Losing hair isn’t your fault;
Aging, wrinkles, and gray hair are natural, but hair loss from genetics or stress making you look older feels unfair.
YOUR FACE WAS DESIGNED WITH A HAIRLINE
Upload your photo and try the SMP Simulator by Nick SMP. This tool gives you a natural preview of how scalp micropigmentation could help restore the look of your hairline.
shaved LOOK
Why my technique is safer?With SMP, there are two different things that must match:
-
Your scalp skin tone (especially in bright light)
-
Your hair tone and dot definition (how dense/dark your hair looks when shaved)
That’s why my process is built in steps. We start light and controlled, allow proper healing, then adjust based on how your skin actually retains pigment.
Step 1 -Skin Tone Matching
- The first session is designed to match the light tone of your scalp skin so the base looks natural in daylight and doesn’t look ‘too dark’ or ‘helmet-like. This is the safest starting point. This also allows me to understand how your skin retains pigment to avoid the spread of it.
- Healing + Evaluation Period. After session 1, we allow time for the scalp to fully heal so we can see the true healed tone and how your skin retains pigment. The process of healing can be from 1 to up to 3 months for those heavily oily skins.
Step 2 — Hair Tone + Pattern Matching (Session 2)
- Once healed, the second and third sessions focuses on matching the tone of your hair (Usually is darker), the dot definition with the same amount and size, and the natural pattern—especially by copying the details from the hair you still have on the sides and back. During the previous session I did a couple of test with the darkest mix based on your skin and hair color, to check how this looks like once is completely healed and to avoid the bluish tone and helmet outcome.
Step 3 — Refinement
- Some clients benefit from a final refinement session to perfect density, transitions, or hairline softness.
Not every client maintains their shaved look the same way. Some men need to shave daily, others every 2–3 days. That changes how dark or defined the dots should be to match the real look of your hair.
Fast growers / daily shavers: softer, more frequent stubble match
Thicker remaining hair: darker, more defined dot pattern for realism
Natural Results Start With Healing, Not Rushing.
The Safer Way to Do SMP: Skin Match First. Hair Match Second.
SMP LONG HAIR
With long hair, the goal is different than with a shaved look. In most cases, long-hair SMP does not aim to create visible dot definition. Instead, it primarily darkens the scalp skin to reduce contrast and make the hair appear fuller.
In selected cases, I carefully perform small test areas to evaluate whether subtle dot impressions can be created and, more importantly, whether they remain defined once fully healed. This approach allows me to assess how the skin retains pigment before committing to density or definition.”
- Because healed results are what truly matter, any decision to add definition is made only after observing how the scalp heals. This ensures the most natural and safest outcome for long-hair clients.
- Long hair SMP focuses on reducing scalp contrast
- Dot definition is not always suitable for long hair
- Small test areas may be used to evaluate healed retention
- Final adjustments are made only after full healing
Hair transplant scars
FUT and FUE scars require a different approach than standard scalp micropigmentation. Scar tissue reacts differently than healthy skin, which is why my process always starts conservatively.
The first session focuses on matching the surrounding scalp skin tone, not creating immediate density. This allows me to see how the scar tissue retains pigment once it has fully healed.
After proper healing, I evaluate whether additional layers or subtle dot definition can be safely added to blend the scar naturally with the surrounding hair and scalp
- FUT scar camouflage (linear scars)
With FUT scars, the goal is to soften contrast along the linear scar by gradually matching the surrounding skin tone and hair pattern. Dot placement and density are adjusted only after evaluating how the scar heals - FUE scar camouflage (dot scars)
FUE scars vary in size, spacing, and healing behavior. Each case is assessed individually, starting with subtle skin-tone blending. Definition and density are added only if the healed skin allows it.
SHPBenefits
HOW SMP WORKS?
About My Approach
My approach to Subdermal Hair Pigmentation is rooted in skin science first. My background as an aesthetician trained me to understand how skin heals, reacts, and retains pigment, and over the past 7 years as an SMP artist, I’ve seen both well-executed results and the long-term issues that come from rushed or poorly planned work. From the beginning, my focus has always been on accurately replicating the remaining hair, its size, tone, and natural pattern, rather than simply adding pigment.
That’s why I took the time to understand how pigment behaves within the dermis, including how capillary loops can contribute to pigment spreading. My work is planned around healed results, not fresh density. By working in controlled stages instead of rushing dot placement, I’m able to match skin tone, hair tone, and real hair characteristics for results that look natural once fully healed.
FAQ
Each Subdermal Hair Pigmentation procedure is performed in controlled stages to achieve the safest and most natural result possible. The process begins by matching the scalp’s natural skin tone, allowing the pigment to heal and reveal its true appearance before any density is added. Once healed, the next stage focuses on matching hair tone, dot size, and natural pattern by carefully replicating the remaining hair on the sides and back of the head. Shaving frequency, hair thickness, and growth speed are all taken into account, as these factors directly influence how soft or defined the final result should be. This staged approach allows for precise adjustments based on healed results rather than rushed density.
Procedure highlights:
-
First session focused on skin-tone matching
-
Healing period to evaluate true pigment retention
-
Second and third sessions focused on hair tone, dot size, and pattern
-
Replication of natural hair characteristics from sides and back
-
Adjustments based on shaving frequency and hair growth speed
-
Results planned around healed appearance, not fresh pigment
Want to see how SMP could look on you? Upload a clear photo and try the SMP Simulator by Nick SMP. You can preview a possible hairline or the look of added density before booking a consultation.
The image is a preview, not a promise of the final result. Nick SMP will review your hair, skin, and goals with you to plan a natural look.
-Your procedure will not fade completely for at least 3 years. While it doesn’t last forever, we recommend a touch-up every 4–7 years to maintain the color’s vibrancy
-Choosing us means you’ll never end up with a “Lego head!”
– We avoid large impressions, oversized dots, or blowouts. The size of the impressions is carefully matched to the current size of your follicles and the density of your hair. 
– We guarantee your SMP will never turn blue. 
For normal to dry skin, full healing typically takes about one month. For heavily oily skin, healing can take up to three months, as oil production can affect how pigment settles and stabilizes in the skin. Based on how your skin responds, Nick may recommend specific products and additional care instructions to help manage oil and support optimal healed results. Healing time is never rushed, as each session is planned around how the pigment looks once fully healed.
It depends, as hair growth speed varies from person to person. Some men need to shave daily, while others maintain their look by shaving every 2–3 days. Being consistent with your shaving routine is important, as it helps maintain a clean, balanced, and natural-looking result at all times.
How much does SMP cost?
A typical SMP treatment with Nick SMP costs $1,800–$3,200. Most clients need 3 to 4 sessions, and each session costs $600–$800, depending on the area being treated and the work needed.
Nick SMP builds the result gradually. Sessions are usually about one month apart so the scalp can heal before more pigment is added. Some clients, especially those with oily skin, may need more time between sessions.
During your consultation, you’ll receive a recommended plan, a price per session, and an estimated total. You pay for each session as you go.
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) works effectively on gray hair by using pigments that blend with the natural tones of your scalp and hair. The technician selects a lighter pigment shade that complements the gray hair, creating a natural look. Since SMP mimics the appearance of hair follicles rather than individual hair strands, the result looks like a closely shaved scalp or adds density to thinning areas.
PRE-PROCEDURE
- Shave or trim your scalp 24 hours before each session. Avoid cuts on it.
- Exfoliate your scalp 24 hours before each session.
- (For shaved scalps) Use body wash instead of shampoo and moisturizer every day since you booked your appointment for each session.
- (For long hair) Use natural shampoo and conditioner every day since you booked your appointment for each session.
AFTERCARE
- Keep your scalp dry for the following 2-4 days, and avoid sweat.
- Wash your scalp with warm/cold water 2 days after each session, avoiding direct water pressure, and don’t rub your scalp with your towel.
- After each session wait 4 days to start using the ointment every day twice a day, and if you feel your scalp dry and itchy and if you see dark flakes or thin scabs, try to protect it. This contains the ink, and it needs to come off from your scalp naturally. DO NOT TAKE IT OFF with your nails, towel, caps, paper, or anything!
- DO NOT APPLY ANYTHING ELSE DIFFERENT THAN THE OINTMENT!!! Do not use any oil.
- Do NOT STOP using the ointment until you finish it; if you still feel your scalp dry, buy more and keep applying it. If your scalp gets too oily, reduce the application of the ointment.
- Wash your scalp every day with warm/cold water, avoiding direct water pressure, and don’t rub your scalp with your towel.
- Avoid exposure to the sun.
- Avoid sweating. Do not do any kind of activity that may cause sweating.
- Avoid wearing caps or any headgear that prevents your skin from breathing or may make your scalp sweat.
- Do not shave your scalp for the first 7 days, and never use blades or close-to-the-skin shave systems.
GET YOUR PERSONALIZED ADVICE
