Frequently Asked Questions About Scalp Micropigmentation

Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a highly specialised tattoo procedure designed to replicate the appearance of hair follicles on the scalp. It’s a highly effective solution for individuals experiencing hair loss, thinning hair, or scarring from hair transplants.

During the SMP process, Will uses his artistry and expertise to deposit tiny, layered dots of pigment onto the scalp. These dots mimic the look of natural hair follicles, creating the illusion of a fuller head of hair or a closely shaved scalp.

SMP is a non-invasive, permanent treatment that doesn’t involve surgery or downtime. The results can last for years, and with proper aftercare, the pigment maintains its vibrancy with minimal fading. It's suitable for individuals with all skin tones and works well to address conditions like male-pattern baldness, alopecia, or scars from hair transplants.

This safe and effective procedure is performed over several sessions to achieve a seamless and natural appearance.

Get in touch with our friendly team either by Phone/WhatsApp or filling out a form on our website - one of the team will be in touch to arrange a time for you to speak to Will.

Consultations can be in person or via a video call. They are completely free with no obligation or pressure to book, Will will explain how the process works and give you his recommendation based on your specific circumstances and requirements. It's a great opportunity to ask any specific questions you may have and more detail about possible results.

You can book your consultation here.

You are likely a great candidate for scalp micropigmentation (SMP) if you’re experiencing any form of hair loss and are looking for a non-invasive, long-lasting solution. SMP works effectively for:

• Male-Pattern Baldness: It creates the appearance of a closely shaved scalp.
• Thinning Hair: SMP can add the illusion of density by filling in the scalp with pigment.
• Alopecia: Camouflage patchy hair loss caused by alopecia areata or similar conditions.
• Hair Transplant Scars: Conceal scaring from FUT or FUE hair transplants,

Alignment is essential, which is why we offer a free consultation to determine if this is the best solution for you.

Please watch THIS walkthrough video of what you can expect on the day of treatment and how a standard session will go.

On a scale of 1-10, most of our clients rate the pain between a 2-5. There is minimal discomfort both during the session and after, however, a session can be around 3/4 hours, so some clients choose to take short breaks. This is absolutely fine, we're here to guide you through the process and keep you as comfortable as possible - before, during and after.

For most clients, SMP requires 3 sessions to complete; a session will last between 2-4 hours. Each session is spread out with 1- 2 weeks gap between the 1st and 2nd session, and 3-4 weeks gap between the 2nd and 3rd session. 

 We like to get your second session in faster than the last session is so that you will have a good amount of density whilst walking around and you are closer to a completed look.

We then leave a longer gap between the 2nd and last session so that it gives time for the skin to heal and regenerate before we add the final details to complete your treatment.

A true indication of timeframe will be given during your consultation. 

Results are pretty much immediate; you'll be able to see a difference after your first session. However, the biggest transformation is usually your second session. In total, most treatments are completed within a 30-45 day window.

Your treatment will be fully healed in around 30-50 days but there is no down time required with minimal interruption to your day-to-day life. 

After care guidance and support is included as part of all treatments.

Yes, however... You need to let your smp heal and settle down for around 28 days - The reality is, I know we all live busy lives and if you're anything like Will, you'll be itching to get in the gym straight away.

SMP is an investment in yourself, our recommendation is to let it settle for at least the first 4 days.

When we sweat, there is salt that is also released which can impact pigment retention. We want to ensure the best results possible... You owe it to yourself!

After care guidance and support is included as part of all treatments.

You may experience a little redness immediately after treatment - this will subside for most people usually within 6-24 hrs, however it can last up to 72-hours after treatment.

After care guidance and support is included as part of all treatments.

We understand pricing is a major influence when starting your Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) journey, which is why we've tried to make it as straight forward as possible. You can view the full breakdown on our costs page with examples of treatments and the associated cost.

Our prices can start from £350 for an existing client top up.
For most clients experiencing typical male pattern hairloss, treatment is approx. £2450-£3000.

A full indication of costs is given on your consultation. This will be specific to you, your situation and your desired outcome.

Whilst we may not be the cheapest, our results and the quality of our works speaks for itself. The decision to get SMP is not something to take lightly and we encourage you to do your research and find the right artist for you, not just look for the cheapest price.

Top Up for existing clients start at £350. Non-existing clients start at £600, however these require a consultation beforehand. 

For more information, please contact us.

All bookings require a small booking fee to secure your sessions in Will's diary, this amount comes off of the full treatment price, the remaining balance is then split 50/50 between your first and second session.

For payment plans, this can be discussed on your consultation.

We are also working on a finance option that we hope will be available in 2025.

Absolutely - We are one of the only clinics that facilitates previous clients who would be more than happy to speak to you about their experience and offer you guidance. 

Please get in touch with us and we will arrange this for you.

You will get honest advice/feedback. Alternatively, please check Our Reviews or Testimonials.

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is very safe procedure, with little to no risk in getting the treatment done.

As a qualified trichologist, Will is expertly placed to deal with all matters related to scalp treatments and hair loss, so you are in safe hands.

However, if you have any concerns please consult with your GP before going ahead with treatment. We also offer a free initial consultation to discuss any additional concerns or questions you may have.

No. In fact, in some cases SMP has been known to stimulate hair growth due to its needling effect. As a qualified Trichologist, Will is best positioned to advise in all matters related to hair loss and includes this knowledge as part of his process.

The results of SMP are permanent, yes. However after a set amount of years (usually 2-5 years) you may experience some fading. Your SMP will fade but never completely vanish, unless you decide to have laser removal.

In some cases, clients have had laser removal of other artists work and started their SMP journey with Will with a blank canvas.

Ink/pigment will never change colour in the skin - however dependant on your undertones it can sometimes appear to have a slightly different hue, this usually only happens if the pigment has been implanted too deep or has been over saturated.

We do our best to ensure this doesn't happen. If you'd like to review our client results from 1+ years, please review our Transformations Page.

If you'd like to speak to our previous clients about their experience, please reach out to us and we can also facilitate this.

The art of depositing ink or pigment into the skin all falls under the umbrella of tattoo'ing. However, Scalp Micropigmentation or SMP is a specific technique used to replicate existing hair follicles. 

As with any tattoo, please make sure to do your research on your chosen artist before booking your treatment - ask to see examples, reviews and for feedback from previous clients!

Selecting the right shade for your SMP can feel daunting but this is something that we will assist you with to ensure we choose the right shade for you and your desired look.

We have years of experience with a range of skin types/tones and can show you shade charts or pre-mixed pigments that will complement you.

To achieve our "Undetectable" look, we usually start with a lighter shade, when you come back for your second session we analyse how it has settled and make a decision on whether to stay the same or go lighter or darker.

Because our process is completed over multiple sessions, this allows us to tweak the shades during and between sessions to ensure a completely natural look.

Trust the process.

Choosing the right hairline is a very personal process. 

We believe that each individual hairline, shape and softness should be completely bespoke to the individual. We have a specific method that will ensure that any hairline you do choose will be the most natural for you, this is included as part of your consultation.

You can also reference any of the work you see from our previous clients. With your ideas and our expertise, we will work together to build your dream hairline.

Note: If you are after a razor sharp, barber-style hairline, Will is probably not the artist for you. Our specialty is creating natural and "undetectable" hairlines.

Not really. Your scalp is a blank canvas and our "Undetectable" style is to create a realistic look which means it has to be unique to your head and random, rather than uniform. Our goal is always to use Will's artistry to create natural looking results.

For best results, we recommend shaving your hair down for the treatment. 

If it's a density treatment, you can grow your hair back once the treatment is complete. This will reassure you that if you were to ever shave your hair down in the future, what we have done will stand the test of time. We can complete scalp micropigmentation through long hair but it may compromise your results.

If you are unsure about the best approach, please book in for a consultation and we can advise you the best approach. You can also come in with your hair and if needed, we can discuss at the time of treatment and shave your hair at the studio.

Yes we can, In particular we are able to cover hair transplant scars. Please check our transformations for examples of this.

Absolutely. Scalp Micropigmentation works on all skin tones. For darker skin tones, there is less contrast with the pigment, so just be patient with your results and trust the process.

Feel free to check Our Transformations for examples of all different skin types.

Absolutely. Scalp Micropigmentation complements a hair transplant to add that extra bit of density to the donor area. Expect to wait around 6-12 months post surgery before SMP can be done.

Feel free to check Our Transformations for examples of this.

Will is extremely in-demand, so we try to keep wait times as low as possible, but our wait list can be up to 3 months. Occasionally, gaps may appear in the diary, so we will always try our best to accommodate you. 

Bookings require more than 48hrs notice for us to be able to reschedule your appointment at no extra fee. 

Out of hours sessions are subject to an additional fee.

Please see full aftercare guidelines here.

Hear it from the man himself. Watch here.

Will is a fully qualified level 4 Scalp Micropigmentation Artist - Advanced Practitioner with pro artist status under the guidance of world renowned SMP artist Marc Allen. 

He is also 3x Award-winning with over 600+ happy client and 6+ years of experience.

In addition, he is a qualified Clinical Trichologist and associate member with the London Institute Of Trichologists.

The studio is located at:

Unit 7, 63-65 Butts Green Road
Hornchurch, Essex
RM11 2JS

We do also offer a VIP Service, including transportation from all London airports/major train stations.

Yes, for those of you who live far away, an in-person may not be feasible so we can facilitate these via a video call. They are completely free, with no obligation or pressure to book; Will will explain how the process works and give you his recommendation based on your specific circumstances and requirements. It's a great opportunity to ask any specific questions you may have and more detail about possible results.

You can book yours here.

Bishop SMP is the industry leader for scalp micro-pigmentation products and supplies. Will has been one of their ambassadors and sponsored artists since 2021; a unique, invite-only privilege reserved for only the best SMP artists.