BaldKen2

As a recent client of both organizations: His Hair Clinic and HeadStrong NY, I will say both are to be commended . Each company does good work and are changing lives. As an eyewitness ( and client) I will say Matt Iulo of HeadStrongwork is far superior and the client experience is truly impressive. These guys get it.

 

 

I first approached His Hair in April 2014. I initially spoke with Matt. He gave me the run-down of the procedure, expectations ,and of course cost. I took some time to think and agreed to move forward. Matt did not do the treatment , it was a member of his staff. Greg was very polite and very professional. Greg went over a few options and I told him what I was expecting. I was looking for a sharp, dark , defined look( keep this in mind for later in the story). The first treatment was good. Greg advised me on what to do and not to do. We agreed on a second treatment. Greg did a good job on the first and I was very excited.

 

 

I came back in ten days if I recall. Greg said we could go darker. Keep in mind I am the client and these are supposed to be the “experts.” Greg proceeded to go forward. After the treatment, I noticed it was "too dark" and did not look natural. You would expect the " expert" to advise the client and make recommendations. Greg did not do that. Instead , he said" this is what you asked for" very defensively. This is bad client service. If a 4-9 woman goes in for 40DDD breast augmentation, does the doctor say ok, or do they make “suggestions and recommendations” as to what they think is best? In no way did Greg do this. It shows a lack of experience and professional depth. Greg mentioned it would settle in and I should be patent. After two days, my sister told me it looked like someone put mascara on my head. I called the corporate office of His Hair in London to lodge a complaint to say something must be done about this "botched job." In two weeks’ time I went back, this time Matt worked on my head and did a great job.

 

After three weeks , I decided a needed " sharper lines and a more defined look." Matt however had left His Hair Clinic for his own shop. I decided to go with him to his new company. Matt ADVISED me against going darker and more defined ( unlike Greg). Matt advised less is more, and the goal is to look natural. I said I still wanted to move forward. Long story short, as they say be careful what you wish for. It looked "unnatural." A few folks asked if my hairlines were a tattoo. Not good. Now I am panicking. I called His Hair to get a second opinion. Greg and his colleague advised it was "too defined." They said I should consider a laser removal of the hair line and wait 10 days and redo hair line.

 

I then go to Matt. He advised I do NOT need laser removal. He spent least 45 minutes going over how and what he would do. That would involve softening the hair lines to make it look more “natural.” It took two sessions at half the cost of what His Hair was going to charge and with no laser removal . I am now getting compliments and finally feel happy.

I am not here to bash His Hair. They are great. But I feel the consultants are NOT as thorough and experienced as they should be and it shows. Their customer service is atrocious. Matt is a bespoke craftsman who excels at the entire process -SMP to client after care. His partner Chris called me on a Sunday and gave me his mobile number if I should ever need to reach him. WOW!

 

Matt and HeadStrong are simply on a another level. Think of Matt as the Mercedes and His Hair as the Toyota. If you are looking for the total experience with one of the best in the business, I recommend Matt Iulo and HeadStrong.

Wow, Seriously?!? This is the kind of Bullshit that Really sucks about the Hair loss industry!! Very disappointing to see tactics like these.

Thanks Matt, and thank you also for that link. That grey one is the trimmer I figured you and Nicole were referring to. I will definitely purchase it, as well as the Wahl T-edger that Nicole mentioned. Some days I just don't have time to mess with the clippers (takes to long to catch every area even though it leaves more stubble), and a faster cleaner shave with the trimmer would be convenient. I'll make sure to keep it oiled like Y'all suggested. Thanks again for the recommendations. Nice to have people like you and Nicole on here who know a lot about SMP and how to manage it best.

I like the andis professional 04603 outliner (the grey one). Honestly, it gets very close and will leave you very smooth. Maybe if you want just a tad bit of stubble try the wahl t-edger (maroon colored) it leaves you just slightly more stubble (we are talking maybe a mm more) but less than the clipper. The key with the t-edger is that their engines are not as strong as the regular clipper, so just keep them oiled and don't let your hair get too long between shaves but otherwise the blades are thinner and sharper so you can get a closer shave and with less work.

 

As far as wet shaving goes, for temp SMP I would never recommend it. Because, although the pigment is implanted in the upper dermal layer it is designed to fade by process of cell renewal so wet shaving does speed up that process by virtue of increased exfoliation and more rapid cell renewal.

Thanks Nicole! I will try the maroon Wahl T-edger, and I may try the grey colored Andis also just to compare and for days when I want to go smoother. The closer shave with less work sounds great to me! I will probably still use the clippers on the top of my scalp bc there is less hair there so it is relatively easy to get it all even in just one or two passes. but the sides and back still grow thick and it can take a while to catch it all and get it even.

Very interesting about the wet shaving in relation to cell renewal process. Makes total sense in terms of exfoliation. I don't ever wet shave, and I do not like the smooth look anyway. Thanks again

The T-edger will most defiantly be sharper than a regular clipper because they were designed to make outlines. I have also found the andies to be the sharpest. Don't press too hard. Let the clipper do the work for you. Also, keep it clean!!! I have had patients struggle with folliculitis because they do not clean their clippers between use and then friction + germs = yuck. You should be able to buy a sanitizing spray wherever you purchase from. If you struggle with cutting yourself with the andies my next suggestion is the wahl t-edger just keep it oiled. IMO, don't buy anything without a cord.

Thanks Nicole, for the advice and information. I have been using the Wahl Pro Chrome Clippers for a couple of years now, and I really like them except they tend to miss some spots and I must go over the same areas several times to get an even and clean shave. I have tried a rotary shaver but that is just too close for my taste. I prefer to leave some stubble. I do cut myself sometimes with the Wahl Clippers but it is usually due to pressing too hard in an attempt to get as close a shave as possible. Based on what you said, it sounds like I won't have to press too hard to get a close shave due to the power of the trimmer and sharpness of the blades so I will just let the trimmer do the work as you said. I don't think I will have trouble with cutting myself.

I found two different Andis Trimmers- One is called the Andis ANHU9 T-Liner Hair Trimmer and is black, and the other is called the Andis Professional 04603 Outliner II Personal Trimmer and is grey colored. Can you possibly tell me which one of those you and Matt are saying is the best one? And does the trimmer do about the same closeness as a dry foil or rotary shave, or does it leave a bit more stubble?

There is one guy who owns an SMP clinic and has posted on his site that wet shaving and Foil or Rotary Shaving can actually remove the pigments over time by removing layers of skin. This does not seem possible due to the pigment being placed in the dermal layer and it is the outer layer of the epidermis that is removed from shaving. Do you or Matt know if there is any truth to this "Shaving removes pigment" theory?

hi there, ill be having smp done in a few months,

just wondering what people are taking/using to prolong there current hair state.

 

Minoxidil has research showing it quickens the the fading process in smp? can anyone speak from experience ?

Have you asked your doctor about Finasteride or Dutasteride?

Hey Ken

 

Yes i found the Andis to cut closer than the Wahl Clippers. Wahl is designed as a trimmer, where Andis is what many barbers use to create bald fades. It will take your hair very close to the skin, but not as close as a clean wet shave would. I personally have sensitive skin, so i found the Andis to get the job done without irritating like a wet shave would.

 

Let me know how you like it.

 

-Matt

Thanks for that info Matt, yea I will definitely let you know how it works out. I will prolly order it this week. I like the Wahl clippers, but I have to pass over the same areas several times to get good shave. I have sensitive skin also so hopefully it will do well for me too. Thanks again

There are really three great tools to shave when you have SMP.

 

1. Rotary (2-3 heads): I recommend Remington R8 Pivot

2. Foil: I recommend Panasonic ES Electric Shaver

3. T-Liner Shaver: I recommend Andis T - Outline

 

#3 is what i use every 2 days, it leaves a bit more stubble on the sides, but depending on how much remaining hair you have, any of the above 3 should work great.

 

-Matt

Hey Matt, Does the Andis T T-Liner Shaver cut closer than the Wahl Balding Clippers, and is it a better shave? I am thinking of buying that shaver

Well, I just get back from a touch-up visit with Nic0le, and Dr. Ron was scheduled to see me as well. As far as I could tell, the only reason Dr. Ron was there on Friday was to meet with me, as he came in wearing shorts and was preparing to leave for Asia for the annual gathering of doctors from all around the world at their yearly summit.

 

We discussed my options, he looked closely at my hair and took photos, and we discussed a range of possibilities. He then refunded my money paid and Nic0le worked for a few hours touching up my scar tissue.

 

The area that I'm not happy with is a fairly small region of my frontal scalp, it has seen a number of extractions by Dr. Umar to remove some of the more offensive "mini-grafts" from the 90's, and this region is probably impossible to achieve a uniform color on. The majority of the scalp looks pretty good to me and I'm happy with the color, but one region of my scalp makes any further attempts of SMP on anything other than my strip scars not a viable option.

 

A couple updated take aways from my experience:

 

1) SMG is an ethical, professional, and first rate medical clinic that has a well deserved reputation for stellar results. How many SMP clinics would not only refund my money but take the time to discuss all my options available to me before they did? None?

 

2) The SMP is temporary, which should be someones first choice IMO when considering SMP, and there will never be a uniform result on any spectrum of patients. There are myriad factors one must consider that makes each result unique, and my problem was previous sub-par surgery, some of which had to be removed. This was an external issue, but many internal issues unique to each patient can affect any outcome.

 

3) There are simply too many unknowns in this type of surgery to opt for a permanent solution, because permanent is just that, and if unhappy with the result, you are stuck with it. Had I have opted for HIS or GoodLookInk and achieved this uneven type of color on one portion of my scalp, I would have to live with it. And neither of those companies would have issued me a refund for my dissatisfaction.

 

I also agree with BaldKen's explanation of customers who have unrealistic expectations and a flawed perception of reality. At least with SMP it is somewhat easier to quantify the result then the number of grafts that have grown or the subjective result of a HT. In the end I am very glad that I opted for temporary SMP over permanent, and plan on continuing treatment of my strip scars. That removes one of the two remaining issues I have with my hair. I think that this industry will continue to evolve and results will continue to improve, and maybe someday permanent SMP will achieve more reliable results. But in the meantime, opt for temporary SMP and see if this is right for you.

Yea, permanent smp is not for everyone, and I think you made a good choice going for temporary just to see if it was for you or not. It definitely isn't for everyone. I had permanent smp several years ago, and it still looks great, but who knows what it will look like 3-5 years from now? It could still change color or become blurry or migrate. There is just no way to know, smp is too new, and there are so many individual factors involved. I may have to get laser treatment done at some point, there are no guarantees in this thing, just as you said, so permanent smp is Definitely a gamble for sure. So far I am pretty happy, but it is not perfect and anyone who tells you smp is perfect is probably a SHILL or Lying to themselves and you. To be honest, I still feel I need more sessions to complete the smp work, but have not had a chance to fly back to clinic.

Smp is also a matter of perspective and what kind of hair loss you are going into SMP with. I had been buzzing my head for a couple of years and liked the way that looked but just wanted to fill in the gaps and make it look more full and less "flesh-colored" in some areas of my scalp. But, if you are a guy who wears a hair piece, or have thin hair and just comb it over or use a concealer, and then you go get SMP and start rocking the "bald by Choice" look, it can be a very difficult transition and less satisfying for sure, b/c you will be so used to seeing yourself with hair (Not to mention everyone around you is used to seeing you with hair) and after shaving your head, even with smp, it can be a shock to you and the people around you so you may not get pleasant feedback. I always tell guys who are thinking of having smp, that they should lose the hairpiece or shave their head first, so they and their coworkers, friends and family can get used to that look, and they can see if they even like having a shaved head (it can get cold sometimes lol) and then go for smp if shaved works for them. Plus, after having a bald head for a little while, smp will be an improvement rather than a perceived downgrade from the hairpiece, comb over, or thin hair + concealer.

Shapiro Medical is definitely a legit establishment and their reputation is outstanding. They learned temp Smp under the best, Milena Lardi of Bella Medical, so you know they have good training.

I can see the appeal of "one and done". Wouldn't it be so nice to just end the hassle of all this hair loss trauma with just one procedure and then not have to think about it anymore.... It's so dreamy sounding....but, unfortunately that's about all it is - a dream. A dream that can easily turn into a nightmare by virtue of a permanent blue solid colored head, or a hairline lower than Eddie Munster's or straighter than this week's most popular rapper. I always like to remind my patients that while travel and multiple sessions can be a bit more of a hassle - repair work is a HUGE hassle. It's always easier to add more pigment than it is to subtract it. Start with your hairline slightly higher than you ideally would like and your tone slightly lighter...leave a little room to wiggle. For many of us this will be the first time we see ourselves in this "style" we don't know exactly what will look best. You should have some "touch-up" sessions built into your initial session fee for these corrections.

Exactly! And What people tend to forget, especially younger clients in their 20s, is that while these low straight hairlines with the angled side profiles may look sharp while they are still young, they will probably look pretty silly when they are in their 40s and 50s. I agree it is best to go conservative at first, and then just as you say, you can always add pigment later which is far easier than laser removal. It is easy to get greedy when trying to cheat hair loss, and go super extreme with the hairlines and density of Replicated Follicles, but these styles can have dire consequences down the road. Realistic trumps Extreme in my opinion.

As far as the One and Done SMPs, they are certainly an appealing Idea, but just as you said, I also do not agree that this is in the best interest of the client. I feel that each individual should be assessed after the first session has had time to settle and, based on his or her retention of and response to the pigments, further treatments should be done if necessary to meet that individual's needs. The number of treatments is strictly based on each individual's ability to retain and their reaction the the pigments. Everyone's body chemistry is different. There is No one size fits all when dealing with Physiology. While it can be a hassle to fly back in forth to a clinic, this is just a necessary part of the process that must be accepted by the client. If the client is not willing to do this, I don't feel they are a candidate for SMP.

Hi All

 

Was recently told at consultaion for Hair Transplant that my doner area wasnt sufficient enough and SMP was mentioned as a new, modern procedure, not something I had considered before but may now be my best option?

 

Where and who are the best clinics in the UK?

 

Have been looking at Skalp and His Hair Clinic?

 

Anyone have any advice? Does it work? Does it look like hair, feel like hair?

 

Does the proceedure last forever, does it hurt?

 

Currently carrying out the research before planning next step so any advice on this would be great!

 

Thanks

1) Where and who are the best clinics in the UK?

-HIS Hair, SKALP, and Vinci Hair Clinic

2)Does it work? Does it look like hair, feel like hair?

- Yes it works, if done correctly by your practitioner. It looks like real hair follicles shaved extremely closely. No, of course it does not feel like hair, SMP is tattooed dots, an illusion.

3) Does the procedure last forever?

- Many factors that determine the longevity of SMP such as how you care for it (avoid sun exposure, harsh chemicals, etc., and use moisturizer regularly) the type of ink used, the depth of insertion, the level of aggression of the individual's immune system, attention to aftercare instructions, etc etc.

4) Does it hurt?

-Depends on your pain threshold. I sat through a total of about 10 hours of SMP. Never really bothered me, I almost fell asleep several times. The hairline and sides were a little more sensitive but even these were not painful, just a very mild discomfort, very mild.

I don't want to bad mouth any of the SMP companies out there , however I would like to give you some advice.... First when dealing with a person who is about to do your scalp . Ask how long have they themselves been doing SMP's,ask for photos of the client's he or she have done (if possible) have one come by to see them in person. The hardest part is getting the hair line to look natural if they screw up you will hate yourself . Check for BD of health license ,business license other credentials such as (Tattoo Tech) Trust me its for your own protection. There are companies that are not really telling the truth. ask about the ink, what kind of needles they use. Some of the post that I have seen are from companies and friends of companies praising their work and Company... This is my first post so I will keep it clean for now. Still investigating other stuff...

Photos are not good indicator b/c many smp businesses quite frequently steal competitor clinics photos and use them for their own advertising. Even the "great" HIS Hair Clinic has stolen a competitor's smp result photo and used it in one of their flash ads. The only sure fire way is to view a client's smp session with the practitioner you will have at the clinic of your choice, and then see the finished result on that client's head the following day. I was able to do this at the clinic I chose.

Again, the before photos are in bright daylight exposure, and the after photos of the finished result are in the dark, not to mention the befores are up close high def and afters are not.

Very misleading advertising.

If someone tells you that every patient they have ever worked with is happy they are LYING! Another thing to ask your SMP clinic provider is what their policies are for unsatisfied customers...What if it turns blue? What if it migrates? What if?????? Know what they are going to do to help you if you dislike the result. SMP is art + science. Nothing is exact.

Yes, Yes, Yes, and Yes! I agree and great points all around.

For everyone who has worked in sales or in any customer service capacity, you know that there are just some customers or clients that you will never please, regardless of how many hoops you jump through or how many extra miles you travel for them. Whether it is just the Client's unrealistic expectations, confrontational personality type, or flawed perception of reality (I.E. his or her smp results) there will always be some people who will complain about the services and results you provide for them, no matter how good both are.

And I think these are great questions to ask, and guarantees to get. If the worst case scenario occurs and there is migration or color change, how will the clinic address these issues and is their work guaranteed?

Another important question to ask is- Will the clinic finish your SMP process to completion? - The trend in SMP industry seems to be a "One and Done" Approach, which for all who understand the way the body works, specifically Immune cell response in relation to tattoo "trauma", you know that there is no such thing as a "One Size Fits All" when speaking about SMP. Always make sure that your satisfaction is guaranteed.

It can be really tough to learn online about smp. You basically have to sift through all of the BS advertising, get past the undercover postings done by clinic owners and consultants or as I like to call them, "Attack of the Shills", and read through dozens of bogus testimonials/SMP journeys. Then out of all of that you may find a handful of unbiased people willing to share their knowledge and experience with smp without a sales pitch for a particular provider. The only way I know to find the best smp business for oneself is to visit these places in person. If there is one within driving distance of your home I would certainly recommend taking advantage of that. Unfortunately for most, a flight is required, and that can be a hassle for most who just want to check out smp for themselves.

Is SMP really a Hair Loss "Solution?" The short and simple answer is NO. The only Hair loss solution is having real growing hair again. I have seen a couple of good transplants, but the good results are few and far between. For me, SMP is a good Hair Loss ALTERNATIVE, and the alternative to smp is looking completely bald. It gives the appearance of "bald by choice", but I certainly wouldnt classify SMP as a Solution to Hair Loss. It has improved the way I look, but I do not know many people who actually look better with a shaved head than they did with a full head of hair, and that is just popular opinion.

SMP businesses charge several thousand dollars a head, and there is a huge market when you consider how many men with hair loss there are out there. Lots of money to be made in smp industry, so definitely something to consider when you meet a Screen name telling you to go to Clinic "X"

It can be really tough to learn online about smp. You basically have to sift through all of the BS advertising, get past the undercover postings done by clinic owners and consultants or as I like to call them, "Attack of the Shills", and read through dozens of bogus testimonials/SMP journeys. Then out of all of that you may find a handful of unbiased people willing to share their knowledge and experience with smp without a sales pitch for a particular provider. The only way I know to find the best smp business for oneself is to visit these places in person. If there is one within driving distance of your home I would certainly recommend taking advantage of that. Unfortunately for most, a flight is required, and that can be a hassle for most who just want to check out smp for themselves.

Is SMP really a Hair Loss "Solution?" The short and simple answer is NO. The only Hair loss solution is having real growing hair again. I have seen a couple of good transplants, but the good results are few and far between. For me, SMP is a good Hair Loss ALTERNATIVE, and the alternative to smp is looking completely bald. It gives the appearance of "bald by choice", but I certainly wouldnt classify SMP as a Solution to Hair Loss. It has improved the way I look, but I do not know many people who actually look better with a shaved head than they did with a full head of hair, and that is just popular opinion.

SMP businesses charge several thousand dollars a head, and there is a huge market when you consider how many men with hair loss there are out there. Lots of money to be made in smp industry, so definitely something to consider when you meet a Screen name telling you to go to Clinic "X"

I have that lotion as well. I was going to by the Wahl balding clippers, but I don't think they cut close enough, so I bought a Panasonic 19.00 foil shaver from CVS and that thing cuts close! Almost like a wet shave.

 

Dial soap, interesting. I read about someone using baby shampoo. I have to ask Matt. I keep bothering him about what to do and what not to do so I don't accidently screw up my SMP.

Yea I like Lubriderm and Curel moisturizer. I am about to order some more Headblade Matte Lotion also. HB matte reduces shine and moisturizes and is only about $7 for a 5 oz bottle. I have heard some great things about Peter Thomas Roth Matte Gel but have yet to try it. It runs 30-45 bucks for a 1 oz tube but guys on the HIS forum swear by the stuff and say it lasts them about 2 months for 1 oz tube b/c very little is required each day.

I use the clippers b/c I still have some coverage on my scalp and like the look better than foil shave for myself but I know that most guys prefer a foil shave or wet shave. I have been told by a woman I know who owns a micropigmentation clinic that foil shaving and wet shaving actually removes the pigments from the scalp over time by removing layers of skin. Have you heard of this?

I use the dial liquid soap, and sometimes I do use a shampoo, I think it is Suave. I know shampoo is primarily for hair, but I find that the Suave does the best job of cleansing my scalp. Sometimes I use a facial cleanser but it tends to dry my scalp out a bit too much.

About 2 years ago I had a 1000 graft neograft procedure done to my hairline. I didn't do my research and just jumped into. The transplanted hair did grow but my forelock started to thin so I have been buzzing my hair down. I like the look of my buzzed hair I just want to cover up the fue scars created by the neograft. Also I have been on rogaine foam for 1 and a half years and propecia for a little over a year.

 

I am wondering if anyone has had temp smp done at hishair in Ny and if they had good results.

Have you looked into Shapiro Medical Group in Minneapolis? I believe they learned their temp technique under Milena Lardi

As far as smp businesses who produce small dot sizes, there are many many clinics out there, and they are springing up everywhere all the time, but only a handful are proven over the span of 5+ years to produce good small dots. But the proven places, just from my experience, observation, and research would be:

1) Artistry Concepts- Florida

2) Good Look Ink- Minnesota

3) New Hair Institute w/ Dr. Pak- Los Angeles, CA

4) Skalp Clinic- UK

5) Vinci Hair Clinic- UK

6) HIS Hair Clinic- UK

And again, as far as these SMP places being the best, this is only my opinion. Best to find a place that you are comfortable with based on your own experience with them.

As far as the SMP clinic I went to and my practitioner, I choose not to say. I am just a guy who had SMP, I do not make a living in the SMP industry, so I find it best to only comment on general aspects of SMP and leave the promoting and advertising of specific SMP clinics to the Shills.

Hey Ken,

I had my 2nd session on Thursday. Waiting for the redness to subside before I post pictures. Not sure if I am going to book a third session, would it be prudent to wait a month or so for things to settle ? Overall, I made a few minor tweaks but I am happy with the second result.

 

About dot size. From what I have read on HIS forums, initially applying small dots in the first session is not good, dots need to settle, and if they get too small before adding the density in the second session, then you get the smudged look effect if you will. Having what people describe as large dots in the beginning is very normal, and to my knowledge and research, those large dots settle down to a size that is supposed to replicate the hair follicle, in between the settling, your second session occurs, if the dots are applied way to small, then the practitioner winds up putting dots on top of dots, if that makes sense.

 

In regards to my "dot size", I can tell you mine have substantially decreased in size in the 8 day hiatus between my first and second.

 

Ken, what kind of moisturizer, shampoo, and shaver do you use ? Do you wet shave against the grain? Have a rotary shaver? Foil ? Just trying to figure out what gives me the best results. I bought a cheap foil shaver Panasonic and it shaves to the bone, very close to a wet shave. But it broke after 2 weeks.

Congrats, sounds like you are happy with your results.

I use Lubriderm, no fragrance, daily moisture lotion.

I shave with Wahl Clippers, no guard.

I wash my head with either Dial soap, or face wash.

Good answer. Thanks Ken.

So with hat in mind, who can you recommend for small dot sizes?

I have seen so many results from Hishair where the dots are just a little bit too big to stand up to very close scrutiny.

 

Who was your practitioner btw?

HIS Hair dots actually do shrink to a very small size, and I have seen some amazing results from HIS, some of the best. The issues with HIS Hair are result longevity and Quality Control. There is no doubt that HIS results have a much shorter "lifespan" than their competitor permanent SMP clinics. If you look at HIS' own forum you can see that very clearly. Also, with so many clinics in so many different locations with so many different practitioners, it is hard to tell what quality of results you will receive if you get a treatment from someone other than their best practitioners like Paul Clarke or Simon Lane. It is definitely in HIS Hair's own best interest to have so many locations, but I would argue that this is not in the client's best interest b/c a brand is only as good as the practitioner who produces your result.

As far as smp businesses who produce small dot sizes, there are many many clinics out there, and they are springing up everywhere all the time, but only a handful are proven over the span of 5+ years to produce good small dots. But the proven places, just from my experience, observation, and research would be:

1) Artistry Concepts- Florida

2) Good Look Ink- Minnesota

3) New Hair Institute w/ Dr. Pak- Los Angeles, CA

4) Skalp Clinic- UK

5) Vinci Hair Clinic- UK

6) HIS Hair Clinic- UK

And again, as far as these SMP places being the best, this is only my opinion. Best to find a place that you are comfortable with based on your own experience with them.

As far as the SMP clinic I went to and my practitioner, I choose not to say. I am just a guy who had SMP, I do not make a living in the SMP industry, so I find it best to only comment on general aspects of SMP and leave the promoting and advertising of specific SMP clinics to the Shills.

In regards to the dor size...

 

However, I am wondering if HisHair is using the same dot size for all their cases? Like a one size fits all approach. If this is the case I would imagine that although it may look perfect on some heads it would look less natural on people with fine hair and smaller follicles.

To be perfectly honest with you, the size of your natural hair follicle is not a factor in relation to the size of dots (replicated follicles) that are tattooed. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either a person who has no clue about scalp micropigmentation, or is a clinic attempting to sell you on the lie that they actually use different dot sizes specific to each client's natural hair follicle size, and that is just ridiculous. The fact of the matter is, for men with significant hair loss (which if you are considering smp you no doubt have significant hair loss/thinning) allowing your natural hair to grow beyond the height of a zero guard clipper shave will only serve to minimize the effect of your smp. The idea is to have the dots serve as the primary color or base that is seen on the scalp. If you let your natural hair grow too much, the uneven look between dots and hair will be apparent.

Your natural hair stubble, shaved very closely, will only serve the purpose of providing a 3d effect causing the viewer of your head to see some texture, making the smp illusion that much better. But again, the core of the color on your scalp will not be from your hairs, but from the smp replicated follicles.

Of course, 2 of the best results I have seen to date were the owner and consultant of the clinic I did smp with, and neither of those men had much hair at all, less hair than I do if im not mistaken, so don't put too much stock in the importance of having lots of stubble. The importance lies in the skill your practitioner possesses and the quality of work your clinic is capable of.

Regardless of natural follicle size, you want your SMP dots to be as tiny as possible, period.

Best of luck to you on your second session Thunder, I hope all goes well. Keep us posted if possible

Things that I didn't have to ask when I had my first treatment:

1) Matt's background is common knowledge which is verifiable. Again not a HIS advocate but his resume was built on their business name.

2) See # 1

3) This was told to me in my consultation with Matt, Headstrong is board certified and licensed in the State of NY and NYC, this can be verified through a NY business license search which I verified.

4) I watched Matt take out a new needle from the package when he did his procedure at my consultation (part of my consultation) and it was mentioned in the consultation.

5) Good question.

6) I know the numbers but not the semantics of the pigments. I will ask. The numbers were listed on my after care sheet, but I didn't notice them.

Yea, I was not directing these suggestions toward you, as you have obviously already committed to smp and paid your money, and are far past the point of asking preliminary questions such as these. These were suggestions for others who are seeking a provider.

You can definitely find out specifics on the pigments used, by law the clinic must provide you your chart.

I was the other poster. I thought the dots look a little too large. It was just an observation and everyone here has their right to their opinion. I'd be interested to see photos if and when they shrink. If they do look like natural follicular units at that time, I'll be happy to say so. The forum needs more smp options of high quality and I'll be happy to give my honest opinion for those who have developed a trust for it over the years. This is a fluid market with many advances and I hope that shrinking ink is one of them.

Yes definitely, you have every right to express your opinion of his SMP results, especially since he did ask members for feedback on his photos. Some people do get defensive, while others are able to handle the constructive criticism. Honestly, I did not notice that Thunder's dots looked too large, but I really didn't examine very closely. It does seem to have a brown tint to it, so would be interested to know what shade of pigment was used. I agree that it would be nice to see more smp results on this forum. I am just not willing to post my photos for the world to see, and I do not disclose which Clinic I used for the simple fact that I am not here to advertise for my provider, and honestly they do not need me to do so.

I am beginning to believe that Headstrong may have a direct affiliation with HIS Hair. I have noticed some of the known HIS shills promoting them on another forum.

As far as the dots shrinking, I have seen photo progressions of HIS Hair's SMP dots shrinking on client's heads 2-4 weeks post smp.

Things to ask your SMP practitioner before you pay them:

1)Ask about your professional's background and training

2)Ask how long they have been doing micropigmentation

3)Ask if they have passed any examinations for Board Certification

4)Ask if they use disposable needles. This is so important to your safety and welfare.

5)Ask if they were trained by an instructor who is Board Certified

6)Ask what pigments they use? Iron Oxides and titanium dioxide are the least likely to cause problems. Some synthetic organic pigments are okay but make sure there has never been an allergic reaction. If a technician states they use “vegetable-based” pigments or dyes that is a red flag