In this blog I am going to be discussing the Life changing Restorative process and procedure of Scalp Micropigmentation.
As a 20 year old woman who doesn’t suffer any severe hair loss or conditions currently, I can only understand the treatment from an empathetic point of view. However one reason I do think so highly of SMP is due to previously having a hair loss condition at the age of 6/7 years old.
Around the age of 6 years old, my mum started noticing a large amount of hair loss in patches over my head. In other places, there was severe thinning and my hair was overall weak, patchy and very short.
After being referred to the childrens’ hospital and having various blood tests and examinations, they told my mum and I that they honestly could not understand why this was happening. A few weeks later my mum found out from my school that I was getting very upset, claiming to be being bullied and ripping my hair out. My mum contacted the hospital with these new details and I was later diagnosed with Trichotillomania, which is known as hair pulling disorder.
Due to having extreme anxiety and being bullied, I was using physical harm to relieve my negative emotions and anger, which in this case, was wrapping large chunks of hair around my fingers and ripping my hair out. Due to doing this frequently, I created a weakness in my scalp which caused my hair to fall out in places I wasn’t pulling it from. It ended with my hair being extremely short and having bald patches as well as lots of patches of very thin hair.
Around a year later, after counselling and help from professionals, my hair started growing and finally grew back to how it was before the pulling began, however due to my condition, I still to this day have thin hair, and sadly I do believe I will always have Trichotillomania. Although I no longer have huge patches of hair loss, I still unknowingly rip my hair out often due to suffering with my extreme anxiety and I have lots of broken, short hair around my temples. My own hair loss story is different to others as I don’t currently have any major hair loss, however my story enables me to empathise with others and see the miracle that is SMP.
What is SMP?
So you’re probably wondering what SMP is?
Most people I speak to about SMP have no idea what it is. So here is my way of explaining with the help of some quotes from Brandwood Clinics website.
Scalp Micropigmentation is a “Safe and effective, non surgical precision technique” known to be the “ultimate hair loss solution”. The precision technique could be described as a tattoo-like procedure on the scalp, where the practitioner uses specialist micro needles and natural pigments to replicate the look of natural hair follicles. The practitioner will have a consultation to find out the individual clients needs and will then begin work replicating the distinctions of their specific hair pattern, to create a natural look.
Once the treatment is completed, usually after around 3 sessions, the procedure will create a vision of a full head of shaven hair.
So, who is this targeted toward in terms of having the treatment? Well, I’m glad you asked!
SMP has proven to treat a number of people with various reasons of hair loss, such as men and women who are experiencing alopecia, pattern baldness, scarring, thinning hair or even skin disorders. There are multiple case studies of most of these conditions that go to show SMP has helped each client with their individual story and has created a new beginning for them, physically, mentally and emotionally.
Although this is essentially a cover up rather than a cure, the one way I can describe this procedure being a success would be that it quite literally takes the power away from the reason of hair loss and puts the power back into the clients hands, to make the natural shaved head look like a decision they have made, rather than a condition that defines them. This overall is a huge statement of feeling powerful and becoming more confident knowing that something that has potentially ruled over you can now be something that you rule!
The Clinic I have referred to earlier in this blog is based in Solihull, Birmingham and is known for the two world pioneers in this restorative treatment, Paul Clark and Simon Lane, who work within the Brandwood Clinic building, changing peoples lives with this non-Invasive treatment.
(Images below of leading SMP Practitioners Paul Clark and Simon Lane)
So, here’s the thing! Louna, why have you decided to share this with us?
Well, other than the fact that this treatment has proven to be life changing and can create happiness, strength and confidence amongst those who had lost it previously. I also know someone who has personally experienced this treatment and has her own unique story.
Oh and one more thing, Paul Clark, world leading practitioner from Brandwood Clinic, is my brother (Of course no biased opinions here!) Him and Simon Lane truly work magic in the walls of their clinic.
#KatesAlopeciaStory
Kate Floyd, a very close family friend of mine has suffered with alopecia since her late teen years. Her alopecia has caused her to have very small amount of thin hair that grows through occasionally in patches and discoloured, therefore she chooses to shave her hair.
She is a beautiful being inside and out and I truly believe that her lack of hair makes her who she is, as I’ve never known her otherwise. She enjoys wearing various wonderful wigs, that of course are fun for the family parties we all have! I ended up wearing a silver wig just a week ago! it was wonderful.
Now although we can see the joy within this, I have seen first hand that it can cause sadness and lack of understanding from others around, who judge her based on her hair loss.
As well as being a lifelong sufferer with alopecia, a short while ago, kate was also diagnosed with cancer. Of course we made light of the fact that at least she has no hair to lose! however watching someone go through this is the most horrific thing. The chemo made her weak, and created a huge hole of sadness and lack of hope. However she did not give up and carried on with all of the treatments, got through the worst and has now made a wonderful recovery. After being stripped of her pride and part of her womanhood, getting SMP gave Kate the power in her own hands to give a middle fingers up to any condition that has previously knocked her down and ruled over her life.
(Below are two images of Kate Floyd. Before Treatment and after two lots of treatment)
I saw her head for the first time a few weeks ago and I almost cried. It looks so realistic and I can see the glow in her eyes from the power just two lots of treatment has already given her. Her feedback from the clinic and the experience was beautiful to listen to. Yes it hurt, she said, but the support from staff was amazing and positive and the cleanliness of the clinic was wonderful and comforting.
Here’s the thing, Brandwood actually suprised Kate with a free treatment due to her story, and we hope that it creates an understanding of SMP and brings people together who can embrace this life changing procedure.
#KatesAlopeciaStory
Thank you so much for reading!
If any of my bright outlooks on cancer and various conditions came across as making humour out of them, It is personal experience that my humour has come from and the light we created in dark situations.
This truly is a breath of fresh hair…
If you’d like to check out Brandwood Clinic further, here is the website below. To find images of previous clients and to follow #KatesAlopeciaStory further go their website to see any updates and videos they post.
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