Guides · The Starling, Petaling Jaya
What is SMP, and what is Simulation & Stimulation?
SMP (scalp micropigmentation) is a cosmetic tattoo of tiny pigment dots on the scalp that reduces scalp show-through so hair looks denser; it is semi-permanent, fades and needs touch-ups. Simulation & Stimulation (拟发生发) is NPM® Malaysia’s 3–4 hour non-surgical session: Simulation makes thinning areas look fuller, and Stimulation helps support scalp condition.
What is SMP?
SMP stands for scalp micropigmentation, sometimes called a scalp tattoo or hair tattoo. It is a cosmetic tattoo: tiny dots of pigment are placed in the upper layer of the scalp to reduce the contrast between scalp and hair, so less scalp shows through and hair looks denser. With a buzz cut, the dots also copy closely shaved follicles. Some people with short hair also use it to reduce the contrast between scalp and hair.
Three facts to know about SMP: it is a tattoo and is semi-permanent; the pigment fades gradually with time and sun; and so it needs periodic touch-ups.
What is hair simulation (拟发)?
Many Chinese-speaking clients shorten NPM® Malaysia’s treatment name, 拟发生发, to “拟发”. In English it is Simulation & Stimulation, and in Malay Simulasi & Stimulasi. It is one 3–4 hour non-surgical session at the centre: no cutting, no hair harvesting and no downtime.
Are 拟发 and 拟发生发 the same thing?
Yes. 拟发生发 is the full name and covers both parts, Simulation and Stimulation. When people say 拟发, they mean this treatment.
What are Simulation and Stimulation?
Simulation
Bio-compatible pigment creates a layered strand look in thinning areas, so they look fuller the same day.
Stimulation
Helps support healthy hair and scalp condition. Both parts happen in the same session.
Common terms at a glance
| Term | Plain definition |
|---|---|
| SMP / scalp micropigmentation | Cosmetic scalp tattoo; pigment dots reduce scalp show-through for a denser look; semi-permanent |
| Touch-up | Re-applying SMP pigment after it fades, to bring the shade back |
| Simulation & Stimulation (拟发生发) | NPM® Malaysia’s non-surgical session: Simulation + Stimulation, 3–4 hours |
| Bio-compatible pigment | The pigment used in the Simulation part |
| Area-based pricing | Price set by the measured thinning area; 20cm² reference price from RM178 |
| Scalp assessment | Magnified check of your scalp to confirm suitability before treatment |
Where people mix them up
Both use pigment, so they are often treated as the same thing. The simplest way to tell them apart is the look and the scope: SMP uses pigment dots to reduce scalp show-through and focuses on appearance; Simulation & Stimulation gives a layered strand look and adds Stimulation for the scalp environment. To see what the newer option adds, read is there anything newer than SMP?.
Want to see it for yourself?
Now that the terms are clear, the best next step is a scalp assessment. We show you your scalp magnified, measure the area and explain the price on the spot. For the full comparison, see SMP vs hair growth treatment.
What SMP can do, and why Simulation & Stimulation looks denser
SMP is more than a buzz-cut look. It places fine pigment dots in the scalp to reduce the contrast between scalp and hair, so less scalp shows through and your hair looks denser than before. That is what SMP genuinely does, and why many people choose it.
Simulation & Stimulation takes this further. Simulation uses bio-compatible pigment to build a layered strand look rather than dots alone, so thinning areas look denser and fuller than with SMP. Stimulation looks after the scalp environment in the same session. Put simply: Simulation & Stimulation looks denser than SMP.
Questions and answers
What is SMP?
SMP (scalp micropigmentation) is a cosmetic scalp tattoo: tiny pigment dots reduce scalp show-through so hair looks denser. It is semi-permanent, fades gradually and needs touch-ups.
What is Simulation & Stimulation (拟发生发)?
It is NPM® Malaysia’s 3–4 hour non-surgical session. Simulation uses bio-compatible pigment so thinning areas look fuller, and Stimulation helps support healthy hair and scalp condition.
Are SMP and Simulation & Stimulation the same?
No. SMP reduces scalp show-through so hair looks denser; Simulation & Stimulation creates a layered strand look that looks denser than SMP and looks after the scalp environment in the same session.
What is the Malay name?
In Malay it is Simulasi & Stimulasi; in Chinese, 拟发生发.
Conclusion: why choose NPM Malaysia Simulation & Stimulation
With the terms clear, the choice is clear too: SMP makes the scalp show through less; if you want a look denser than SMP with your own real hair and a natural, layered strand look, Simulation & Stimulation suits you better. There is no cutting, no hair harvesting and no downtime, and you see the change in one session. It is priced by area from RM178 for 20cm², at least 80% cheaper than a hair transplant, with no hidden charges. We recommend a scalp assessment at The Starling, where we magnify your scalp and arrange treatment when it is suitable.
Why Simulation & Stimulation suits you
Once the terms are clear, the choice gets simple: Simulation & Stimulation handles appearance and scalp environment in one session, starts with a scalp assessment, and the price is explained on the spot.
- Non-surgical, no downtime. No cutting and no hair harvesting; you go back to work or home as usual the same day.
- One session. A fuller look in 3–4 hours. Results last 24–48 months.
- At least 80% cheaper than a hair transplant, one payment, visible change the same day. Hair transplant surgery is RM15,000–RM50,000. RM178 is the reference starting price for 20cm². Final quote after measurement at your consultation. No hidden charges.
- Visible change in one session, or your money back. When you compare options, ask who does the treatment and what materials they use. We use bio-compatible pigment under Dr. supervision.
- Scalp suitability check. Not every scalp is suitable. We check during the assessment, and if it is not suitable we tell you directly. No pushing.
- Open space. Assessments take place in an open area, and you are welcome to bring family or friends. If you prefer privacy, you can ask for a private room: our VIP private room is available on request.
NPM Malaysia, F-137A, Level 1, The Starling Mall, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Open every day, 10:30am–7:30pm; scalp assessments 11am–4pm daily, by appointment.
Phone +60 11-2056 1789 · Email npm.malaysia@gmail.com
Published 10 October 2026