Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP), or hair tattooing, is the ideal choice for men who like the idea of sporting a natural-looking shaved-head style, or for women who want to mask hair loss.
The look it creates is made possible thanks to its ability to reproduce the growth patterns of natural hair follicles and to camouflage the scalp, masking previous hair loss and creating a new hairline when required.
It can be used to create the illusion of denser looking hair or even a full head of hair, as well as being used frequently to create a hairline.
Whilst it is most popular as a treatment for male pattern baldness right now, it is also available for women. In these cases, it can offer immediate results, by creating the appearance of thicker hair and moving attention away from a woman’s bare patches or scalp.
SMP is often used as an enhancement treatment following transplant surgery, as it can create an illusion of a thicker coverage of hair at the level of the roots. It can also be used to camouflage scarring resulting from hair transplant surgery. By implanting pigment into scar tissue, the appearance of the area can be matched with a person’s hair follicles and the hair around the scar.
Costs explained
As with most treatments and procedures, prices do vary across clinics, and the cost obviously depends on how much hair loss has already happened and any other specific features of the scalp.
In general, however, clients can expect to pay the following:
- Between £800 and £1,500 for scar treatment
- Between £1,000 and £1,500 for crown or hairline work.
- £1,800 and £3,000 for a standard procedure
- A standard procedure where scars are present could increase the cost to between £2,000 and £3,500.
Anyone considering having scalp micropigmentation should also factor in the cost of regular touch-ups. In order to maintain the look, these should happen at three to six-year intervals, although good maintenance can make more infrequent visits possible, whilst sun exposure and poor treatment can make it necessary to visit more.
A touch up can cost around £300-an-hour at current rates, and typically takes between one and two hours depending on the amount of work needed.
Clinics offering micropigmentation
Clinics offering scalp micropigmentation can be found around the world, and there are many choices throughout Britain. Some of the most well-known in the UK include Skalp, which has clinics in London, Manchester and Edinburgh, as well as in New York, HIS Hair Clinic in Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, and around the world, Vinci Hair Clinic in Hampshire, Hairline Inc in Chester, Hair Ink in London, and LGs Hair Clinic in Birmingham.
Many clinics offering SMP offer a guarantee and some offer free adjustments, particularly in the first year after the procedure has been performed. Some clinics will also offer clients the chance to create a virtual mock-up to demonstrate how they would look after having the treatment. This can help to prevent costly mistakes and ensure that SMP is likely to achieve the look that the client wants.