 — keep it dry
- No washing, no water on the scalp. This is the main rule.
- No sweating, gym, sauna, steam or swimming
- No hats or anything that rubs
- Sleep on a clean pillowcase
- Don't scratch or pick — flaking is normal
Days 5–10
- Rinse gently with water only, no shampoo, no scrubbing
- Still no swimming, sauna or heavy sweating
- No shaving over the treated area — trim with clippers only
- Keep out of direct sun
After 10 days
- Normal washing resumes. A gentle moisturiser keeps the scalp from looking dry, which helps the result read naturally.
- Sunscreen on the scalp, always. UV exposure can make SMP fade more quickly, so regular sun protection on the scalp is important.
Healing, sessions and how long it lasts
- Days 1–3Darker and more defined than the final result, with some redness. Normal.
- Days 4–7Light flaking. Dots look smaller and lighter as they settle.
- Days 7–14Settling. Colour softens, often by 20–30%.
- Weeks 2–4Healed. This is when we assess and book your next session.
- 2–4 yearsGradual fading. A refresh session restores it.
Longevity depends on sun exposure, skin type and how oily your scalp runs. Oily scalps fade faster. Daily sunscreen is the single most effective thing you can do.
Terms, honesty and medical notes
What SMP does and doesn't do
It does not grow hair.Our service pages explain the treatment, suitability, pricing and aftercare clearly so you can decide whether it is appropriate for you.
Please don't book if you
- Have cancer or are undergoing chemotherapy
- Have diabetes or anaemia
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have active scalp acne, folliculitis or psoriasis
- Have a history of keloid scarring
- Are on prescribed blood thinners
- Have hair loss that's still actively progressing
Existing SMP from elsewhere
Send clear photos. We can often add to or refine existing work, but faded, blurred or blue-toned SMP may need correction first, which we'd quote separately.
This page is general information, not medical advice. For hair loss with a medical cause, please see a doctor first.
Pricing
What it costs
| Treatment | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Scalp micropigmentation — session 1 | 2.5–3 hrs | Quoted after consultation |
| Follow-up sessions | 1.5–2.5 hrs | Quoted with your plan |
| Scar camouflage on the scalp | Assessed individually | Quote after photo |
| Refresh after 2–4 years | 1.5–2 hrs | On request |
Price depends on the area treated and the coverage needed, which is why we consult on photos first rather than publishing a single figure. You'll have a full quote before you book anything.
Common questions
The things clients ask most
Does it grow hair?
No. SMP creates the appearance of density using pigment. It's a cosmetic solution, not a medical one. If regrowth is what you want, see a doctor about the medical options.
Will people be able to tell?
At normal conversational distance, the aim is for the result to blend naturally with a closely cropped hairstyle. Very close up, it is still pigment rather than real hair, so it is helpful to keep that expectation in mind.
How much does it cost?
Pricing depends on the size of the area and the amount of coverage needed. Send clear photos and we can provide a quote before you decide whether to proceed.
How many sessions will I need?
Usually two to three, spaced two to four weeks apart. We deliberately build density gradually — it's easy to add and hard to remove.
Does it hurt?
Numbing is applied and most clients describe it as low to moderate. Some areas — the hairline and any scar tissue — are more sensitive than others.
How long does it last?
SMP may last around two to four years before a refresh is considered. Sun exposure can contribute to fading, so regular scalp sun protection is important.
Can you cover a hair transplant scar?
Often, yes. It is a common reason clients enquire about SMP. Please send clear photos on WhatsApp and we can assess whether the treatment may be suitable before you book.
What if my hair loss continues?
This is the important one. If your hair loss is still actively progressing, the pattern will shift and the work stops matching. We'd usually advise waiting until it's stable, and we'll say so rather than take a booking that won't age well.
Book an appointment
Tell us when you’d like to come in
We'll review the information, answer your questions and confirm the next steps before anything is booked.
Before you book
If you have existing work from another salon, are pregnant, take regular medication or have anything you think we should know about, please mention it when enquiring so we can check suitability before your appointment.
- We’ll reply as soon as we can.
- A booking deposit secures your appointment and is deducted from your final bill.
- If a treatment may not be suitable for you, we’ll explain why and discuss the available options with you.
+65 8960 4827 →
For the curious
Interested in building a foundation in PMU?
Scalp micropigmentation is a specialist area. If you are exploring a broader permanent-makeup pathway, a strong foundation in pigment, skin assessment, colour and machine control matters first.
Our current PMU training focuses on brow, lip and eyeliner work. If SMP is a longer-term goal, message us and we can explain which current course gives you the most relevant foundation.
Professional Brow, Lip & Eyeliner Embroidery
Six days covering brow, lip and eyeliner techniques, including pigment theory, skin assessment and machine-based PMU fundamentals.
Not sure yet?
Send us photos for an assessment
Clear shots in good light, from a few angles. We'll tell you whether SMP would help your situation, what it would cost, and whether we think you should wait.