What to Consider when Choosing an SMP Clinic

I recommend choosing an SMP clinic based on its reputation, customer service, testimonials, transparency and quality before-and-after work. Check that the practitioner is qualified, substantially trained and experienced. Ask about the pigment, colour selection and single-use needles. Also consider pricing, travel, accommodation and the need to return for further sessions.

With rising popularity of scalp micropigmentation (SMP), more and more clinics are offering the hair loss solution.

Because of this, it can be difficult to decide which SMP clinic to go with, so we’ve outline five key points to take into account and help you choose the right scalp micropigmentation clinic.

Reputation

A clinic’s reputation is arguably the most important factor.

They should make you feel at ease with outstanding customer service, quality before and after pictures or videos, free no obligation consultations, highly acclaimed testimonials, and they should always maintain full transparency with you.

If the worst case scenario happened and you were unhappy with your result, the clinic should rectify this by doing everything in their power to make sure you are left thrilled with your new look.

The second most important factor is the practitioner. As the demand for SMP increases so does the number of practitioners, but this can be a pitfall.

It is important that whoever completes your SMP procedure is qualified, has had substantial training and plenty of experience. If you are unsure, ask them for some before and after photos so that you can see their work.

Read about our leading practitioner Kate Dawes (and why we’re so proud of her) here.

Equipment

The pigments, needles and tools a practitioner uses are also a key factor. It’s essential the technician uses a specific pigment designed for SMP and that it is correctly matched with your colouring.

At Foli Sim we sit down with you to choose the right colour based on your existing hair. If you’re completely bald, we’ll help you select a colour that compliments your skin colour and eyebrows.

We also use single-use needles, so we never reuse a needle to maintain the highest standard of hygiene possible.

These are the types of questions you need to be asking your clinic about: how do they select pigment, what pigment is it and do they use single-use needles?

Cost

The price of scalp micropigmentation varies from clinic to clinic.

One factor that impacts how expensive an SMP procedure is franchise fees. Large companies with many clinics will have to pay these fees, which will impact their profit and therefore the amount you’re charged.

Boutique clinics and smaller companies like Foli Sim don’t need to pay this extra cost, so we are usually cheaper than large multinational companies.

Location

If you live far away from the clinic, you’ll need to take into account travel and accommodation expenses.

Because there is no recovery time, you won’t have to stay away from home to rest up, which is fantastic, however, you will have to return for another two or three sessions.

We currently have clinics in Perth and Melbourne; find out our exact locations to see if it’s close enough for you.

If you have any more questions, please call us on 1300 668 490, or book in a free, no obligation consultation at either our Perth, Sydney or Melbourne clinics.

Frequently asked questions

Why is a clinic’s reputation important when choosing an SMP clinic?

I consider a clinic’s reputation one of the most important factors. A reputable clinic should provide outstanding customer service, quality before-and-after pictures or videos, free no-obligation consultations, highly acclaimed testimonials and full transparency. If you are unhappy with your result, the clinic should do everything possible to rectify the situation.

What should I check about an SMP practitioner?

I recommend checking that the practitioner completing your SMP procedure is qualified, substantially trained and experienced. The number of practitioners is increasing as demand for SMP grows, so it is important to ask questions and request before-and-after photos. These images can help you assess the practitioner’s previous work.

Why do pigments and colour matter in SMP?

I use a specific pigment designed for SMP and match it correctly with your colouring. At Foli Sim, I sit down with you to choose the right colour based on your existing hair. If you are completely bald, I help select a colour that complements your skin colour and eyebrows.

Should an SMP clinic use single-use needles?

I recommend asking whether a clinic uses single-use needles. At Foli Sim, we use single-use needles and never reuse a needle, helping us maintain the highest standard of hygiene possible. You should also ask how the clinic selects its pigment and what type of pigment it uses.

What questions should I ask an SMP clinic before treatment?

I suggest asking how the clinic selects its pigment, what pigment it uses and whether it uses single-use needles. You can also ask to see before-and-after photos, request a free no-obligation consultation and check that the practitioner is qualified, substantially trained and experienced.

What travel should I consider when choosing an SMP clinic?

I recommend considering travel and accommodation expenses if you live far away from the clinic. There is no recovery time, so you will not need to stay away from home to rest. However, you will need to return for another two or three sessions, so location can be important.