FAQs
Most of the questions you'll have will be answered below, but if you don't find what you're looking for then please don't hesitate to call, email, or message me through WhatsApp, Instagram, or Facebook if you'd rather. All treatments are completely 1-on-1 and catered for you specifically. There's nothing to be scared of and you'll realise this as soon as you get in touch. You will not be added to a contact list and you won't be pestered. Alter Ego Hair Clinic is here to help you and totally on your side. I don't want to treat anyone that doesn't want to be treated and I'll only give you open and honest advice. There is no pressure on you whatsoever. If you just want to find out more, visit the clinic, meet for a FREE consultation, or have any other questions then get in touch. It's easy!
SMP is a form of cosmetic tattooing, also known as 'medical hair tattooing' or 'hair replication'. It offers a solution to hair loss by replicating hair follicles that are about to grow giving the impression of a shaved look. SMP can treat anywhere on the scalp that is losing hair or even complete baldness of the scalp. We can also add the illusion of density to thinning hair, as long as the thin areas aren't too exposed. There is no cure for baldness, this is as good as it gets.
SMP gives the look of a shaven head or a stubble shadow look. When done properly it's nearly impossible to tell the pigmented dots from actual hair follicles. Feedback from clients that were previously completely bald often state that family and friends asked them if they've just been to the barbers. Assuming that they've always had hair and just shaved it off. It can look so real that without knowing of the procedure people cannot fathom where the hair has come from. Clients that initially intended to keep the treatment a secret often end up shouting about it because of it's miraculous affects. Of course, results really do vary widely depending on you which artist/clinic you choose. Make sure you choose correctly. Choose Alter Ego Hair Clinic!
The 1st session can take from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the amount of work required, but full coverage will be established. Complete baldness will take longer. The 2nd session can take the same, depending on how the first treatment has held. The 3rd and final session is usually just for touch-ups and is generally only 1 to 2 hours maximum. All quotes provided are for all 3 visits. If it takes more sessions than expected you won't have to pay extra.
You will need a 10 to 14 day gap between your 1st and 2nd visit, and a 3 to 4 week gap between your 2nd and 3rd. You will have a beautiful and natural look from start to finish in around 5 - 6 weeks. As stated throughout the site, you will have full coverage after the very first session. The 2nd and 3rd sessions are to establish how well the pigment holds on you specifically over time. It also allows different tones to be built up in layers, and to ensure that all colour matching and blending is perfect.
Also, I always devote my entire time to each client, and won't be rushing through the treatment to meet another appointment. On lengthy session days you'll be the only client I see. I believe in spending whatever time is required on getting it right, so unless you have to hurry away my time is yours.
The very first treatment is done slightly lighter to see how the pigment settles in the scalp. Although it often looks near perfect when you first leave there will be some fading and settling over the first 7 to 10 days. On the 2nd treatment the colour can be left as it is or altered to see if you need to go darker. The need for the 3 sessions is to establish how the pigment sits on each client specifically, and to get things completely perfect for you. Generally each session is a darker tone to the previous session, allowing for a natural result to be built up in layers. This also creates amazingly realistic effects when done with expertise. It's an art form.
This is the most important part of the treatment and we will discuss this in depth before commencing. You must be completely happy with this before we start. Often what's left of the remaining hair will suggest where the hairline needs to go. Some clients will want to change their 'natural' hairline to their 'ideal' hairline, and again, this will be discussed at length before commencing. When doing hairlines we always play it safe on the first session, not going too low, or too dark. On the second visit we will decide how low you want to go and whether the shade needs to change. Often it needs to be darker. Also various hairlines can be discussed, from jagged, soft, to slightly receding. We'll always start the first session soft to allow flexibility on the sessions to come. The fact that the whole process is done over sessions is actually ideal, as it allows us to tweak and change it each time, allowing you to grow into your new look. The whole experience is actually very 'fluid', and not as scary or "finite" as you'd think.
NO!! Although SMP can be known as a 'hair tattoo' it is COMPLETELY different technique to a regular tattoo. The term 'tattoo' is just the simplest way of describing the application of the pigment via the use of a needle. The pigments used for SMP are specifically tweaked to be applied in the scalp. The equipment and needles have been custom designed for SMP. You have to be specially trained to perform Scalp Micropigmentation.
SMP is very safe. Like anything though, there will be pictures of bad examples out there, and a lot of the time you'll find they've been done by tattooists that have tried their hand at SMP with a regular tattoo gun. This is nothing against tattooists, there are plenty of incredibly talented artists out there. SMP is simply a completely different practice and we work at different depths in the skin. ALWAYS go to a an SMP specialist.
Definitely not. There have actually been reports that claim the treatment can stimulate hair growth in some cases. Do not count on this though. The treatment is intended merely to cover and disguise hair loss, but it certainly won't damage existing hair.
Everyone is different so lasting results will vary. Results can last 3 to 5 years without the need for touch-ups, while others fade sooner. It all depends on your immune system and individual lifestyle. Rest assured that I will look after you along the way though, with my 1yr warranty. Ensuring that you still look great at the end of the 1st year means you'll be set for a good few years.
I also charge a set fee for top-up sessions, and not by the hour like some artists/clinics. An hourly rate can cause mistrust. Is your SMP practitioner dragging out your treatment time to charge you extra?
The golden question. Generally you'll find that the major clinics will charge between £2000-£3500, whether your hair loss be minor or major. Newer clinics may charge £1000-£1500 to build up their portfolio. This puts the average UK price at £1800-£2000. At Alter Ego Hair Clinic I work alone which allows me to offer very competitive prices for world class results of the highest standards. There are a wide range of price points and you will be quoted on your own particular need. Compared to the costly price of hair transplants, and their fluctuating success rate, this is a small price to pay. Think about the money you've saved over the years from no visits to the hairdressers, and not having to buy shampoo. It really isn't a huge sum of money in the longterm for your peace of mind. This is not a treatment that you should trust anyone to perform though. Personally, I would ALWAYS make the decision based on the quality of the SMP Artist's portfolio, and their reputation in the industry. With me you'll be in very safe hands!
Again, this depends on how much work was done originally. The average price is usually around £500-£600 for a refresh session. Top-ups are done in 1 session. You have a 1 year guarantee starting from the date of your first treatment for the rare chance of fading, and you really shouldn't need to come back for at least 2 years. I'll always look after you though so don't worry about this too much, it's in my best interest to keep you looking great. It's important to mention though, that if you had your original treatment done with another provider I can't guarantee that it can be refreshed in 1 session. This is purely to do with not having your treatment history, and a record of how well the pigment held on your scalp over the initial sessions.
Only for a short while. For 4 days after each treatment you cannot train and must minimise the production of sweat. This is essential as it may prevent the treatment from taking properly to the scalp. After 4 days you can train but only light training, you cannot sweat excessively for 10 days. Again, a small price to pay for gaining your new look!
It all depends on the individual. It's common and normal for the skin to go red/pink after the treatment. Some clients don't go red at all. Most do but it generally goes down within 24hrs. With some clients the redness disappears before leaving the clinic. The body is great at healing rapidly.
Yes, perfectly safe. Every needle is taken from a sealed package in front of your eyes, and is disposed of after use. All inks, pots and stirrers are only used once and then disposed of after use. All equipment is cleaned and the premises are inspected by the local Environmental Health Department. My license, registration and insurance are all on display. Every client has a due diligence to declare any medical conditions, medication taken, or known blood diseases or viruses before a treatment can be agreed.
SMP has actually been around a good few years now and is recognised by governing bodies and insurers. This isn't a new novelty idea or back-alley treatment. It is regarded as a high-end and highly trained clinical cosmetic procedure. If you haven't heard of it before it's probably due the fact that hair loss is still a very private matter that is not publicly discussed or advertised.
Again, this varies for each individual. The needle doesn't go as deep as a regular tattoo, and the sensation is very different. Most clients feel very little discomfort, and some not at all. Others may feel a little sensitive around the hairline. Some clients have actually found it relaxing and found themselves drifting off to sleep. I do not use a numbing cream as it makes the surface of the scalp harder to work on. If you are worried about it hurting you can always take paracetamol, ibuprofen or co codamol before the session. Aspirin thins the blood and can cause bleeding so avoid taking this at all costs. In general I can advise you not to worry about pain, it is generally only a mild discomfort.
My work is in high demand so I'm often booked up months in advance. That said, I will always endeavour to find time to see you. If it is easier for you to visit the clinic before or after work, on an evening or weekend, then I'll cater for that wherever possible. I can work around you and your social/work life to complete your treatment at your convenience. Always call or email to arrange times though as this isn't a 'walk-in' clinic. My time with clients has to be discreet and uninterrupted, as it would be with you. You won't find many other SMP clinics that will respond to your messages 7 days a week!
Regardless of whether we've spoken a lot on the phone, email or WhatsApp, we'll still need to meet face to face before you book the treatment. This is essential for a number of reasons. Firstly I'll need to check your scalp to ensure it's healthy and fit for the treatment. We'll need to discuss if there's anything medically that may prevent you from having the treatment. You may have a specific allergy for example. Equally importantly you need to feel comfortable and happy with the environment and have confidence in me to be the right person to provide your new look. We genuinely do take this journey together through your transformation. I've said it throughout the site, there is no sales pressure. You need to be confident in me to provide you with a great result, and I have to be confident that you are aware of every angle, both physically and emotionally that the treatment offers.
Often just chatting with the client will be the first time they've really been able to open up about how their hair loss has effected them. Often people don't even share this with their spouses or partners. I always talk about, and share, my own experience as many clients find this helpful. This chat can be as long or short as you like, as long as you feel equipped with all the answers when you leave. I don't mind if I have a whole day of consultations and no bookings come from them. I only want to treat clients who know it's right for them and are excited about the great changes to come.
Also, on a practical note, if you're not sure if you have a metal and/or pigment allergy for example (and you should already know) I can perform a FREE patch test on the back of your head. This will be in a tiny little hidden area and only a few little dots. It's a safe and reassuring way of testing whether your skin will react to the needle or ink. It's extremely rare for there to be such a reaction as both needle and ink are designed for this purpose, but a minute percentage of the population are allergic to the weirdest of things. it is FREE anyway, and for your peace of mind. Also, as brief as it might be, you'll get a tiny experience of the sensation of the treatment.
I'm fully insured to be able to perform your Scalp Micropigmentation at your home address, if for some reason you cannot get into the clinic. However I always prefer to perform all treatments in the clinic due to needing to maintain high levels of hygiene and cleanliness.
I also offer a pick-up/drop-off service from the train station if required. I occasionally get overseas clients flying in to have their SMP done with me, so can also offer the same service from Bristol and Cardiff airports. This has to be arranged well in advance so that I allow adequate time to complete your treatment. This generally means giving the whole day over to you alone.
Don't be afraid to email or call, I'm here to help and can PROMISE you there'll be no sales pitch or hard sell. If I don't answer the phone it's because I'm with a client, or it's out of hours. You can email, or message through Instagram/Facebook, at any hour and I'll get back to you asap. My preferred method of contact is WhatsApp (07910212737) as it's easier to send pics on that platform. I look forward to hearing from you.
