Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we have provided answers to some of our clients most common questions. If you have a question not covered here, please try our forum or alternatively, please feel free to contact us
What is an MHT® treatment?
MHT® stands for Micro Hair Technique and is the specialist cosmetic tattooing technique designed by HIS over the last 9 years to help people suffering from many different types of hair loss. Using special bespoke pigments and sophisticated application techniques, MHT® replicates in a highly realistic way the appearance of a close ‘buzzed’ hair cut using the application of special pigments into the scalp. The treatment requires no surgery and we believe offers excellent value for money compared to other alternatives such as hair transplants or ongoing use of medication or products.
How does MHT® differ from a traditional tattoo?
MHT® differs in a number of ways from traditional tattooing. Firstly, the pigments we use are specially designed for this process and do not change colour after insertion as a general tattoo ink may. Secondly, we use bespoke techniques to control the speed, depth and penetration of the needle, rather than using a traditional coil or rotary machine; the penetration of the ink into the skin is at a shallower level than in traditional tattooing. Finally, we only use single-use, sterile needles for each treatment, rather than reusing after autoclaving as many traditional tattooists do. MHT® has been specifically designed to disguise hair loss and it has taken years of development to perfect the techniques involved. We would strongly advise anyone not to attempt to replicate this through a traditional tattooist.
Can MHT® disguise scars?
Yes, MHT® can help significantly in reducing the visibility of scars from previous hair transplant surgery. The degree of scar camouflage does depend on the scar itself. However, by blending the scar with surrounding hair it becomes much harder to spot, almost unnoticeable in the majority of cases. Photos of some of our previous clients who have undergone MHT® to help disguise scars are available on the Gallery section of our website. (www.hishairclinic.com).
How much does the procedure cost?
The exact cost for MHT® will vary according to a number of factors, such as the size and area of the head and scalp requiring attention, the style that you require and the number of sessions needed to perform the procedure. A typical cost would start from £2250.00 excluding VAT, but an exact quotation for your needs would be prepared following a no-obligation consultation with one of our trained Consultants. We believe this represents great value for money when compared to hair transplant surgery or ongoing use of other medication or products.
What training do your Consultants have?
HIS Practitioners have all received bespoke training by HIS Directors Ian Watson and Ranbir Rai-Watson in the MHT® technique. Ian and Ranbir are professionally qualified in permanent cosmetic tattooing, medical tattooing and body art tattooing. Our practitioners attend an intensive and complete training course at our Central Training Academy. All aspects of the MHT® technique are included from the technical application of MHT® through to customer aftercare. All our practitioners hold His Hair Clinics MHT® accredited certificates.
How will I look immediately after the procedure?
The area of the scalp that has been treated will have some redness for between 2-5 days after treatment, although this tends to be less visible on those with darker skin tones. In addition, the pigmentation will be darker for up to 7 days after treatment, again depending on your skin tone. Thereafter the pigmentation will become lighter and softer as the skin’s natural exfoliation process regenerates cells in the skin.
Will my friends and family be able to tell I’ve had the treatment?
The MHT® process provides highly authentic-looking results and all our past clients agree that the only way someone would know that they had had the treatment is if they told them. There are a large number of photos of past customers on our website (www.hishairclinic.com). We encourage those considering MHT® to come to one of our clinics for a no-obligation consultation so that they can see at first hand how realistic the finished result is. Some customers choose to involve their family or partners in helping create their new look, but others prefer to keep it a secret. If you decide not to tell, we won’t!
Will the ink used fade or change colour?
The pigments used in MHT® are different to those used in traditional tattooing, so there is no risk that they might turn green or blue over time as they may with normal tattoo ink. The treated area will appear darker in the first few days after treatment, but thereafter will lighten and soften a little. In the long-term (over several years) it may be necessary to undergo additional treatment.
Do you have to be over 18 to have MHT®?
We would not treat anyone under the age of 18 without parental consent. Hair loss is difficult to deal with at any time, but can be particularly traumatic when it happens to someone young. However, we feel it is very important for our younger customers to have a full understanding of the process and what’s involved so that they can reach the right decision on what is right for them in the long-term.
How long does the procedure take?
The first session takes between 3-4 hours, and subsequent sessions about 2-3 hours.
Does it matter what colour hair I have?
No, HIS practitioners are training in colour matching – we have a range of pigments we use that we match with your hair follicle, taking into consideration skin tone and density.
What happens if I go grey?
Because you keep your hair short this is not a problem. We are able to blend and retouch your treatment if necessary as time passes.
Is the procedure reversible?
We strongly believe it is our responsibility to be able to offer this service to our customers if required for any reason. If you do need to consider a reversal we would give you a full consultation as to your options and the best solution for you.
What is a patch test?
A patch test is required by some clients in non-standard situations, and involves the application of a very small amount of pigment using the MHT® technique. About 10-15 points are made in an area about 1” in diameter in a discrete area of the scalp agreed with the client in advance. The colour of pigment used is very light to make it virtually unnoticeable should a customer decide not to proceed with the full MHT® treatment.
Why do I need to do a patch test?
All customers wishing to undergo MHT® treatment will first have to undertake a patch test. This is to guard against the unlikely event of an adverse reaction to the pigments used.
How long will the patch test take?
The actual test should take no more than 15 minutes.
What kind of reaction should I be looking out for?
It is very unlikely that you will have an adverse reaction to the patch test. However, you should watch out for any itching, redness, rash or swelling.
What should I do if I have an adverse reaction?
If you notice any itching, redness, rash or swelling make a note of these symptoms and monitor how long they take to disappear. If you would like additional advice or reassurance about an adverse reaction you can contact HIS on +44 (0)845 604 4618 or info@hishairclinic.com (UK and International clients) or 1-855-352-7602 or usa@hishairclinic.com (US clients).
What should I bring with me for the patch test?
Following your initial consultation and before undergoing the patch test, you will be asked to fill in and sign a medical questionnaire and a medical disclaimer. Depending on the information provided in the medical questionnaire, it may be necessary for some customers to provide a signed certificate from their GP before proceeding with the patch test. Please contact HIS on +44 (0)845 604 4618 or info@hishairclinic.com (UK and International clients) or 1-855-352-7602 or usa@hishairclinic.com (US clients) if you have any questions about this.
Do I have to pay for the patch test?
There is a small charge of £50 for the patch test.
Where can I have the patch test done?
The patch test must be undertaken at one of our HIS Clinics.
What do I need to do to prepare for my first procedure?
Customers are requested to shave their head to 0 or number 1 and moisturise prior to attending their first procedure.
What will happen during the procedure?
The first part of the session will be dedicated to discussing and agreeing the style that you would like to achieve. This will include agreeing the hairline, the colour and density of the look and any additional requirements such as camouflaging scars. The Practitioners have all been trained to provide style advice and will be happy to answer all your questions in this area. Your photograph showing the agreed hairline will be taken for our records.
After the style has been agreed, the procedure will start. A choice of music is available to help you relax. The Practitioner will normally start the procedure in the middle of your scalp before moving to the hair line and working back towards the middle and finally moving to the back of the head and completing the full scalp. There will be an opportunity for a break in the middle of the session when you can relax, have some refreshment and review progress.
At the end of the session the Practitioner will show you the new style. Please remember that it will take a few days for any initial redness on the scalp to disappear and for the colour to lighten slightly to its final shade.
The Practitioner will answer any questions you have about looking after your new style and offer you appointments for any further sessions that may be necessary.
How long will it take?
Your first MHT® session will take approximately 4 hours.
Will it hurt?
This will depend on your level of skin sensitivity. The majority of people experience mild discomfort, similar to the sensation of a series of small pin pricks. However, for people experiencing more discomfort we can offer topical anaesthetic creams and gels or administer a local anaesthetic to help manage the pain. Most people, however, do not require anaesthetic.
Some people may experience minor bleeding on their scalp during the procedure. This is normal in some people so do not be concerned if this happens. The Consultant will simply clean this away and apply Vaseline to protect the skin.
Will there be any side-effects from the procedure?
We have not had any incidences of an adverse reaction to the procedure but should you experience any discomfort you should contact us immediately.
How do I know the procedure is safe?
Your safety is of paramount importance to us. All the Practitioners applying the MHT® technique have been highly trained in the safe application of this treatment. We use very sophisticated techniques and equipment to apply the pigment and all our micro-needles are sterile and single-use. The procedure takes place in one of our specially cleaned and prepared Treatment Rooms and a trained Practitioner is available at all times to answer any questions or concerns that you may have. There are no known side-effect to MHT® and the treatment has undergone extensive clinical testing. HIS is registered, insured and accredited with the appropriate authorities and meets all necessary health and safety legislation. We are also proud members of the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC), The Society of Permanent Cosmetics Professionals (SPCP), Alopecia UK (AUK) and The British Association of Skin Camouflage (BASC).
Who will perform the procedure?
The procedure will always be carried out by a trained HIS Practitioner. Where possible, we will endeavour to ensure that all future procedures will be undertaken by the same consultant.
How will I look after the procedure?
You will immediately be able to get a sense of the overall effect of the MHT®. However, it is worth remembering that there will be some initial redness for the first 2-5 days after treatment and that the colour will lighten and soften in the first few days as the skin goes through its normal exfoliation process. You should also remember that most customers will require more than one treatment to achieve the full effect.
What if I change my mind about the style that I want after my first procedure?
Don’t panic! We suggest you take a little time for any redness to disappear and the colour to lighten. If after a few days you still have concerns, we suggest you discuss these with your Practitioner at your next appointment. It’s always possible to make some changes, such as lowering the hairline, although this may mean that you will require additional treatments for which we will be happy to provide a quotation.
As a last resort, you have the security of knowing that HIS are able to reverse the pigmentation using non-laser techniques. We’ve never been asked to reverse one yet, but having the option should help give you peace of mind.
Will you use my photographs in your publicity and marketing?
Many people are interested to see first-hand photographic evidence of how HIS customers look before and after treatment. However, we would never use your photos in any of our publicity or marketing without your permission, and you are free to refuse permission for their use at any time.
All customers will be photographed for our records at each stage of their procedure with HIS. However, these are purely for our records and would not be used without your consent.
I saw someone undergoing their MHT® procedure during my initial consultation. Does that mean that people will come to see me during mine?
Not if you don’t want them to! Many people thinking of having MHT® are interested in seeing someone undergoing the technique and how they look afterwards. We are very grateful to those of our customers who help us by allowing us to share their experience in this way. However, you are under absolutely no obligation to do this and we will always respect your right to privacy.
Will subsequent procedures be the same as this one?
The experience will be similar, although subsequent procedures tend to be shorter (2-3 hours) as the style consultation has already taken place. You will still have the opportunity to discuss the development of your new style with the consultant. However, please be aware that if you decide to change your style from that which was first agreed you may need further sessions.
What should I do to help look after my new style?
Shave regularly, moisturise daily and take normal precautions in the sun (use hat and sun block as appropriate)
Is my new style guaranteed?
If you need a top up in the first 12 months following your treatment HIS will undertake the work at no charge. After this time, if you need to return for treatment you will only be charged at an hourly rate and for the consumables used (pigments and needles). For more information, see our guarantee page.
What happens if I change my mind about my new look?
We want you to be happy with your new look, so we suggest that you give us a call and discuss your concerns with us. It may be that some small changes to the style could address your concerns, for which we would be delighted to provide a quotation.
I’d like to help other people considering undergoing the treatment
We know our new and potential customers find it very helpful to discuss MHT® with those that have already undergone the procedure. We are therefore particularly grateful to our past customers who spare their time to help in this way. A great way to do this is through the forum on the HIS website – forum.hishairclinic.com.
How can I contact HIS?
UK and International clients can contact HIS on 0845 604 4618 or email at info@hishairclinic.com. Clients from the United States can contact us on 1-855-352-7602 or email usa@hishairclinic.com.
