How Hair Tattoo's (SMP) Work:
SMP Stands for Scalp Micropigmentation
People often search for “hair tattoo” when they mean Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP). They’re the exact same treatment. I’ll explain options in plain English and design a plan that fits your goals.
Hair loss is usually due to Male or Female pattern balding (ie: genetics) but can also be caused by other factors such as diet, stress, illness etc. It commonly affects the hairline, crown and top of the head.
SMP is a non-surgical procedure and uses micro-needle precision to deposit pigments into the scalp's epidermal layer, mimicking the look of your natural hair follicles. The increased follicle density results in the appearance of thicker hair and restores a youthful hairline shape.
SMP is a cost effective solution for men or women dealing with hair loss. It instantly restores receding hairlines, concealing bald spots and scars, and creates the illusion of thicker, fuller hair.
The true beauty of SMP is it offers a full head of hair effect, with immediate long term results.
Hair Tattoo (SMP) in Auckland.
The Different Types of SMP Treatments:
.png)
Hairline Restoration 3D Shadow or Buzz Cut
The most seamless way to restore a full head of hair. By blending micro-pigment impressions with your natural shaved hair, we recreate a face-framing hairline that suits your age and head shape. Whether you prefer a faded 3D shadow or a short .5mm buzz cut, this treatment instantly takes years off by defining your features with a natural, undetectable finish.
Hair Thickening / Density Treatment
Instantly create the look of more volume without changing your hairstyle. Ideal for both men and women, a density treatment adds "shadow" to thinning areas like the temples, crown, or partings. It’s the perfect solution for those who want to keep their hair long but eliminate the contrast of a visible scalp, giving the illusion of a thick, full head of hair.
Covering Scars, Alopecia, Vitiligo, Transplants
Scalp Micropigmentation is highly effective at camouflaging scars or patches in both short and long hair. By reducing the contrast between your skin and hair colour, we "fill the gaps" and blend the area back into your existing hair. Whether it’s a surgical scar or an alopecia patch, we can significantly reduce its visibility for a more uniform look.
.png)
Who We Help with Hair Tattoo (SMP):
Natural, non‑surgical help for receding hairlines, crown balding and everyday thinning, designed to suit your features and build quietly over a few sessions. Most clients notice an immediate lift in confidence, spend less time worrying about angles and lighting, and enjoy long‑lasting results with simple maintenance every few years.
.png)
Receding Hairlines
Subtle hairline redesign and 3D stubble‑shadow work. We rebuild soft, believable undetectable hairlines that suit your features and frame the face. Ideal for balding temples and heavily thinned crowns
.png)
Crown Balding & Thinning
Add thickness back into the crown with natural dot density that blends with your hair. We reduce contrast between skin and hair for a fuller look in everyday lighting — designed to look good from every angle
.png)
Women's Hair Thinning
Postpartum, hormonal changes and genetics can trigger hair loss. Our detailed‑first approach adds soft density along the parting, temples or where it’s needed. No sharp lines, no harsh colour.
The Scalp Micropigmentation Treatment Process
Each SMP hair tattoo treatment will require 3-4 individual sessions.
During these sessions we carefully layer small micro tattoo dots into the skin. With each layer we can change the colour, or size of the micro dots to add depth to create a natural blend that suits your individual needs.
The goal, is to blend our micro ink impressions seamlessly into your existing hair. We're going for a full head of hair look that looks undetectable to others around you.
The results are seen immediately from your first treatment, with very little pre or after care required.
If you would like a quote:
1. Take 4-6 clear photos of your hairline, crown and rear head
2. Complete the quote form below
3. You will be sent an automated email, asking to see your photos.
4. Send through your images and we can give you pricing.
.png)
Nue Strand™ Hair Growth Serum (Medical Tattooing)
If you aren't quite ready for hair tattooing, topical stimulation of dormant hair follicles is a nice stepping stone.
Nue Strand™ Hair Growth Serum is a revolutionary, non-surgical treatment that redefines hair restoration by working from the inside out.
Nue Strand™ is an Inkless medical tattooing protocol for hair regrowth. Using microneedling without pigment, we deliver a regenerative serum into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles and support regrowth.
We target thinning zones (parting, temples, crown) and map sessions to the hair cycle, spaced in a short series with little to no downtime.
Best for early to moderate thinning, postpartum or hormonal hair loss, and general scalp imbalance.
Nue Strand™ might be recommended as a first step before any SMP, to give you the best outcome of both tattoo and new hair growth.
SMP & Nue Strand™ Price Guide
.png)
Finance Is Now Available
Everyone deserves the freedom that comes with restorative treatments. To make your journey easier, Inkworks Studio has partnered with LoanHaus NZ who offer medical, cosmetic and training loans.
How it works:
-
Consultation & Quote: We’ll discuss your goals and provide a formal quote.
-
Simple Application: Once you accept, we send you an invoice to include in your LoanHaus application.
-
Fast Approval: Most applications are processed within 24–48 hours.
-
Direct Payment: Once approved, LoanHaus pays us directly, and we can get your transformation started
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SMP a non-surgical proceedure?
Yes, Scalp Micropigmentation or commonly referred to as SMP is non-surgical procedure that uses a micro needle to inject pigment in to the epidermal level of the scalp. This is different from regular tattooing, which delivers pigment into the lower skin layers
Tony dots are tattooed into the scalp creating the illusion of short hair follicles.
How many treatments does it take?
SMP usually requires 3-4 session each taking between 2 and 4 hours depending on the size of the area being treated.
We space each session out at a min of 7 days (but ideally 2 -4 weeks) so we can build our natural 3D effect. The results will be immediate from your very first session.
Does SMP hurt?
SMP is much shallower depth than a regular tattoo so the pain is generally considerably less. Most clients describe it as slightly annoying, with some discomfort and a little pricky. Some areas can be more sensitive than other and everyone has their own threshold. Some clients can fall asleep during the SMP procedure.
We can use a numbing gel that can be applied prior and take regular breaks to ensure pain passes. Having a healthy scalp and moisturised prior to the treatment also helps.
Why does it fade?
After the treatment there is fading and a loss of some pigment which occurs during the healing process and this is quite normal. It's the reason we do multiple sessions. Long term fading predominately occurs with sun exposure as with any other tattoo's. Another factor is your immune system which tries to break down the pigment. With good skincare and a good sunblock fading can be minimised.
Do not use products that contain large amounts of alcohol like Rogaine or products that contain Retin-A or Alpha Hydroxy Acid as these can potential fade the SMP pigment.
How do you match my hair colour & skin tone?
All hair colours from fair to red, to black can be replicated using a a quality grey dilute, because all hair appears somewhere on the grey spectrum when shaved. We also use neutralisers to warm the colour and get a perfect match for everyone.
Our pigments are specifically designed for SMP and scalps. They are designed to settle quickly and last longer. All pigments are sterile medical grade and contain no animal by-products.
How often will I need to shave my head?
Any hairline restoration treatment will need you to shave or clipper your head every 1-3 days to keep you looking 100%! Cleansing and moisturising your scalp daily helps to avoid excess oil build up. A matt sunblock and skin mattifier can help protect and reduce any shine.
If you are only requiring a density treatment, no shaving is required we work around the hair you have. You'll need to ensure its clean, with no products to perform this treatment.
I've already had a hair transplant would I be suitable?
Often we find that SMP works great with existing hair transplants when you are still after more volume. SMP can be done once the hair is fully healed and growing to increase the illusion of thicker hair.
Because SMP is a cosmetic tattoo procedure, it works really well with most other hair restoration treatments - it's a great way to complement what is already working.