If you’re based in Melbourne and seriously thinking about scalp micropigmentation, you’ve probably got a lot of questions about how it all works. What actually happens at each session? How many times do you need to come in? Will it be uncomfortable? I get asked these things constantly, and honestly, it makes perfect sense.
SMP is a significant decision and you deserve to know exactly what you’re walking into before you book anything. So let me walk you through the whole process, start to finish, the way we do it at Foli Sim.
What Is Scalp Micropigmentation, Exactly?
Scalp micropigmentation also referred to as SMP, a hair tattoo, or scalp pigmentation treatment is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses micro-needles to deposit specialised pigment into the scalp. The result is the realistic appearance of a closely shaved or cropped head of hair, with a natural-looking hairline and density.
It’s not a hair growth treatment and it doesn’t claim to be. What it does is give you a permanent, low-maintenance solution that looks like real hair at scalp level. For men dealing with pattern baldness, thinning, alopecia, or scarring, it’s genuinely life-changing. It works brilliantly for women with thinning hair too, adding the illusion of density without any surgery or downtime.
Step One: The Free Consultation
Everything starts with a free consultation at our Melbourne studio. We have two convenient locations in Melbourne, one in North Melbourne and one in Brighton, so there’s a good chance one of them is easy for you to get to.
The consultation is where we assess your scalp, talk through your goals, and put together a personalised treatment plan. We look at the pattern and extent of your hair loss, the shape of your scalp, your skin tone, and your natural hairline to make sure the design we create suits you specifically.
This is also where we give you a clear, transparent quote. At Foli Sim, our approximate pricing guide is as follows:
- Mild hair loss: $500 – $1,200
- Medium hair loss: $1,500 – $2,500
- Advanced hair loss: $2,200 – $3,200
If you can’t make it in person, we also offer video consultations and phone consultations. Alternatively, you can send us a few photos via email or WhatsApp and we’ll come back to you with a written quote. We try to make the process as easy as possible right from the start.
How Many Sessions Will You Need?
Every client at Foli Sim regardless of the level of hair loss will complete 3 sessions. That’s not a rough estimate, it’s how the process is designed to work properly. There are no shortcuts, and we don’t recommend trying to take any.
Each session builds on the previous one. Here’s why all 3 matter:
- Session 1: This is about laying the foundation. We establish the hairline design, start building pigment density across the treatment area, and set the overall tone and depth. It’s the longest session and arguably the most exciting, because you’ll leave looking dramatically different to when you walked in.
- Session 2: After the scalp has had time to heal and the pigment has settled (usually around 10 to 14 days later), we come back in to refine the work. We add more layers, deepen the density, and begin dialling in the finer detail. The result starts to look much more polished and complete at this stage.
- Session 3: The final session is all about precision. We focus on detail work, sharpening the hairline, perfecting the blend, and making sure the finished result looks as natural and realistic as possible. This is where it all comes together.
Sessions are spaced 10 to 14 days apart to allow for proper healing and pigment settling between appointments. Rushing the process would compromise the final result, so the spacing is deliberate and important.
What Actually Happens During a Session?
When you arrive at the Melbourne studio, your SMP practitioner will walk you through what’s planned for that particular session. For the first session, there’s a bit more time spent confirming the hairline design and making sure you’re happy with it before anything begins. Your input matters, and we won’t start until you’re fully comfortable with the plan.
The procedure itself involves your SMP practitioner using a specialist device to implant tiny dots of pigment into the upper layers of the scalp. The dots are placed with precision, in varying sizes and depths, to replicate the natural randomness of hair follicles. It’s this variation that makes a great SMP result look genuinely convincing rather than flat or artificial.
Sessions typically run anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size of the treatment area and the level of detail required. You’re welcome to take breaks whenever you need them.
What Does It Feel Like?
This is one of the most common questions we get, and I’ll be honest with you. There is some sensation involved. SMP is a cosmetic tattooing procedure performed directly on the scalp, so you will feel the needle. That said, most clients find the experience very manageable, and the vast majority are comfortable throughout the entire procedure without any intervention.
The scalp does vary in sensitivity across different areas. Some spots, like around the temples or the crown, can feel more sensitive than others. The forehead and mid-scalp areas tend to be the least uncomfortable. The good news is that the needle movements used in SMP are light and repetitive rather than dragging, which tends to feel far less intense than many people expect.
At Foli Sim, we do not use topical anaesthetics at any stage of the procedure. In our experience, they can interfere with how pigment settles into the skin and potentially affect the quality of your results. We’ve found that the vast majority of clients genuinely don’t need anything, and most are pleasantly surprised by how well they cope. If you are considering any oral pain relief beforehand, please speak with your GP or a qualified health professional for advice, as that’s not something we can guide you on directly.
Aftercare: What to Expect Between Sessions
Aftercare is straightforward, but it does matter. Follow the guidance your SMP practitioner gives you after each session and you’ll heal well. The key things to be mindful of in the days following each appointment are:
- Keep the scalp dry for the first 3 to 4 days. Avoid sweating heavily, swimming, or washing the treated area during this time.
- Don’t pick, scratch, or rub the scalp. Any flaking or peeling is completely normal and part of the healing process.
- Stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible while healing. UV exposure can cause pigment to fade prematurely.
- Avoid saunas, steam rooms, and intense exercise for the first few days post-session.
- Once fully healed, use SPF protection on the scalp whenever you’re spending time outdoors.
Most clients find healing happens quite quickly. Within a week or so of each session, the scalp typically feels completely back to normal. You’re free to go about your usual routine almost immediately, which is one of the genuine advantages of SMP over more invasive hair loss treatments.
What Will You Look Like After Each Session?
This is worth managing expectations around, and we always do this at the consultation. After session 1, the pigment will appear darker and slightly more saturated than the finished result. This is completely normal. As the scalp heals over the following days, the pigment softens and settles to a more natural shade. It can look a little patchy or uneven while healing, which can feel a bit alarming if you’re not expecting it. Don’t worry. That’s exactly what’s supposed to happen.
By the time you come in for session 2, you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised by how the healed result is already looking. Each subsequent session layers on refinement, and the final result after session 3 is a world away from where things stood after session 1.
How Long Do the Results Last?
SMP is considered a permanent procedure, but like any form of cosmetic tattooing, the pigment does naturally soften and lighten over time. Most clients find the result looks sharp and fresh for 3 to 5 years before any fading becomes noticeable, though this varies depending on skin type, sun exposure, and how well you maintain the scalp.
When fading does eventually occur, a straightforward touch-up session is all that’s needed to bring things back to their best. It’s not a significant undertaking, and many clients use it as an opportunity to subtly refine the look over time.
All Foli Sim clients also receive a 12-month quality guarantee from the date of their final session. If any touch-up is required within that period, it’s covered at no charge.
Payment Plans Are Available
We know that for some people, the upfront cost of SMP can feel like a hurdle. That’s exactly why we offer flexible payment plans through our finance partner, ZipMoney, including an interest-free option. The goal is to make sure that cost alone doesn’t stand between you and a result that could genuinely change how you feel every time you look in the mirror.
You can find more information about our payment plan options, or just ask us when you come in for your consultation.
Why Melbourne Clients Choose Foli Sim
I’m obviously biased, but I do genuinely believe we offer something different. Foli Sim is a family-owned business, and that shows in how we treat our clients. We’re not a volume operation pushing people through as quickly as possible. We take the time to get the result right, and we back that up with a satisfaction guarantee.
Our Melbourne SMP practitioners are highly trained and experienced, and we’ve built up a strong track record of results across all types of hair loss, from early thinning to full shaved-head transformations. If you’d like to see what’s possible, our gallery has plenty of real client results to look through.
If you’re ready to have a conversation about what SMP could do for you in Melbourne, reach out and book your free consultation. There’s no pressure and no obligation. Just a straightforward chat about your situation and what we can do about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many SMP sessions will I need in Melbourne?
Every client at Foli Sim completes 3 sessions, regardless of the degree of hair loss. This applies whether you have mild thinning or advanced baldness. The 3-session process is how we consistently deliver results that look natural, detailed, and long-lasting. Each session builds on the last, with the first establishing the foundation, the second refining density, and the third perfecting detail and definition. Sessions are spaced 10 to 14 days apart to allow the scalp to heal properly between appointments. Trying to compress the process or skip sessions would compromise the final result, so this structure is non-negotiable at Foli Sim.
Q2: Is SMP painful?
There is some discomfort involved, as SMP is a cosmetic tattooing procedure carried out on the scalp. However, the vast majority of Foli Sim clients find the experience very manageable. The sensation varies slightly across different areas of the scalp, with the temples and crown generally feeling more sensitive than the mid-scalp or forehead regions. Most clients are surprised by how well they handle it, and the technique used in SMP – placing small, precise dots rather than dragging lines – tends to feel lighter than many people anticipate. We do not use topical anaesthetics at Foli Sim, as these can affect how pigment settles and may compromise results. The good news is that most clients simply don’t need them. If you’re considering oral pain relief prior to your appointment, please consult your GP or a qualified health professional for personalised advice.
Q3: How long does each SMP session take?
Session length varies depending on the size of the treatment area and the complexity of the work required. In general, you can expect each session to run anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. The first session tends to take longer because it involves finalising the hairline design, confirming the overall plan, and laying down the initial foundation of pigment across the full treatment area. Subsequent sessions are often a little shorter as the focus shifts to refinement and detail work. You’re welcome to take breaks at any point during your session, and your SMP practitioner will check in with you regularly throughout the procedure.
Q4: What does aftercare involve after each session?
Aftercare is straightforward but important for getting the best result. In the first 3 to 4 days following each session, you’ll need to keep the scalp dry and avoid sweating heavily, swimming, or washing the treated area. Avoid picking or scratching any peeling skin, as this is a normal part of the healing process. Stay out of prolonged direct sunlight while healing and avoid saunas, steam rooms, and intense physical exercise for the first few days post-appointment. Once fully healed, applying SPF to the scalp whenever you’re outdoors is strongly recommended to preserve the longevity of your pigment. Your SMP practitioner will provide you with full written aftercare instructions after each session, so you won’t need to remember everything on the spot.
Q5: How much does SMP cost in Melbourne?
Pricing at Foli Sim is based on the degree of hair loss and the size of the treatment area, as these directly affect the time and detail involved in the procedure. As a general guide, mild hair loss falls in the range of $500 to $1,200, medium hair loss sits between $1,500 and $2,500, and advanced hair loss is priced between $2,200 and $3,200. An accurate, personalised quote is provided during your free consultation. If you can’t come in person, you can also send photos via email or WhatsApp and we’ll come back to you with a written quote. We also offer flexible payment plans through ZipMoney, including an interest-free option, to help spread the cost.
Q6: How long do SMP results last?
Scalp micropigmentation is a permanent procedure, but the pigment does naturally soften and lighten over time, as is the case with any form of cosmetic tattooing. Most clients enjoy sharp, natural-looking results for 3 to 5 years before any noticeable fading occurs. How quickly the pigment fades depends on factors such as skin type, sun exposure, and general scalp care. When fading does occur, a simple touch-up session is all that’s needed to refresh the result. At Foli Sim, all clients receive a 12-month quality guarantee from the date of their final session. Any touch-up required during that period is provided at no additional cost, giving you confidence in the longevity of your investment.
Q7: Where is the Foli Sim Melbourne clinic located?
Foli Sim has two Melbourne locations to make access as convenient as possible. Our North Melbourne studio is located at Level 2, Suite 221, 55 Flemington Road, North Melbourne VIC 3051. Our Brighton studio is at Level 1, Suite 2, 293 Bay Street, Brighton VIC 3186. Both studios are professionally appointed and purpose-designed for SMP procedures, providing a comfortable, private environment throughout your treatment. Free consultations are available at both locations, or you can opt for a video or phone consultation if that’s easier. To book, contact us or call us on 1300 668 490.
