SMP

SMP: What, why and how?

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You’ve probably read about scalp micropigmentation (SMP) on this site. You might have noticed we’re big fans! But it is quite a tricky concept to get your head around. Unlike other hair loss treatments, we’re not actually trying to stop hair loss with SMP, we’re just stopping it from being a problem anymore.

So we thought we’d put together a general information post on SMP. How it works and what to expect from the treatment.

What is SMP?

Scalp micropigmentation is a hair loss treatment like no other. Pigment is injected into the scalp in thousands of tiny microdots, creating the illusion of active hair follicles.

How does SMP differ from tattooing?

It is a similar process, but SMP injections are delivered much less deeply than a regular tattoo, which allows us to be much more precise. It also avoids a ‘blob’ effect, and we can create a very realistic hair follicle impression.

How can you make SMP look like real hair?

If you just injected uniform black dots across a scalp, it might look effective from a distance. On closer inspection however, it would be very obvious that it wasn’t real hair. With SMP, we inject each dose of pigment to a slightly different depth and from a slightly different angle to the last, replicating the way that real hair grows.

We also use a number of different pigments for each client, closely matched to their hair colour, for as natural a finished effect as possible.

Who is a suitable candidate for SMP?

Literally anyone could have SMP and it would be effective, although we do stick to over-18s! Man or woman, young or old, the beauty of this procedure is that it is hugely versatile.

You can leave your head shaved and have a buzz cut, a popular option for our male clients. Or you can grow your hair out and just use SMP to disguise the thinning areas. This works especially well for women suffering from female-pattern baldness, which tends to present as a diffuse thinning across the whole scalp.

Can I really choose my own hairline?

Yes, you absolutely can. Our technicians will work closely with you to ensure that the hairline you choose is the right one for you. After all, this is a permanent procedure and you want to look your best at the end of it. But if you’ve always fancied a widow’s peak, now’s the time to do it.

How long does it take?

Each SMP session will last between two and four hours, and you will need at least two, probably three sessions before the procedure is finalised.

Previous clients have described SMP as a ‘life changing’ experience, so if you’ve been considering it why not take the plunge and give us a call today on 020 8159 9060.

groom bald

Jilted at the altar for being bald

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groom baldImagine being turned down at the altar by your fianceé because she discovered that you were bald. It happened to one unfortunate neurosurgeon from New Delhi last month when he took off his headpiece during the ceremony.

It was an arranged marriage and the couple had never met before so the baldness could have been one amongst a number of reasons why the bride to be got cold feet.  As far as the unlucky groom goes he could have tried a couple of options to cover his lack of hair for the big day:

Some ways to tackle baldness

 

  1. Hair transplant- it might have been too late for this particular option. Transplants have come on leaps and bounds in the last couple of decades but their success does depend on having enough donor hair left at the back and sides to migrate to the bald patch.
  2. Hair system – otherwise known as a wig this might have saved his blushes on the big day but ultimately it can require a lot of maintenance and there’s always the risk of it coming adrift in high winds, swimming etc.
  3. Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP). This might have been a better solution for the unfortunate surgeon.  An increasingly popular treatment amongst men, SMP creates the illusion of a lifelike 3d layered buzz cut.  It’s never going to replace long flowing locks but it does at least convey the impression of choice of hair style, rather victim of hair loss.  It’s also virtually zero maintenance.

Relatively happy ending

In the end it didn’t work out too badly for the surgeon.  Rather than return home empty handed he talked to the local village council and they hastily arranged another marriage for him with the daughter of a vegetable seller a couple of days later.  Maybe he kept his headpiece on during that ceremony.

 

bald man

Do you ever get used to being bald?

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bald manFor many men, going bald can be a devastating experience. While hair loss is an extremely common issue, it doesn’t ease the negative psychological effects suffered throughout the balding process. The question is, once the hair is totally lost, do you ever get used to being bald?

Is it possible to embrace baldness?

There’s been a lot of positive media coverage of men who are openly embracing their baldness. While they’re certainly inspirational, does it mean all men will eventually get used to being bald? Maybe, but as 53-year old David Toussaint admits, that isn’t always the case.

Opening up about his experience with baldness, Toussaint claims he finds it difficult to deal with his lack of hair. Instead, he prefers to cover up the problem with hats whenever possible. At 53 years of age, Toussaint is still struggling to come to terms with the problem, proving the self-consciousness over hair loss doesn’t always go away.

What options do you have if you can’t accept it?

If you’re one of the many men who cannot accept or get used to your baldness, help is available. While hair transplants aren’t really a viable option for those who have gone completely bald, a procedure known as SMP could be a good alternative.

SMP, or Scalp MicroPigmentation, is similar to a tattoo but far more specialised.  Small pigments of specialist ink are insertd into the scalp using fine microneedles. It creates an almost miraculous shaved head appearance. Mimicking real hair follicles, the ink produces exceptionally realistic 3d layered results. There are hundreds of different coloured inks available and several are often used to create realistic shading.

The results of SMP are long-lasting. It also requires very little maintenance and can do wonders for giving men back their self-esteem and confidence. To find out more about SMP and whether it would be a good option for you, you can complete the form on the right or call us to arrange a free and confidential consultation with one of team of friendly experts.

hair cut

Getting the right cut for thinning hair

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hair cutMale pattern baldness affects the majority of men at some time in their life, but when it happens at a young age, it can prove particularly distressing. Many men turn to all kinds of natural remedies and extreme cover-up methods to hide their thinning locks. However, did you know the remedy could be a simple haircut?

For years, Prince William has been under the spotlight for his ever-thinning locks. However, in mid-January, the royal stunned the world with a new haircut which appeared to make his locks look thicker and fuller.

Here, we’ll look at whether the right cut could really be the answer to thinning hair.

How much of a difference can the style make?

As Prince William has shown, the right cut can make a staggering difference to thinning hair. His cut of choice is the “buzzcut”, a style which is known to result in a softer finish. Using a pair of scissors and a comb, the soft finish helps to draw less attention to balding areas, and also makes the hair appear fuller.

In contrast, growing what remaining hair you have left, will have the opposite effect. Instead of covering up the problem, it can actually draw attention to the balding areas. This is because normal hair which is growing properly, is generally a lot thicker than the thinning hair. So, it does provide a vast contrast which highlights the thinning areas.

The right cut can therefore make a big difference, but it’s never going to be as effective as actual hair loss treatments.

SMP may be great alternative

If you’re looking to cover up your thinning locks, SMP could be the answer. This innovative treatment is used to both produce a shaved head appearance, and cover up balding areas by shading the scalp.

SMP is a highly specialised tattoo technique, which inserts tiny pigments of ink into the scalp. This creates a follicle effect, which looks surprisingly realistic. There are hundreds of colours available, which means the results will also look really natural. It requires very little maintenance and results will typically last for years to come.

Thinning hair can be hard to accept, but thanks to the number of effective treatments on the market, you no longer have to. Book a free consultation with one of our friendly specialists now to discover how SMP could help you regain your confidence.

mullet hair style

The Mullet makes a comeback in Australia

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mullet hair styleJust when you thought the mullet had been consigned to the history books of horrible hair it’s suddenly making a resurgence down under.   The style (if you can call it that) made famous by Waddle, Hoddle and Bono and many others in the 80s is the subject of a brand new festival in Kurri Kurri, a mining town west of Newcastle.

Mulletfest 2018 in Kuri Kuri

Mulletfest 2018 was the brainchild of a local hotel owner and hairdresser and has attracted international media attention.  Winner of the junior mullet category, 12 year old  Alex Keavy decided to donate his $50 prize money to his girlfriend so she could buy a pie whilst declaring profoundly “It’s not a hairstyle, it’s a lifestyle.” That’s as maybe but the reality is that it never has been and never will be anything other than a VERY BAD STYLE.

It’s even worse if you’re thinning on top, thinking Michael Bolton here.  If you spot the first signs of Male Pattern Baldness, usually a thinning crown and receding hairline.  Then it’s time to ditch the mullet.  Nothing draws attention more than a bald patch with shoulder length hair hanging below it like a back to front beard.

Cut it short

The best advice with thinning hair is to cut it short.  The buzz cut is universally acceptable now and no longer the preserve of the skin head movement.  It shows you’re confident and bold and if you were wearing the mullet to make a statement then shaving it all off is as powerful a statement as you can make.

Once you’ve made that decision then Scalp Micropigmentation SMP could be the next stage to really define your new look.  Maintenance free, it’ll continue to create the illusion of a real layered cut even if you lose all your hair.  It might be time to get rid of the neckwarmer and move into the 21st century.

hair loss

Hair loss and mental health

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hair lossIt’s all too easy to poke fun at men as they start to lose their hair.  After all it comes to at least 50% of us by the time we’re 50 but that doesn’t diminish the damaging psychological effects on some of us.  It’s not always middle age where the problem occurs either.  Male pattern baldness can strike in the late teens and the younger the age the more pronounced the problem.  If you’re the only one in your peer group with a receding hair line then it can be quite isolating, particularly if that group are constantly ribbing you.

Can cause chronic depression

Some men can just deal with it but for others hair loss can cause a chronic depression.  It’s not unusual to feel like you’re losing control of your life as you lose your hair.  Because our sense of identity is so firmly tied to our hair when we start to lose it then it’s not unusual to feel stressed or suffer from anxiety.  Do I look older?  Will I still be attractive?  etc.  The problem is that excess stress can actually exacerbate the hair loss.

There is good news

The good news is that there are treatments to help.  One of the latest techniques being adopted by younger men is Scalp Micropigmentation or SMP.  Basically, a skilled artist/technician builds a 3d layered crew cut look over 2 to 3 sessions using organic inks and fine microneedles.  The results are indistinguishable from the real thing with most recipients reporting boosts in confidence as a result. OK it’s not exactly going to replace a shoulder length mane but the buzz cut is always fashionable and can be worn in the boardroom as well as the sportsfield.

The key thing with hair loss is not to suffer in silence.  If you feel that it’s affecting your quality of life then speak to your GP or talk to a specialist hair loss clinic.

oscar hair loss

How to make your hair Oscar proof

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oscar hair lossWe’re into the award season now with the BAFTAs already done and the Academy Awards only a few weeks away.  Whilst there’s plenty of coverage of female stars on the red carpet most of the discussion will be about the gown chosen for the evening.  Spare a thought for the leading men though.  For them it’s less likely to be about the choice of clothes (after all a tux is a tux) but more about the state of their hair.  Even the first appearance of a bald patch is likely to attract the attention of the world’s press.

So, what can be done to deal with the unforgiving glare of the spotlight?

  1. A Hair System – great for maintaining the age defying look of youth but high maintenance and there’s the constant risk of being caught out or just the speculation about the hair becoming the main story. Just think Burt Reynolds.
  2. A hair transplant. This can be a great solution and things have moved on in leaps and bounds in the last 10 years or so.  It does depend on deep pockets which shouldn’t be a problem for any established stars.  It also requires a recovery period which could mean time out of the limelight and it’s only viable whilst there’s enough hair on the back and sides to transplant on top.
  3. Scalp Micropigmentation –   This could be the way forward. Firstly, it’s great at covering up an emerging bald spot because it reduces the contrast between scalp and hair but it’s also a long term, low maintenance solution to hair loss.  It’s never going to replace film star flowing locks but it will create a spotlight proof illusion of a real buzz cut.

To find out more about any of these treatments and more then please don’t hesitate to contact us by completing the form on the right.

towie james lock

Towie star has hair transplant

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towie james lockTOWIE star, James Lock, has recently revealed the results of a hair transplant, but not everybody is happy about it. After posting a rather gruesome picture taken after the procedure, his fans have taken to social media to berate the star for undergoing a procedure he clearly didn’t need.

Fans worried Lock is promoting drastic, unnecessary surgery

The main criticism Lock has received after admitting to the transplant, it that he’s promoting unnecessary, drastic surgery. The 31-year old hasn’t shown any signs of losing his hair, at least not in photos anyway. So, why did he feel like he needed a transplant?

It appears Lock didn’t like his receding hairline. Although the hair on the scalp was healthy, thick and full, the TOWIE star felt self-conscious about the size of the forehead. However, was surgery really the only way to solve the issue? Not according to one fan…

“When you sweep your hair off your forehead 24/7, it can cause the hairline to recede. Get a shorter cut and watch it grow back, surgery is so drastic”.

They had a point – a shorter cut could have taken the focus away from the forehead, giving the hairline chance to grow back. In Lock’s case this could have happened so surgery definitely wasn’t needed. However, that’s not to say hair transplants can’t be a good option for those who really do need them.

What alternative could Lock have opted for?

As Lock’s receding hairline was only likely a temporary issue, there were some alternative, less drastic treatments he could have opted for.

SMP could have been a much better option. It works to shade balding areas, with tiny pigments of ink inserted into the scalp to mimic hair follicles. It’s long lasting, affordable and minimally invasive. It also a very low maintenance option.

Overall, those with otherwise healthy hair, should always think twice about undergoing a hair transplant. Alternative treatments such as SMP are safer and ideal for cases of temporary hair loss.

style thinning hair

How to style thinning hair

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style thinning hairThinning hair is something which affects both men and women, especially as they get older. With age, the hair follicles can start to shrink, which can stop the hair from growing at all. It also causes the strands of the hair to become thinner, as well as start to turn grey.

While there are treatments out there which can stop and even reverse hair thinning, in the meantime there are ways to style to the hair to hide the issue.

It’s all about the right cut

According to expert stylists, the key to covering up thinning hair is to get the right cut. So just what is the right cut for hair thinning?

Well, firstly it’s best to keep it short. The longer your hair is, the more prominent the thinning appears. This is especially true for those with very fine hair. A shorter cut, particularly with layers incorporated into it, can produce a much thicker, healthier looking style. However, it’s best to avoid shorter layers as these can make fine hair appear even thinner.

Another styling tip is to give volume to the roots. If the hair sits flat against the head, it’s going to draw attention to the thin areas. However, when the roots are lifted, it gives the impression of thicker, bouncier hair. So, invest in some root thickening products and give that a go.

Why not consider SMP?

While the above are great tips for covering up thinning hair, they do take quite a lot of maintenance. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, long-lasting cover up solution then SMP could be a great alternative.

Frequently used to create a shaved head look, SMP can also make an excellent cover-up solution for thinning and balding areas. By targeting specific areas, SMP can shade the scalp, creating an illusion of thicker hair.

Small ink pigments are tattooed into the scalp, which look just like real hair follicles. As there are hundreds of different coloured inks available, it’s possible for practitioners to create ultra-realistic results.

As you can see, there are ways you can cover up thinning hair if it is something you’re concerned about. These days, you really don’t need to suffer in silence, there are plenty of treatment options available.

prince harry

Will Harry be wearing a wig on his wedding day?

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prince harryAccording to the Daily Star Online, Prince Harry will be wearing a wig on his wedding to Meghan Markle later this year. The news comes after photos of the Prince were scrutinised late last year, showing his significant hair loss. With claims he has had a wig tailored to wear on his big day, could the publicity have affected the royal’s confidence?

Could the rumours be true?

Reading the Daily Star Online story certainly makes it sound credible, but let’s face it – you can’t believe everything you read!

According to reports, Harry has had a £500 wig made by Bristol based company “Hair4All”. It’s now said to have been delivered to Clarence House in time for the big day, the residence of his father Prince Charles. It’s claimed the royal wants to look his best for Meghan and the wig company states they couldn’t “sit back and do nothing” so they sent Harry a system.

The story could be true, but we’ll have to wait and see until the wedding. Of course, wigs aren’t the only way Harry could choose to cover up his balding patch.

What other options does the Prince have?

Wigs can prove useful and when made correctly, they can look natural. However, there are actually several cover-up options which are a lot more effective.

Harry could follow in his big brother’s footsteps, choosing to get a buzzcut, known for its thickening effects. Prince William looks totally different with the new cut and it’s really taken focus away from his baldness.

Another option is SMP. This tattoo procedure aims to shade the scalp, giving it a shaved style. A skilled practitioner inserts very small pigments of ink, matching the natural colour of the hair for best results. The inks are designed to last for years, and it’s a look which requires virtually zero maintenance.  It’s also a great option for lowering the glare of a shiny scalp under bright lighting and reducing the contrast between skin and hair, effectively adding the illusion of volume.

Overall, it does seem unlikely the Prince will be sporting a £500 wig on his big day but he might want to bear in mind there are other options.

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