Scalp Micropigmentation Sydney: Hair Tattoo Clinic in Double Bay

No. Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) does not stimulate hair growth but is rather a hair loss solution. The procedure effectively creates the appearance of fuller hair using a specialised microneedle to deposit tiny, layered dots of pigment that blend perfectly with any existing hair.

SMP does not stimulate hair growth or alter hair growth in any way. However, it creates the impression of new growth and resembles short stubble hair. It’s virtually unnoticeable when done well, which means only you and your SMP artist will know your hair “growth” isn’t actual hair.

The intensity of your hair tattooing experience depends on many factors including your pain threshold. Temples and areas of scar tissue tend to be the most sensitive areas, but most clients say they felt little to no real discomfort through the process.

This answer depends on a few factors. When it comes to men with advanced hair loss, we generally suggest cropping the remaining hair down so the SMP will blend effectively with their remaining hair. However, from a stylistic point of view, shaving your head isn’t necessary if you are experiencing a milder form of thinning and only looking to add the appearance of greater density and fullness to your existing hair. We can work in between your natural hair; this also applies to women. How you style your existing hair in combination with your hair tattoo in Sydney is ultimately up to you, but it tends to look best when paired with a hairstyle that compliments it.

For some individuals, a ‘Buzz-cut’ (5 o’clock shadow) may be the most natural-looking solution, especially if your hair loss is severe with more significant balding. Another example would be hair loss concentrated on top of your head and crown, combined with a receding hairline. Obviously, leaving length on the sides wouldn’t look very natural. Whatever the case, your SMP artist will advise you of your options and what will provide the most natural-looking result.

The procedure’s overall cost depends on your hair loss pattern, the size of the scalp area that requires treatment, the presence of scars, and the number of sessions needed. In most cases, 2-4 sessions are necessary, with a 7-14 day gap recommended in between. Density is built in the first two sessions of your hair tattoo, while the third session completes the feathering, blending and definition aspect. As leaders of scalp micropigmentation in Sydney, we charge reasonable rates for incredibly natural, long-lasting results. Here is an SMP price guide on what you may expect to pay at our clinic in Sydney *(please note this is just an estimate, and final pricing will be determined at your in-person consultation):

• Mild hair loss: $500 – $1,200
• Medium hair loss: $1,500 – $2,500
• Advanced hair loss: $2,500 – $3,500

Scalp micropigmentation is a far less invasive hair loss treatment in comparison to other treatments such as a hair transplant. Here are some of the advantages of choosing SMP:

Safe and Minimally-Invasive
Unlike hair transplant surgery and other hair loss treatments that can be invasive and come with possible side effects, SMP is a low-risk procedure that requires no downtime. When performed by a highly skilled hair tattoo artist, there’s no risk of scarring, infection, or other post-procedure complications.

Easy to Maintain
Scalp micropigmentation is a long-lasting solution for hair loss that doesn’t require expensive maintenance or products, unlike other hair restoration methods. Hair tattoos may lighten over time but should not discolour or require any special treatment. Touch-ups may be needed every two to five years, depending on further hair loss and sun exposure.

Budget Friendly
A hair tattoo in Sydney is generally less expensive than traditional hair restoration treatments, even with the cost of touch-up sessions factored in.

A Long Lasting Hair Loss Solution

The results of SMP are long lasting and can be a more viable long term solution for those who may have previously been on daily medication or other short term hair loss solutions. Given its easy maintenance over time as well, the long lasting nature of SMP makes it an attractive option for those looking to leave the daily stress of hair loss behind.

Suitable for Every Stage of Hair Loss

The process of scalp micropigmentation suits anyone dealing with differing levels of hair loss, thinning hair, or looking to camouflage scars or other visual issues present on the scalp.

Our blog on this topic explores the main differences between a hair tattoo and a regular tattoo. There are a few core differences here including the purpose of the tattoo, the tattoo needle and ink used for application to the scalp, the depth of the needle application and the training required by the artists.

As with any cosmetic procedure, there are certain risks that can be present, particularly when choosing an inexperienced or ill-equipped SMP artist. Some of the possible risks to be aware of include:

• Skin infection from unsterilised equipment and needle heads.
• Certain allergic skin reactions to the specialised pigment used for SMP.
• Scarring on the scalp from improper application with the needle.
• Patchy and unnatural aesthetic results from the treatment due to poor application.

These are a few reasons why it is critical to carefully analyse your options and choose a qualified SMP provider who has proven results and clear health and safety precautions in place.

As it is not a surgical procedure, the recovery after scalp micropigmentation tends to be quite simple and quick – with many people being able to go back to their regular lifestyle almost immediately. There are a few things to avoid and a few other general points of advice to keep in mind following your SMP treatment.

• Avoid any strenuous exercise or activities that make you sweat in the following 48 hours after your treatment.
• Try to avoid direct sunlight on your scalp for the first few days following your treatment. You may find it’s easier to wear a hat or some other protection during this time.
• In general the more you protect your scalp from the sun, the better the long term results of your SMP will be. Make sure to apply SPF 50 to your scalp when you are spending time outside in the sun.
• Following your last treatment session, make sure to avoid swimming, steam rooms and any type of sauna for 1 month if possible.

14 Transvaal Ave, Double Bay NSW 2028, in Sydney's eastern suburbs just off New South Head Road. Double Bay is a compact village-style precinct, so the studio is easy to reach on foot once you are in the area. If it is your first visit and you are unsure of the entrance, call 1300 668 490 before you set out and the team will give you directions.

The clinic is within walking distance of both Edgecliff Station and Double Bay Wharf. Edgecliff is on the eastern suburbs train line, a few minutes from the city, and buses along New South Head Road also serve the area. If you would rather come by water, the Double Bay ferry from Circular Quay is a pleasant option and drops you a short walk from Transvaal Ave.

Double Bay has metered street parking and nearby council and retail car parks, but spaces in the village are competitive, particularly on weekday mornings and Saturdays. Given SMP sessions can run for a few hours, check the time limits on any bay carefully before you leave the car. Many of our Sydney clients find the train to Edgecliff simpler than hunting for a space.

Natalie Marie, our senior technician in Sydney. She has over ten years of experience in scalp micropigmentation and has treated clients across the full range of hair loss, from early thinning through to advanced patterns and scar camouflage. You will meet her at your free consultation, where she will assess your scalp, discuss the design and give you an indication of how many sessions you are likely to need.

We relocated to The Bay Medispa in May 2021 to support growing demand for SMP in Sydney. The move gave us a larger, better-equipped space in the same Double Bay precinct, with dedicated private treatment rooms. Like all Foli Sim locations it holds Australian Health Department certification and uses medical-grade equipment in sterile rooms, so the standards did not change with the address.

We see regional NSW clients regularly. Sessions need a healing gap between them, often a week or two, so they cannot be stacked into a single trip, but we can usually build a schedule that keeps the number of journeys down. Tell us where you are travelling from when you enquire, and consider a free phone or video consultation first so your first trip to Double Bay is a treatment session.

Individual sessions typically run between one and four hours, depending on the area being treated and the stage of your plan. Most clients need two to four sessions overall, with roughly seven to fourteen days between them. Density is built in the first two sessions, while later work handles the feathering, blending and definition that makes the result read naturally in daylight.

It varies with the season and the time of day you want. Because a single artist leads treatments at Double Bay, popular slots (early mornings, late afternoons and Saturdays) tend to go first. Consultations are generally easier to get at short notice than treatment sessions. Ring 1300 668 490 for current availability, particularly if you are working towards a specific date.

Yes, and there is genuinely no obligation. Consultations are free, private and available in person at Double Bay, by phone or by video. Natalie will assess your eligibility, explain what the treatment involves, indicate session numbers and answer whatever you want to ask. Plenty of people consult, take months to think about it, and come back later, or don't. Either is fine.

Yes. Scalp scarring from surgery or injury, including FUE and FUT scars, is one of the things we treat at Double Bay, and SMP can also enhance the visual result of a previous transplant. Scar work is more technical than standard density work and often needs extra sessions, so mention it when you enquire and send a close-up photo if you can.

No, each studio has its own team. Natalie Marie leads SMP in Sydney, Kate Dawes, Tara Scrivener and Shannon Over are in Perth, and Kelly Dawes and Dave Ticconi are in Melbourne. They share the same training standards, equipment and pigments, so the approach is consistent, but the artist who designs your hairline in Double Bay is the one who will complete your treatment plan.

Yes. All treatments at Double Bay take place in dedicated private rooms, and consultations are private too. We recognise that hair loss is a delicate and sometimes overwhelming subject, and nobody wants to discuss it within earshot of a waiting area. The clinic is fully insured, health department certified, and uses sterilised instruments and single-use needles in every session.