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SMP studio directory & education

Find your SMP artist.Know what to look for.

Scalp micropigmentation can change your appearance. The person doing it makes the difference. Find a studio and get the answers you need before you decide.

Browse worldwide
Understand SMP

Hand-selected studios. Explore the work before you choose.

Micropigmentation pen placing pigment on silicone practice material
Small pigment impressions.
A decision that deserves care.

What brings you here?

Choose your situation to see the questions that matter.

Find a specific answer
A new hairlineThinning hairSMP for womenTransplant scarsExisting SMP and upkeepSMP you want corrected

Creating the appearance
of a close shave

Discuss a hairline that suits your face and age, and a hair length that blends with your remaining hair.

What you may gain

A more defined hairline and the appearance of short follicles across an area of hair loss.

What you accept

The pigment is flat. Keeping the surrounding hair short may be part of making the appearance consistent.

Ask the artist

“Show me similar hair loss, in ordinary lighting, with the hair at the length I will maintain.”

Prepare your questions
Illustrative shaved scalp for learning where to inspect a hairline
Illustrative appearance. Ask to see an artist’s comparable work.

Reducing the contrast
beneath existing hair

The starting point is how much scalp shows through and how you normally wear your hair.

What you may gain

A scalp that contrasts less with surrounding hair, creating the appearance of greater density.

What you accept

SMP adds pigment. It cannot add hair strands, prevent future hair loss or promise the same appearance in every light.

Ask the artist

“How would this look if my hair thins further? Show me a comparable case with the same hair length.”

Prepare your questions
Illustrative man with visibly thinning hair
Discuss your remaining hair and how you normally wear it.

SMP for women with thinning hair

Start with the part, hair length and areas of scalp that show through.

What to discuss

Ask how pigment could reduce the contrast beneath your hair. Bring photographs of the way you normally style it.

What to understand

SMP adds pigment. It does not grow hair or prevent further hair loss. Ask what may change as your hair or styling changes.

Ask the artist

“Show me examples with a similar part and hair length, in ordinary lighting.”

Prepare your questions
Illustrative woman examining the part in her hair in a mirror
Your part, styling and lighting belong in the consultation.

Making some scars
less conspicuous

Discuss the scar's condition and the amount of contrast you hope to reduce.

What you may gain

Pigment may help a suitable scar blend more closely with surrounding hair and scalp.

What you accept

Pigment does not remove the scar or flatten its texture. Ask whether assessment by a medical professional is needed.

Ask the artist

“Have you worked on this type of scar? What can reasonably improve, and what will remain visible?”

Prepare your questions
Illustration of a mature linear transplant scar on the back of a man’s head
Transplant scar illustrated. Ask for examples of the same scar type and texture.

Review your existing SMP before a touch-up

Bring treatment dates and clear photographs of the current appearance.

What to discuss

Ask how the artist will assess your existing pigment before adding more. Discuss the hair length you maintain and any changes you have noticed.

What to understand

A maintenance plan needs an assessment of the work already there. Ask what the visit includes and how future costs are handled.

Ask the artist

“What needs attention now, and what would you leave as it is?”

Prepare your questions
Clipper, towel and sun hat for discussing everyday upkeep
Understand what your chosen appearance requires day to day.

Get an assessment before adding more pigment

Describe what concerns you about the hairline, color or impressions.

What to discuss

Ask what can reasonably improve and what may need another professional’s assessment.

What to understand

Some cases may need lightening or removal before further SMP can be considered. Adding darkness can make an unsuitable design harder to correct.

Ask the artist

“What are the stages, risks and full costs of the proposed correction?”

Read the correction questions
Prepare your questions
Professional laser equipment for a discussion of correction options
Correction options depend on the existing work and your scalp.

Situations are illustrated. Suitability needs an individual assessment.

Before you choose SMP

Before you choose SMP

What it can do. What you need to think through.

Man with thinning hair looking at his reflection
Start with the appearance you want to live with.

SMP creates the appearance of hair follicles by placing small deposits of pigment in the scalp.

It can recreate the look of a close shave, soften the contrast of thinning hair or help camouflage some scars. It does not grow hair or add physical volume.

The useful question is what that appearance would mean for you every day. Think about the hair length you want, your remaining hair and how comfortable you feel with a lasting cosmetic change.

Describe the result you want. Bring examples, explain what you dislike and ask what is realistic for your scalp.

Treatment overview · Cleveland Clinic ↗

How to judge an SMP portfolio

Choose a detail. Learn what to look for and what to ask.

Illustrative scalp showing hairline shape and pigment detail
The line follows this illustrated hairline. Judge a studio by its actual work.

Hairline shape

Look at the outline and the transition into remaining hair.

Look at the outline, the edges and the transition into remaining hair. Ask for front and side photographs. Inspect clear close views, too. A flattering angle alone gives you little to judge.

Discuss the appearance in everyday situations: daylight, overhead lighting and a normal conversation at close range.

Take these questions with you

Pigment detail

Inspect clear close photographs and ask about shade and spacing.

Look for clear photographs that let you inspect the impressions and their spacing. Ask why the density and shade are appropriate for that person.

Ask to view unfiltered work. Image processing and dramatic lighting can change how the scalp appears.

Take these questions with you

Lighting and time

Check the lighting, photograph date and treatment stage.

Ask for dates: fresh work, work after recovery and older examples when available. Find out whether a touch-up happened before the photograph.

An artist who reviews returning clients has more opportunities to learn from settled work. Years in business alone do not establish the quality of that work.

Take these questions with you

The named artist

Confirm whose work you are seeing and who will treat you.

Confirm the named artist. Ask which examples are their work, and which match your skin, hair loss and desired appearance.

Read reviews for details about communication, treatment and follow-up. A rating is a starting point for your research.

Take these questions with you

See what changes the appearance

Compare individual impressions with a dense edge. Use the example to ask clearer questions about the work you see.

Can you see individual impressions? Ask for clear close photographs and a view from normal conversation distance.

Diagram on practice material. It does not show a patient or predict a treatment result.

Why your artist’s reputation matters

Choosing the person behind the procedure

Why your artist's
reputation matters

You are choosing a hairline, a technique and someone to trust if you have concerns later.

Look beyond the studio's address and the first photograph. Find out who will perform the work, inspect that person's results and ask how they handle follow-up.

Illustrative consultation with a prospective client and a hairline drawing
A clear conversation should come before the appointment.

The eye for a hairline

Shape, softness and placement affect whether the design suits you. Ask why the proposed hairline works with your face, age and remaining hair.

The control of the pigment

The detail comes from the individual impressions. Ask about shade, placement and how the artist builds the appearance across visits.

The history after treatment

Older work and returning clients give you more to investigate. Ask how those visits have informed the artist's approach and future maintenance.

Reputation should give you evidence to inspect. Look for specific client accounts, identifiable work and straightforward answers.

How to inspect the work

Use what you have learned

Choose your artist with more confidence.

Explore the directory, then take specific questions to your consultation.

Search the directory
Understand studio selection ↗

Founder Alex Asher also operates SCALPS, which has two locations in the directory. A listing does not guarantee an individual outcome.

Take better questions to your artist

Prepare for your consultation

Select your situation, then print a question sheet to take with you.

Illustrative discussion about a proposed hairline
View your consultation questions

SMP Education Society · Consultation questions

Ask every artist

  • Who will perform my treatment, and which portfolio examples are their work?
  • Can you show comparable results in ordinary lighting, including older work?
  • What appearance is realistic for my starting point?
  • How many visits are anticipated, and what does the full estimate include?
  • What preparation, aftercare and ongoing maintenance will I need?
  • How do you handle concerns or an unexpected result?

Questions for hairline

  • How did you choose this hairline shape and height for my face and age?
  • What hair length will I need to maintain, and how might future hair loss affect the look?

Questions for thinning hair

  • How will pigment blend with my current hair length and color?
  • What would the plan be if my hair thins further?

Questions for women’s smp

  • Which examples match my part, hair length and areas of thinning?
  • What can I expect under different lighting and when my hair is styled differently?

Questions for scars

  • Have you worked on this type of scar, and can I inspect similar results?
  • What needs assessment before pigment is considered?

Questions for upkeep

  • How will you assess the existing pigment before adding more?
  • What is included in the maintenance visit and its price?

Questions for correction

  • What can reasonably improve, and what may need another professional’s assessment?
  • What are the stages, risks and full costs before any further SMP?

Use this sheet to guide a conversation. Your plan needs an individual assessment.

Find a studio to speak with

What can go wrong with SMP?

Explore a concern before you agree to a treatment plan.

Illustrations on practice material. An individual case needs assessment.

An unnatural hairline

A harsh edge or unsuitable shape can make the work conspicuous. Review the design together before pigment is placed.

Explore correction questions
Illustrations on practice material. An individual case needs assessment.

Spread or uneven impressions

Pigment placed too deeply can spread. Discuss how the artist controls placement and assesses the appearance between visits.

Explore correction questions
Illustrations on practice material. An individual case needs assessment.

Color that looks out of place

Blue or green tones can occur. Ask how pigment and technique are chosen, and inspect older examples in ordinary lighting.

Explore correction questions
Illustrations on practice material. An individual case needs assessment.

A plan you cannot maintain

If the result relies on very short hair, make sure that suits you. Discuss future hair loss and the appearance you will maintain.

Explore correction questions

Ask about hygiene and your skin.

Infection and allergic reactions are possible. Discuss skin concerns and medical history with an appropriate professional. Ask about sterile equipment, pigment and aftercare.

Risks and precautions · Cleveland Clinic ↗Technique and outcomes · JCAS ↗
Already unhappy with your SMP?

Already unhappy with your SMP?

Understand the existing work before adding more pigment.

Get an assessment of the hairline, color, impressions and condition of your scalp.

Keep treatment dates, pigment information and clear photographs. Ask an experienced provider what can reasonably improve and what may remain.

Some cases may be revised. Others may need lightening or removal before a new treatment can be considered. Adding darkness may make an unsuitable design more difficult to correct.

Study of people seeking SMP correction · IJD ↗

Fever, drainage, severe pain or severe redness after treatment need medical attention. Contact your provider about concerning swelling.

Understanding laser removal

Laser removal:
process, pain and cost

A correction can mean another series of appointments before you consider SMP again.

Laser energy breaks pigment into particles that the body clears over time. Repeated treatments and recovery between visits are usually needed.

How removal works · FDA ↗
Professional laser equipment and protective eyewear on a clinical tray
Discuss your skin and pigment with a medical professional.

Discomfort and recovery

Removal can be painful. Ask about numbing and aftercare. Recovery and discomfort vary with the person and treatment.

Comfort and recovery · AAD ↗

The full expense

Ask for an estimate covering removal visits, follow-up and any later SMP. Add travel and time away from work to your own budget.

The possible limits

Complete removal may not be possible. Skin color changes and scars can occur. Some cosmetic pigments react unpredictably to laser treatment.

Risks and limitations · FDA ↗

Avoid home removal kits and creams. The FDA has not approved them; they can damage your skin.

Treatment, recovery and upkeep

See what each stage requires before you book.

Before treatment

Agree on the design, the artist and the full plan. Ask how many visits are anticipated, when they happen and what preparation is needed.

During the visits

Ask how the appearance is built and reviewed. Understand the time involved, the expected discomfort and the opportunity to discuss concerns.

While the scalp recovers

Get written aftercare instructions. Ask when washing, shaving, exercise, swimming and sun exposure can resume for your treatment.

In the years ahead

Discuss the hair length you will keep, sun protection and possible future touch-ups. Ask how you will review changes and what maintenance may cost.

Traveling for your artist? Confirm the actual visit schedule before buying tickets. Allow time for recovery and review. Ask how you would handle an extra appointment.

Illustrative hairline planning before treatment
Discuss the design before treatment. Planning illustrated.
SMP equipment for discussing treatment visits
Ask how the visits build the agreed appearance.
Hair clipper, folded towel and sun hat
Ask your artist for written preparation and aftercare instructions.
Hair clipper, folded towel and sun hat
Discuss the upkeep your chosen appearance requires.

What should your
SMP quote include?

Compare the full treatment and the actual work.

A low starting price leaves unanswered questions if the sessions, artist or follow-up are unclear. Ask for the total in writing before paying a deposit.

Illustrative conversation about a treatment plan
Make the full plan clear before you commit. Consultation illustrated.

Check each item as you discuss the quote with an artist.

0 of 4 items checked.

Prepare for the conversation

Find answers about SMP

Search the questions, or open the answer you need.

All questions are available below.

What is SMP? Is it a hair tattoo?

SMP means scalp micropigmentation. Start with the procedure, the appearance it creates and the choices you will need to make.

Read the essentials
Will SMP grow hair?

SMP creates a visual effect with pigment. Read what it can change and what it cannot change before deciding on a treatment.

Understand the result
How do I choose a good SMP artist?

Inspect the named artist’s work, ask about older results and look for specific accounts of treatment and follow-up.

Choose your artist
How can I judge SMP photographs?

Inspect the hairline and close detail in ordinary lighting. Ask when the photographs were taken and which examples match your starting point.

Inspect the portfolio
What should I ask about SMP price?

Request the full treatment estimate. Ask what is included, what may cost extra and how future maintenance is priced.

Understand the costs
What if my SMP looks blue or unnatural?

Start with an assessment of the existing work. Read the correction questions before committing to another procedure.

Explore correction
What should I know about laser removal?

Understand the process and its possible limits. Discuss discomfort and the full costs with the professional assessing your scalp.

Understand removal
Where can I read other people’s SMP discussions?

The community section links to articles on Reddit. Read the context and discuss questions about your own plan with your artist.

Read the articles
Can SMP look natural up close?

Ask to inspect comparable work at a normal conversation distance and in clear close photographs. Discuss the hairline, the individual impressions and how your remaining hair will blend. An artist should explain the choices behind the appearance you want.

Will my hairline still suit me as I get older?

Discuss how the proposed shape suits your age and face now, and whether you want to maintain that design later. Ask how future hair loss could change the plan. Give yourself time to consider the drawing before treatment.

What if I am still losing hair?

Tell the artist about the changes you have noticed. Discuss how the appearance could be maintained if the area of thinning expands. If the cause of your hair loss is unknown, seek a medical assessment and discuss your options.

Will it work with grey hair?

Ask for examples with similar hair color, skin tone and hair length. Discuss contrast and pigment shade in ordinary lighting. Do not judge suitability from a dark photograph of someone with different hair.

Can women use SMP for thinning hair?

Discuss where the scalp shows through, your usual hairstyle and the appearance you hope to achieve. Ask for comparable cases and how changes in hair density might affect the result. A medical professional can assess unexplained hair loss.

Will I need to shave my head?

A shaved appearance and work beneath longer hair are different plans. Ask which hair length is needed for your proposed treatment and whether you want to maintain it. Settle this question before you book.

How do I assess an artist who is newly trained?

Ask about supervised work, experience with cases like yours and the evidence available after recovery. A course certificate alone cannot show how that person's work looks over time. Choose based on what you can verify and the care you need.

Should I choose the nearest studio?

Location matters for visits and follow-up. Compare it with the named artist's work, experience and communication. Consider traveling farther for the artist you prefer.

How many sessions will I need?

Get a plan for your own scalp and desired appearance. Ask how visits are spaced, when the work is reviewed and whether an extra appointment would cost more. Confirm travel arrangements against that plan.

What if I feel pressured to book?

Ask for the proposed design and a written quote. Read the booking terms. Take time to inspect the work and ask questions. You should understand the plan before you commit to a lasting change.

Keep exploring your questions

Browse the Society’s answers about appearance, artists, correction and upkeep.

Open the learning library ↗

Take the SMP guide with you.

Get the Society’s free guide to scalp micropigmentation. Review the benefits, limitations and questions to ask before choosing an artist.

Use the form to request your copy by email.

Read SMP articles
and join the conversation.

Explore Hair Tattoo SMP Chat on Reddit. Read the full post and the discussion around it.

Illustrative scalp beside a window in natural light
Inspecting results

SMP in different lighting

Illustrative man with short grey hair
Color and contrast

SMP and grey hair

Illustrative artist inspecting pigment on practice material
Choosing an artist

What matters beyond price

Article images illustrate the topics. These are community articles. A post or comment is a person’s account, and may need more context. It does not establish a provider’s current standard of work.

Visit Hair Tattoo SMP Chat