If you’re thinking about scalp micropigmentation and you’ve booked your first consultation, or you’re about to, there’s a good chance you’ve got a head full of questions. That’s completely normal, and it’s actually one of the things I appreciate most about clients who walk through our doors at Foli Sim. The ones who come prepared tend to get the most out of that first conversation, and they leave with a much clearer picture of what SMP can do for them specifically.
So here’s what I’d want you to know before that appointment. Not a vague “just relax and ask questions” rundown, but a practical, specific guide to what happens, what to bring, what to ask, and how to make sure that first conversation is genuinely useful for you.
What Is an SMP Consultation, Really?
An SMP consultation isn’t a sales pitch. At Foli Sim, it’s a working conversation where our practitioners assess your scalp, understand your goals, and map out a realistic treatment plan based on your individual situation. We look at the degree of hair loss, scalp condition, skin tone, and the kind of result you’re after, and we build the plan from there.
We offer free consultations across all three of our clinics in Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney. If you’re not local or time is tight, we also do phone and video consultations, or you can send photos via email or WhatsApp and we’ll come back to you with a written quotation. There’s no obligation, and there’s no pressure involved.
What to Expect During the Appointment
The consultation typically covers a few key areas:
- Scalp and hair loss assessment: Your practitioner will look at the extent and pattern of your hair loss, including any scarring from previous procedures such as FUT or FUE hair transplants.
- Goal setting: We talk through the look you want to achieve. The vast majority of our clients are after a soft, natural result that works with their face shape and existing features, and that’s exactly what we design for.
- Session planning: We’ll outline how many sessions you’ll need and what each session is designed to achieve.
- Pricing and payment options: You’ll receive a personalised quote based on your specific situation, not a generic price list.
By the end of the consultation, you should have a clear picture of the process, the expected outcome, the cost, and the timeline. If anything is unclear, ask. That’s what we’re there for.
How Many Sessions Will You Need?
This is one of the most common questions we get, and it depends on your level of hair loss.
As a general guide:
- Mild hair loss: 3 sessions
- Medium hair loss: Typically 3 sessions, sometimes more depending on scalp condition and pigment retention
- Advanced hair loss: Generally 3 or more sessions
Sessions are spaced 10 to 14 days apart to allow the scalp to heal properly and for the pigment to settle. Each session builds on the last, refining density and detail as we go. Your practitioner will give you a clearer session estimate once they’ve assessed your scalp in person.
What Does SMP Cost? A Realistic Expectation
Pricing at Foli Sim is tailored to the individual, because every scalp is different. That said, here’s a general pricing guide based on the degree of hair loss:
- Mild hair loss: $500 to $1,200
- Medium hair loss: $1,500 to $2,500
- Advanced hair loss: $2,200 to $3,200
For clients who want to spread the cost, we offer payment plans through our finance partner ZipMoney, including six months of interest-free finance. Because Foli Sim is a family-owned business, we’re not carrying the overhead of a large franchise, which means we can keep treatment more accessible without compromising on quality.
Every treatment also comes with a 12-month quality guarantee. If any touch-up is needed within that window, it’s covered at no additional cost.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
You don’t need to do a lot to prepare for a consultation, but a few things will help make it more productive.
Come with clear goals in mind
Think about what you actually want from SMP before you arrive. Are you looking to recreate the appearance of a closely shaved head? Do you want to add density to thinning areas? Are you trying to camouflage a scar? The more specific you can be, the better the conversation. If you’ve got reference photos of the kind of result you’re after, bring those too.
Be ready to talk about your hair loss history
How long have you been experiencing hair loss? Has it progressed recently? Have you had any previous procedures, such as a hair transplant? This context helps our practitioners understand your situation more fully and give you more accurate advice. It also ensures the treatment plan accounts for any scarring or changes to the scalp surface.
Photos if you’re consulting remotely
If you’re doing a phone, video, or photo-based consultation, take clear photos in natural light from multiple angles. Top of the head, front hairline, and sides at minimum. Good photos make a significant difference to the accuracy of any remote assessment or quotation.
Write down your questions beforehand
It sounds simple, but a lot of people forget half of what they wanted to ask once they’re in the room. Write your questions down in advance. Nothing is off limits, whether it’s about comfort levels during the procedure, what healing looks like, or how the result holds up over time.
The Expertise Behind Every Consultation at Foli Sim
Kate Dawes, our director and senior practitioner, brings 42 years of experience in the hair industry to every consultation and treatment at Foli Sim. She’s an accredited Trichologist with the International Association of Trichologists, and she’s trained in SMP both in Australia and internationally, including completing her Masters in SMP with Scalp Micro USA. That depth of knowledge shapes how our entire team approaches each client.
Our studios in Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney are all Australian Health Department Certified, using medical-grade equipment and pigment specifically designed for scalp micropigmentation. Every procedure uses single-use needles and follows strict hygiene protocols. This is the standard we hold ourselves to across all three locations.
What Happens After the Consultation?
If you’re happy to proceed, you’ll book in for your first session. If you need more time to think it over, that’s completely fine. There’s no pressure from us to make a decision on the day. We’d rather you come back confident than rush into something you’re not ready for.
Once you’re booked, we’ll walk you through any pre-treatment preparation specific to your situation. Generally, you should avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your session, keep your scalp clean, and avoid excessive sun exposure in the days leading up to your appointment. Your practitioner will go through anything else that’s relevant to your individual circumstances.
The first consultation is really just the beginning of the conversation. We’re not just helping you decide whether SMP is right for you. We’re making sure that if you do go ahead, you do so with a clear understanding of the process, the result you can expect, and the support that comes with it.
If you’re ready to take that first step, book a free consultation with Foli Sim at our Perth, Melbourne, or Sydney studio today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is the SMP consultation really free?
Yes, completely. Foli Sim offers free consultations at all three of our clinics in Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney, with no obligation to proceed. We also offer phone and video consultations for clients who can’t visit in person, as well as photo-based assessments via email or WhatsApp where we’ll provide a written quotation. The goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to get the information you need, regardless of where you are or how busy your schedule is. There are no hidden fees or conditions attached to the consultation itself.
Q2: Do I need to shave my head before the consultation?
It’s not strictly required for a consultation, but it is helpful. Seeing your scalp without hair makes it much easier for your practitioner to assess the degree of hair loss, skin tone, scalp texture, and any scarring. If you’re used to shaving your head already, come in that way. If not, don’t stress. Your practitioner can still work with what they see and give you a solid assessment. For your actual treatment sessions, shaving close to the scalp is generally recommended, and your practitioner will advise you on this specifically during the consultation.
Q3: How long does the consultation take?
A typical in-person consultation at Foli Sim takes around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how much ground you want to cover. That includes a scalp assessment, a discussion about your goals, an overview of the treatment plan and session structure, and a personalised price quote. If you’ve got a lot of questions, we encourage you to ask all of them. We’d rather spend the extra time making sure you’re fully informed than leave you with unanswered concerns. Remote consultations via phone or video are generally a little shorter but follow a similar structure.
Q4: Will the consultation give me an accurate price?
An in-person consultation will give you the most accurate pricing, because your practitioner can assess your scalp directly and account for factors like scalp condition, the extent of hair loss, and any scarring that may require additional precision. Photo-based consultations via email or WhatsApp can still provide a solid indicative quote based on what’s visible in the images. Either way, the price you receive will be specific to your situation. Foli Sim doesn’t operate off a rigid fixed price list, because no two scalps are the same. Pricing ranges from $500 to $1,200 for mild hair loss, $1,500 to $2,500 for medium hair loss, and $2,200 to $3,200 for advanced hair loss.
Q5: Can I bring someone with me to the consultation?
Absolutely, and a lot of our clients do. Having a trusted person with you, whether that’s a partner, family member, or friend, can be really helpful. They can ask questions you might not think of in the moment, help you process the information afterward, and offer perspective on your goals. Some people find it useful to have someone they trust weigh in on the kind of result they’re hoping for, particularly when it comes to discussing the hairline shape and overall look. There are no restrictions on bringing someone along, and we’re happy to include them in the conversation.
Q6: What if I’m not sure whether SMP is the right option for me?
That’s exactly what the consultation is designed to help you work out. You don’t need to be certain before you book. Our practitioners are experienced at helping clients understand whether SMP suits their situation, their goals, and their lifestyle. We’ll walk you through how SMP works, what the result looks like long-term, how it compares to other approaches you may be considering, and what ongoing maintenance looks like. If SMP isn’t the right fit, we’ll tell you that too. The consultation exists to give you clarity, not to push you toward a decision you’re not ready for.
