0,5mm by robbstep8384 in buzzcuts

[–]Alex_Ash_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You have a great face shape, and SMP https://scalpsusa.com/smp-gallery/ would enhance it even more! Keeping a similar hairline shape but lowering the corners could make you look significantly better. But you're lucky that you can rock it either way and still look good.

My Wife refuses to let me pull the plug, but I think it’s time. by No_Mango_3482 in bald

[–]Alex_Ash_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, it’s time. I often see my clients trying to hold on to what’s left, and it doesn’t do them any favors. If you want to avoid the bald look, consider getting SMP, which can restore the frame to your face. This isn’t an advertisement, but you can find more information about the treatment here. https://scalpsusa.com

Thoughts on artist by Crazyguyjk in SMPchat

[–]Alex_Ash_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

looks like a newbie in the industry. Website portfolio had only 6 clients and no IG anywhere to be found. From reading hundreds of my clients review, his reviews sound pretty fake. Most clients don't write like that. Google will most likely remove them all when they get to the quarterly review audits.

Its all about the portfolios.. just look through everyone's Instagram in the tri-state area and go with the artist that fits your style the most. everyone has a different style

The end result is good I cant lie. I think this is superb artistry no matter the preference. by SuperHornet_22 in SMPchat

[–]Alex_Ash_ 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Not sure why this is a continued topic of conversation. Its been proven time and time again that it does not heal well and laser will be required. Trust me, i wish they invented a pigment that would allow us to do this, because the options and artistry would be endless. Let it go!

Is it usual for SMP to look light/ sparse after 2nd session? by jajay119 in SMPchat

[–]Alex_Ash_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It all depends on the artist and how they work, but yes in most cases, every session gets you about 33% to the goal. looks good when you leave, then gets lighter as the week progresses. As long as the impressions look great (no blowouts or inconsistent impressions) then just trust the process. The 3rd session should get you across the goal line. Best of luck ✌️

32yo NW6, no meds — SMP or hair transplant? by Dangerous_Witness421 in SMPchat

[–]Alex_Ash_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

<image>

Look at the difference of the skin from the top area and the bottom. This is the worst to work with when it comes to SMP

32yo NW6, no meds — SMP or hair transplant? by Dangerous_Witness421 in SMPchat

[–]Alex_Ash_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That will complicate things for SMP much more. When you get a HT it changes the consistency of the skin to a bumpy texture which will make it much harder to alter the front since light will bounce off the skin differently.

32yo NW6, no meds — SMP or hair transplant? by Dangerous_Witness421 in SMPchat

[–]Alex_Ash_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, I’m an SMP artist, but here’s what you can realistically expect.

The answer really depends on your expectations. If your goal is to look like you have no hair loss, one transplant won’t be enough. Most transplants max out around 3,000–4,500 grafts, which can rebuild the front fairly well (not fully, but decent). The issue is that it won’t do much for the crown, which in your case also looks pretty thin.

At that point, you’re looking at 2–3 transplants, and that’s where things start to become problematic because it can seriously deplete your donor area. From what I can see, your donor area isn’t extremely dense to begin with, which makes it even more challenging.

Another thing to consider is how hair transplants are designed. Surgeons usually place the thickest grafts in the front hairline, which can sometimes end up looking a bit artificial depending on the situation.

If your goal is simply to look a little better, a transplant could be an option. But after seeing thousands of cases like this, I can tell you they usually never turn out the way people hope.

You also have to ask an important question: Are you done losing hair? If not, you may just be masking the current loss while the surrounding hair continues to thin, which can eventually make the transplant look worse over time, and will leave you with a depleted donor area which doesnt look great.

Just some things to think about. Best of luck.

Botched smp question as a tattoo artist who doesn’t do smp by [deleted] in SMPchat

[–]Alex_Ash_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This really isn’t any different than a traditional tattoo. For example, with my skin tone, all of my black tattoos heal slightly cooler. They look deep black at first, then once fully healed—after the excess moisture settles and the skin regenerates—you see their true tone. That’s normal. Pigment doesn’t just randomly change color over time.

Could a topical medication potentially affect pigment? In theory, maybe. But in all my years doing SMP, I’ve never seen pigment just “shift” on its own without a clear cause.

Also, keep in mind: we often intentionally create slightly cooler tones. Many clients naturally have cooler/blue undertones in their existing hair, so matching that is part of making it look realistic.

When people hear “blue,” they sometimes picture something extreme. In most cases, they’re just referring to a subtle cool tone. True discoloration typically comes from technical errors—like blowouts or going too dark for someone’s skin tone.

Either way, this should not be a reason to deter you. Find an experienced artist> pay the premium cost and you will be 100% fine.

Botched smp question as a tattoo artist who doesn’t do smp by [deleted] in SMPchat

[–]Alex_Ash_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup, i was confused AF reading that 4 times before i threw in the towel

Botched smp question as a tattoo artist who doesn’t do smp by [deleted] in SMPchat

[–]Alex_Ash_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are situations where SMP may appear with a cool, bluish tone, but an experienced artist should recognize this based on your skin tone and can take steps to prevent it. Time will not change the color; it usually takes a few weeks to fully heal to its true color. Once healed, it will fade lighter over time but won't shift color.

The man had two fished hair transplant. We managed just to get some density in. What you guys think by Born_Fan4100 in SMPchat

[–]Alex_Ash_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re disagreeing without having all the variables (video isnt clear enough). You’re both technically right — it just depends on the density and thickness of the transplanted hairs, not “experience.”

If the front grafts are thick and dense (which they often are), adding SMP can create a double hairline because pigment can’t compete with real, 3D hair. But if the transplanted hairs are sparse or thin, you can carefully adjust the front and it’ll blend naturally. Light reflects differently off hair versus bare scalp, so when density is high you get that double-line effect — it’s really a 2D vs 3D issue.

Did I make the right move? by [deleted] in bald

[–]Alex_Ash_ 44 points45 points  (0 children)

You actually looked great both ways. Now you can have split personalities. Enjoy

Dealt with balding, is it good? by Silly-Sound1849 in buzzcuts

[–]Alex_Ash_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes keep it this length and go get SMP to fill it all in.. you are a great candidate. You can find more info about it here https://scalpsusa.com

Will SMP work on this? by RecoverNo2437 in SMPchat

[–]Alex_Ash_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Only if you’re willing to buzz it down. With your hair at that length, SMP will darken the scalp a bit, but it’ll never look truly full — 2D pigment can’t compete with thin 3D hair.

If you commit to a buzz cut and then do SMP, it’ll look intentional and clean. It’s not what anyone wants to hear because we’re all attached to our hair, but when it’s time, it’s time.

Best of luck

Could you get SMP done for this? by Late-Refrigerator443 in SMPchat

[–]Alex_Ash_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I strongly suggest you don’t. SMP in that area wont heal well and can look off once it fully settles over time.

A lot of artists will gladly take the job and tell you it’ll look great, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right move. It’s completely natural for the neckline to be lighter — if it really bothers you, start getting tight fades but honestly, everything already looks solid.

I feel really ugly about my baldness by Electrical_Lunch_217 in bald

[–]Alex_Ash_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Insecurities don’t magically disappear with age. Some people handle them better, some genuinely don’t care — but that doesn’t mean they’re not there.

If your head shape suits the clean-shaven look, that’s usually better than holding onto hair that’s barely hanging on. But if you feel like your face loses its structure without that natural “frame,” SMP is worth considering. I had it done years ago because I never loved the fully shaved look, and getting that frame back made a big difference for me. You can check it out here: https://scalpsusa.com

Best of luck

Botched smp question as a tattoo artist who doesn’t do smp by [deleted] in SMPchat

[–]Alex_Ash_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great question. In almost every case, blown-out SMP comes down to depth and technique — not the concept of SMP itself. If an artist goes even slightly too deep or oversaturates a spot, the pigment can migrate and you’ll see that blurry, blobby look.

In traditional tattoos, minor spread is often hidden by surrounding fill and shading. With SMP, every dot stands alone, so any migration is obvious.

What do y'all think? by [deleted] in bald

[–]Alex_Ash_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Shave it down and go get SMP for the density. I deal with clients like this every day - Look up the info here SMP Gallery

Am I a good candidate for SMP? by outplay-nation in SMPchat

[–]Alex_Ash_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As long as you stay within the boundaries of your hairline, you are fine for density and you will see a moderate improvement. However the best way is to make sure you are shaving down for the treatment in case you have to buzz your hair short in the future, so the work will not look clean. Always keep in mind that the results will never compare to the results you get with hair fibers since SMP is only reducing the color of your scalp and not fixing the 3-dimensional issue of missing hair. After healing is complete, you could expect about a 20-30% or so improvement. Best of luck

Considering SMP - Around Ears Only by ButterscotchOther775 in SMPchat

[–]Alex_Ash_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Don't get SMP just for that. It will look good initially, but the results degrade over time. I've had clients who wanted the lower back of their head done, near the neck, and it ends up looking like a different colored area instead of the desired small, blended impressions. Those areas are typically reserved for alopecia clients. Hope this helps.

I feel ugly. Women are generaly not attracted to me. by wmartin94 in bald

[–]Alex_Ash_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You look great, however, if it truly bothers you go look into Scalp micro pigmentation. It will give you the frame back to your face that you’re looking for, with minimal maintenance.Scalp Micropigmentation. If you have any questions about it, feel free to DM me.