What Is SMP? A Complete Guide to Scalp Micropigmentation Training Through the ASAHRS Fellowship

Yumna Malik
Feb 5
5 min read

Introduction to ASAHRS

The American Society of Aesthetic & Hair Restoration Surgeon (ASAHRS) is a globally recognized professional medical organization dedicated to advancing excellence in aesthetic medicine and hair restoration. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, ASAHRS is known for setting high standards in physician education, clinical ethics, innovation, and patient safety.

WHAT IS SMP? A COMPLETE GUIDE TO SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION TRAINING THROUGH THE ASAHRS FELLOWSHIP — **What Is SMP?**

ASAHRS was established to bridge the gap between rapidly evolving aesthetic technologies—such as Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP), robotic hair transplantation, and non-invasive bio-restoration—and structured, evidence-based medical training. Unlike short courses or technician-led programs, ASAHRS fellowship education is physician-driven, competency-based, and designed to translate directly into real-world clinical success.

Through its internationally respected fellowship programs, board certification pathways, and clinical competency standards, ASAHRS empowers medical professionals to deliver safe, natural, and ethically sound outcomes in both surgical and non-surgical hair restoration. The society’s commitment to innovation is reflected in its integration of AI-assisted planning, genomic analysis, advanced SMP techniques, and robotic systems, positioning ASAHRS fellows at the forefront of modern hair restoration medicine.

By combining education, certification, and ongoing professional development, ASAHRS plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of aesthetic and hair restoration practice worldwide.

What Is SMP (Scalp Micropigmentation)?

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a highly advanced, non-surgical cosmetic procedure designed to replicate the appearance of natural hair follicles by depositing medical-grade pigment into the scalp. Often referred to as a form of medical tattooing, SMP is used to create the illusion of fuller hair, camouflage thinning areas, redefine hairlines, and conceal scars from hair transplant procedures or trauma.

SMP is suitable for both men and women and is widely used for:

Androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness)
Diffuse thinning
Alopecia areata
Scar camouflage (FUE/FUT scars)
Hair density enhancement between transplanted grafts

Unlike traditional tattooing, SMP requires medical precision, in-depth understanding of scalp anatomy, pigment behavior, hairline aesthetics, and long-term color stability. This is where formal medical training becomes critical—and where the ASAHRS Fellowship stands apart.

Why SMP Training Through ASAHRS Matters

The American Society of Aesthetic & Hair Restoration Surgeon (ASAHRS) is a globally recognized medical organization dedicated to advancing excellence in aesthetic medicine and hair restoration. SMP, when taught through ASAHRS, is not treated as a cosmetic shortcut—but as a medical aesthetic procedure integrated into comprehensive hair restoration care.

ASAHRS incorporates SMP within its Fellowship programs, emphasizing:

Patient safety
Ethical practice
Natural-looking outcomes
Integration with surgical and non-surgical hair restoration

This physician-led, evidence-based approach is what differentiates ASAHRS SMP education from short, non-medical SMP courses.

ASAHRS Fellowship Programs Overview

ASAHRS offers multiple fellowship pathways where SMP is taught as part of a broader, medically grounded curriculum.

1. Fellowship in Advanced Hair Restoration (Primary Program)

Duration: 4 Days (Intensive Hands-On)

Tuition: $3,450

This flagship fellowship provides comprehensive training in:

Surgical hair restoration (FUE)
Non-surgical modalities, including Scalp Micropigmentation
Hairline design and density planning
Patient consultation and long-term treatment planning

SMP is taught as a density-enhancing and scar-camouflaging modality, often combined with FUE or medical therapy.

2. Non-Invasive Hair & Skin Bio-Restoration Fellowship (NEW)

Duration: 2 Days

Format: Device-Based, Non-Surgical

This program focuses heavily on non-surgical solutions, including:

SMP principles for early hair loss
Density illusion protocols
Combination therapy with peptides, growth factors, and devices
Staff delegation strategies for SMP services

3. Fellowship in 360° Aesthetic Practice

A comprehensive program covering:

Hair restoration (surgical + non-surgical)
SMP integration into aesthetic practice
Facial aesthetics, body sculpting, and practice marketing

Fellowship Curriculum (Including SMP)

ASAHRS fellowships are competency-driven and structured around real-world clinical application.

Core SMP-Relevant Learning Areas

Scalp anatomy and pigment behavior
Hairline design and facial proportions
Density illusion techniques
SMP for scars and post-transplant enhancement
Ethnicity- and age-appropriate SMP patterns
Integration with FUE and medical therapy

Additional Core Modules

Manual, motorized, and robotic FUE
AI-based hairline visualization
Patient consultation and expectation management
Genetics and DNA-based treatment personalization
Ethical marketing and practice growth

Advanced Technology Used in ASAHRS Training

ASAHRS exposes fellows to cutting-edge technology, including:

AI and AR hairline visualization tools
Robotic FUE systems (HARRTS FUEsion X 5.0)
Advanced SMP devices and pigments
Cold plasma and ultrasonic delivery systems
DNA and genomic analysis tools for personalized care

Eligibility Criteria

ASAHRS fellowship programs are open to:

Physicians (MD or equivalent)
Registered Nurses or licensed medical professionals
Practitioners with valid medical or nursing licenses

Requirements:

Unrestricted license in good standing
Basic knowledge of dermatology or surgery (recommended, not mandatory)

Fellowship Tuition and Payment Options

Tuition Overview

Advanced Hair Restoration Fellowship (4 Days): $3,450
Non-Invasive Hair & Skin Bio-Restoration Fellowship (2 Days): Contact ASAHRS
Board Certification Exams: $5,000 total (Written + Oral)

Payment Options

Flexible installment plans (6–24 months)
Easy financing through Affirm
Secure checkout options

Advantages and Benefits of ASAHRS SMP Training

Choosing ASAHRS for SMP education offers unmatched advantages:

Physician-Led Training (not technician-based)
SMP taught within a medical framework
Integration with surgical hair restoration
Globally respected credentials
Emphasis on ethics and patient safety
Hands-on training using real-life simulators

Certification and Career Opportunities

ASAHRS offers a three-stage credentialing pathway:

Fellowship Foundation Certificate (ASAHRS-FFC)
ASAHRS Board Certification
Fellow of ASAHRS (F-ASAHRS)

SMP-trained ASAHRS fellows can:

Expand non-surgical service offerings
Increase practice revenue
Build patient trust with board-recognized credentials
Combine SMP with FUE for superior outcomes

View exam schedules here: Exam Dates

Fellowship details: Fellowship Program

ASAHRS Training Locations and Program Dates

ASAHRS conducts fellowship programs year-round at state-of-the-art facilities across the United States.

Training Locations

Orlando, Florida (Headquarters): 7380 West Sand Lake Road, Doctor Phillips, Orlando, FL 32819
Beverly Hills, California: 8920 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 604, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Buffalo, New York: 777 Maple Rd, Suite 400, Buffalo, NY
Boca Raton, Florida: 7301A W Palmetto Park Rd, #303C, Boca Raton, FL
Miami, Florida: 8200 W 33rd Ave #8, Hialeah, FL 33018
Las Vegas, Nevada: 3195 St Rose Pkwy, Henderson, NV 89052

Upcoming Program Dates (2025–2026)

Advanced Hair Restoration Fellowship (4 Days):

December 12–15, 2025 – Buffalo, NY
January 23–26, 2026 – Beverly Hills, CA
February 20–23, 2026 – Miami, FL
April 03–06, 2026 – Las Vegas, NV
May 01–04, 2026 – Buffalo, NY

View full schedules here: Program Dates

Physician Reviews and Real Testimonials

ASAHRS has received outstanding feedback from physicians worldwide.

Dr. Ilyas Mahjoub: “The training I received from the ASAHRS faculty members was truly world-class. It completely changed my perspective on hair restoration practice.”
Dr. Ricardo Rodriguez: “What I learned in just one week would have taken months or years elsewhere. The curriculum is extremely well designed.”
Dr. Steve Carlson: “The hands-on training using life-like simulators allowed me to practice without restrictions. Simply outstanding.”

ASAHRS Contact Information

American Society of Aesthetic & Hair Restoration Surgeons (ASAHRS)

Address: 7380 West Sand Lake Road, Doctor Phillips, Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 321-204-7431
Email: contact@asahrs.com
Website: https://www.asahrs.com/

Conclusion

Scalp Micropigmentation is far more than cosmetic pigmentation—it is a medical aesthetic procedure that demands precision, artistry, and ethical responsibility. When learned through the ASAHRS Fellowship, SMP becomes a powerful, safe, and profitable addition to a physician’s hair restoration practice.

By combining SMP with surgical hair restoration, genomics, AI technology, and board-recognized certification, ASAHRS equips medical professionals with a future-proof skill set rooted in excellence and patient trust.

Medical Information Notice/ Medical Information

Disclaimer

This content is provided for general educational purposes only and reflects the clinical experience and protocols followed at ASAHRS. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients are advised to consult a qualified hair restoration specialist for personalized recommendations.