There can be little doubt that scalp micropigmentation, for the vast majority of clients, is a positive and life-changing experience. Thousands of men, and an increasing number of women, are using permanent scalp micropigmentation or semi-permanent tricopigmentation to put to rest anxieties about their physical appearance, and move forward happier and more confident.

Like any technique that requires a high level of skill to perform, the quality of treatment received by one client to the next can vary significantly. It is perfectly understandable, therefore, that clients are greatly concerned with choosing the best scalp technician they can find and afford. What makes this difficult however, is the sheer volume of conflicting information out there about the skill or experience of specific technicians, including the existence of a large number of fake reviews written by companies about their own service, or that provided by their competitors.

Thankfully, there are ways and means to cut through much of the fakery and get to the truth. Always remember that there is no such thing as the ‘best’ technician, only the ‘best’ technician for your particular set of circumstances – your requirements, location and of course, your budget.

What to ask during your consultation

Unless you’re considering a technician with a stellar and irrefutable reputation, you should always have a face to face consultation wherever possible, or at the very least, you should have a consultation by phone or Skype. This is your opportunity to ‘vet’ your technician and make sure they have the ability to produce the result you’re hoping for.

Here are the questions you need to ask:

Experience cannot be counted just in years, but in how many procedures they have done. By procedures, I am specifically referring to scalp micropigmentation or tricopigmentation procedures. There is nothing wrong with choosing a technician with less experience, as long as they can demonstrate an acceptable level of competency.

The importance of this question is diminished somewhat when dealing with a highly experienced technician, but for those with less experience or smaller portfolios, don’t be afraid to ask. If they were trained to do scalp work at a permanent makeup school, or were trained online, those are red flags. We recommend choosing a technician with scalp-specific training at a dedicated scalp training school, preferably with verifiable certification.

That said, a permanent makeup background is often an advantage. The best and most reputable artists learn essential skills around hygiene and safety, which stand them in good stead when later training as a scalp technician.

Examine closely the technicians portfolio. Insist on clear photographs or videos that show the quality of the work. Blurred or zoomed-out photos are of no use here, you need to see the detail. Do the follicle impressions look like believable replications? Are they the right size? Can you see where the hair and treatment area meet? Do their hairlines look natural and believable? Is there any discolouration?

This question actually comes in two parts – what guarantee are they happy to put in writing for you, and what is their track record of correcting any issues that may arise? Of course no-one wants ‘bumps in the road’, but if they occur, you need to know you’re dealing with someone who is committed to your satisfaction.

Do they answer the phone, and respond quickly to emails? Are they polite and courteous? Do they answer all your questions in full, and do you feel at ease to make a decision in your own time? Is their quotation comparable with the going rate?

Why our clients choose Velvet Pigmentation Clinic

Of course we respect and support your right to choose whichever technician you feel most comfortable with. I’d like to end this post however, with a little insight into why clients often feel that we’re the best choice for their scalp micropigmentation procedures, versus some of the larger clinics.

I am one of only two technicians in the world, and the only technician in the UK, to have fully mastered both permanent scalp micropigmentation and semi-permanent tricopigmentation. I believe my knowledge of the micropigmentation process and various techniques available, expands far beyond the average technician. I was taught advanced tricopigmentation techniques by internationally recognised trainer Debbie Clifford, and certificated by tricopigmentation master and innovator Milena Lardi. My permanent scalp micropigmentation skills were honed at the HIS Hair Clinic training academy, the original innovators of permanent SMP techniques. Prior to any scalp training, I was already a highly experienced permanent makeup and tattoo artist with a successful business offering both services, a business that continues to thrive to this day.

The quality of my work speaks for itself, as do my client testimonies. All my work is guaranteed, as you would expect, and we always go the extra mile to ensure that all clients are fully informed of their choices, and the real world implications, of any treatment before they proceed. Lastly, we provide a welcoming, private and supportive environment, as well as some of the most competitive prices in the UK.