THe Upgrade Department
Scalp Micropigmentation.
Permanent pigment. Precise placement. Whether your head is shaved, close-cropped, or full of hair you intend to keep.
Scalp
The most permanent upgrade on the menu.
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Scalp micropigmentation is the application of precise pigment deposits to the scalp to replicate the appearance of hair follicles — creating density, defining hairlines, and restoring the visual impression of a full head of hair. It is not a tattoo in the conventional sense. The pigment is placed at a shallower depth, with needles and colors chosen specifically for the scalp, built across multiple sessions to create dimension rather than a flat, uniform result.
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Every treatment at The Upgrade Department follows a three-session process. The first session establishes the base layer using lighter pigment. Subsequent sessions build depth and dimension, introducing progressively richer tones and varied needle types to mimic the natural variation of real follicles. The result doesn't read as filled-in. It reads as hair.
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We work with every client type — shaved heads, close-cropped hair, and clients who want density or hairline work without cutting their hair at all. The technique differs. The standard doesn't.
If you want to keep your hair, most SMP studios aren't for you.
Density restoration and hairline work through existing hair requires navigating around follicles, adjusting placement in real time, and working in shorter passes across longer sessions. Most micropigmentation studios ask clients to shave first — even for density work — because it's significantly easier. We don't. We built the practice around working with hair in place, which means clients who want more density without losing length, or a defined hairline without a close crop, have a place that was specifically designed for them.
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Sessions for hair-on treatments run longer — typically three to four hours — and in some cases may extend to four or more sessions depending on the area treated and hair length. This is disclosed upfront, priced accordingly, and never rushed.
The Scalp Treatments.
All scalp SMP treatments are three sessions unless otherwise noted. Sessions run two to four hours depending on treatment area and hair length. Pricing is all-inclusive — no per-session billing, no surprise add-ons.
FULL HEAD, SHAVED OR CLOSE-CROPPED
The Stubble Upgrade
Full scalp SMP for shaved or close-cropped hair. Crown coverage that fades into the sides with a natural high-and-tight finish. Extended coverage further down the sides available; pricing adjusted accordingly.
$3,000
3 sessions · Crown with fade · Extended side coverage quoted at consultation
HAIR-ON DENSITY RESTORATION
The Density Upgrade
Density restoration through existing hair — no shaving required. Pricing will be based on your hair. Example pricing: Single patch (Norwood 3 vertex or similar): $2,000. Crown patch plus hairline: $3,800. Full coverage hairline to crown: $4,500 (the most technically demanding treatment we offer.)
From $2,000
3+ sessions · Area-dependent pricing · Up to 4+ sessions for larger areas
HAIR-ON HAIRLINE DEFINITION
The Hairline Upgrade
Hairline definition and restoration through existing hair, tapering naturally around the two-inch mark. For clients whose hairline has receded but who want a defined front edge without cutting their hair. From precise to virtually undetectable, we work with you and your hair to achieve your goals.
$2,000
3 sessions · Hair-on · Hairline only
CONSULTATION TIME
Not sure which one?
The consultation is where we figure that out together. We assess your scalp, hair, skin tone, and what you're actually after. You leave with a specific recommendation and a clear plan — no obligation to book.
$50
Applicable toward any micropigmentation service
What to expect.
SESSION 01
The Foundation
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Lighter pigment, wider spacing, establishing the base layer. It will look subtle when you leave — intentionally so.
SESSION 02
The Build
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Deeper tones introduced. Density increases. Needle variation begins creating dimension. Scheduled 2+ weeks after session one.
SESSION 03
The Finish
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Final depth, final detail. Any areas needing refinement are addressed. This is the session where it all comes together. Scheduled 2+ weeks after session two.
The works speaks for itself and we're just getting started.
The Upgrade Department documents every result. Our gallery is actively building — which, given that we opened recently and the work is permanent, is exactly how it should be. In the meantime, follow us on Instagram for the latest.
@theupgradedept on instagram >>
What people ask before they book.
When done well, yes. The key is dimension — varying pigment depth, color tone, and needle type across sessions to replicate the natural irregularity of real follicles. A single flat color applied uniformly does not look natural. That's not what we do.
Not here. Close-cropped and shaved clients are welcome and make up a significant part of our work. But for clients wanting density or hairline work while keeping their hair, we specialize in exactly that. Most studios require a shave even for density treatments. We don't.
SMP works across all skin tones. Pigment selection is customized to your specific complexion and natural hair color at the consultation — we're matching your follicles, not applying a standard color.
The work is permanent, but pigment can soften over time — typically 4–6 years before a touch-up becomes relevant, depending on skin type, sun exposure, and aftercare. SPF on the scalp is non-negotiable, which is one reason we include it in every visit.
Minimal. The scalp will be slightly sensitive for a few days post-session. No showering (at least from the neck up) for four days and no swimming, heavy sweating, or direct sun on the treated area for 7-10 days. Most clients return to normal activity the following day.
Yes, via laser — the same process used for tattoo removal. It's not instant and it's not free, but it is possible. We'd rather have that conversation honestly than pretend it's irreversible. It's also why the consultation exists — to make sure you're certain before we start.
The best time to book the consultation was six months ago.
The second best time is now. $50, applicable toward your first treatment.
You leave with a plan either way.