Have questions about scalp pigmentation and our other procedures? This is a list of questions and answers from Bryce Cleveland, CEO and founder of Scalp Artist International on the details of our procedures
The SAT (Scalp Aesthetics Technique) procedure is made up of a small single use needle that we have made to replicate the exact shape and size of a follicle. We use a high powered rotary machine, which we modify to create a longer rotary stroke and implant which gives us the ability to implant more ink per second. By doing so we can inject more ink into the epidermis without going through the dermis which can create a blow out ( ink bleeding from going to deep and creating a larger impression) Per skin type, fat cells in skin, suppleness, collagen structure, oil level and follicle size, we either implant ink deeper or more shallow into skin.
Our follicle shaped needle implants into the epidermis, never reaching the dermis. The skin is made of up a matrix of cross fibers that have Lumen within the cells. The lumens allow the ink to deposit into the dermis and stay consistent in size and shape.
Our needle is a quarter the size of a 3 round needle, used by companies that implant pigments using permanent makeup guns. This gives us the advantage of creating actual follicles, that look just like hair. Other companies have no choice, but to create a fill, or shade that gives the illusion of hair. Our needle can be compared to making the dot of a small pin. If you look up very close to our impressions, you can’t tell the difference between the hair and the impressions. The pain level most clients tell us is 2 out of 10. Men and women who have scarring from hair transplants, they tend to have a little more discomfort due to sensitivity. But we do use our own topical numbing cream called NOM.
The ink is injected using a rotary machine, which any other permanent makeup machine uses. The difference is the stroke in which we lay the ink and the depth that we implant the ink. We can implant ink on the top layer of skin because we are injecting more ink. Excess ink will fade away while the rest will stay. This leaves behind a small follicle shaped impression that won’t change in size due to the face that it is siting on the dermis. The epidermis is has blood flow and overtime it spreads and will become a shade and blend into each other. This is why you see a lot of men and women who end up having a shade on their head 1-2 years later.
The answer to this questions lies in the individual makeup of the person. The sun will have a very big impact on the life of the procedure and your individual dermal collagen micro structure as well. Your genetic code has a lot to do with this as well, such as oils in your tissues and the chemical bonds in your skin tissues. This will break down these bonds, long term sunlight radiation breaks down ink and and the ink will dissolve into the skin. This could be the difference between your procedure lasting 10 years and due to the sun, it only lasting 2 years. It is also the rejuvenation of your skin, your cycle of scabbing, how long it takes your tissues to heal themselves and much more. You have to understand that your body sees my ink as a foreign object and naturally wants to reject it. This is why we deposit more than other companies using a modified machine. The collagen micro structure acts different for each person, either fading away faster or slower 7 days after the first procedure. This is why we require 2-3 procedures to ensure full coverage due to different variables.
Other companies will tell you via their websites that they implant pigment beyond the Epidermal Layer, piercing the Dermal Layer. When doing this, you will lay your pigment and the impression will not run the risk of fading, but overtime your the ink will expand. The Dermal layer has blood flow, overtime that blood flow opens the ink and spreads the ink. This is why you’ll see people walking around years later with a shade on their head and not follicles. At Scalp Aesthetics we dispurse more ink using a modified rotary gun, so we can implant in the Epidermal area, which has more consistency and will not spread overtime. We do run the risk of fading on the first treatment, that is why just as other companies, we have 2-3 procedures before our process is done. You will be much more happier with the way we implant our pigments and it lends itself to a more authentic appearance.
Consultations are booked based on availability and location of the client. For those who are not in close proximity, a Phone Consultation may be provided. Phone consultations are a great way to have your questions answered by our knowledgeable team members while in the comfort of your own home.
Consultations can often lead to booking procedures. These appointments are based on the availability of technicians at each site. We strive to accommodate our clients and can usually schedule procedures within a week of your initial consultation.
Every procedure package comes with a standard 2 sessions. We allow this secondary procedure to ensure optimal results while allowing room for small adjustments to the hairline and color after the product has had time to cure down. The second “Final Touches” session is scheduled by the client within the first year of their initial procedure and advise our clients to wait at least one week after the completion of their initial service to schedule.
Our needles are 80% smaller than standard tattoo needles and we use the same size needle in every procedure. This is to ensure control over product and placement while providing a natural look as it is the same size as a hair follicle at it’s point.
In order to protect what makes Scalp Aesthetics so different from our competitors we do not release the specific measurements of our needles, however, we can guarantee that we have taken our time in perfecting the tools of our trade and as a result every client can walk away knowing that this was something specially crafted to provide the very best look possible!
For a standard Scalp Aesthetics treatment that includes the hairline, front, top and crown with blending can expect to have 14-15 thousand hair follicles tattooed using our point by point placement.
Every technician that works with us here at Scalp Aesthetics goes through a very specific training program that teaches them how to work within the work of others. For this specific reason we do not encourage individual portfolios but rather the sharpening of their skills so they can work seamlessly on every client they come across whether for their initial visit or final touches.
We have a range of prices that start at $1,200 for a scar and up to $5,500 for an individual who has Alopecia with no hair at all. Most of our clients have a horseshoe pattern and need a hairline, top, sides and blending. These jobs usually range between $3-4,000.00 and are based on the specific needs of the client.
We NEVER reuse our needles, they are all single use needles. Every client receives a new needle at every sitting.
Yes. Since we custom blend our colors we are able to match hair color whether blonde, red, brown or black!
We update our system with before and after photos all the time, however since this is such a personal service most of our clients choose to have their images kept private. We can provide before and after images to clients but keeping up to date with our social media sites are often the best places to find all of our updated information such as instagram and facebook.
Our product is now lasting into the ten year mark so we know that having the security of long lasting results is important. We will assess your scalp and specific concerns and base outcomes on our findings.
Although this is a form of tattooing this is not your average run of the mill tattoo. We have specifically created our system around realistic results so unless you tell those around you, your outcome will be undetectable.
Every client is guaranteed 2-3 visits within their standard package. If there are concerns with your final results we will address them accordingly to ensure complete satisfaction at no additional cost. We will make sure you are completely satisfied with your results!
We have clients that have reached their ten year mark with having scalp micro pigmentation completed with us and those who followed their post care procedures and keep their scalps from over exposure to the elements have had no issue with fading. For those who did not or for those who are always exposed to the sun we have different options.
Our biggest hope is that we at Scalp Aesthetics will sore above our clients satisfaction and its one of the biggest reasons we provide two sittings within every package. If there are any concerns our clients would like to have addressed before, during and after their procedure we will be happy to address accordingly.
We provide a post care protocols that should be followed for the first week and after that all we ask is that you keep your scalp protect with a high SPF & a moisturizer.
The look that we create for you is one that will be blended into the hair that you already have. During the process of photo submission we will advise the length that should be kept in order to achieve the best look possible and we always ask that when you arrive for your treatment it is in this suggested length.
The two most popular length suggestions are a 0 or 1 guard but we do often have clients who prefer shave or foil shave their scalp. This is a personal preference and also based on the speed at which your hair grows.
Currently we do not have a laser but have built relationships with laser technicians near all of our locations in case a referral must be provided for correction before treatment.
After viewing images of your scalp we will suggest the length your hair should be cut before the procedure.
We have also heard of the 3D scalp micro pigmentation procedure and have seen it in person and have decided to not offer this procedure due to unsatisfactory results. Being that this is something that is relatively new our worries are directly related to the aging of the more striated pigments and also the length of training technicians are receiving prior to providing.
Whatever you do, please do not tan before your treatment! Tanning can toughen up the skin and create difficulties in getting your skin to absorb ink. We like to view the scalp in its most natural state and the less irritated the better. Before adding any pigment we will take into consideration your natural skin tone and hair color and create a look that is custom to you.