SMP produces visible results after the first session, with the final appearance settling 7 to 10 days after the last session in the series. The treatment creates a convincing simulation of shaved hair follicles or increased density in thinning areas, and the outcome varies based on your starting point, skin type, and the practitioner's skill level.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
What SMP Results Look Like by Stage
SMP outcomes differ significantly depending on the extent of hair loss and the treatment goal. Here is what to expect at each Norwood stage.
Results by Norwood Stage
| Norwood Stage | Treatment Goal | Visual Outcome | Sessions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwood 2-3 | Hairline restoration + density fill | Defined hairline, reduced transparency in temples | 2-3 |
| Norwood 3-4 | Density fill + crown coverage | Thinning areas appear fuller, crown less visible | 2-3 |
| Norwood 4-5 | Extensive coverage + hairline creation | Major visual improvement, blended transition zones | 3-4 |
| Norwood 5-6 | Full buzz-cut simulation | Complete shaved-head appearance, uniform density | 3-4 |
| Norwood 7 | Full scalp coverage | Defined hairline, full crown, natural look | 3-4 |
Patients at Norwood 5 and above often report the most dramatic visual change because SMP transforms a visibly bald scalp into the appearance of a deliberately shaved head. The psychological impact of this transformation is significant.
Density Fill Results
For patients with thinning hair (Norwood 2-4 or female pattern loss), SMP adds visual density between existing hairs. The pigment dots create the illusion of more follicles, making the scalp less visible through thinning areas.
| Before SMP | After SMP |
|---|---|
| Scalp visible through thinning areas | Scalp visibility reduced by 50-70% |
| Wide part line | Part appears narrower and denser |
| Thin temples | Temples appear filled and framed |
| Crown spiral visible | Crown coverage appears more complete |
Density fill SMP works best when existing hair is kept short (less than half an inch). Longer hair can cover the pigment and reduce the blending effect.
Scar Camouflage Results
SMP effectively conceals both FUT strip scars and FUE dot scars from prior hair transplant surgery.
| Scar Type | Before SMP | After SMP |
|---|---|---|
| FUT linear scar | White or pink strip visible, 1-3mm wide | Scar blended with surrounding pigment, barely detectable |
| FUE dot scars | White dots visible when hair is short | Dots filled in, donor area appears uniform |
| Burn or trauma scars | Discolored, smooth skin lacking follicles | Pigmented dots create follicle illusion across scar |
Scar tissue holds pigment differently than normal scalp skin. Scars have less blood flow and different texture, so the pigment may appear slightly different in color or density compared to surrounding areas. An experienced practitioner accounts for this and adjusts technique accordingly.
Realistic Expectations
Setting accurate expectations is essential to satisfaction with SMP results. The following comparisons clarify what SMP can and cannot do.
What SMP Does
- Creates the visual appearance of hair follicles on the scalp
- Produces a consistent, natural-looking buzzed-head effect
- Adds perceived density to thinning areas
- Conceals scars from surgery, trauma, or alopecia patches
- Delivers results that are visible immediately (improving over sessions)
- Requires no surgery, anesthesia, or extended recovery
What SMP Does Not Do
- Grow real hair
- Add texture that can be felt by touch
- Replace the volume and dimension of actual hair
- Stop ongoing hair loss progression
- Withstand scrutiny under a magnifying glass from inches away
- Last permanently without touch-ups (fades over 4-6 years)
The patients who report the highest satisfaction are those who understand these boundaries before treatment. SMP is a cosmetic illusion, and it is an extremely effective one when performed well.
Factors That Affect Final Results
Practitioner Skill
The single biggest variable in SMP results is the practitioner. Key skill factors include:
| Skill Factor | Good Result | Poor Result |
|---|---|---|
| Dot size | Matches natural follicle size (0.5-1.5mm) | Dots too large or too small |
| Dot spacing | Irregular, natural pattern | Uniform grid pattern looks artificial |
| Hairline design | Soft, feathered, age-appropriate | Straight, sharp, too low |
| Color matching | Matches hair and skin tone precisely | Too dark, too warm, or too cool |
| Depth consistency | Pigment in upper dermis only | Too deep (spreads/blurs) or too shallow (fades fast) |
| Gradient blending | Smooth transition from dense to sparse | Abrupt edges, harsh lines |
Before choosing a practitioner, review their portfolio of healed results (not fresh photos, which always look better due to redness and swelling masking imperfections). Ask specifically to see photos taken 3 or more months after the final session.
Skin Type Impact
| Skin Factor | Effect on Results |
|---|---|
| Oily skin | Pigment may soften and spread slightly; may need touch-ups sooner |
| Dry skin | Holds pigment well; flaking during healing can be more pronounced |
| Thin skin (older patients) | Pigment may diffuse slightly; needs lighter pressure |
| Thick skin | Holds defined dots well; may need slightly deeper placement |
| Sun-damaged skin | Uneven texture can cause inconsistent pigment retention |
| Scarred areas | Different pigment retention; requires adjusted technique |
Pigment Quality
Premium SMP pigments are carbon-based and engineered to fade to a neutral gray over time. Low-quality pigments or traditional tattoo inks can shift to blue, green, or red tones as they break down. This color shift is the hallmark of a bad SMP job and the primary reason to choose a reputable practitioner who uses SMP-specific pigments.
SMP Results Over Time
SMP is not permanent. The results follow a predictable fading curve.
Fading Timeline
| Time After Treatment | Appearance |
|---|---|
| 1 month | Freshly healed, crisp dots, ideal density |
| 6 months | Minimal change, slight softening of dot edges |
| 1-2 years | Very minor fading, dots slightly softer |
| 2-4 years | Gradual lightening becomes noticeable to you (not to others) |
| 4-6 years | Pigment has faded enough for a touch-up to be worthwhile |
| After touch-up | Reset to near-original appearance, cycle repeats |
Patients who protect their scalp from UV exposure and moisturize regularly report slower fading and longer intervals between touch-ups.
How to Evaluate Your Own Results
After your treatment series is complete and the scalp has fully healed (10+ days after last session), evaluate your results with these checks:
- Mirror test at arm's length: Does the scalp look naturally dense? This is the primary viewing distance others see you from.
- Natural lighting test: Step into daylight near a window. Artificial lighting can be more forgiving. If it looks good in natural light, it looks good everywhere.
- Photo comparison: Compare pre-treatment photos to current photos taken from the same angle and lighting.
- Third-party opinion: Ask someone who did not know you had the procedure if they notice anything unusual about your hair.
Next Steps
SMP results depend on your starting stage, practitioner quality, and aftercare compliance. To determine your current Norwood stage and understand what SMP can achieve for your specific situation, read our SMP complete guide or get a free AI assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze.