Tatooed on 'hair' is ridiculous

I know someone who paid to have black dots tattooed on his head, to replicate a shaven head.:rolleyes:

He wouldn't tell me how much it cost but he said is was a very expensive mistake.

The problem he found is that you have to shave your head at least once a day, otherwise you have this ridiculous situation where your real hair has stubble, but the tattoo obviously doesn't.

Also, having a tattoo doesn't replace hair. It's an effect, so on cold days he still had to wear a hat.

So, he has ditched his tattoo and gone for a full cap. It keeps his head warm and he looks much better.

Also, say you get dark dots put on your scalp. They're there for life. Imagine at 80 years old, having grey hair at the back but tattooed dots on the top of your head.

You have to think long term where these things are concerned. :)

Yes, I'm rather sure we're all aware SMP is retarded. Band aid solutions are jus that, band aid solutions.

You're right, it's utterly ridiculous. And not only is it ridiculous, but it could cause permanent harm because as you said, those dot tattoos are on there for life. The fact that these types of "solutions" are actually being seriously marketed makes me very skeptical of today's hair restoration industry.

Why not just get a tatoo of a widows peak like count dracula . I think that would be cool.

Not to have , but to laugh at someone else who had it.

I always thought this was a decent idea if you got an HT (so that your scalp was covered in a mixture of follicles and ink) and then buzzed your head to a 1 or so. Your hair would appear thicker, I reckon.

Sometimes what appears to be a very easy solution creates substantial problems in time. When anything new comes out regardless of what it is you really need to wait at least 5 years to be sure that it is safe and if you don't we could certainly be reading your story posted to these forums at a later date.

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Originally Posted by topcat

Sometimes what appears to be a very easy solution creates substantial problems in time. When anything new comes out regardless of what it is you really need to wait at least 5 years to be sure that it is safe and if you don't we could certainly be reading your story posted to these forums at a later date.

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Good post. I agree. I found out about hair transplants and propecia two decades ago, and I waited to see my own hair pattern and see how others faired.

I am glad i waited. Maybe should have gone with fin about 5 years ago but hopefully I can gain that little bit back.

I have had a HT on the front to replace the 1/2 inch of hairline I lost .

Stuff like tattooing or cloning just freaks me out. I cant even go to India to have a procedure. Too risky for me.

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Originally Posted by topcat

Sometimes what appears to be a very easy solution creates substantial problems in time. When anything new comes out regardless of what it is you really need to wait at least 5 years to be sure that it is safe and if you don't we could certainly be reading your story posted to these forums at a later date.

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This man knows a lot. Very good points Topcat. I agree. :)

1) First point is what I have seen in people and believe personally. I have seen guys with strong hairlines that can get away with just about any issue behind that, as the actual hairline is the thing people look . When people are looking at you they see the hairline, not the top or even back of your head.

There have been several instances where I have seen guys and talked to them multiple times (especially if they are taller than I so I cannot see their scalp) and they have full heads of hair all to find out they have a hole in their crown. Took me several times meeting them to see it as you look at the guys face, not his crown.

Who cares about the stupid crown? People talking to you from the top of your head all the time? Get a hair piece. Use toppik.

2)As for the density issue, this is why FUE technology will be so important. In another 5 years, doctors should be able to just go pluck every other hair from the donor site to thin out the density and put it all on the top of your head, making the top look as thick as the back and sides. A lot of the 'thinning' issue is because its compared to the density of the horse shoe.

3) This is a good point for the FUT. I dont know if I would be as vulgar to call it something that silly, but we will have a scar if we decide to 'shave' our heads bald.

Or we can simply have a FUE to fill it in at a later date when technology improves or have this stupid ink tatoo fill it in. If the ink doesnt fade to green that is. :eek:

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Originally Posted by Highlander

That's just it. Most of the people on this forum are ignorant and bitter that they failed to properly treat their hairloss.

There may not be a SINGLE perfect treatment out yet, but if you're creative you can certainly cure baldness.

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Thanks Dr Highlander .

Let the world know of your cure :rolleyes:

Is SMP really worth it? Its a tattoo? Surely being fit and 'sly' is the better thing?!?!

Gho's method seems promising. Heck Id do a Wesley Sneijder.

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Originally Posted by Exodus

Is SMP really worth it? Its a tattoo? Surely being fit and 'sly' is the better thing?!?!

Gho's method seems promising. Heck Id do a Wesley Sneijder.

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The only thing I am concerned about is that you have to shave your head bald every day or so or it starts to be noticeable that its a tattoo on the top.

Secondly all the photos to sell the tattoo are of 25 year old dark skinned men and thinking you will look like that for any length of time is misleading.

They never show 50 year old white boyz getting the tattoo.

But most importantly , I am concerned that the ink will go green or fade like all other tattoo's in history eventually do and getting something like that re inked has got to suck. Thats a huge tattoo.

I gotta pass.

Tell me about it. It's one to avoid.

http://www.stingfeed.com/wp-content/...013/01/343.jpg

http://www.aaanything.net/wp-content...n_bald_man.jpg

Proves a point I guess.

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Originally Posted by Breaking Bald

http://www.aaanything.net/wp-content...n_bald_man.jpg

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lolol :D Now thats one way to deal with it.

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Originally Posted by clandestine

Yes, I'm rather sure we're all aware SMP is retarded. Band aid solutions are jus that, band aid solutions.

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This whole thread seems quite judgmental. For us NW6's who have no other options that don't cost $30,000.. SMP seems like quite a good option. Tell me these don't look good: http://www.dermobeautycenter.it/tric...ne-gallery.php I doubt any one of you in this thread is a NW6 just by your reaction. Get to my level and then start talking!

Those don't look good.

The only viable application for SMP is perhaps to fill in a strip scar area after procedure.

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Originally Posted by clandestine

Those don't look good.

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LOL. Really? I am sure thats why Shapiro Medical, and Hasson and Wong decided to start doing the procedure for their patients. Because 2 of the top hair clinics in the world wanted to do "dont look good" work.

I might go for that.

I have changed my mind about these tattoo's. I saw a great video of this white boy with a big head to boot. He didnt look good bald or shaved head either.

But he goes and gets the tattoo and he looks great. If he looks great everyone will.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHw0lRM8gUM

Check it out. :)

I watched the video; admittedly it looks OK.

If they can figure out how to make it only semi-permanent, and removable, then there might be something to it.

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Originally Posted by clandestine

I watched the video; admittedly it looks OK.

If they can figure out how to make it only semi-permanent, and removable, then there might be something to it.

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SMP by M Lardi is semi permanent, fades away in 1.5-2 years


Has anyone actually seen someone with SMP in person? Some of these results(like guy in video) look very good but what if you sit across someone at the table, outdoors, and have drink or lunch , would it still look convincing?

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Originally Posted by clandestine

The only viable application for SMP is perhaps to fill in a strip scar area after procedure.

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You're right clandestine, the way I see it, SMP should really only be used to maybe fill in a scar. But to think of SMP as a viable solution for the majority of hair loss sufferers is utterly ridiculous. Matter of fact, I see SMP as something that could be fodder for Saturday Night Live. Bottom line is that none of today's hair loss/restoration options appeal to the majority of hair loss sufferers and that is just an utter shame.

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Originally Posted by clandestine

The only viable application for SMP is perhaps to fill in a strip scar area after procedure.

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BTW, I got your e-mail address a couple of days ago clandestine and sent you an e-mail.

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Originally Posted by DepressedByHairLoss

You're right clandestine, the way I see it, SMP should really only be used to maybe fill in a scar. But to think of SMP as a viable solution for the majority of hair loss sufferers is utterly ridiculous. Matter of fact, I see SMP as something that could be fodder for Saturday Night Live. Bottom line is that none of today's hair loss/restoration options appeal to the majority of hair loss sufferers and that is just an utter shame.

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Indeed, most present treatments could be comedic fodder:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s87y60NY9Q

As you noted the reality is that present treatments only appeal to the desperate. My mother's side of the family has extensive hair loss. If I ask a bald uncle or relative about doing something the typical response is "sure if there was something that could actually be done."


Some people are so desperate they will actually get "tattoo hair." The majority won't even entertain the idea. There's a very good reason "only 2% to 7%" of people seek treatment. The primary problem is that there is no truly effective treatment and thus present treatments will only appeal to a minority of people who are so desperate they will try virtually anything.

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Originally Posted by x4342

Indeed, most present treatments could be comedic fodder:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s87y60NY9Q

As you noted the reality is that present treatments only appeal to the desperate. My mother's side of the family has extensive hair loss. If I ask a bald uncle or relative about doing something the typical response is "sure if there was something that could actually be done."


Some people are so desperate they will actually get "tattoo hair." The majority won't even entertain the idea. There's a very good reason "only 2% to 7%" of people seek treatment. The primary problem is that there is no truly effective treatment and thus present treatments will only appeal to a minority of people who are so desperate they will try virtually anything.

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You're totally right man, and you seem like a very intelligent and sensible guy. I cannot stand when people say things like "most men are not bothered by hair loss because they don't seek out treatments". Nothing could be further from the truth. I know plenty of young men who don't do anything about their hair loss not because they are not bothered by it, but because they view today's treatment options as limited, ineffective, and/or riddled with side effects. Yet instead of having new and more effective treatment options, we are presented with the same tired old b.s. treatments and variations of those treatments. As you stated, only 2% to 7% of men suffering from hair loss seek treatment and it sure as hell isn't because they are simply unaffected by hair loss.

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Originally Posted by clandestine

I watched the video; admittedly it looks OK.

If they can figure out how to make it only semi-permanent, and removable, then there might be something to it.

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It now is. Its still time consuming and expensive to remove, but it is now removable. I am certain within 5 years they will be able to come up with a modified ink that can be removed or fades out

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Originally Posted by Highlander

but if you're creative you can certainly cure baldness.

For instance, why not get a dense hairline and thinner hairs behind that? That way you can use toppick for the appearance of density, with the use of a strong hairline for styling.

Or as you said, sparsely placed hairs with tattoos to give a dense effect when shaved.

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exactly, or maybe surgeons could go beyond what they would usually take from the donor area by an extra 1000, 2000 grafts and then fill in the thinned out donor with tattooing.

This is an idea I am hoping to take forward. Whether surgeons would agree to this, I am not sure.

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Originally Posted by oxo2010

I know someone who paid to have black dots tattooed on his head, to replicate a shaven head.:rolleyes:

He wouldn't tell me how much it cost but he said is was a very expensive mistake.

The problem he found is that you have to shave your head at least once a day, otherwise you have this ridiculous situation where your real hair has stubble, but the tattoo obviously doesn't.

Also, having a tattoo doesn't replace hair. It's an effect, so on cold days he still had to wear a hat.

So, he has ditched his tattoo and gone for a full cap. It keeps his head warm and he looks much better.

Also, say you get dark dots put on your scalp. They're there for life. Imagine at 80 years old, having grey hair at the back but tattooed dots on the top of your head.

You have to think long term where these things are concerned. :)

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Too be honest, if I had to pick between wearing a full cap ie Wig/hairpiece for the rest of my life or having a SMP head tattoo. I would always go with the head tattoo...

Not that I have a love for SMP tattooing or anything but I think wigs are just as ridiculous and a lot of hassle and are definitely not for the younger generation.

When I first heard about head tattooing I did think 'what the hell'. But from what I have seen SMP can look very very good on the right person, usually darker skinned people. Mind you that is just from looking at videos/photos, I have never seen a head tattoo up close.

Yes the downside of tattooing is endless head shaving. I think this would get on my nerves. Also further down the line, as you get older, it is just going to start looking ridiculous and maybe it's only worth having when your young and then getting it removed once you hit your 40's.

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Originally Posted by DepressedByHairLoss

BTW, I got your e-mail address a couple of days ago clandestine and sent you an e-mail.

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Ah okay I'll check it out later tonight.

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Originally Posted by x4342

Indeed, most present treatments could be comedic fodder:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s87y60NY9Q

As you noted the reality is that present treatments only appeal to the desperate. My mother's side of the family has extensive hair loss. If I ask a bald uncle or relative about doing something the typical response is "sure if there was something that could actually be done."


Some people are so desperate they will actually get "tattoo hair." The majority won't even entertain the idea. There's a very good reason "only 2% to 7%" of people seek treatment. The primary problem is that there is no truly effective treatment and thus present treatments will only appeal to a minority of people who are so desperate they will try virtually anything.

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You need to put up your objective source for this. It is quite a statement to make. I dont think you have a clue how effective rogaine, finasteride, hair transplants and other methods really are.

Back up your claim.

My believe you are just another one of these unhappy guys coming here to rain on everyone's parade.

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Originally Posted by drybone

It now is. Its still time consuming and expensive to remove, but it is now removable. I am certain within 5 years they will be able to come up with a modified ink that can be removed or fades out

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That's exactly what the TEMPORARY SMP in the link I posted does. It fades out over 1.5-2 years. There's no 5 year wait.

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Originally Posted by drybone

You need to put up your objective source for this. It is quite a statement to make. I dont think you have a clue how effective rogaine, finasteride, hair transplants and other methods really are.

Back up your claim.

My believe you are just another one of these unhappy guys coming here to rain on everyone's parade.

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Well, it wasn't my intention to rain on anyone's parade.
As for backing up my claim, I'm not sure how I would do that. I'm not aware of a peer reviewed study that specifically addresses the issue. I suppose something like: Curr Med Res Opin. 2005 Nov;21(11):1829-36 could be seen as supporting evidence though it's pretty old. 70% of men with hair loss said it was an issue to them yet only 10% were seeking treatment.

I think if you are living in the west you will be aware of your options. It would be one thing if you were growing up in Afghanistan or something, but having grown up in the U.S. I was inundated with Rogaine commercials and constant infomercials from the Hair Club and Bosley long before I had any hair loss.

From my anecdotal experience the majority of guys I know simply don't seek treatment because they are unsatisfied by their current options. Naughton (Histogen) and Olle (Follica) have both pointed to this issue as being behind their motivation and it makes sense to me.

I think it's important to remember that people posting on the bald truth or any other discussion forum are not representative of the typical hair loss sufferer. These forums are home to the most desperate people. The average person doesn't like their hair loss one bit, but still isn't going to tattoo "hair" on their scalp either.

When Histogen states:
"Histogen says hair loss affects more than 40 million men and 21 million women in the United States alone, but less than 7 percent seek treatment due to lack of options."

-I believe them.

Likewise I agree with Olle, that simply maintaining hair or undergoing invasive transplants will never appeal to the majority of sufferers:


"Creating new hair follicles is essential to treating hair loss, and is something that cannot be accomplished by invasive surgical procedures such as hair transplantation or by existing drug treatments that at best simply preserve existing hair," said Dr. Bernat Olle, Follica Co-founder.


-It's important to remember that companies like Histogen and Follica aren't focused on the "2-7%." They wisely understand that the big money will be made when there are treatments that appeal to the majority of sufferers.
They may not succeed, but at least they recognize that present options simply aren't acceptable to the typical sufferer.





Sources:

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/...lls/all/?print



http://www.prnewswire.com/news-relea...209914441.html

I appreciate the time you put out to detail your reply.

However, peer reviews on tattoo hair from the AMA medical journals aside :D

I think you have interpreted the data to fit your own personal pre conceived idea. You definitely came across as brushing off millions of peoples attempt to deal with their hair loss as fruitless.

By the time we are 50, either we aint losing our hair or we are bald. The rare case is a guy like myself who lost hair so slowly I flip flopped on doing something about it until I was 46 years old. Even then I started as a NW 3. I am the exception to the rule .

Most men have MPS need to make a decision on it by age 30. When it comes to medication, the younger the better.

So this site is quite likely kids in their late teen early 20s who are freaked out upon the onset of MPS , and warriors who have been through several procedures. Most of us who come here dont want to end up NW 6 and if caught early enough, will probably never get there with Minox, fin and Niz.

For those not so lucky to catch it early, we need HT s. This site is also filled with many folks including myself who took the plunge.

Browse this site and see for yourself all the success stories. We feel that folks can find a solution and encourage others to do so.

:)

I think x4342 was just trying to say that today's options for treating hair loss do not serve most hair loss sufferers adequately and do not appeal to most people. I realize that plenty of people on here have gotten hair transplants and/or used minoxidil and finasteride with satisfactory results for them, and more power to them. I've been on finasteride for about 3 years now and although it has slowed my hair loss, I haven't had any hair regrowth. I used to be on minoxidil too and that didn't do a damn thing for me.

I personally am not trying to rain on anyone's parade at all. I'm just frustrated and angry that in my opinion, we don't have adequate options to deal with a problem that affects so many men so greatly. And there have hardly been any pushes towards innovation whatsoever.

Today's options really do only appeal to a very small segment of hair loss sufferers. Spencer says a hair transplant should only be used as a last resort and I think he says this because an HT has many flaws and limitations. Inability to create anything close to a full head of hair, permanent head scarring, possible shock loss, the failure to address diffuse thinning, and an almost required lifetime commitiment to taking finasteride are just some of these flaws. And surgery is surgery. I was nervous a few years ago to have a small cyst from my neck surgically removed. There is practically no visible scar from this, yet I was still very apprehensive. Now imagine having a large portion of your scalp surgically cut out from your head. That alone is enough to turn off most men.

X4342, that quote from Follica's co-founder is spot on. Creation of new hair follicles is absolutely essential and should be the standard for all hair loss treatments. The fact is that as long as it's a procedure based on moving hair from one place to another, there will always be big limitations.

And lastly, you talk about being inundated with commercials by Bosley, Hair Club for Men, and for Rogaine!! I see that garbage all the time. Those ads are so incredibly slick, disingenuous and they flat out LIE!!

I feel your frustration. If you need to talk about it some more, please do so.

We are here for you. But in the end, we need to do something about it , or come to peace with it. Sitting in the middle of these two choices causes the pain.

Good luck and let us know if you need anything. :)

Not sure why the guy that started this thread, didn't even stay to discuss it. Just one post and he disappeared like a floppajoppa.

They sampled a reasonable source of men and women and then claims that over 40 million men and 21 million women suffers worldwide yet 7% seeks help. Theres no way that is accurate. "Help" is very subjective. Asking a friend about what to do about their hairloss is "help." Asking the doctor is seeking "help." And in a way, watching and acknowledging hairloss commercials is seeking "help." There are also a lot of people who want to seek help but are also lazy or embarassed to ask about their hair because it may sound like a trivial thing for someone to be worrying about hairloss when there are people who worry about not having a home.

My answer is... I just lol.