From Starbucks to Sharp SMP: My Journey in Scalp Micropigmentation

At 17, I was pulling espresso shots at my local Starbucks while studying computers at college. The truth? I wasn’t passionate about what I was studying. I was working 30–40 hours a week and going through the motions academically. What I did love—even then—was people. I could speak to anyone, from any background or age, and that ability to connect would change my life.

The Chance Meeting that Changed Everything

Working at Starbucks meant I got to know my regulars. Two of them were Ian and Ranbir Watson—the founders of HIS Hair Clinic and pioneers of scalp micropigmentation. They stopped in daily on their way to the clinic in Birmingham, and I became especially close with Ian. I was fascinated by the creativity of SMP and the way it could transform confidence. Back then, scalp micropigmentation was still relatively unknown; it struck me as innovative, precise, and meaningful.

Jack Sharp whilst training in Scalp Micropigmentation Birmingham - August 2014

When I finished college, I told Ian I was skipping college—I’d have gone for the lifestyle, not the learning—and that I wanted to travel but couldn’t afford it. I was exploring career paths and starting to apply for jobs. Ian encouraged me to send over my CV. He felt my customer service, communication skills, and flexibility to travel could make me a strong fit for his team.

Training Day One: 29 July 2014

I interviewed twice and was offered a trainee practitioner role. I began training at the HIS Hair Clinic in Birmingham on 29 July 2014. When I qualified, it was believed I was among the youngest people in the world to perform scalp micropigmentation. I quickly progressed to Head Practitioner in Birmingham, later spending around 15 months as Head Practitioner at the clinic in Toronto. I also worked across Harley Street in London, Manchester, and Glasgow. In 2017, after returning from Toronto, I decided to move on.

Building Experience, Then Building My Own

A few months later, a successful businessman—who’d had SMP himself—approached me to help run his clinics. After a little over a year, I took the leap and launched Sharp SMP in 2018.

Since then, I’ve dedicated my career to delivering world-class scalp micropigmentation—often called an SMP hair tattoo, hairline tattoo, or scalp tattoo—for clients across the UK. My focus is simple: natural-looking results, meticulous detail, and a calm, client-first experience from consultation through aftercare.

11+ Years, Thousands of Conversations, One Mission

Over more than 11 years, I’ve been fortunate to learn from some of the best in the industry and to serve thousands of clients. That constant drive to improve is what’s kept me in love with this craft. I’ve seen scalp micropigmentation change lives up close—restoring hairlines, disguising thinning, and giving people the confidence to be themselves again.

It’s humbling when other practitioners refer to me as a veteran of the field, but what matters most is the individual in my chair. Every hairline I design is bespoke. Every session is unhurried. Every result is built to look great both now and years down the line.

Considering SMP in Birmingham?

If you’re researching SMP Birmingham or scalp micropigmentation Birmingham, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re looking to rebuild a hairline, add density to thinning hair, or camouflage scarring, I’ll guide you through options, expectations, and aftercare so you can make a confident decision.

Thank you for the first 11 years—here’s to the next 11.

Sharp SMP Birmingham July 2025