News
My Hair Loss Journey
20 November 2024
I'm a firm believer in practicing what you preach. I opted for Scalp Micropigmentation when my own hair was thinning.
How my hair loss journey began...
My hair loss journey began when I was just 21. It wasn’t drastic —just some thinning that happened slowly over time. I managed to keep things tidy with different hairstyles, which made it less obvious. For the most part, I carried on as usual, not too worried. But then, when I reached my 40's, I started getting the odd comment about my hair thinning, and that's when the paranoia crept in. Losing hair made me self-conscious. I’d laugh it off, but inside, it bothered me more than I’d admit.
I decided to shave my head, something I hadn’t done in years, and it felt liberating. It was like hitting the reset button, letting me really see what I was dealing with under that thinning hair. I heard that shaving your head was often the next step for those losing hair, so I decided to embrace it.
Still, I couldn’t help but look into treatments. I was on a limited budget and had considered saving up for hair transplant surgery abroad, but the risks worried me. I had heard horror stories—hidden costs, needing more grafts than expected, hair not taking, and the constant cycle of trying to fix what might not even work. I wanted a solution, something straightforward and permanent, without the constant worry.
The SMP Process
One day, while scrolling through Facebook, I came across a reel of a guy who had lost his hair and undergone something called Scalp Micropigmentation. He looked great! It piqued my interest, so I started digging into what SMP was. I quickly realised it wasn’t your typical hair tattoo; it looked like actual hair. Given that I’d already shaved my head, it seemed like the perfect next step. If I could pull off a look as good as that guy, I’d be happy!
Talking about my hair loss, though, was probably the hardest part of the whole journey. It’s personal, and it’s something that felt out of my control. But I knew I had to face it.
When searching for an SMP practitioner, I conducted thorough research knowing how crucial this decision would be. Finding the right person isn't just about their technical abilities – it's about finding someone you can trust completely with such a personal and permanent procedure.
Due Diligence Is Absolutely Essential In This Process!
Looking at portfolios, reading reviews, and understanding the practitioner's background and qualifications helped me make an informed choice. What became clear during my research was that not all SMP providers have the same level of skill, training, or commitment to quality.
There are some very good SMP artists out there but equally, there are practitioners in the industry who lack proper training and artistic understanding. Some may cut corners with inferior pigments, use unsafe practices, or simply lack the expertise needed to create natural-looking results. This makes it even more critical for anyone considering SMP to invest time in researching their options and verifying credentials before making a decision.
The right SMP artist should be someone who not only demonstrates technical proficiency but also shows a genuine concern for their clients' wellbeing and desired outcomes. They should be transparent about their process, willing to answer questions, and able to show a consistent portfolio of successful work. It's worth taking the time to find someone who meets these criteria, as the results will be with you for years to come.
The Pink Elephant
The hardest part of losing my hair wasn’t the thinning itself—it was seeking help. Acknowledging the pink elephant in the room was tough. It felt like admitting defeat, something I wasn’t ready to face. For so long, I brushed it off, pretended it didn’t bother me, and tried to hide it with hairstyles and hats. But deep down, I knew it was affecting my confidence. Finally reaching out for help was a turning point, but it wasn’t easy. It felt vulnerable, like exposing a part of myself that I didn’t want others to see.
Now, though, I realise that taking that step was the best thing I could’ve done. Instead of looking back with regret or dwelling on what I’ve lost, I choose to look forward. I want to help others who are going through the same thing because I’ve learned that you don’t have to stand alone. There are always options, and sometimes it just takes a bit of courage to explore them.
There Are ALWAYS Choices
I’ve been where you are, feeling the frustration and uncertainty, but if there's one thing I can say with confidence, it's that there is hope. There are solutions that don’t just mask the problem but give you back a sense of control. You don’t have to live with the weight of insecurity or feel like you're battling this on your own. Whether it’s SMP or another path, the important thing is to know that you have choices. And when you take that first step, you’ll realise you're not alone in this journey!
We're here to help
About the author
Karl Speller
Karl Speller is a Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) Artist at Crown & Follicle. Karl's background in illustration and design gives him a significant advantage in understanding shape, fade, and style – crucial elements in creating SMP that looks authentic and complements each client's unique features.