Which SMP finish will suit your hair and lifestyle?

Quick answer

I choose between a shaved look and density SMP by looking at your existing hair, preferred hairstyle, hair loss pattern and how much daily upkeep you want. A shaved finish creates the appearance of closely cropped follicles, while density SMP works between existing hairs to reduce visible scalp and make thinning look less obvious.

What is the difference between a shaved look and density SMP?

A shaved-look treatment is designed to create the visual impression of a closely shaved head. Tiny pigment impressions mimic the appearance of hair follicles across areas where hair is very thin or absent. The design usually includes a hairline and temple shape that suits your face, age and usual style.

Density SMP is different because your existing hair remains in place. I place pigment between the hairs, where it reduces the contrast between your hair and scalp. This can make thinning areas appear fuller without asking you to shave your head.

Neither option grows hair or changes the way your follicles work. SMP creates a visual effect. During consultation, I explain what it can realistically disguise and where some scalp showing through will still be normal.

You can read more about the treatment itself on my scalp micropigmentation service page.

When does a shaved finish make more sense?

A shaved finish may suit you if you already keep your hair very short, have extensive hair loss, or prefer a consistent close-cropped appearance. It can also be appropriate where there is not enough existing hair for a density approach to blend into.

The hairline is particularly important here. I do not simply draw a straight or overly low line. We agree a shape based on your facial structure, age, remaining hair and personal preference. The temples and transition into the sides need to look connected to the overall pattern.

Your usual grooming routine matters too. A shaved effect is most convincing when you are comfortable maintaining a short style. If you normally wear your hair longer, changing to a close shave is a lifestyle decision as well as a treatment decision.

I assess the colour of your current hair follicles when choosing pigment. A darker pigment is not automatically more realistic, particularly on a closely shaved scalp. The aim is a soft follicle shadow with natural variation, not a solid block of colour. My guide to matching SMP pigment to your natural hair explains this in more detail.

When is density SMP the better option?

Density SMP may be more suitable if you want to keep your hair longer or do not want a shaved appearance. It is commonly considered for diffuse thinning, a widening parting, visible scalp at the crown, or thinning that remains after a hair transplant.

The work is placed between existing hairs rather than treating the scalp as though it were completely bald. The outcome is not a fully painted scalp. Some scalp will continue to show through, especially in bright light or when the hair is separated.

The amount of existing hair affects what density SMP can achieve. If an area is completely bare, there may be no surrounding hair for the pigment to blend with. In that situation, we may discuss whether a shaved-look design, a combination approach or another option would be more appropriate.

Hair length and styling habits also affect the design. I need to know how you part your hair, whether you use fibres or concealers, and whether your pattern of thinning is changing. A thorough consultation helps me avoid designing for a hairstyle you are unlikely to maintain.

What should I check before choosing an SMP style?

Start by reviewing healed examples, not only fresh photographs. Fresh pigment can look different before it settles. Healed work gives you a better idea of dot size, colour, softness and how naturally the treatment blends with real hair.

Pay close attention to the practitioner’s hairlines. A hairline that is too low, too straight, too symmetrical or too dense can make an otherwise careful treatment look artificial. Ask how the design will be adapted to your face and what happens if your hair continues to change.

I also recommend asking about the practitioner’s training, licensing, hygiene procedures, pigments and approach to corrections or removal. I hold Level 3 Anatomy & Physiology, Level 4 Scalp Micropigmentation, Level 4 Medical Microneedling and Level 5 Laser Tattoo Removal, specialising in SMP removal. I also maintain health and safety training covering bloodborne pathogens and cross contamination.

At Simply Scalp in Purley, I remain personally involved from your first enquiry and consultation through treatment and aftercare. The practice is intentionally small, so consultations and treatments are not delegated.

What happens during the consultation and treatment?

I begin by discussing your hair loss, medical history, allergies, usual hairstyle, skin and scalp, and what you want the result to look like. If you have a condition causing active or unexplained hair loss, it is sensible to obtain appropriate medical advice first. SMP can conceal the appearance of thinning, but it does not diagnose or treat the underlying cause.

We then assess your scalp and agree the treatment areas and hairline where relevant. I match the pigment to your current follicle colour and plan the placement so the result has variation rather than an even helmet-like appearance. If you have older SMP, scarring or a previous treatment that has spread, I need to examine it before recommending a new approach.

Before an appointment, wash your hair and scalp as advised. Numbing cream is not used as standard, but you may apply it beforehand if you prefer.

I will explain the aftercare required, including keeping the scalp dry, avoiding heavy exercise, steam rooms and hot showers that cause sweating, and protecting the scalp from sun exposure during the early healing period. Longer term, sunscreen helps protect the pigment.

A complete course is built gradually over several appointments, with time between sessions for the pigment to settle. This allows me to assess the healed colour and make careful adjustments rather than trying to create the final result in one pass.

If you are still unsure, a consultation is the right place to compare a full shave vs density SMP against your actual hair and lifestyle. You are welcome to see SMP results for clients in Epsom as part of your research, then contact me to discuss what may suit you.

If you would like to talk it through, please get in touch to book a consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Can density SMP be used if I do not shave my head?

Yes. Density SMP is intended to work between existing hairs, so you can usually keep your preferred hairstyle. The result depends on how much hair remains, the thinning pattern and how the hair is worn. I assess those details before deciding whether pigment can blend naturally into the area.

Will a shaved-look treatment force me to shave permanently?

No, but the result is designed to resemble closely cropped follicles. If you grow your hair significantly longer, the relationship between the pigment and your natural hair may look different. I discuss your usual grooming routine first, so the chosen design reflects how you genuinely intend to wear your hair.

Can I combine a shaved look with density SMP?

Sometimes. A person may have existing hair in one area and more extensive loss elsewhere, so different zones may need different planning. The transition must be gradual and consistent in colour, dot size and spacing. I assess the whole scalp rather than treating each area as an unrelated design.

What if my hair becomes grey after density SMP?

The pigment is selected using your current follicle colour and the wider plan for your hair. If your hair changes substantially, the contrast may change too. I discuss likely future changes during consultation and can assess an existing result later if you need advice about maintaining a natural appearance.

Can SMP hide a hair transplant scar as well as thinning?

SMP can be used for suitable scalp scars, including some associated with hair transplant procedures. Whether it is appropriate depends on the scar’s colour, texture, maturity and how well it has healed. I need to examine the area first, because scar tissue may accept pigment differently from unaffected scalp.

What if I already have SMP that I dislike?

A new treatment is not always the right first step. I assess the existing pigment for colour, density, placement and any spreading. Depending on what I find, the options may include repair, allowing it to settle, or laser removal. My Level 5 training includes a specialism in SMP removal.

Can women choose density SMP without creating a new hairline?

Yes. Many women considering density work want to reduce visible scalp while keeping their existing frontal hairline and hairstyle. The design should follow the natural pattern rather than imitate a shaved male hairline. I discuss partings, crown visibility, hair length and future changes before treatment.