Home Podcasts The Scalp Solutions Podcast
The Scalp Solutions Podcast

The Scalp Solutions Podcast

David Santiago 140 Episodes Aug 18, 2026

The Scalp Solutions Podcast, hosted by David Santiago, CEO and Founder of Scalp Solutions, a non-surgical hair loss restoration studio. With 22 years as a barber and 7 years as an SMP artist, David interviews SMP artists worldwide, discussing their contributions to the industry, success stories, and trade tips.

Episodes

Every Chapter Has An Ending. EP.# 142
Every Chapter Has An Ending. EP.# 142 Aug 18, 2026 00:09:06 After years of conversations, stories, lessons, friendships, and unforgettable moments, The Scalp Solutions Podcast is coming to an end.In this final episode, I take some time to reflect on a journey that started with a microphone and a simple idea: to create a place where the people helping shape the scalp micropigmentation industry could share their stories.I never imagined where that decision w
SMP Mockup Tool Feat. James Viola (Seven Figure SMP) EP. 141
SMP Mockup Tool Feat. James Viola (Seven Figure SMP) EP. 141 Aug 3, 2026 00:15:51 In this special episode of the Scalp Solutions Podcast, we're doing something a little different.Instead of a traditional interview, I'm sharing an exclusive demonstration from James Viola of Seven Figure SMP, showcasing his innovative SMP Mock-Up Tool.One of the biggest challenges during an SMP consultation is helping prospective clients visualize their potential results. In this demo, Ja
I Didn’t Book a Single Client in March… Am I Still Successful? EP. #140
I Didn’t Book a Single Client in March… Am I Still Successful? EP. #140 Jun 22, 2026 00:21:31 In this episode, I discuss something most entrepreneurs and artists would never publicly admit: I didn't book a single client for the month of March.Does that mean I'm no longer successful? Does one slow month erase years of hard work, reputation, skill, and consistency?I share my thoughts on the unrealistic expectations created by social media, why so many artists feel pressured to appear
The Sponsorship Blueprint Feat. David Santiago EP. #139
The Sponsorship Blueprint Feat. David Santiago EP. #139 Jun 1, 2026 00:28:22 In this episode of The Scalp Solutions Podcast, I share my full SMP Expo presentation, "The Sponsorship Blueprint."We break down what sponsorships really are, what brands are actually looking for, why influence matters more than followers, and how to turn your art into a brand companies want to invest in. If you're an SMP artist, PMU artist, tattoo artist, or entrepreneur looking to
The New Team Micro Feat. Naz Ali EP. #138
The New Team Micro Feat. Naz Ali EP. #138 May 18, 2026 00:55:18 In this episode of The Scalp Solutions Podcast, David Santiago sits down with Naz, entrepreneur, conference host, and the new sole owner of Team Micro, for an important conversation about leadership, transition, and the future of the SMP industry.With over 11 years connected to the world of scalp micropigmentation, Naz opens up about taking full ownership of Team Micro, what that transition has lo
Pay-To-Play in PMU & SMP Shows (Part 2) | Real Artist Perspective Feat. Sean McDonald (Mr. Bye Bye Stretch Marks) EP. #137
Pay-To-Play in PMU & SMP Shows (Part 2) | Real Artist Perspective Feat. Sean McDonald (Mr. Bye Bye Stretch Marks) EP. #137 Apr 27, 2026 00:52:41 In Part 2 of the pay to play conversation, David Santiago brings on Sean McDonald, also known as Mr. Bye Bye Stretch Marks.With over 1,500 clients, 300 plus practitioners trained, and international speaking experience, Sean shares his perspective on PMU and SMP shows, what works, what doesn’t, and how to actually leverage these events.If you are serious about growing your business through shows, d
What 30 Years of Tattooing Teaches About SMP FT. Joe Kintz. EP #136
What 30 Years of Tattooing Teaches About SMP FT. Joe Kintz. EP #136 Apr 6, 2026 00:57:23 In this episode of The Scalp Solutions Podcast, I sit down with Joe Kintz, an artist with nearly 30 years of experience in traditional tattooing and owner of Whistler Street Tattoo in Sydney, Australia.Joe’s background goes far beyond SMP. He learned under his father and brother, served in the U.S. Navy as a bomb disposal technician, and even tattooed during deployment with SEAL Team 5. This is so
Keeping Up With The Joneses. EP. 135
Keeping Up With The Joneses. EP. 135 Mar 23, 2026 00:10:30 In this episode, David Santiago addresses one of the biggest silent pressures in the PMU and SMP industry… the need to “look” successful.With social media showcasing luxury lifestyles, fully booked schedules, and six-figure claims, many artists find themselves comparing their real life to someone else’s highlight reel. But how much of that success is actually real… and how much of it is just perce
PMU & SMP Shows: Pay to Play… Or Play It Smart? EP. 134
PMU & SMP Shows: Pay to Play… Or Play It Smart? EP. 134 Mar 2, 2026 00:18:42 In this episode, David Santiago breaks down the reality of PMU and SMP shows, events, awards, and the “pay-to-play” model that’s becoming more common in the industry.Are events just paid marketing platforms? Is that necessarily a bad thing?Or are artists confusing exposure with actual business growth?David shares his personal experiences with event organizers, speaking invitations that still requi
You Didn’t Fix It. You Re-Botched It. EP. 133
You Didn’t Fix It. You Re-Botched It. EP. 133 Feb 16, 2026 00:11:59 In this episode of The Scalp Solutions Podcast, David Santiago tackles one of the most uncomfortable topics in the SMP industry… botched repair work.As more artists enter the space with minimal foundation, more clients are walking around with oversaturated, uneven, and poorly healed scalp micropigmentation. And now they’re looking for someone to “fix it.”David breaks down the hard truth: adding mo
The Truth About SMP Marketing Agencies (Part Two) Feat James Viola. EP. 132
The Truth About SMP Marketing Agencies (Part Two) Feat James Viola. EP. 132 Jan 26, 2026 01:05:34 In this follow-up episode of The Scalp Solutions Podcast, David Santiago sits down with James Viola, founder of Seven Figure SMP, to continue the conversation about marketing agencies and why so many artists get it wrong.The truth is, most SMP and PMU artists don’t fail with ads because marketing companies are scams. They fail because their foundation is broken.David and James break down what mark
SMP & PMU Sponsorships: What’s Real, What’s Fake, and What Nobody Wants to Admit. EP 131
SMP & PMU Sponsorships: What’s Real, What’s Fake, and What Nobody Wants to Admit. EP 131 Jan 12, 2026 00:12:33 In this episode, David Santiago pulls back the curtain on SMP and PMU artist sponsorships and breaks down what a real sponsorship actually looks like.He explains the difference between true brand partnerships and the “sponsorships” most artists are being offered today…discount codes, bulk pricing, and the right to say they’re sponsored for a little extra clout. David shares real conversations he’s

Recommended