Recommendations on smp artist

[symphonyofdreams]

How do you go about finding an legitimate high level smp artist? Unlike transplants where you're dealing with real doctors in medical conditions smp artists are as credible as typical tattoo artists. I've seen Too much variance online( from amazing results to horrible) to choose without strong credentials. Any recommendations?

[BHilt]

I concur. Where do you live bro?

The problem with smp becoming so popular over the last year or two is that now the number of bad providers out number the good and great ones significantly. I spent 3 months of my free time researching and there is a lot to get through. Check out scalp guru (but read with an open mind as there has been some controversy about it) then go see as many providers as possible. Dont be afraid to bombard them with questions. An experienced tech has heard every question before. Avoid makeup artists offering the procedure. I wanted a specialist on my scalp as I am sure you do. What use is 2 years experience if they only do 5 treatments a month??

Edited December 30, 2016 by BHilt

[lorenzo]

http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/182249-beware-scalp-aesthetics-writing-negative-reviews-other-smp-companies.html

[symphonyofdreams]

I concur. Where do you live bro?

The problem with smp becoming so popular over the last year or two is that now the number of bad providers out number the good and great ones significantly. I spent 3 months of my free time researching and there is a lot to get through. Check out scalp guru (but read with an open mind as there has been some controversy about it) then go see as many providers as possible. Dont be afraid to bombard them with questions. An experienced tech has heard every question before. Avoid makeup artists offering the procedure. I wanted a specialist on my scalp as I am sure you do. What use is 2 years experience if they only do 5 treatments a month??

 

I live near Sacramento Ca. But i'd be willing to go anywhere in the US if the artist was good enough. How'd your procedure go?

[symphonyofdreams]

http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/182249-beware-scalp-aesthetics-writing-negative-reviews-other-smp-companies.html

 

Ya I've read a ton of negative things about Scalp Aesthetics and their marketing is very slimy

[HairingIsCaring]

How do you go about finding an legitimate high level smp artist? Unlike transplants where you're dealing with real doctors in medical conditions smp artists are as credible as typical tattoo artists. I've seen Too much variance online( from amazing results to horrible) to choose without strong credentials. Any recommendations?

 

You're absolutely correct, it can be difficult deciding on a provider.

 

You can't trust some of the hair loss forums and can trust none of the smp marketing sites (like the one bhilt plugged) b/c positive reviews and endorsements are paid for by the providers, and negative reviews are occasionally the result of blackballing a provider who refused to pay a site for their "service" of writing a positive review~http://www.cosmetictattoo.org/article/scalp-micropigmentation-more-than-just-ugly-scars.html

 

Also some providers pose as actual clients on forums and write their own fake negative reviews and post fake pictures of bad results in attempts to discredit and slander their competition. And of course on the flip side of that, many providers pose as clients on forums and promote their own clinics to try and get their name out there.

 

 

You can't put much stock in the results photos and videos you see online either. Those images and videos are all photographed and recorded immediately following the clients' smp treatments, but the results will fade significantly in the 3-5 weeks following the treatment (even the providers themselves will tell you that). So those videos and photos are not an accurate depiction of what a finished smp result will look like, only what it looks like before it fades significantly.

 

 

Some clinics have employees who have had the treatment that you can look at in person, but many of them get frequent touchups when they experience fading (which they will lie about and claim they've had only one or two treatments ever) so you really won't know how frequently or significantly their smp has faded or how many treatments they actually needed to achieve the result you are looking at. Even worse, I have seen some owners and consultants who had their treatment with a completely different provider and claim it to be the work of their current clinic or employer. Lots of deceit.

 

 

You can find a good clinic that will do right by you, there are some great ones out there. You just have to be willing to do a little research and use your common sense. Try and find a provider who has been in business for at least 5-8 years who you know is more likely here to stay. Find a place with a solid reputation who has something to lose....they are less likely to screw up your treatment and more likely to make sure you are satisfied with your results and overall experience b/c they cannot afford to have an unsatisfied customer out there posting that poor experience online and diminish their reputation.

Medical Clinics who also do HT's are ideal, but usually more expensive.

 

 

Try to avoid places that claim to have dozens of locations worldwide-Most of these "locations" are not even the provider's clinics.....just tattoo artists' shops or permanent makeup artists' offices who are contracted by the provider and make a percentage of the money they collect for the treatment and pay the rest to the "provider".

 

 

Other red flags to look for: (from http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/185392-scalp-micropigmentation-questions.html)

1) If the provider has only one or two employees and a one room little office or suite I would be wary

2) If the only promotional or advertising material they have available is from posting their own testimonials on hair loss forums, or on a cheap little self-made website, I would be wary

~Look for a company who has invested money in professional promotional videos, news and media tv ads, and who has done some legitimate marketing of their company, this is always a good sign of success.

3)If they focus extra heavily on why you shouldn't go with the competition (scare tactics) and constantly bash their competitors, but talk very little about about why you should choose them and their strengths and what they can provide, that's also a red flag.

Happy New Year!

Edited January 2, 2017 by HairingIsCaring

[BHilt]

I live near Sacramento Ca. But i'd be willing to go anywhere in the US if the artist was good enough. How'd your procedure go?

 

Totally right on about not letting distance be a factor. Though you're lucky been in california. You have David Hoffer, Zang @ hishair, Jae Pak. Good look ink also just opened an office in LA. All are really good from what I have seen.

I'm happy with my own procedure. Austin, Houston, infact Texas in general is very limited as far as clinics but I made the right choice through not rushing into my decision and doing as much research as I felt was needed.

 

Like hairingiscaring said goto someone with a strong and solid reputation online. See good yelps reviews or facebook reviews? Check out the profiles of the people posting and see if they are real people.

[HairingIsCaring]

Though you're lucky been in california. You have David Hoffer, Zang @ hishair, Jae Pak. .

 

I would also recommend Dr. Jae Pak at New Hair Institiute for scalp micropigmentation any day of the week. NHI has been doing the treatment longer than most providers and they are a medical facility. They are more expensive but probably worth the extra money.

 

Totally right on about not letting distance be a factor.

I disagree with this statement, distance is absolutely a factor.

 

I feel that it is a huge advantage to have your provider pretty close to where you live. If you experience fading for any reason: sunburn, cut or injury to your scalp, or just general fading....It is very nice to be able to drive to the provider's office and get a touch up. Instead of having to take off of work, book a flight and hotel room which costs hundreds of dollars, and just go through a big hassle. In my current situation my provider is in my city so I have easy access to them if I ever need a touch up and it is really nice.

 

So basically, distance should play a big factor in your decision.

Edited January 2, 2017 by HairingIsCaring