andrewdyson

The biggest in the world, measured by a combination of factors - primarily by their scale and marketing reach but also factoring in the number of people who say they had SMP at that particular company, as well as a good dose of prior (well informed) knowledge. There are three clear leaders, and a number of smaller (but still significant) clinics. If you disagree with my assessment, I have no proof to offer other than my word, but I can assure you I am absolutely correct.

I did not mention names, because no doubt I would have been accused of being a shill or something. There is no need to explain the concept of SEO to me, it's what I do.

I know this industry very well indeed, however I do not wish to compromise my position by elaborating on this point. Like yourself, I have a strong interest in the process and the industry as a whole, and I believe there is a bright future for those companies that do it the right way.

For the record, micropigmentation qualifications mean virtually nothing in the world of SMP. Some of the worst results ever seen were performed by qualified micropigmentation 'experts' using 'high quality' machines, needles and pigments, yet these people preach about the importance of qualifications and the need for regulation. That's the real sham.

Put the right equipment and the right inks in the hands of a skilled artist with the RIGHT KIND of experience, and you'll get the best results, regardless of how many pieces of paper with their name on they may or may not have.

I agree with some of your points, but not with others. Unfortunately I do not get breaks at work, so I don't have a great deal of time to post here. You speak like someone who has more to do with this industry than you're letting on. That's fine, because so do I. Just because people don't show their entire hand doesn't make their views any less valid. I respect your opinion and wish you well.

The Permanent Makeup industry spawned the Smp industry. That's just a fact. A couple of the original and more widely known SMP providers were actually Permanent Makeup Clinics/salons before becoming 'SMP Exclusive' providers. Many of the smp technicians were formally permanent makeup technicians. It has been more of a marketing ploy instituted by SMP providers to try and Separate SMP from permanent makeup.

 

As far as the skill level and training of many SMP techs being reflective of the pricing, that is both Debatable and Comical. Next time you speak with an SMP Provider, inquire about the tech's certification and training program completed. When you examine these I can bet that the certification possessed was obtained in less than two months (that's being generous) or the tech's training was completed at the provider's own internal training program that consisted of a few weeks lol. Either way the details will be vague. For now you are dealing with an unregulated industry where they make their own rules. For now.

Did you get SMP yourself? Why are you so anti-SMP?

I do not believe your assumptions to be correct. Of the three biggest SMP companies in the world (and they are undeniably the top 3):

• One adapted permanent makeup processes to create an SMP process. They were never a permanent makeup salon or tattoo studio
  
• One was started by an entrepreneur with no background in the medical or micropigmentation industry
  
• One started out as a hair transplant clinic
  

Techs do not have certification because there is no certification available. Unless you're suggesting that SMP techs should be trained and certified in permanent makeup or paramedical tattooing, both of which are largely irrelevant in the context of hair loss (excluding HT scars of course).

In many ways, the industry is more transparent than you may think. Clinics and techs live and die by their results, and people are wise to the practice of editing images, stealing images or otherwise manipulating their 'results'. If results are sub-standard, they struggle to win business.

I can't speak from experience, but I've heard very mixed reviews. Some good, and some not so good... Seems a bit hit and miss

Just posted on a very similar thread

http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/179944-smp-cost.html

Been doing some searching and found this. Do these prices look accurate? I've had 4 quotations so far and they fluctuate massively from one place to the next

Scalp micropigmentation cost calculator - ScalpGuru.com

The perception that temporary SMP, or 'tricopigmentation' is somehow better than a high quality permanent SMP treatment, is complete rubbish. Also the cheerleading for Milena Lardi and her technique as the only option worth considering is just narrow minded and smacks of covert marketing.

Look at some of the permanent SMP examples out there by Shadow Clinic, HIS, Vinci, Scalp Aesthetics and others. Not every style will be to everyone's taste (particularly the super-sharp looks), but no-one can deny the quality of the work done.

Yes, tricopigmentation is a great option and yes, Milena Lardi is one of the best for sure. But all this bias towards one particular tech and her trainees is irritating and misleading.

The prices SMP providers charge is based on the permanent make up and cosmetic tattooing industry and the fees they charge. Any good Permanent make up practitioner charges around $300-$500 an hour. When I first began looking into SMP I was also surprised at the high cost. I expected it to cost far less and closer to what traditional tattoo artists charge.

I'm not so sure about that. When you consider the time taken, the concentration required, the skill level the tech must have, the training, the administration and aftercare, the overheads, the insurance....... I'm not so sure a cut-price option would be a good idea