How to Prepare for Your First SMP Session at VOID SMP
How your skin behaves on the day of treatment decides how cleanly pigment settles into it. Hydrated, calm, unirritated skin holds crisp impressions; dehydrated or inflamed skin bleeds more, swells more and retains pigment unevenly.
Everything below is straightforward, and following it costs you nothing but a little planning. Skipping it can cost you a session.
Alcohol and caffeine — 24 to 48 hours before
Avoid heavy drinking for 24 to 48 hours before your appointment, and limit high-caffeine drinks on the day itself. Both thin the blood and increase surface sensitivity, which means more fluid at each impression point and less predictable pigment retention.
If you take prescription blood thinners, do not stop them. Tell us in advance so the session can be planned around them, and speak to your physician before changing anything.
Scalp condition and hydration
Begin moisturising your scalp daily in the week before treatment with a light, non-greasy moisturiser. Well-hydrated skin accepts pigment far more evenly than dry, flaking skin.
Wash your scalp thoroughly with a gentle shampoo the night before or the morning of your appointment. Arrive with a clean scalp, free of lotion, oil, sunscreen or heavy styling product.
- Moisturise daily for the week before your session
- Wash with a gentle shampoo the night before or that morning
- No oils, lotions, sunscreen or styling products on the day
- Tell us in advance about sunburn, severe acne, psoriasis or any inflammation
- Do not use exfoliants, retinol or chemical peels on the scalp for a week beforehand
Hair styling and length
Arrive with your hair at its usual length so your hairline can be designed around your natural style. If you are pursuing a fully shaved-head look, shave the day before or the morning of — a very close, fresh shave, not a bald wet shave that leaves the skin raw.
If you are adding density to existing hair, do not cut it short beforehand unless you have been asked to.
General preparation for the day
- Sleep well the night before — fatigue increases sensitivity
- Eat a proper meal before you arrive; sessions run two to four hours
- Wear a dark top you do not mind marking
- Allow extra travel time so you arrive calm rather than rushed
- Bring headphones or something to watch; you will be seated for a while
Consultation and custom hairline mapping
Every treatment begins with a complimentary consultation, in person or virtual. We assess your hair loss pattern, skin tone and undertone, scalp condition and the density you already have, then agree on a realistic plan and session count.
Hairline mapping is done before a single impression is placed. Your hairline is drawn on with a surgical pen and measured against your facial proportions — the distance from brow to hairline, temple placement, the curvature of the frontal edge and the softness of the corners. Nothing begins until you have seen the drawn line in a mirror, from the front and both profiles, and approved it.
- Facial proportion measurement rather than a template hairline
- Shape chosen with you: rounded and natural, straight, or a soft V
- Age-appropriate height that will still suit you in ten years
- Temple corners matched to your bone structure
- Pigment shade matched to your skin tone and existing hair colour
Direct answers
Should I wash my hair before the SMP session?
Yes. Wash your scalp thoroughly with a gentle shampoo the night before or the morning of your appointment, and arrive with it completely clean — no oil, lotion, sunscreen or styling product. A clean, product-free scalp lets pigment settle evenly and keeps the working area sterile.
Can I drink coffee before my SMP appointment?
Limit it. Caffeine and alcohol both thin the blood and raise skin sensitivity, which increases fluid at each impression point and makes pigment retention less predictable. Avoid heavy drinking for 24 to 48 hours beforehand and keep caffeine minimal on the day.
Should I shave my head before SMP?
Only if you are going for a fully shaved look — in that case shave closely the day before or that morning, without irritating the skin. If you are adding density to existing hair, arrive at your usual hair length so the hairline can be designed around your natural style.
What happens at the consultation?
The complimentary consultation covers your hair loss pattern, skin tone, scalp condition, realistic expectations, session count and an estimate. On treatment day it is followed by custom hairline mapping, where your hairline is drawn on and measured against your facial proportions and must be approved by you before any pigment is placed.
