Scalp Micropigmentation
Density that never looks thin — built dot by dot.
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that creates the appearance of natural hair follicles on the scalp by depositing specialized pigment into the upper dermis using precision micro-needles. The treatment is suitable for hair thinning, pattern baldness, alopecia, and scarring from surgery or injury. SMP can create the look of a closely shaved head, add density to thinning areas, or define a receding hairline for a fuller, more youthful appearance. At CYAN PMU, the procedure is performed across multiple sessions spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart, allowing the artist to build density gradually for the most natural result. Each dot is placed with attention to the client's existing hair pattern, growth direction, and skin tone, ensuring seamless blending. Results typically last 3 to 5 years with minimal maintenance.
Who is this for?
Those experiencing hair thinning, pattern baldness, alopecia, or scarring on the scalp.
What SMP is, and why CYAN starts differently
SMP (scalp micropigmentation) builds up tiny dots one at a time on the scalp to create the look of hair follicles. The biggest difference from hair fibers or powder is that it doesn't wash off in rain or sweat, or rub onto your pillow. CYAN doesn't decide on color first — we start by reading the scalp condition and the density and tone of your remaining hair. Hair density strongly affects how old an impression reads, so we design the shade and placement of each dot to blend naturally among the existing hair.
Come take a look if any of this sounds like you
Maybe the crown or part shows scalp through thinning hair, or a receding hairline makes the forehead look wide and bothers you. Many people also come in with hair transplant marks or scars that keep them from cutting their hair short, or worry about the scalp showing on rainy days. That said, the result varies with scalp condition and the tone of remaining hair, so it's hard to promise from photos alone. We look at the scalp in person and tell you honestly what's achievable.
Placing the dots — checking together from afar and up close
First we disinfect the scalp, take before photos, and prepare using only single-use tools. We set a guide from the outer edges and build the dots up gradually. What's especially important in SMP is checking from changing positions as we go. Density reads differently sitting versus standing, up close versus a step away. So we pause several times during the work, change the distance and angle, and check and reinforce symmetry and density. At the end we finish while looking in the mirror together.
Why we don't finish in one session — staged planning
SMP is usually done over 2–3 sessions at 1–2 week intervals. Trying to fill it all in on the first session makes the dots clump and look unnatural. We check how the previous session's color settled, then raise the density one step at a time. The scalp tends to be oily and sweaty, so dots fade differently than in fill-style procedures, which makes it safer to adjust as we watch the progress. The number of sessions and the area are set together as a plan after we see your scalp.
Deciding density and depth — how far to fill
SMP style comes down to "how dark" and "where to fill." Reinforcing density among thinning hair, tidying a receded hairline, and softening shadow over scars each call for different dot depth and placement. Too dark looks unnatural up close; too faint feels weak from afar. So we aim for a mid-density that looks natural up close and filled from a distance, but how natural we can go is case by case — we look at your scalp and decide together in the consultation.
Style Options
Tell us the mood you have in mind — in your consultation we tailor it to your face shape, skin tone, and lifestyle.
The Process
Consultation
Assessment of your scalp condition, hair pattern, and desired density
Hairline Design
Natural hairline creation and density mapping
Procedure
Multi-session pigment application mimicking natural hair follicles
Aftercare
Simple aftercare routine for long-lasting results
Why CYAN
Design that reads your impression
Our founder holds Korean national qualifications in clinical psychology and art-therapy counseling. We don't just set a shape — we read the impression your face conveys and design what truly suits you.
0.1mm nano-milled needle, developed in-house
Rather than settling for conventional OEM, we took part directly in developing 0.1mm nano-milled needles at a GMP-certified factory. The precision of the tool shapes the delicacy of the result.
30,000+ clinical cases
Over 30,000 clinical procedures have built our standard for safety and natural results.
A technique Japanese clinics came to learn
As a Korean instructor who taught powder brow and cover-up techniques to clinic medical staff in Japan, our founder has run formal classes.
Treatment Fees
₩600,000
≈$410
Total fee is based on a 2–3 session plan. The number of sessions needed is set during your consultation, after we assess your scalp.
See the full price guide※ Local-currency figures (≈) are estimates at the current exchange rate; payment is made in Korean won (₩). Overseas cards apply your card issuer’s exchange rate. Prices are the same regardless of nationality — exactly as published.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SMP painful?
Because it works by placing dots rather than filling in solid areas, it tends to be less irritating than fill-style procedures. Most clients describe it as light scratching, and if it's uncomfortable we can pause partway through.
How many sessions are needed?
Typically 2-3 sessions spaced 1-2 weeks apart for optimal density and natural appearance.
Any downtime?
Minimal — slight redness for 1-2 days. You can resume normal activities immediately.
Does it need maintenance?
SMP is very low maintenance. A touch-up every 3-5 years may be desired to maintain intensity.
Is SMP right for me?
SMP can be applied broadly depending on your goal — boosting density at the crown, correcting a receding hairline, or covering scars. The intensity of the dots and the number of sessions vary with your scalp condition and the tone of your remaining hair, so we check your scalp in person during the consultation and decide together on the sessions and coverage you'll need.
Can you cover scars or hair transplant marks too?
We work on scarred areas by placing dots to reduce the color difference with the surrounding scalp through shading. That said, how well color settles depends on the depth and surface of the scar, so it's closer to making it "less noticeable" than making it vanish smoothly. We look at the scar in person and tell you honestly how natural it can get.
Will it show if I grow my hair out? Does it look natural if I shave it short too?
SMP works well for creating the look of follicles just emerging on a closely shaved scalp, and it's also used to reinforce density among hair of some length. The naturalness depends on your remaining hair length matching the dot density, so if you tell us the length you usually wear at the consultation, we'll design the density to match.
My scalp is oily or sweaty — is that okay?
The scalp is naturally an oily, sweaty area, so dots settle differently than in facial procedures. That's why we don't fill it all at once — we split it into sessions and confirm settling as we go. If your scalp tends to be oily, we factor that into the session intervals and density planning too, so please mention it in the consultation.