Scalp Marlow — Every question answered.

The standard protocol is three sessions spaced 7–14 days apart. Session 1 establishes the base layer at 40–60% saturation. Session 2 builds to 80–90% density with tonal layering. Session 3 refines symmetry, feathering, and any uneven fade. Some clients with large scalp surface area or complex correction needs require a fourth session.

Session 1: 2.5–4.5 hours. Session 2: 2–4 hours. Session 3: 1.5–2.5 hours. Total chair time across the full programme is 6–11 hours depending on scalp coverage area.

SMP lasts 4–6 years before a refresh session is required. Fading rate is primarily determined by UV exposure, skin type, and aftercare compliance. Men who apply SPF 30+ to the scalp daily consistently achieve the upper end. A single refresh session (£200–£350) restores original density.

Mild to moderate — a persistent light scratching sensation, not sharp pain. The occipital ridge (rear skull base) is the most sensitive zone. EMLA topical anaesthetic cream, available from UK pharmacies without prescription (approximately £8), applied 45 minutes before treatment significantly reduces discomfort.

At normal social distances (60 cm+), SMP is indistinguishable from a closely shaved head. Under very close inspection in strong directional light, the dot pattern may be visible. The vast majority of clients report that colleagues and social contacts do not identify the treatment — they simply observe that hair loss appears less severe.

Yes. Complete baldness (Norwood VII) is fully treatable across three sessions. No remaining hair is required. The entire scalp is treated to create a uniform shaved-head appearance.

SMP uses specialist single-needle (1RL) cartridges, organic carbon-based SMP-specific pigment, and a calibrated rotary machine to deposit precise micro-dots at 1.0–1.5mm dermal depth, replicating follicle scale at 0.1–0.15mm diameter. A hair tattoo applied with standard equipment uses multi-needle cartridges and conventional tattoo ink, producing deposits 3–8x larger that appear unnatural and shift blue or green over time.

Yes. Alopecia areata patches and alopecia totalis are both treatable with SMP. The condition must be stable for a minimum of six months before treatment. SMP does not treat the underlying autoimmune mechanism but delivers immediate cosmetic coverage of hair loss areas.

Days 0–4: keep scalp dry, avoid gym and direct sun. Days 4–10: gentle unscented moisturiser only. Day 10 onward: resume normal cleansing. From Day 30: apply SPF 30+ daily as a permanent habit. Avoid steam rooms and swimming pools for 30 days post-session.

Yes. SMP is fully compatible with prior FUE or FUT transplant surgery. It is commonly used to camouflage donor zone scarring, enhance transplant density, and extend coverage to areas where donor hair was insufficient. A minimum of 12 months post-surgery is recommended before SMP.

Yes. Men over 50 are a significant and growing demographic for SMP in Marlow. Specific considerations include grey-tone pigment matching, age-appropriate hairline positioning (8.5–9.0 cm above the glabella), and slightly longer session intervals (14–21 days) to allow for slower mature skin healing.

Key checks: request healed portfolio photographs (not same-day results), confirm organic SMP-specific pigment (not tattoo ink), verify single-needle (1RL) cartridge use, check local authority cosmetic procedure registration for the studio, and ask for five recent client references. A practitioner who cannot answer technical questions about pigment formulation or needle specification should be approached with caution.