01
Evaluate
Your existing hair, scalp, hair loss pattern, skin and desired result are evaluated before treatment.
SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION • AUSTIN, TEXAS
What Is Scalp Micropigmentation?
Scalp micropigmentation, or SMP, is a cosmetic hair loss treatment that uses carefully placed pigment impressions to recreate the visual appearance of natural hair follicles. It can be used to create a shaved-head appearance, reduce the contrast of thinning areas, strengthen the appearance of a hairline, or camouflage certain scalp scars.
FREE CONSULTATION
DIRECT ARTIST ACCESS
AUSTIN STUDIO
THE SIMPLE EXPLANATION
SMP Creates The Appearance Of Hair. It Does Not Grow Hair.
Instead of transplanting or regrowing hair, SMP changes how the scalp looks. Small pigment impressions are placed throughout selected areas of the scalp and arranged to visually resemble closely shaved follicles. When existing hair is present, those impressions can also help reduce the contrast between the hair and exposed scalp.
HOW DOES SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION WORK?
Small Impressions. A Bigger Visual Difference.
Natural-looking SMP is not about simply covering the scalp with pigment. Impression size, spacing, tone, placement and density all work together to create the final appearance.
02
Design
The treatment area, hairline, density and overall approach are planned around your individual appearance.
03
Create
Pigment impressions are carefully placed to mimic the visual texture of closely shaved hair follicles.
04
Layer
Additional layers can build density, texture and blending as the treatment progresses and the scalp heals.
MORE THAN JUST A DOT
Creating The Micro Impression.
One of the most important parts of understanding SMP is understanding what the artist is trying to recreate: the visual texture of hair at scalp level.
Pigment tone is only one part of that equation. The impression also has to work with the client’s existing hair, skin tone, desired density and hairstyle.
01
Impression size should visually relate to the surrounding hair.
02
Spacing helps prevent the treatment from appearing overly solid.
03
Pigment selection is customized around the individual client.
04
Layering allows density and texture to be built progressively.
WHAT CAN SMP DO?
Different Hair Loss. Different Treatment Approaches.
Scalp micropigmentation is not one identical treatment for every client. The approach changes depending on the hair that remains, the areas affected by hair loss and the appearance you want.
TREATMENT 01
Shaved Head SMP
SMP can recreate the appearance of closely shaved follicles throughout areas affected by hair loss and can visually rebuild or strengthen the appearance of a receded hairline.
EXPLORE SHAVED HEAD SMP →
TREATMENT 02
Density SMP
When existing hair is still present, SMP can place micro impressions between the hair to reduce the visual contrast between exposed scalp and existing growth.
The goal is the appearance of greater density without pretending that new hair has actually grown.
TREATMENT 03
Scar Camouflage
SMP can help reduce the visual contrast of certain FUE, FUT and other scalp scars by blending their appearance with the surrounding scalp and hair.
Because scar tissue can retain pigment differently, treatment is evaluated and layered conservatively.
EXPLORE TRANSPLANT & SCAR SMP →
DIFFERENT HAIR. DIFFERENT APPROACH.
SMP Is Customized Around You.
SMP can be customized around different hair textures, hair colors, skin tones and patterns of hair loss. What changes is the way the treatment is designed.
Someone wearing a closely shaved hairstyle may require a very different impression pattern from someone using SMP between existing longer hair for density.
HAIR TEXTURE
Impression size and spacing can be adjusted around the appearance of existing hair.
HAIR COLOR
Pigment selection is planned around the overall appearance of the hair and scalp.
SKIN TONE
The treatment is customized instead of applying one identical pigment approach to every client.
HAIR LOSS
Treatment planning changes depending on where hair remains and where scalp exposure is most visible.
SETTING REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
What SMP Does And What It Doesn’t.
Understanding the limitation of the treatment is just as important as understanding its benefits.
SMP Can
✓
Create the visual appearance of closely shaved hair follicles.
✓
Reduce visible contrast between thinning hair and exposed scalp.
✓
Visually reconstruct or strengthen the appearance of a hairline.
✓
Camouflage the appearance of certain scalp and transplant scars.
SMP Does Not
×
Regrow hair or reactivate inactive hair follicles.
×
Add physical length or three-dimensional hair to the scalp.
×
Remove a scar. Scar camouflage is intended to reduce visual contrast.
×
Produce an identical result on every person or every skin type.
THE SMP PROCESS
What Happens From Start To Finish?
Your exact treatment plan can vary, but this is the general progression you can expect at Michael Angelo SMP.
01
Consultation
We discuss your hair loss, previous treatments, goals, hairstyle and the areas you want to improve.
02
Treatment Planning
Your artist determines the treatment areas, general pigment direction, density approach and hairline when applicable.
03
First Treatment Layer
The initial layer establishes the foundation of the treatment using carefully spaced impressions.
04
Healing
The scalp is allowed to heal so the appearance of the first treatment can be evaluated before further refinement.
05
Layering & Refinement
Additional treatment can build density, improve blending and refine areas that require more work.
06
Final Evaluation
The overall treatment is reviewed as it progresses so the finished appearance remains balanced and appropriate for you.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Treatment At A Glance.
1–3
TYPICAL TREATMENT SESSIONS
2–4
HOURS PER SESSION
FREE
INITIAL CONSULTATION
SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION FAQ
Still Have Questions?
Search the most common questions about SMP treatment, pricing, results and aftercare.
01
UNDERSTANDING SMP
How SMP Works
What is scalp micropigmentation?
Scalp micropigmentation is a cosmetic hair loss treatment that uses carefully placed pigment impressions to recreate the visual appearance of natural hair follicles.
Depending on the client, SMP can be used for a shaved-head appearance, visual density between existing hair, hairline reconstruction or certain types of scalp-scar camouflage.
What is SMP?
SMP is the abbreviation for scalp micropigmentation. Both terms refer to the same cosmetic scalp treatment.
How does scalp micropigmentation work?
An SMP artist places small pigment impressions throughout selected areas of the scalp. Impression size, spacing, pigment tone and density are planned to create a visual resemblance to hair follicles and blend with the client’s existing appearance.
Does SMP regrow hair?
No. Scalp micropigmentation does not regrow hair.
It changes the visual appearance of the scalp by recreating the appearance of follicles or reducing the contrast between existing hair and exposed scalp.
Is scalp micropigmentation a tattoo?
People sometimes use terms such as “scalp tattoo” or “hair tattoo” when searching for SMP. Scalp micropigmentation, however, is specifically designed around creating the visual appearance of hair follicles on the scalp.
Does SMP work with different hair and skin tones?
SMP can be customized around different hair textures, hair colors, skin tones and patterns of hair loss. Pigment tone, impression size, spacing and density are selected around the individual client.
02
COST & TREATMENT
Planning Your Treatment
How much does scalp micropigmentation cost?
Pricing depends on the amount and type of work required. Individual scalp sections are generally $800 per section. Scar camouflage is typically estimated at $800–$1,600.
Full density treatments are generally estimated at $2,000–$3,000, while full shaved-head SMP is generally estimated at $2,500–$2,800.
VIEW SMP COST & GET AN ESTIMATE →How many SMP sessions do I need?
Treatments generally take 1–3 sessions, depending on the treatment, skin response, healing, treatment area and desired density.
How long does an SMP session take?
Sessions commonly take approximately 2–4 hours. Smaller treatment areas can require less time while larger or more involved treatments can require more.
Does SMP hurt?
Comfort varies from person to person, and some areas of the scalp can be more sensitive than others. You can communicate with your artist throughout treatment about how you are feeling.
Is the consultation free?
Yes. Michael Angelo SMP consultations are free. You can discuss your hair loss, desired result, treatment areas and questions directly with your SMP artist.
How is my SMP hairline designed?
Your hairline is planned with you before treatment. Facial structure, existing hair, pattern of hair loss and your preferred style are considered before the design is finalized.
03
RESULTS
Appearance & Longevity
Is scalp micropigmentation permanent?
SMP is designed to be long lasting, but it can gradually lighten over time. Sun exposure, skin characteristics, lifestyle and aftercare can influence how the treatment ages.
How long does SMP last?
SMP commonly remains visible for several years before a client considers refreshing the appearance. How quickly it lightens varies from person to person.
Will scalp micropigmentation look natural?
Natural-looking SMP depends on the relationship between impression size, spacing, pigment tone, density, blending and hairline design.
The treatment should be customized rather than applying the same pattern or hairline to every client.
Can SMP make thinning hair look denser?
Yes, in suitable thinning areas. SMP can reduce the visible contrast between exposed scalp and existing hair, creating the appearance of greater density.
Can SMP camouflage FUE or FUT scars?
SMP can be used to reduce the visual contrast of certain FUE and FUT hair-transplant scars by blending the area with the surrounding scalp and hair.
Scar tissue can retain pigment differently from untreated skin, so the area should be evaluated before treatment.
Will my result look exactly like another client’s?
No. Hair loss, scalp characteristics, existing hair, facial features and treatment goals vary between clients. Your treatment should be designed around you.
04
AFTERCARE
Healing After SMP
Can I exercise after SMP?
Heavy exercise and excessive sweating are generally avoided for approximately the first 48 hours. Follow the specific instructions provided by your artist for your treatment.
When can I wash my scalp?
Follow the washing instructions provided after your treatment. Your artist may adjust the timeline depending on the work performed and how your scalp is healing.
Can I wear a hat after SMP?
Follow your artist’s instructions regarding hats and scalp contact during healing. Anything touching the treated scalp should be kept clean.
When can I shave after SMP?
Your artist will give you a shaving timeline based on your treatment. Avoid unnecessarily irritating the scalp during the initial healing period.
When can I swim or use a sauna?
Avoid soaking the treated scalp or exposing it to pools, hot tubs, steam rooms or saunas during the initial healing period. Follow the timeline provided by your artist.
Will I need time off work?
Many clients return to normal daily activities quickly, although temporary redness or sensitivity may be visible following treatment.
Couldn’t Find Your Question?
Speak directly with your SMP artist and we’ll help.
CALL (512) 539-8915 →
SEE SMP IN MORE DETAIL
Learn Before You Decide.
Researching the treatment is an important part of deciding whether SMP makes sense for your hair loss and the appearance you want.
READ THE COMPLETE SMP GUIDE →
MICHAEL ANGELO SMP • AUSTIN, TEXAS
Your Treatment Should Look Like You.
SMP is highly visual, which makes communication between the client and artist an important part of the treatment. Your hairline, density, pigment approach and treatment areas should be planned around your individual features and goals.
At Michael Angelo SMP, you can speak directly with your artist throughout the consultation, treatment and healing process.
12636 Research Blvd, Suite C215
Austin, TX 78759
YOUR NEXT STEP
Now You Know What SMP Is. Let’s Talk About Your Scalp.
Schedule a free consultation with Michael Angelo SMP to discuss your hair loss, existing hair, desired result and which treatment approach may make sense for you.
MICHAEL ANGELO SMP • 12636 RESEARCH BLVD • SUITE C215 • AUSTIN, TX 78759