A non-surgical hair loss solution that replicates individual hair follicles on the scalp — restoring the appearance of a full head of closely shaved hair or adding density to thinning areas. Medical assessment included.
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a specialist non-surgical procedure that uses a precise pigmentation technique to replicate the appearance of individual hair follicles on the surface of the scalp. For clients experiencing significant or complete hair loss, SMP recreates the look of a freshly shaved head — creating the impression of a full, dense crop of hair at zero length. For clients with thinning hair or visible scalp through the hair, SMP adds the visual impression of greater density and coverage.
Unlike hair transplants, which are surgical and carry associated risks and recovery periods, SMP is non-invasive, requires no recovery time, and delivers immediate, visible results from the first session. A full SMP treatment programme comprises two to three sessions across several weeks, allowing the practitioner to build density, refine the hairline design, and lock in the pigment to the correct depth for a lasting, realistic result.
At Obsidian Clinics in Glasgow, every SMP client undergoes a detailed medical consultation with our Nurse Prescriber before treatment begins. This ensures that any underlying conditions contributing to hair loss are assessed, suitability is confirmed, and the treatment plan is tailored to your degree of hair loss, scalp condition, and desired outcome. All SMP work at Obsidian is delivered with the same precision and medical oversight that defines our aesthetic treatments.
A thorough medical consultation assesses your hair loss pattern, scalp condition, any underlying conditions, and your desired outcome. Suitability for SMP is confirmed.
For clients with receding or absent hairlines, a natural-looking hairline is designed and drawn for approval — considering age-appropriate shape, density gradient, and overall balance.
The first session establishes the foundational layer of pigmentation across the treatment area, working systematically to create a natural-looking density at a moderate intensity.
At least one week after the first session, a second session builds additional density and depth, refining coverage and beginning to lock in colour at the correct level.
The final session adds finishing refinements, adjusts tone and density in any areas that need attention, and completes the hairline for a fully natural result.
A full SMP treatment programme typically comprises two to three sessions, scheduled at least one to two weeks apart. The number of sessions depends on your degree of hair loss, scalp area to be covered, and desired density. Some clients with large treatment areas or very advanced hair loss may require an additional session. Your practitioner will provide a full session plan at consultation.
Scalp micropigmentation results typically last three to five years before a colour refresh is needed. Longevity depends on skin type, sun exposure (UV accelerates pigment fading on the scalp), and skincare habits. SPF protection daily significantly extends the result. A refresh appointment is a single session that restores vibrancy and is far less intensive than the original programme.
Yes. SMP is an effective solution for women experiencing diffuse thinning, visible scalp, or alopecia. The technique adds the visual impression of density between existing hair follicles, significantly reducing the appearance of scalp visibility. The treatment is tailored to the hair parting, density distribution, and existing hair colour to ensure a seamless result.
When performed by an experienced SMP practitioner, the result is highly realistic. Each follicle dot is placed individually with variation in size, angle, and spacing to mimic the natural random distribution of real hair follicles. The pigment is selected to match your natural or desired hair colour precisely. From conversational distance, it is indistinguishable from a closely shaved head.
SMP can be lightened or removed using saline removal or laser treatment, though full removal may require multiple sessions. This is why a thorough consultation and realistic expectations are essential before committing to SMP. Our practitioners will ensure you are fully informed before any treatment begins.
SMP is effective for male and female pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, alopecia universalis (when scalp hair is affected), post-chemotherapy hair loss, and hair thinning at any stage. It can also be used to camouflage scalp scarring from previous hair transplant surgery. Medical assessment is required for all cases.
Expert SMP at Obsidian Clinics, Beauty Beehive, Glasgow. Medical consultation and assessment included.
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