SMP PRICING GUIDE
Scalp Micropigmentation Cost in South Africa
Clear, upfront pricing for scalp micropigmentation at SMP Studio in Johannesburg. You get one total price for your full treatment before we start, with no surprises along the way.
Full treatment price
R10,000–R30,000
Total price for a complete set of treatments
Free consultations in our Johannesburg studio or by video call.
WHAT YOU PAY FOR
What's Included in the Price
Free consultation
In our studio, by video call, or simply WhatsApp us photos. We assess your hair loss and confirm your price before anything is booked.
Clear pricing
Your quoted price includes all sessions required to complete your treatment, allowing us to build the pigment and density gradually for the most natural and realistic result.
Custom hairline & shade
Your hairline design and pigment shade are carefully tailored to complement your facial features, age, skin tone and natural hair pattern.
No hidden costs
You’ll know the full treatment cost before we begin, with no unexpected charges or extra session fees along the way.
PRICE GUIDE
How Much Does SMP Cost in South Africa?
SMP prices depend on the area treated. Men's prices are based on the Norwood scale of hair loss and women's on the Ludwig scale. All prices below are total prices for the full 3-session treatment.
Full head (Norwood 7)
Up to R30,000
Advanced hair loss covering the hairline, top and crown.
Women's thinning hair
Quoted by stage
Priced on the Ludwig scale, based on how much of the scalp needs added density. Learn more about SMP for women.
Scars, burns, alopecia & stubble
POA
Every case is different, so we give you a price after your consultation.
One price. All sessions.
Some clinics quote SMP per session, so the real total only becomes clear halfway through your treatment. Our prices cover your full treatment plan, so you know exactly what you'll pay before we even start.
PRICING FOR MEN
How the Norwood Scale Sets Your Price
Male pattern hair loss follows a predictable path called the Norwood scale. It runs from stage 1, with no visible hair loss, to stage 7, where hair is left only around the back and sides. The further along the scale you are, the larger the area we treat and the more time and pigment your treatment needs. That's why your Norwood stage is the main thing that sets your price.
The Norwood scale shows the stages of male pattern hair loss. The higher the stage, the larger the area we treat.
NORWOOD 2-3
Early hair loss
From R10,000
A receding hairline or temples. Usually a hairline-only treatment.
NORWOOD 4-5
Moderate to advanced
R14,000 – R20,000
Thinning on top and at the crown as well as the hairline. Your exact price depends on the area and is confirmed at your consultation.
NORWOOD 6-7
Full head
Up to R30,000
The most advanced stage, with hair loss across the whole top and crown. A full head treatment.
Not sure which stage you are? WhatsApp us photos of your scalp from the front, top and crown on 065 817 5505, and we'll tell you your stage and your price.
YOUR PRICE
What Affects the Cost of SMP?
No two clients pay exactly the same, because no two scalps are the same. These are the things that set your price:
Size of the area treated
Restoring a hairline takes far less work than covering a fully bald scalp, so the price rises with the area treated.
Your stage of hair loss
We use the Norwood scale for men and the Ludwig scale for women to measure your hair loss and match it to a fair price.
Special cases
Scar camouflage, burns, alopecia and stubble pigmentation need a tailored approach, so they are priced on application.
IS IT WORTH IT?
A One-Off Cost for a Lasting Result
Hair loss products and treatments often mean paying month after month. With SMP you pay once for your full treatment and get a result you can see straight away.
Non-surgical
No surgery and minimal downtime. Most clients can return to their normal daily activities within 24 hours.
Done in 3–6 weeks
Your full SMP treatment is typically completed within 3–6 weeks, giving you a finished result without waiting months for new hair growth.
Experienced artist
Over 9 years specialising in Scalp Micropigmentation, with more than 1,000 clients treated across a wide range of hair loss patterns, hair types and skin tones. Meet the artist.
COMPARE YOUR OPTIONS
SMP vs Other Hair Loss Solutions
Price is only part of the picture. Here's how SMP compares with the other common ways of dealing with hair loss.
Scalp micropigmentation
Cost: One total price, plus an occasional touch-up
Surgery: None
Results: Visible after the first session, complete in 3–6 weeks
Good to know: Creates the look of a short, buzz-cut hairstyle
Hair transplant
Cost: Usually a larger one-off cost
Surgery: Yes, with recovery time
Results: Hair grows in gradually over many months
Good to know: Needs enough healthy donor hair
Hair system
Cost: Ongoing, as systems need regular replacing
Surgery: None
Results: Instant
Good to know: Needs regular maintenance appointments
Medication
Cost: Ongoing monthly cost
Surgery: None
Results: Gradual, and vary from person to person
Good to know: Benefits usually stop when you stop taking it
REAL RESULTS
Real SMP Results from Our Johannesburg Studio
Every result below is a real SMP Studio client, treated in our Johannesburg studio. See more in our SMP portfolio and client testimonials.
5.0 ★
from 218 Google reviews
9+
years specialising in SMP
1,000+
clients treated
100+
practitioners trained internationally
Full scalp coverage
Complete baldness covered with full head SMP for men
Hairline restoration
A receding hairline rebuilt to suit the face
Crown thinning
Density added to a thinning crown
Density for thinning hair
Thinning hair made to look fuller
Density after hair transplant
Extra density added after a hair transplant
Female hair density
Thinning areas filled in with SMP for women
Hair transplant scar camouflage
Transplant scars blended into the scalp
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Why the Cheapest SMP Can Cost You More
SMP is a permanent cosmetic treatment. When it goes wrong, fixing it usually means correction sessions or laser removal before you can start again, which costs far more than getting it right the first time.
Common signs of poor SMP include dots that blur and spread, pigment that turns blue or green over time, and hairlines that look too sharp, too low or too uniform.
Red flags to watch for
No portfolio
They can't show you real before-and-after photos of their own work.
Pressure to book
You're pushed to pay a deposit or commit on the spot.
No clear total price
They only quote per session, so you can't see what the full treatment will cost.
Vague about pigments
They can't tell you which pigments they use or how they choose your shade.
Poor hygiene
Needles should be sterile and single-use, and the studio should be spotless.
Too good to be true
A price far below everyone else's often means less training and experience.
HONEST ADVICE
Is SMP Right for You?
SMP is a great fit if you…
✓ Are happy with a short, buzz-cut look
✓ Have a receding hairline, crown thinning or full baldness
✓ Want to add density to thinning hair
✓ Want to hide hair transplant or other scars
✓ Want a non-surgical option with no downtime
SMP may not be right if you…
✕ Want long hair to grow back, as SMP doesn't regrow hair
✕ Expect the full result after one session, as results build over 2 - 3 sessions
✕ Have an active scalp condition that needs treating first
✕ Aren't ready for a long-lasting cosmetic change
HOW IT WORKS
How to Get Your Exact Price
01
Send photos or book a consultation
WhatsApp photos of your scalp to 065 817 5505, or book a free consultation in the studio or by video call.
02
Get your best professional advice and pricing
We assess your hair loss and give you one fixed price for the full treatment.
03
Start your treatment
Book your 1st session and see your new look come together over 3–6 weeks.
FAQ
SMP Cost: Common Questions
How much does scalp micropigmentation cost in South Africa?
At SMP Studio, a full SMP treatment costs from R10,000 for a hairline up to R30,000 for Norwood 7 hair loss.
Is the price per session?
No. Our prices are total prices for a 3-session treatment plan, so you know the full cost before we start.
Do you charge for a consultation?
No, consultations are free. You can also send us photos to find out how much your treatment will cost.
How much does SMP for scars or alopecia cost?
Work on scars, burns, alopecia and stubble pigmentation is priced on application, after we have assessed your case.
How long does the full treatment take?
Your 3 sessions are usually completed within 3–6 weeks.
Why do SMP prices differ so much between clinics?
Prices reflect the artist's training and experience, the quality of pigments and equipment, hygiene standards, and whether the quote covers the full treatment or just one session. Always compare total prices, not per-session prices.
Is SMP cheaper than a hair transplant?
In most cases, yes. SMP is non-surgical, has no recovery time and is completed in 3–6 weeks. A hair transplant is surgery, usually costs more, and depends on having enough donor hair.
Does medical aid cover scalp micropigmentation?
SMP is a cosmetic treatment, so most medical aid schemes don't cover it. If you're unsure, check with your scheme.
Can I have my consultation by video call?
Yes. If you can't come to the studio, we can do your free consultation by video call. You can also WhatsApp photos of your scalp to 065 817 5505 or email info@smpstudio.co.za for a quote.
Find Out Exactly What Your SMP Will Cost
Book a free consultation or send us your photos, and we'll give you a clear, fixed price for your full treatment.
Call or WhatsApp 065 817 5505 · Email info@smpstudio.co.za
Consultations in studio or by video call