Finding a decent, let alone a talented, scalp micropigmentation (SMP) provider is difficult.
While the level of difficulty varies from country to country, it applies to most, if not all, countries. This is especially true in my country, South Korea. A topic I will cover in the future.
So why is it difficult to find a decent SMP provider?
The main reason is that there are way too many scalp micropigmentation specialists out there. Having many options may sound good at first, but finding too many SMP providers on social media and Google search with thousands of mind-blowing before-and-after-result photos can only lead indecisiveness. One then begins to believe that SMP is an easy-to-perform skill, and the shop nearby is as good as any other. That is, until Google algorithm decides to unveil a plethora of horrific SMP results.
So who are the authors of these ugly treatments, and are they still practicing?
They are out there, probably still practicing. Those with some moral compass would acknowledge their lack of sense and skill, and call it quits. The sad truth is that no SMP provider in his or her right mind would use his or her bad results to represent his or her scalp micropigmentation skill.
Even if these artists’ SMP skill have improved since their last bad job, most clients simply do not want to take chances with any provider who can manifest such horrors.
Then, how does one go about finding that hair-tattoo artist who is a true artist in
his craft?
Unfortunately, there is no easy solution.
Case in point: I had a client in for a consultation yesterday. He showed me a chat
conversation he had with a reputable SMP clinic in South Korea. The chatroom was full
of before-and-after photos. Too bad that the photos with good results were not
its own doing but the doings of a famous SMP franchise in the US.
How did I know that these photos were not the works of this hospital?
The logo markings in the background of the photos gave them away. The big question to the clinic is why it is misrepresenting itself, and the big question to you is whether you would choose it for your treatment.
So what now? Do I just get scalp micropigmentation from a reputable SMP franchise
in the states or the UK?
That is a safer option, but a costly one too. I personally got mine in London and
paid nearly 10,000 USD for the whole trip.
The simple truth is that you do not have to spend 10,000 USD to get a great-looking SMP
treatment. And just because you spend a lot of money does, by no mean,
guarantee a great result.
Why?
Because big and reputable franchises have multiple SMP technicians with varying skills.
Just because one artist has a mean pen-handling game does not mean he or she has the eye and patience for great hairline designs. A scalp with great looking micro impressions is awesome, but without a great design to bring together the dots in the way envisioned by clients, the treatment is a dud.
Franchises that pay their employees a salary can be somewhat of a downer for clients as well. It is because technicians get paid regardless whether their work is A+, A-, or B+. Anything lower than a B is just sad. Despite how ridiculous this can sound, the result of a treatment can change dramatically depending on something as minor as the technician having one too many drinks the night before. A nagging headache can cut short a session from 3 to 2 hours, which can be the difference between an A+ and a B+ work. By no means am I telling you to avoid big franchises, I went to one, but I did my research.
So how does one find a talented SMP provider?
The only way to find a skilled SMP artist is to speak with him or her at length and
in depth. As with any profession that requires a great amount of eye-and-hand
coordination, artistic sense, and both sympathy and empathy, the artist must
possess the conviction and passion that are demonstrated by how seriously he has
studied and practice his craft, and how knowledgeable he is about all aspects and angles of SMP. Speaking with him or her must make your mind say “wow, I didn’t know that,” “I’ve
never even considered that,” “he knows exactly what I’m concerned about and what I’m thinking,” and “yes, he is the one I’ve been looking for.” While speaking with a passionate and knowledgeable technician does not guarantee an A+ result, it sure greatly improves your odds of getting the result you want.
Conclusion
It is your job to find the perfect artist for your hair-loss. To find him or her, you have to go out there and hold consultations with artists. If he or she does not want to take the time to alleviate your concerns, answer your questions, and patiently go through the treatment process, he or she is not a good fit for you. Hair-loss is a serious business, and a business that is not serious about your hair-loss is not a business that deserves your money.