Improve Transplant Results with Australia's leading SMP clinic
Why Our Specialised 3D SMP Practice Delivers Superior Results.
What Makes Us The Best Choice
Our Customers’ SuccessStories
Based on 83 reviews
I recently had SMP done by Novoscalp and I could not be happier. The end result is amazing and has given me my confidence back. Brett…
In my profession it is essential that I maintain a dignified and professional look, so when my hair stopped cooperating, I was referred to ….
The scalp treatment provided by Brett and Annie was outstanding. From the very first consultation through to multiple sessions, they….
Brett and the team were amazing during the whole procedure! The result was better than expected and I would definitely recommend …
I cannot speak highly enough of Novascalp clinic. My entire experience from the moment I walked in was fantastic. The professionalism …..
Reserve Your Free Consultation
Discover how a customised SMP Treatment with Novoscalp can benefit you.
Complete the short form and we’ll be in touch to arrange your consultation…
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)?
Scalp Micropigmentation is a cosmetic tattooing technique which conceals balding. It is suitable for many applications including stubble imitation to create a full buzz cut look, creating the illusion of density in longer hair in women and men by diminishing the lightness of exposed scalp and for concealing Alopecia. The treatment is also effective in significantly reducing the appearance and contrast of transplant scarring (FUT and FUE) and other cranial scars or random patches of hair loss. It is also suitable for beard stubble patches or beard enhancement and definition.
How does SMP work?
In an SMP procedure tiny deposits of pigment are placed in the scalp skin to make a fine stipple pattern or copy of your freshly shaved stubble. In longer hair scenarios this texture diminishes the light scalp tone to reduce the contrast with your existing growth. This is typically done over three sessions using a specialised technique and different pigment dilutions to create our 3D SMP effect to produce a natural and lasting result. The tattoo texture in the areas of hair loss is artistically blended into your existing stubble or growth creating the illusion of thicker hair or a full head of shaved hair.
Does SMP look real?
With SMP a viable technique and exceptional results only come from the correct training followed by years of experience on different skin types and scenarios. For this reason the realism of results varies from one company to the next and you should always seek an experienced provider like Novoscalp SMP Clinics in Sydney who have extensive experience (since 2015) specialising in SMP if you want a realistic outcome. SMP does look real! – when it’s done right. Many of our clients are able to ‘fly under the radar’ with their colleagues and family during the process. For every treatment type and approach the way the layering happens in subtle increments over the sessions and even once the treatment is completed makes it difficult for people to notice or work out why you look more vibrant. The final result of some 30 to 40 thousand tiny impressions (for most treatments) creates a convincing illusion no-one can imagine is a tattoo. A number of factors determine how effective this illusion is and how it retains it’s integrity. The experience, artistic skill and judgement of your Artist, their approach and the materials and technique used all contribute to the most ideal result possible. At Novoscalp SMP Clinics in Sydney we have a conservative approach and build towards a perfect final tone result with a 3D appearance and natural gradations at the hairline and through lighter areas such as the crown. We are at the forefront of this industry using SMP specific needles, pigment and tattoo devices.
What Issues Can Scalp Micropigmentation Solve or Improve?
SMP can be used to treat either the whole scalp area or just the patches where scalp is becoming exposed. Here are some of issues a Scalp Micropigmentation treatment with Novoscalp SMP Clinics in Sydney can help camouflage:
Total baldness
Male pattern baldness
Receding hairline
Bald patches
Is SMP the same as a tattoo?
The look of SMP is created using a tattoo machine designed specifically for Scalp Micropigmentation to carefully deposit pigments shallow into the skin of the scalp. It is important to understand that scalp pigmentation is not a traditional body art tattoo – a specialised technique is used and the colors used are formulated differently specifically for SMP and need to be diluted at the correct ratios for natural looking outcomes. It is also important to know that a correctly applied Scalp Micropigmentation treatment does not last forever, and may need a touch up after 3 years or longer depending on the application type and the required pigmentation tone.
Is SMP safe?
A Scalp Micropigmentation treatment with Novoscalp is completely safe. Pigments are formulated for each client session and disposable needle cartridges are opened from sterile packages and used as required. All surfaces are sterilised with antibacterial wipes in between each client. At Novoscalp Clinics we use premium SMP pigment. SMP pigment is derived from an organic source that has been used for tattooing over the centuries. There are no known allergies or reactions to the FDA approved pigment we use.
Can SMP Cause Hair Loss?
Scalp Micropigmentation performed correctly does not cause hair loss. The target area for deposits of pigment is in the lower layers of the superficial scalp skin. Hair follicle bulbs are deeper into the next dermal layer down in the connective tissue and will not be damaged with the correct technique.
Does SMP Hurt?
Every client has a different level of scalp sensitivity. Scalp Micropigmentation is a tattoo and most people are able to tolerate any discomfort over the course of an SMP session especially knowing it is worth it for an ideal result. Topical anaesthetics are able to be used in cases where a client is not able to cope with the sensation for the duration of the session.
Can Scalp Micropigmentation Go Wrong?
Scalp Micropigmentation is a refined and light-handed artistic application without room for error. As Scalp Micropigmentation has grown in popularity, so has the number of inexperienced Artists offering the treatment. We have seen the results of poor or completely incorrect SMP technique in many of these cases over the recent years. Many clients require laser removal to create a ‘clean’ enough scalp to effect a natural result with the correct technique. A cheap treatment can ending up costing you more in the long run. Provided you choose a company like Novoscalp SMP Clinics in Sydney who have experience (since 2015) in every SMP scenario, you can expect your treatment to be a complete success with flawless detail and the expected outcome achieved.
Is SMP suitable for people with long thinning hair?
If your hair is thinning we can create the illusion of thicker hair using a similar process as the shaved head look style to diminish the exposed scalp with a natural texture and to create a more uniform tone and look.
See More
Can women get Scalp Micropigmentation?
A receding hairline, thin hair and balding patches can also occur in women. An SMP treatment will create the illusion of more density in sparse, longer hair. The areas between the natural strands are shaded on the scalp with our 3D SMP stipple technique resulting in a fuller look. This application works very well on women regardless of the length of the hair. Although the hair will still be thin, the scalp won’t be so prominently visible through it. For women suffering from hair loss at the hairline, crown or throughout, Scalp Micropigmentation is a subtle yet effective solution. SMP is also a convenient and permanent alternative to thickeners and concealing fibres such as Toppik or Caboki.
How many sessions are needed for an SMP treatment?
Most Scalp Micropigmentation treatments for hair loss are performed over three sessions of 2-3 hours duration which are typically spaced one week apart. In almost every case a review of the healed result is offered four weeks later and any possible refinements are made in this session.
How long is an SMP treatment session?
This depends on your case and the extent of hair loss but usually around 2-3 hours.
Will people be able to tell I am having the treatment done?
The effect of each layering is usually subtle enough to not be noticeable. Some redness resembling mild sunburn can be evident in shaved head clients for 4 – 24 hours after a session typically.
What length should my hair be at the first session?
We prefer that you come to each session with a shaved head from the day before. This is our reference for building the stubble match and blend. If your treatment involves adding density to an existing hairline, crown or thinning area of longer hair shaving your head for any of the sessions is not required.
Do I need to keep the shaved look?
For the buzz cut style SMP result shaving or buzzing down (to zero) every 1-3 days will retain the most natural and undetectable look. The concealment of balding for this look is an illusion created by imitating your existing stubble. As stubble grows the contrast between it and the tattoo imitation eventually becomes visible.
Who decides on the construction of the hairline?
For clients with no existing hairline we account for personal preferences but recommend an age appropriate shape and location suited to your individual features. Referencing certain facial features and featuring soft gradations is the key to creating the most natural and appropriate hairline recreations. In longer hair scenarios we are limited to enhancing your hairline in it’s current shape and form with soft peppering at the edge gradating back into darker tones for the ideal illusion. This is a key to creating the most natural and appropriate result.
How Long Does SMP Healing Take?
Since SMP sessions are done so closely together, your skin will virtually go from one healing cycle straight into another. This means true healing is completely over 3-4 weeks after your last session. This is how long it takes for the pigments to show their true color, and for the tissue to heal completely. After that, you don’t need to pay any special attention to your scalp, but try to minimize sunlight exposure and wear SPF when outdoors – lots of direct sun exposure speeds up pigment fading.
Do you also do SMP for scar camouflage?
Yes! Scalp Micropigmentation isn’t just for male pattern baldness. It is also used to conceal scars from previous surgeries or injuries. Both FUE and FUT transplant scars can be concealed with SMP.
Do I need products to maintain SMP?
We recommend trying to keep an oil neutral scalp through occasional gentle exfoliation and moisturising if necessary and for longer hair using a dandruff-free shampoo for dry flaky scalps.
Does continually shaving my head affect an SMP treatment?
Aside from the 2-3 day period of keeping your scalp dry after each SMP session you can shave your head every day and wash it as well. The pigment is protected and sealed off under several layers of skin and will not be affected by this over time.
Can I use Humm, Afterpay or ZipMoney?
We accept payments as bank transfers, credit card transactions and through any of our partners – Humm, Afterpay and ZipMoney.
What if I cant tolerate the pain?
Topical anaesthetics (numbing gel ) are able to be used in cases where a client is not able to cope with the sensation for the duration of the session.
How long does a treatment last?
There are a number of variables but we expect your treatment result to be at it’s optimum for two to four years (depending on aspects of your lifestyle) before it may need a touch up. It’s better to have a conservatively applied treatment that can be retoned in the future to effect a natural look again rather than a cruder dark approach that invariably won’t retain it’s detail and doesn’t leave you that option.
When Should You Get an SMP Touch Up?
After your initial 3 or 4 sessions of SMP the texture and tone should be effecting a natural looking result and you shouldn’t have to worry about touch ups for 2-4 years. You can get colour refresher touch ups when you feel like your results have faded significantly or your hair loss has advanced over that time. It all depends on the pace at which your pigments fade. Generally, it’s best to book a touch up as soon as you notice the fade is significant or the blends into your existing hair or shaved stubble are not creating the ideal illusion. The further the pigments fade, the more work will be needed to refresh the tone. It is important to know that a crudely applied SMP tattoo with darker than necessary pigment dilutions or large deposits can not be retouched.
How much does a retouch cost?
This is based on an the time taken and remaining tone and is usually $900 -$1500
How Do I Prepare for Scalp Micropigmentation?
Here’s what to avoid before the treatment in order to for it to go smoothly:
- Stop taking any fish oil supplements 5 days prior to your initial session
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, ibuprofen, aspirin for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
- Don’t do any other scalp treatments at least two weeks before your SMP treatment.
- If you take blood-thinning medication like Warfarin or Plavix (clopidogrel), consult your doctor and see if it would be safe to discontinue the use for a few days prior to each session. For Eliquis, Xarelto and Lovenox (apixaban, rivaroxaban, heparin) stopping use for one day prior to the session is recommended.
- As tanned skin is more sensitive it is recommended not to sunbathe for number of days prior.
- Especially for oily or flaky skin types we advise exfoliating the scalp in the 3 or 4 days leading up to the treatment to remove dead skin cells and neautralise the oil content.
What are the aftercare instructions?
SMP is relatively non-invasive, but the area will need a few days to heal and you need to follow an aftercare routine between sessions. This will affect your hair washing regime: Keep the scalp dry if possible for 2 days after an SMP session. Use a mild shampoo between sessions and avoid harsh scrubbing. You can return to your normal regime 2 weeks after the final session. Avoid the following especially in the 3 days immediately after sessions, and if possible for 7 days after each session:
- Touching your scalp, sunlight exposure and excessive sweating
- Long, hot showers and any sauna or steam room environment
- Swimming in chlorine or saltwater.
This are the general guidelines for Scalp Micropigmentation post-care and it is recommended that you do your best to follow them as closely as possible.
Is there any downtime in recovering from a session?
There is no downtime required after your session although we do suggest scheduling a restful day if it is possible.
What’s SMP Healing Like?
An SMP treatment is relatively non-invasive but since it does involve penetrating the surface of the skin it takes a few days for the micro-wounds to close up. After each session, you can expect:
- Some redness and irritation (usually subsides over 3-4 hours but can take a couple of days).
- The pigments looking dark then softening off (they take their final color after the healing is over).
- The area may feel dry and a little itchy after a few days – We recommend Vitamin A &D ointment to relieve this.
How do I best protect my SMP from sunlight?
Wear protective sunscreen or a hat whenever you are going out and expecting to be in direct sunlight for over an hour. Too much exposure to direct sunlight can cause the SMP pigments to fade prematurely.
How Much Does SMP Cost?
The price of the SMP treatment can vary significantly based on many factors, the primary one being the size of the area treated. The general range for SMP for the shaved look or an extensive men’s or women’s density treatment is between $2000 and $4500. Scar camouflage and other applications in smaller areas vary from $500 to $2500. To find out how much it would cost to treat a particular case, contact Novoscalp Clinics to arrange a free consultation and let us assess the amount of work that needs to arrive at a complete and natural result.
When are the payments for my treatment due?
Once the three initial dates are scheduled a 50% deposit is required in the following days in most caes to secure the booking. The remainder is payable prior to or at the second session in most cases. We accept bank transfers, cash and credit cards.
How do I get started?
You can call 02 91992755 or visit our website to submit a request for contact or booking a free consultation. We hope we hear from you soon!
Have Your SMP Treatment Now & Pay Later.
Why wait when you can enjoy the benefits of your treatment now and pay it off over time with one of our financing partners.
