If you’re searching for the top SMP artists in Perth, chances are you’ve already done some research, you know what scalp micropigmentation is, and now you’re trying to figure out who’s actually worth trusting with something as permanent and personal as your appearance.
That’s exactly the right approach. In this article, I want to give you a clear, honest picture of what makes an exceptional SMP practitioner, who our team is here at Foli Sim’s Perth studio, and why our clients consistently rate us as Perth’s most recommended option for scalp micropigmentation.
What Makes an SMP Artist Genuinely Worth Recommending?
The SMP industry in Australia isn’t as tightly regulated as many clients assume. That means the standard of work varies enormously from one clinic to the next, and the burden falls on you to do your homework before choosing who to trust. It’s worth taking that seriously, because poorly executed SMP can fade to an unnatural blue or grey tone, produce dots that are too large and obvious, or result in a hairline that looks placed rather than grown.
When you’re evaluating any SMP practitioner, these are the things that actually matter:
- Verifiable credentials from recognised training institutions
- A genuine portfolio of results across a range of hair loss patterns, scalp types, and skin tones
- A thorough consultation process that assesses your individual goals before any work begins
- Consistent five-star Google reviews from real clients, with specific and detailed feedback
- Full transparency around pricing and sessions, with no vague answers or hidden costs
- A certified, sterile studio environment using medical-grade equipment and single-use needles every time
These aren’t optional extras. They’re the baseline standard for any clinic serious about delivering safe, high-quality scalp micropigmentation. And they’re the standard our Perth team holds itself to every single day.
Foli Sim Perth: Our Studio and Our Team
I’m Michael Dawes, co-founder of Foli Sim. I’m based here in Perth and I manage the business across all three of our Australian studios. Our Perth clinic is located at Level 1, Suite 2, 135 High Street Mall in Fremantle, and it’s been home to genuinely life-changing results for thousands of Perth clients since we started delivering SMP in 2011.
Our studio is Australian Health Department Certified, operates out of private sterile treatment rooms, and uses only medical-grade pigment and equipment. Single-use needles are standard on every client, every session, without exception. That’s non-negotiable for us.
What I’m most proud of, though, is the team we’ve built here. Perth clients have access to three highly skilled, experienced SMP practitioners, each bringing real depth and their own strengths to the work. Here’s who you’ll be working with.
Meet the Perth SMP Practitioners
Kate Dawes, Senior Practitioner and Director
Kate is the foundation of everything we do at Foli Sim, and her credentials in scalp micropigmentation are among the most extensive of any practitioner in Australia. She’s not just our most senior practitioner; she’s genuinely one of the most qualified SMP specialists in the world.
- Accredited and registered Trichologist with the International Association of Trichologists (IAT)
- Diploma of SMP from Goldeneye, a leading European SMP institution, completed in 2011
- Masters in SMP completed with Scalp Micro USA’s Matt Iulo in January 2017, one of the most respected names in the global SMP industry
- Over 42 years of experience across the hair industry, beginning as a hairdresser before specialising in trichology and scalp micropigmentation
- International conference speaker, including the ISHRS World Congress Live Surgery Workshop in Bangkok
What Kate’s background means in practice is that she brings a depth of understanding about hair biology, hair loss progression, skin behaviour, and pigment science that goes well beyond what most SMP practitioners can offer. She understands not just how to apply pigment, but how results will look and evolve years down the track. That knowledge shapes every decision she makes in the treatment room.
Shannon Over, SMP Practitioner
Shannon’s story is one of our favourites to share, because it says a lot about the quality of what we do. Shannon first came to Foli Sim as a client. He experienced the results firsthand, understood the craft from the inside, and was so impressed that he went on to train as an SMP practitioner and join the team. Today he’s one of the most talented artists at our Perth studio.
That background gives Shannon a perspective that’s genuinely rare. He knows exactly what it feels like to sit in the chair. He knows the questions that go through a client’s mind before, during, and after treatment. And he brings that empathy directly into how he works with every person he treats. Our client Robert Koprowicz put it well in his Google review:
“I went in confident after reading some of the reviews. But after the treatment I now respect that this is a form of artistry. Shannon was spot on and professional throughout the process. Have already recommended to my friends. Thank you.”
That word, artistry, is exactly right. SMP done well isn’t a mechanical process. It requires real skill, an understanding of proportion, and an eye for what looks genuinely natural. Shannon brings all of that.
Tara Scrivener, SMP Practitioner
Tara is local to Fremantle, which means she’s not just part of our team, she’s genuinely embedded in the community we serve. She brings a warmth and approachability to every client interaction that makes the whole experience feel more comfortable, particularly for people who are a little nervous walking through the door for the first time.
Hair loss is a sensitive topic for a lot of people. It affects confidence, self-image, and how you feel day to day. Tara understands that, and she creates a relaxed, supportive environment without ever losing focus on the precision and detail that great SMP demands. Our Perth clients love working with her, and her results speak for themselves.
What Our Perth Clients Say
We have over 260 five-star Google reviews across the business, and the feedback from our Perth clients consistently highlights the same things: natural results, genuine care, and a team that goes out of its way to make the experience positive from start to finish.
“The service is exceptional, the process is exciting, and the results are unbelievable. This is the first time I have ever witnessed the product being better than the pictures. There is a reason why Kate, Michael and the team are number one. Truly remarkable.”
Joshua Simpson, Foli Sim Client
The phrase “better than the pictures” is the best possible compliment, because it means the real-world result exceeded what someone already thought looked impressive. That’s exactly the bar we aim for with every client, every time.
What You Can Expect at Our Perth Studio
Every client’s journey with us starts with a free consultation. This can be done in person at our Fremantle studio, over video call, or simply by sending a couple of photos through WhatsApp or email. There’s no pressure, no obligation, and no sales pitch involved. The purpose of the consultation is to properly understand your hair loss situation, talk through your goals, and give you a clear, personalised quote with no surprises attached.
How Many Sessions Are Required?
All SMP treatments at Foli Sim require 3 sessions, regardless of the level of hair loss. This applies to mild, medium, and advanced cases without exception. Sessions are spaced 10 to 14 days apart to allow for proper healing and pigment settling between appointments.
The first session builds the foundational pigment layer, the second adds density and begins refining detail, and the third delivers the precision finishing work. If a fourth session is recommended, your practitioner will discuss this openly during treatment. There are no surprise costs at any point. Every completed treatment includes a 12-month quality guarantee from the date of your third session, covering any touch-up work needed within that period at no additional charge.
Will It Be Comfortable?
Pain levels during SMP are generally very low. The vast majority of our Perth clients are comfortable throughout their sessions without needing any form of pain relief, and most are pleasantly surprised by how manageable it is. Some clients choose to take an over-the-counter oral painkiller beforehand as a precaution, and if that’s something you’re considering, it’s worth checking with your doctor or pharmacist about what’s appropriate for you. Our practitioners work at a comfortable pace with regular breaks whenever needed, and they’re always attentive to how you’re feeling throughout each session.
SMP Pricing at Our Perth Studio
Because every client is different, we don’t use a fixed price list. Pricing depends on the extent of your hair loss and the size of the treatment area. As a general guide:
- Mild hair loss: $500 to $1,200
- Medium hair loss: $1,500 to $2,500
- Advanced hair loss: $2,200 to $3,200
These ranges cover the full 3-session treatment. A firm, personalised quote is provided during your free consultation so you know exactly what you’re committing to from the outset. We also offer interest-free payment plans through ZipMoney, including a six-month interest-free option, to make treatment as accessible as possible. Full details are on our SMP pricing page.
Because Foli Sim is a family-owned and operated business, we don’t carry the overhead of franchise fees or large corporate structures. That keeps our pricing competitive without ever cutting corners on quality, care, or equipment.
Why Client Reviews Matter So Much in the SMP Industry
SMP is visible every single day. Your scalp is on display at work, with family, in every photograph. That’s why the volume and authenticity of real client reviews carries such weight when choosing a practitioner. When reading reviews for any Perth SMP clinic, look beyond the star rating and pay attention to:
- Whether clients mention how natural the result looks to other people, not just to themselves
- Whether the practitioner took time to understand what each individual client actually wanted
- Whether the clinic was easy to deal with and communicative throughout the entire process
- Whether clients returned for follow-up sessions without hesitation or complaint
These details tell the real story. Across our 260-plus Google reviews for the Perth studio, these are exactly the themes that come through consistently.
Book a Free Consultation at Our Fremantle Studio
If you’re ready to find out whether SMP is the right solution for you, the next step is simple. Book a free, no-obligation consultation with us at our Fremantle studio. You can call us on 1300 668 490, WhatsApp us on 0425 869 926, or send a couple of photos to info@folisim.com.au and we’ll get back to you with a written quote. Phone and video consultations are also available if that’s more convenient for you.
We’re here to answer every question you have, honestly and without pressure. Most people who sit down with us for a consultation know pretty quickly whether SMP is right for them. We just give you the honest information you need to make that decision with full confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who are the SMP practitioners at Foli Sim’s Perth studio?
The Perth team at Foli Sim consists of three experienced SMP practitioners. Kate Dawes is our Senior Practitioner and Director, holding a Diploma and Masters in SMP from internationally recognised institutions, over 30 years of experience in the hair industry, and formal Trichology registration with the International Association of Trichologists. Kate is also an international conference speaker in the field of hair restoration. Shannon Over is a practitioner with a distinctive background, having first come to Foli Sim as a client before training and joining the team himself. His firsthand experience of the procedure gives him a genuine understanding of what clients go through, and it shows in how he works. Tara Scrivener is a local Fremantle practitioner known for her warmth, precision, and the relaxed, supportive environment she creates for every client. All three work out of our Australian Health Department Certified studio at 135 High Street Mall, Fremantle.
Q2: How do I choose which practitioner to book with?
All three practitioners at our Perth studio deliver results to the same high standard, so there’s no wrong choice. That said, we always recommend starting with a free consultation, because it gives you the chance to meet the team in person, see the studio, ask your questions, and get a feel for who you’d like to work with. Some clients are drawn to Kate for her internationally recognised credentials and her background as a Trichologist. Others connect more naturally with Shannon or Tara based on their communication style and personal approach. The most important thing is that you feel genuinely comfortable and informed before committing to anything. Our consultations are completely free, there’s no obligation involved, and they can be done in person, over video, or via photos sent through WhatsApp or email.
Q3: How many SMP sessions will I need?
All SMP treatments at Foli Sim require 3 sessions, regardless of the degree of hair loss. This includes mild cases, not just medium or advanced hair loss. Sessions are spaced 10 to 14 days apart to allow proper healing and for the pigment to settle correctly before the next layer is applied. The first session establishes the foundational pigment layer across the scalp. The second session builds density and begins refining placement and detail. The third session delivers precision finishing work to complete the treatment. If a fourth session is needed for any reason, your practitioner will discuss this honestly and clearly during treatment. All completed treatments include a 12-month quality guarantee from the date of the third session, covering any touch-up work required within that period at no extra cost.
Q4: Does SMP hurt? What will the sessions feel like?
Most of our Perth clients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable SMP is. Pain levels are generally low, and the majority of people get through their sessions without needing any form of pain relief. The sensation is often described as a mild scratching or pricking feeling across the scalp, and because SMP involves tiny individual dots rather than continuous lines, many clients find it considerably more manageable than they expected. If you’re thinking about taking an over-the-counter oral painkiller beforehand, speak with your doctor or pharmacist first, as they can advise on what’s appropriate for you. Our practitioners always work at a comfortable pace and are happy to take breaks whenever you need them.
Q5: How much does SMP cost at Foli Sim Perth?
Pricing at Foli Sim is tailored to each individual based on the extent of hair loss and the size of the treatment area. As a general guide, mild hair loss treatments range from $500 to $1,200, medium hair loss from $1,500 to $2,500, and advanced hair loss from $2,200 to $3,200. These ranges cover the full 3-session treatment. A personalised, fixed quote is provided at your free consultation so there are no surprises along the way. We also offer interest-free payment plans through ZipMoney, including a six-month interest-free option, to help spread the cost. For more information visit our SMP pricing page or send us a couple of photos for a written quote estimate.
Q6: Will my SMP look natural on my scalp?
Delivering a completely natural result is the primary goal in every treatment we carry out. Here in Perth, as across Australia broadly, the overwhelming majority of our clients want SMP that looks like their own hair, not something that draws attention or looks obviously cosmetic. That means a soft, natural hairline designed to suit the individual’s face shape, skin tone, age, and natural hair characteristics. The naturalness of an SMP outcome comes down to the skill of the practitioner, the quality of pigment used, the precision of dot placement, and the experience to design a hairline that genuinely belongs to that specific person. Across our 260-plus five-star Google reviews, clients consistently note how naturally their results read in everyday life, with many reporting that friends, family, and colleagues simply assume they’ve shaved their head. That’s the standard we aim for with every single client.
