The SMP revolution
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) really is turning into a worldwide phenomenon. The procedure is the fastest growing hair loss treatment for young men and involves injecting pigments into the scalp to create a realistic illusion of closely cropped hair. A recent article in Racked focused on Matt Iulio, founder of Scalp Micro USA who’s also the technician that runs the Manhattan clinic. He claims that in the last three years he’s carried out over 3000 procedures.
SMP won’t break the bank
Trained by Ian Watson, CEO and co-founder of His Hair Clinic which invented the procedure, Iulio attributes its worldwide success to a number of factors. It’s non invasive and isn’t painful for a start, and unlike a hair transplant and it won’t break the bank either. A typical treatment can cost between $2,000 and $3,500 as opposed to a transplant at around $16,000.
The other great thing about SMP is that it’s largely maintenance free. It may be that a “top up” is required every 5 years or so but that’s about it. If you have a hair piece then it needs constant maintenance and a replacement every year or so will set you back a minimum of $3,000.
“The basics are easy, but mastery takes a long time”
Matt thinks of himself as an artist because there’s a lot of skill and judgement in knowing which hair line fits a person’s head as well as getting the shading and tonality right to produce the correct effect. As Matt points out “the basics are easy, but mastery takes a long time…we don’t draw on the scalp – we shade”.
The results from two to three sessions are usually subtle but impressive with close friends and family unable to distinguish it from the real thing. As Matt explains “Most clients don’t have to explain to loved ones or coworkers why their hair has suddenly grown a little bit; instead, people around them say things like, “You look good, you look different, but I can’t put my finger on why.””
