Michael Dawes, Author at Foli Sim

Don’t Fall Victim to Bad Scalp Micropigmentation

As Scalp Micropigmentation becomes more and more popular as a solution for hair loss, so does SMP artists’ demand. It is fantastic to see that SMP is being more welcomed but let me say this– not everyone can be an SMP artist!

Unfortunately, the popularity of SMP is producing an increase of under-qualified and under-trained ‘artists’ and some clinics are delivering poor quality and unnatural Scalp Micropigmentation.

Sadly, we have seen countless men and women who have fallen victim to such clinics.

As a result, the client has already likely completed 2-4 sessions of SMP, spent buckets of money and used a lot of time, only to now do it all over again – and then some. The pigment needs to be lightened or in some case removed by laser before any more pigment can be put in to start correcting the Scalp. Considering that a single laser session can cost up to $400 per session (on top of the time and money already spent on the ‘bad’ SMP).

This begs the question – how can a person make sure that they are in the hands of a skilled and highly trusted artist that will deliver nothing but the highest quality SMP?

Our answer…?

RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!

Artists and clinics must be transparent with nothing to hide. It is imperative to research the clinic as a whole and the individual artist’s qualifications, experience, testimonials, and portfolio. This is essential as some clinics house artists with minimal to no experience or qualifications, only having completed online training or weekend courses.

Also, SMP is not one size fits all! Every person’s hairline, skin tone, age, hair colour, style and personality are different, and as a result, SMP needs to be tailored to the individual.

To achieve individualised and tailored SMP to suit you requires more than just a qualification. It requires creative flair, attention to detail and experience in creating beautifully blended, natural, and seamless Scalp Micropigmentation that replicates your real hair.

What do I need to know?

To avoid falling victim to undesirable SMP results, here are some essential questions to consider when researching which clinic and artist are right for you and who deliver the highest quality results.

SMP Artist and Clinic Checklist

Where has the artist completed their training, and do they specialise in SMP?
*Cosmetic tattoo artists and tattoo artists are NOT SMP artists. SMP is a highly specialised avenue of cosmetic tattooing*
What are the artists’ experiences in various skin types- how many different scalps have they been exposed to, i.e. sun damage, various forms of alopecia, different ethnicities and hair colour?
What experience do the artists have in hairline design?
Do they have an easily accessible portfolio of their own work?
Do they have certified honest and genuine customer reviews?
What type of pigment does the artist use?
*Foli Sim artist’s all use a carbon-based pigment, where the undertone is black. There are no blue/green/pink/red undertones. The pigment we use id designed specifically for SMP*
How many clients have the artist worked on during their career?
How current are the artist’s work and portfolio?
How long has the clinic been operating?
What health and safety and standards are upheld by the artist and is the clinic itself certified with the Health Department?

High quality Scalp Micropigmentation is a wonderful non-surgical hair loss solution, and its growing popularity is fantastic. Use the questions above to help decide between high quality clinics and artists and don’t fall victim to bad SMP.

High quality is never an accident, it is the result of highly skilled practitioners!

How to Find the Right SMP Practitioner Near You

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) has been around for years, but it’s only really begun to catch on in recent times. Consequently, it’s crucial that you find a practitioner that is both knowledgeable and reputable near you before spending a single dollar.

It should go without saying that the process of Scalp Micropigmentation is a cosmetic procedure, so you shouldn’t let any old Jane or Joe stick a needle in you without having first undergone rigorous training. Although it is not surgical, needles are nevertheless lightly inserted into the scalp area to deposit pigment.

What should you be looking for in a SMP practitioner before undergoing the treatment?

Credentials and Training

The first thing you should consider when choosing a clinic that performs SMP is whether or not their personnel have the proper training and credentials to perform SMP treatments. You may wish to request to see their credentials before engaging their services. If a clinic is operating legitimately and its staff are professionally qualified, it shouldn’t be a problem if in return they get to do business with you!

For SMP, look for the following:

A practitioner with good standing and reputation in their industry;
Reviews from previous clients;
The clinic holds proper insurance for practitioners;
The clinic should be registered to perform SMP with the local Health Dept. and comply with all relevant standards of the Health & Safety Act.
A practitioner holds certificates from well-known bodies in SMP treatment, and has completed the relevant Safety, Hazard & Infection Control certification in the region they are located in;
Staff are consistently keeping up to date with continuing education courses, workshops, and masterclass materials. Going to international industry conferences is also a good sign they are proactive in the industry.

Experience

Experience is among the most important considerations when it comes to choosing an SMP clinic near you. If you’ve found one online or in person, ask them who they’ve trained with, for how long, and where they obtained their credentials, as mentioned above. Certainly ask to see the practitioners portfolio of work they have personally performed during their career.

The Clinic Itself

Credentials and pieces of paper aren’t worth much if the clinic isn’t acting in a responsible manner when it comes to the manner in which the SMP is performed. That’s why you should always choose an SMP clinic that is completely sanitary, as this is a good sign that they take cleanliness seriously (as they should). But sanitary isn’t quite good enough; the treatment area itself must be sterile and clean too.

Furthermore, the practitioner should always employ sterile, single-use needles, which if packaged, should be clearly opened in front of the client. Barrier treatment is also necessary, including safety gloves, barrier tape, face coverings, and a safety guard on the SMP device.

Foli Sim

Choose Foli Sim for your SMP treatments. Our friendly professionals will be happy to provide you with a consultation to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Step By Step Guide to SMP with Foli Sim

Maybe you have only just heard about Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP), also known as a Hair Tattoo, or perhaps you’ve done months of research but still have some questions floating around. This article will take you through the SMP process from the first enquiry to the last session, so you know exactly what to expect at a Foli Sim SMP clinic.

Step 1: Let’s connect!

First things first, we need to know you are thinking about SMP before we can help, right? So don’t be shy to reach out! There are multiple ways to get in touch with Foli Sim’s Perth, Sydney, or Melbourne clinics.

You can contact Foli Sim via:

Calling 1300 668 490
Email us directly on info@folisim.com.au
Visit the Foli Sim website. Fill out an enquiry form and one of our staff will contact you on your preferred method within 24 hours.
Direct message us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Tik Tok with your name and contact details. We’ll contact you within 24 hours.

Step 2: Consult, Communicate, Confirm!

At Foli Sim, it’s imperative that we assess every scalp in person during a 100% confidential and obligation-free consultation before we go ahead with any procedure.

SMP is not one size fits all and it must be tailored to the individual. Suitability and pricing can vary greatly from person to person, and this can be due to a multitude of factors that must be assessed by experienced professionals in one of our clinics. Factors that will be discussed and assessed include:

Hair loss pattern, current hair loss stage (Norwood assessment), and potential future hair loss. This will determine your suitability for SMP and allow us to provide you with the best option for your stage of hair loss.
Overall scalp condition, including but not limited to pre-existing sun damage and scalp scarring.
Any previous SMP, hair tattoo or hair transplants
Desired results and expectations. Depending on what look you are after, density work or an all-over buzz-cut / shaven look will influence the treatment plan and price.
Quote for total treatment. The price is influenced by the above factors mentioned.
Mapping sessions to achieve results. Typically SMP will be delivered over 2-4 sessions as required; these sessions are usually spaced 7-14 days apart. This is to ensure that the process is not rushed, the pigment has time to settle, and the scalp has healed completely before your next treatment.
Every completed treatment by Foli Sim has a 12 month guarantee from the date of the third session. Any areas that are of concern or require a touch-up during the 12 months post-treatment will be free of charge.

Step 3: Ready to book?

Option A: If you wish to start your SMP journey after your free consultation, Foli Sim will work with you to find suitable treatment dates with your preferred practitioner. For your convenience, we offer weekend appointments at all our clinics. Foli Sim only requires a 10% deposit to secure your dates and book your procedure.

Option B: Alternatively, if you would like more time to consider your options, our artists always encourage you to take your time, do your research, and ask as many questions as you need. Contact us when you are ready. If you feel you would like to come in and have another free consultation (phone and video may also be available options), then please feel free to contact us to arrange this.

Online / Phone Consultation Option

We do understand that sometimes it can be difficult to find time to make it into a clinic and get your journey underway. For this reason, Foli Sim offers the option of online/phone consultations to those clients who are unable to make it into one of our clinics. If you would like an online/phone consultation, we ask that you first send us images of your scalp with a brief description, so that our artists can assess your suitability prior to the consultation. Please note that Foli Sim can only provide an exact price following an in-person consultation and assessment.

WhatsApp: +61 425 869 926

Email: info@folisim.com.au

What is the Price for SMP?

The complete SMP price will depend on many factors, including the pattern of hair loss, the size of the area to be treated, and the presence of any scars. As a guide, men and women can expect to pay…

For mild hair loss: Between $800-1500
Medium hair loss: Between $1500-2500
Advanced hair loss: Between $2500-3500

To obtain a more precise cost estimate, simply email your images to us at info@folisim.com.au and our office will provide a written estimate within 24 hours.

SMP Process:

For optimal results, most clients will require between 2-4 sessions to complete the SMP process, with 3 sessions being the most common. These sessions are spaced between 7-14 days apart to allow adequate pigment settlement and scalp healing time. Each treatment is estimated to last anywhere from 1-4 hours depending on the individual client’s needs.

Treatment One – Laying the foundations:

The first session lays the foundation for the next 2-3 treatments and is the ‘base’ layer of pigment to replicate the hair. Together with your artist, you’ll design the hairline and look you want; this will be the first construction of your new hair line.

While you will receive full coverage of SMP, this session is designed to be a lighter and more conservative scattering of pigment compared to the following treatments. This is so that the artist can observe and address accordingly (between session 1 & 2), as the way that the pigment settles into your skin provides opportunities to adjust the pigment shade according to your skin tone and hair colour. It also works to build up the SMP on the skin rather than overloading it. This process is how our artists achieve subtle, natural-looking, and realistic results.

Treatment Two & Three – Noticeable difference:

After your artist has observed a healed result from the first session, it’s time to add density and refine your hairline. At the end of the second treatment, you’ll notice the most difference. In this session, your artist will spend between 1 to 4 hours (depending on client needs) blending the new pigment in with the lightly scattered pigment from the first session and in between your existing hair. Your artist will build your hairline further by scattering more pigment into the area and work to create a natural, fuller-looking head of hair.

After the second session, your artist will determine whether you need another treatment before the final session.

Final Treatment – The Perfection Session:

The final treatment is also known as the ‘perfection session’. In this session, the artist will spend approximately 1 to 3 hours carefully implementing the final touches of your SMP; this includes filling in any areas on the scalp that need any extra SMP, perfecting the hairline, and giving you the opportunity to finalise your look with your artist.

After each session, you will experience some local redness and tenderness that will subside within a few hours to a few days. After each session is completed, your artist will thoroughly explain the details of how to care for your new investment and provide you with a take-home step-by-step guide on what to expect in the days post-treatment.

SMP Aftercare:

Your SMP is an investment, and your artist will provide you with thorough details regarding how to care for it between treatments. Caring for your Scalp Micropigmentation is vital for the longevity of your pigment and the overall satisfaction of the result.

Important information on Aftercare:

Day 1: After each treatment, there will be local redness. Depending on your skin type and immune system, this redness will last anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days. You can wear a clean hat during this time.
Day 1 – 3: We ask you not to wet the scalp or use chemicals or shampoo. We also suggest you avoid excessive sweating during this time. Foli Sim will provide you with an Aftercare Balm to help with the healing process.
Day 4 – 6: You are now free to wet the scalp with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
Day 7: Your scalp should be fully healed by now, meaning you can wash and shampoo your scalp.

Please Avoid:

Swimming in chlorinated or seawater for at least 14 days.
Using saunas and steam rooms.
Direct sunlight for at least 28 days post treatment.

Once healed:

Always use a quality sunscreen / and or suitable hat to protect your scalp from the sun and the elements.

Foli Sim Guarantee to You:

After your final treatment, Foli Sim offers a 12 month guarantee meaning if you require a touch-up during this time, it will be free of charge. SMP by Foli Sim is considered permanent, however touch-ups may be required in the following 3 to 5 years depending on further hair loss, sun exposure and your immune system.

For more information, feel free to contact one of our friendly team members who will be more than happy to assist with your enquiry.

History of SMP

SMP is a form of cosmetic tattooing developed from ‘permanent makeup’

As far back as 1902 well known tattoo artist Sutherland MacDonald starting using ‘permanent makeup’ at his parlour, boasting of an ‘all year-round delicate pink complexion’ on the cheeks. This look was extremely popular, and the idea took off. Fast forward a few decades and the craze from London skipped over the ocean to the USA in the 1920s and throughout the 1930s tattooists began developing and refining implementing pigment for cosmetic reasons.

Did you know…

In the 1930’s when it started to become more popular, one of the major developers of the permanent pigment technique, tattooist George Burchett discussed in his memoirs how there were many beauty salons tattooing women without their knowledge. Offering a…“complexion treatment” …

Micropigmentation of the scalp was developed and received the tick of approval as a hair loss solution

In the early 1990’s at the Hair Transplant Clinic of Sacramento, Dr. Alvaro C. Tranquina developed ‘dermal micropigmentation’ technique and for 7 years Dr. Tranquina conducted trials with 62 patients that had scalp scarring from hair transplants, using his new dermal micropigmentation technique to camouflage the scars for a better ‘look’.

The results were unanimous!

All his patients were ecstatic with their new look and much preferred this technique over the time consuming and expensive use of makeup, powders, or wigs they had used previously to hide their scarring.

The results of the patients were published in the medical journal for the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and concluded that:

“The results proved that Micropigmentation of the Scalp is a safe and effective technique in camouflaging scalp scars” (Tranquina, 2001).

All in all, the study answered a lot of questions regarding micropigmentation of the scalp and paved the way for the SMP we know and love today!

2002 The beginning of the Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) we know today!

In 2002 one of the original SMP clinics in the industry began operating as the world’s first clinic specialising in SMP. This clinic introduced the world to SMP and contributed greatly to refining the ‘hair-tattoo’ methods, producing many of today’s top SMP artists who have further developed the technique of SMP, moving away from it being a cosmetic tattoo to its own specialty industry.

Leaders in the industry like Foli Sim™ have used their expertise and artistic flair to help artists provide clients with their perfect hair line design and pigment placement, to look natural and seamless.

Foli Sim™ have also made a sharp turn away from the iron oxide-based pigments (the ones with the blue/green/red undertone like those still used in various cosmetic tattooing i.e., eyebrows) and moved to very natural-looking carbon-based pigments that can blend into majority or hair colours and skin tone.

It is important to be aware that these perfected techniques and improvements that excellent clinics like Foli Sim™ use are not adopted in every clinic around Australia and globally; and in poorly trained hands can be a large contributor to “bad SMP”.

When you select your clinic and artist you choose your results, whether good or bad

In this case it is incredibly important to do the research into a clinic’s history: where artists have trained, what methods they use, artist experience and the reputation of the clinic.

What Does Scalp Micropigmentation Look Like and What Should I Expect?

What exactly does Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) look like? If you’re planning to undergo treatment for camouflaging scalp scars, blend in thinning hair, or create the permanent look of a five o’clock shadow after experiencing significant hair loss, SMP is amongst the best methods for most people. However, what should you expect from this treatment in terms of physical appearance?

Does it Look Real?

Yes, when delivered by a highly skilled artist SMP looks like the ‘real deal’, and it definitely doesn’t look like a tattoo at all. To the naked eye both from a distance and up close, SMP looks like a buzz cut and it resembles a full head of hair when used to camouflage areas of thinning hair.

We believe that a picture is worth a thousand words, which is why we welcome prospective clients to view the results for themselves on our website and social media pages. An even better alternative is to enquire with us and view our customer testimonials; with the permission of previous clients, we can provide you with photos or to meet a client and see SMP in person. This will help you decide for yourself whether or not it’s what you’re looking for.

What Will the Micro Tattoos Look Like Over Time?

Over time, SMP will lighten (especially with sun exposure). Coupled together with the possibility of further hair loss you can expect to require ‘touch-ups’ to your SMP anywhere between the 2-5 year mark. The good news is all that’s generally needed to restore the original SMP is one or two touch-up sessions.

In terms of pigment migration, this effect can occur when incorrect techniques, pigment or equipment is used. For this reason, we recommend ensuring your artist has been correctly trained for SMP and uses the specialised technique, pigment and equipment.

If Tattoos can Turn Green or Blue – Does This Happen With SMP?

Some clients are concerned that the pigment will eventually adopt a greenish or bluish tint. While this can occur when incorrect pigments / techniques are used, it can be resolved fairly quickly with one or two touch-up sessions, in extreme cases, removal may be necessary.

The carbon based pigments that are universally used for SMP, create a cool grey tone, this is how it resembles hair under the skin.

Will My Scalp Look Any Different After SMP, i.e. Are There Any Temporary Effects?

For most clients undergoing SMP, it’s quite normal to see a noticeable redness to the scalp within the first day or two after the treatment. It’s more noticeable for those of us with paler skin, but if you have a darker skin tone, it’s quite subtle. This subsides within a couple of days.

Another possible effect you may notice is that the colour may somewhat fade after the first session. Don’t be alarmed this is normal: multiple sessions are necessary for your scalp to acquire the correct shade and density.

Foli Sim in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth

Would you like to know more about SMP treatments and how it can work for you? Get in touch with Foli Sim today and book your free initial consultation.

How to Deal with Hair Loss or Thinning During Menopause

While the end of premenstrual syndrome is a welcome reprieve for many women, the onset of menopause often comes with its own unpleasant downsides. Weight gain, hot flushes, excessive fatigue, and mood swings are all fairly common symptoms of menopause. Hair loss is also a real worry for many women; thankfully, there are a few realistic, cost-effective solutions.

Nearly four in ten women experience hair loss during menopause, which can become a serious concern if you find yourself affected. Women tend to gradually lose hair over a wide area of the scalp. It usually begins with thinning, meaning it can go unnoticed for weeks or months until we notice that the shower drain is getting clogged with hair.

There are three main causes of hair loss for women during menopause. Here’s what you can do to alleviate the situation.

Hormones

Hormonal imbalances are common during menopause, with oestrogen and progesterone dropping and testosterone sometimes increasing as a result. These imbalances can weaken hair follicles, which leads to hair loss.

Hormone replacement treatment used to be fairly common for reducing the imbalance, however many health professionals have found that the downsides to hormone replacement therapy far outweigh the benefits. Instead, consider hormone-regulating supplements such as herbal treatments. Speak with your physician for a professional medical opinion.

Reduce Stress

Whether it’s your career or family situation, high levels of stress can lead to stagnant hair growth. To make matters worse, most women will begin to stress about this hair loss, which further exacerbates this vicious cycle.

There are plenty of effective treatments for stress, but naturally you will want to choose a technique that complements your lifestyle and actively works to keep you feeling calm, collected, and relaxed. Meditation, exercise, and yoga are all activities that can regulate blood pressure and reduce stress levels.

Diet

For many women going through menopause, a lack of protein, iron deficiency, lack of vitamin D, and too much vitamin A can all contribute to hair loss. Thankfully, whether you’ve got a full scalp of hair or are just beginning to experience menopause-induced thinning, a healthy diet can help to mitigate shedding, thinning, and hair loss.

There are two solutions which can be used in tandem with one another. Firstly, increase your intake of proteins such as beans, lentils, eggs, fish, and red meat; reduce iron deficiencies by eating more broccoli, raw nuts, spinach, and red meat; increase vitamin D by eating more eggs (including the yolk), salmon, cheese, and tuna; and reduce your vitamin A intake by cutting back on carrots and sweet potatoes.

Hair Loss Treatment Solutions

Fortunately, there are plenty of hair loss treatment solutions on today’s market for women experiencing menopause. These treatments range from topical creams and products such as Rogaine all the way to hair transplants, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

One solution that has been gaining a lot of attention in recent years is Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP), or colloquially ‘hair tattoos.’ This method of hair loss treatment can reduce the effects of thinning hair by visually masking patchy areas of the scalp with microscopic tattoos that resemble real, natural hair from close and from afar.

Foli Sim

One of the best ways to achieve safe, lasting and reliable results is SMP hair tattoo. If you’re considering SMP, book your initial free consultation with Foli Sim to discuss your desired outcome, and how we can help you to achieve it.

Vitamins and Minerals for Healthy Hair Growth

As we all know, some foods have more nutritional benefits than others, but did you know that particular foods are excellent for maintaining healthy hair growth and slowing the progress of thinning hair? Fortunately, most of the vitamins and minerals needed for healthy hair growth are found in food that can be easily incorporated into your diet.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A contains healthy sebum, which helps keep the scalp well-conditioned and healthy. A lack of vitamin A can lead to dry and itchy scalps.

Sources: carrots, sweet potatoes, tuna, pumpkins.

Vitamin B3

Also called niacin, this water-soluble vitamin increases blood flow and circulation, including to the scalp. This supports and maintains healthy hair follicles.

Sources: red meat, fish, dairy, almonds, celery, carrots.

Vitamin D

A little sunshine won’t do any harm! Vitamin D helps reduce shedding known as telovium effluvium, which is common for those with deficiencies in this vitamin. Plenty of healthy foods contain this vitamin too in case you feel like you aren’t getting enough.

Sources: sunshine, salmon, cheese, grains, liver.

Vitamin E

This wonderful vitamin contains plenty of antioxidants to improve blood circulation to the scalp and hair follicles, but it’s also great for nourishing nails, skin, and hair. Furthermore, vitamin E conditions hair and slows down ageing, so be sure to get plenty of this powerful vitamin.

Sources: almonds, avocados, spinach, sunflower seeds.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Our body naturally produces many of the nutrients we need to survive, but Omega-3 fatty acids are not amongst them. That’s why so many people are out looking for Omega-3 supplements to boost hair and scalp hydration amongst other benefits.

Sources: walnuts, tuna, salmon, avocados.

Amino Acids

Studies show a strong correlation between amino acid intake and healthy hair growth. Our body naturally produces only about half of the required amino acids, so we need to receive the remainder through a healthy diet.

Sources: beef, poultry, fish, dairy, leafy green vegetables, oats, seeds.

Biotin

This water soluble vitamin helps break down fat and sugars as well as convert food into energy. It is probably the single most important vitamin you can take for healthy hair growth, so if you’re going to pick just one to focus on, make it biotin. Your gut also produces Biotin, so take Probiotics to maintain a good gut microbiome. Beware that consuming raw egg whites will reduce Biotin absorption.

Sources: bananas, cauliflower, mushrooms, eggs, nuts, grains.

Zinc

A lack of zinc can lead to flaky scalps and heaps of dandruff, so it stands to reason that you will want to boost your zinc intake to keep your hair clean and healthy. Many foods containing zinc are quite tasty, so this shouldn’t be an issue!

Sources: meat, oysters, real chocolate, pumpkin seeds.

Manganese

Although manganese can be toxic at high levels, regular consumption of foods containing this mineral have been shown to improve hair health and to reduce thinning.

Sources: seafood, pumpkin seeds, nuts, legumes, hazelnuts.

Iron

Iron deficiencies are particularly common for women as they age, but anyone can suffer from an iron deficiency. One problem that arises is anaemia, which then leads to hair loss. The solution? Get plenty of red meat. If you’re a vegan, consume leafy green vegetables on the regular.

Sources: spinach, broccoli, red meat, egg (with yolks), kale, real chocolate.

Foli Sim

If you’re losing hair or your hair is gradually thinning, vitamins and minerals can help, but they often won’t prevent the inevitable. Alternative solutions such as Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) from Foli Sim are gaining extreme popularity among people who experience hair thinning, as it helps to fill in density. Contact the team at Foli Sim today to request a free initial consultation at our Perth, Sydney or Melbourne studios.

Scalp Micropigmentation vs Hair Regrowth Treatments: Pros and Cons

So many Australians are choosing Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP hair tattoo) as their preferred method of dealing with hair loss, and as enquiries grow online for the cost, benefits, and disadvantages of Scalp Micropigmentation, many are weighing their options before spending their hard-earned money. Below are some of the pros and cons of scalp micropigmentation that are worth considering.

Pros

It’s cost-effective. When compared to other treatment plans such as hair transplants and hair regrowth treatments, SMP is in most cases far less expensive, especially in the long-run. You will usually require 3 sessions for the pigment and effect to really set in, but the long-term costs are negligible as you’ll only need to have ‘touch-ups’ every few years as the pigment may fade over time and with sun exposure and possibly continued hair loss.
It’s long-lasting. With multiple treatments in the first few weeks and months, SMP will continue to look great for years to come with little maintenance required.
It’s a non-invasive treatment. Some hair treatment procedures are medical in nature and may come with significant side effects that are unwanted and potentially hazardous. SMP, on the other hand, is non-invasive and therefore carries next to no known risk of side effects.
It’s an effective, near-immediate camouflage of balding and patchy hair. SMP is gathering a lot of attention lately thanks to its excellent ability to effectively cover up balding areas and recreate receding hairlines. It’s also an excellent way to disguise scars on the scalp.

Cons

It doesn’t ‘feel’ like real hair. That’s because it isn’t; it’s simply micro tattoos along the scalp. From a distance and even up close, SMP techniques replicate the look of real hair to an impressive degree, but upon touching your scalp it’ll feel just like a bald scalp (if you’re completely bald).
It’s an all-or-nothing approach to hair loss. For some this may be a pro, but for many that are on the fence about getting Scalp Micropigmentation done, it may be a con. SMP is a treatment for hair loss that is permanent, meaning that you have to decide that it’s time to commit. If you change your mind after a year or so, it’s awfully difficult to go back and have the micro tattoos removed and try a different hair loss treatment.

What’s the Verdict?

It depends on what YOU want for your life. SMP certainly isn’t desirable for everyone, but for those who have accepted hair loss and are at their wit’s end with constantly hiding patches or forking over enormous sums for treatments that have no guarantee of working – well, it’s certainly a far more attractive option.

When you are choosing an SMP clinic, find one that has a well-established reputation and years of experience before putting down a single dollar. Clinics such as Foli Sim use industry-leading professional tools and techniques to ensure that you’re completely satisfied with the finished result.

Foli Sim

The friendly professionals at Foli Sim Scalp Micropigmentation have a wealth of expertise and professional techniques for SMP, so get in touch with us today if you’re considering this modern treatment.

Will Scalp Micropigmentation Cause Hair Loss?

A big question that gets asked a lot (besides the obvious “what is Scalp Micropigmentation?“), is whether or not it will cause or accelerate hair loss. The simple, straightforward answer is ‘no’, but let’s have a look at why that’s the case and why SMP is a safe choice for those concerned about diffuse thinning and hair loss.

Hair Follicles and Pigmentation

Hair follicles are quite deep in the scalp, within the lower level of the dermis, approximately 4mm. SMP, when delivered by a skilled practitioner goes into the upper level of the dermis, which is about 0.5 – 1mm deep. Consequently, SMP treatment is non-invasive in terms of how it affects hair follicles; it simply doesn’t affect them at all.

For this reason, hair growth treatments and SMP can be used together without issue. Although many clients choose SMP as a long-term way of dealing with balding and thinning hair, it’s also suitable as a short- or medium-term way to disguise balding and thinning whilst hoping for hair growth with other treatments, such as topical creams and medical products.

If You’re Taking Medical Hair Growth Treatments

Propecia and Rogaine have proven effects for hair growth, but is it alright to take hair growth products in conjunction with SMP? Yes – for instance, you can continue to take hair growth products in conjunction with SMP to cover up balding or thinning areas of the scalp.

As mentioned in the previous point, hair growth treatments can be used with SMP as a means to cover up any balding or thinning areas of the scalp in the meantime. This combination of treatments is something you should always discuss with your GP, but provided that they’ve green-lit you to use SMP with medically-approved hair growth treatments, you may find that you benefit from concealing signs of balding or thinning as well as the benefits of hair regrowth in problematic areas. Also, it’s very important to notify your SMP artist if you are using any hair growth treatments. In some cases, during the healing process of SMP, you may need to stop using any topical treatments. Your artist will be able to discuss this further with you.

SMP as a Remedy to Hair Loss

Definitions matter here, so let’s be clear that SMP is not a cure for hair loss. It is aesthetic only. SMP will neither promote nor hinder hair growth or hair loss; it simply adds micro tattoos that replicate the look of thicker, denser looking hair. Mind you, they achieve this quite well and it looks very authentic, but nevertheless it’s an aesthetic modification only.

If you’d like to address the root causes of hair loss and mitigate thinning or alopecia, your best recourse will be to speak with your GP or Trichologist about treatment methods. Hair transplants and hair growth products such as Rogaine are available choices for many who simply cannot bear the thought of losing their hair.

Although SMP is not a cure for hair loss, it can remedy the negative effects of anxiety when it comes to hair loss and thinning hair by effectively disguising and blending in bald spots or thinning patches. In this sense, SMP is certainly a viable remedy for the important appearance factor of hair loss, and it’s an excellent long-term solution for many.

Foli Sim

Get in touch with us at Foli Sim Scalp Micropigmentation today to learn more about our services and to obtain a quote.

Meet Sydney Artist, Natalie.

As the demand for Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP Hair Tattoo) grows, so does the demand for SMP artists. However, this can be a double-edged sword; let me explain.

On one hand, it is amazing that this life-changing hair loss solution is becoming more known and is helping men and women regain their confidence every day. On the other hand, as the demand increases, the need for artists speeds up. This minimises training opportunities and inevitably leads to underqualified and inexperienced individuals being disguised as ‘highly trained artists’.

Unfortunately, the men and women who have finally plucked up the courage, reached a decision, and chosen SMP as their hair loss solution often walk out of these underqualified clinics disappointed, lighter in the pocket, and after all that – the hat goes back on. Not ideal.

Experience matters!

With over 8 years of experience in Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP hair tattoo), Foli Sim’s Sydney Artist Natalie has come face to face with many people desperate for her to work her SMP magic. Before joining the Foli Sim team in Sydney, Natalie was previously based in London and was Head Technician and Trainer for a leading international SMP company. Teaming up with close friend and artist Suzi, the Sydney clinic is booming with exceptional SMP results and incredibly happy clients!

Natalie specialises in Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) scar camouflage, density work (long and short), hair line design, and natural and soft shaven (buzz-cut) looks. Natalie is a powerhouse in the industry and has a smorgasbord of experience in various SMP techniques performed on hundreds of different scalps. Her talent, experience, and skill level are complimented by her professionalism, friendly personality, and her sensitivity to those dealing with hair loss.

Having been in the industry for such a long time, Natalie understands that the SMP journey can be a nerve-wracking one and she does everything to help support her clients through the process. From the moment you make that decision and walk through the studio doors, Natalie’s thoroughness, attention to detail, and passion will have you wondering why you did not do it sooner.

If you would like to get in touch with Natalie to discuss Scalp Micropigmentation, give us a call on 1300 668 490 to book your free consultation!

Hear from Nat’s happy clients.

Cannot speak more highly of Nat and all the team at Foli Sim Sydney. Everyone involved are all such professionals and the finished result is absolutely life changing and completely realistic. I would encourage anyone considering the treatment to go ahead and book. Over the three sessions every aspect of the experience was smooth, easy and relaxed (even the music is good) and I walked away after each treatment with a whole lot more confidence than I had before.

~ Joe Alexander

Incredible SMP transformation! I’m absolutely stoked with the outcome. From the first session Nat gave complete professional care with dealing with such a really worrying issue for me which was my fast-thinning hair. I now have complete confidence in my new look and am so glad that I had Nat to guide me through the process, reassuring me along the way. Terrific artist and would definitely recommend anyone considering it. Thank you Nat and the Foli Sim team!

~ Steven Elmer

Meet Perth Artist, Shannon.

There is absolutely nothing better than a previous client loving their SMP so much that they cannot help but spread the word!

Well, that is just what Perth’s newest artist Shannon has done. Two years ago, Shannon had come to the end of battling the reality of his hair loss and began to investigate hair loss solutions. With substantial receding of his hairline and thinning of the crown area, Shannon after considering other options decided to go with Scalp Micropigmentation.

He found the answer in SMP.

So, Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP Hair Tattoo) caught his eye. Deciding who is going to give you your permanent hair tattoo is a BIG decision, as there as so many variables that need to be considered: artist experience, reputation, and qualifications just to start! After a year of extensive research into artists and clinics around Australia, Team Micro recommended Foli Sim’s Senior Artist and Trainer Kate Dawes to complete his Scalp Micropigmentation. “If you want the best, you have to go to the best,” says Shannon.

From the moment Shannon walked out the doors and his SMP was completed, he was ecstatic; his life changed immediately. His hair line was back, and his confidence restored; he was a new man. Shannon knew without a doubt that he wanted to help give other men in his position that same feeling of freedom and sigh of relief.

Practice makes progress!

So that is just what he did. Kate saw the potential in Shannon and nourished it by offering him a traineeship with Foli Sim. Shannon has spent the last year and a half undertaking extensive training with internationally recognised Australian SMP Artist of the Year Finalist and Trichologist, Kate Dawes.

Completing different courses and qualifications, Shannon is dedicated to constantly developing his skills and SMP techniques. Shannon has worked around the clock to study the relevant course work and qualifications and make progress in every area possible. Countless portfolio models and clients have left Shannon’s studio thrilled with their results and his amazing customer service. Continuing to work side by side with Kate, Shannon has excelled in his SMP skills and continues to succeed with flying colours!

Shannon’s natural attention to detail, attentiveness and precision goes hand in hand with his work within the SMP industry. Moving forward with Foli Sim, it is easy to see through his client portfolio that Shannon has a flair for density work, which means working with existing hair and creating density within thinning hair. Shannon is excellent at creating a natural and soft ‘full shaven’ look and hairline design and enjoys seeing a total transformation in a full ‘buzzcut’.

Come and see for yourself!

If you are in Perth and you are wanting to see what SMP looks like in real life and not just pictures, have a chat with Shannon. As a man who has experienced hair loss himself and has gone through the full SMP treatment, he helps every client that walks through the door feel comfortable and understood. Shannon’s gentle and calm nature coupled with his finesse and dedication means he is becoming a force to be reckoned with!

So, what are you waiting for? Come in and have a chat with Shannon. Call us on 1300 668 490 today!

Hear from Shannon’s happy clients.

Just recently completed my 4th SMP session with Shannon at Foli Sim Perth and couldn’t be happier. The whole team at Foli Sim are super friendly and very professional. Shannon did a great job and made sure I was comfortable through the whole process, including giving a simple aftercare regimen that is easy to follow. No step of the process were daunting and I felt completely at ease the whole time. It really looks better than I could have imagined. I now don’t sigh when I look in the mirror, or quickly rush to put a hat on to cover up my embarrassing hairline. I have not been this confident in myself since I can even remember. I also received a tonne of compliments at work and have even had a few people so blown away by the difference that they are interested in booking a consultation after never initially considering it.

If you have any reservations, don’t hesitate to go to these guys, they are so awesome to deal with.

~Fabian Vacca

No More Trips to The Barber: Cost / Benefits of Scalp Micropigmentation

Scalp Micropigmentation is an increasingly attractive hair loss treatment solution for men and women, but how does it stack up to hair regrowth treatments, wigs, and hair transplants? Let’s find out a little more:

A Trip to the Hair Salon

Consider a little ‘napkin math’: an average men’s haircut in Melbourne is about $35-40 (let’s say $35) and perhaps a cut is needed every 2 weeks. That’s $70 per month and $840 per year, not to mention the time it takes out of the workday or leisure time to go and get it done.

For women, well, there are so many variables that can bump up the price but let’s assume about $80 in Melbourne every 8-12 weeks (assume 12 weeks). That works out to about $350 per year as a conservative estimate, every single year. Colouring and additional styling can easily bump this number way up to $1000 or more every year.

Hair Transplant Surgery

One of the most frequent solutions that thinning or balding men and women look to is hair transplant surgery. By moving existing, healthy follicles from the scalp to a restoration site where hair is thinning or balding is occurring, you may be able to regrow your hair and reverse pattern baldness. This can however come at a high cost.

Topical Creams

Products such as Regaine (Rogaine) and Minoxidil are commercially-available methods of promoting healthy hair growth, but they don’t work for everyone. Treatment is applied topically to the scalp every day and with prices ranging from about $30 for a two months’ supply of Minoxidil or about $55 for a one month’s supply of Regaine, it may at first appear to be the most cost-effective solution.

The thing is, there’s no telling exactly whether or not it will work for you, and results can begin to show after four months or perhaps longer. Perhaps results will never come. If hair regrowth is what you’re after, topical creams may work for you, but be aware that they aren’t guaranteed to work and they may have unpleasant side effects as well such as hair re-growing where you don’t want it to.

SMP Treatment

Estimates vary from clinic to clinic, as does quality, but generally a full SMP treatment can cost anywhere between $2000-4000 in total. Hourly rates will also vary. Unlike other solutions, however, if completed by a highly skilled practitioner SMP can offer a hair loss solution that not only looks fantastic but also offers little up-keep or maintenance.

Is SMP Worth It?

Considering the potential high costs of other alternatives and their lack of a guarantee for success and satisfaction, we’re confident that you’ll be satisfied with Scalp Micropigmentation delivered by Foli Sim for cost reasons and for its many other benefits as well.

Foli Sim Scalp Micropigmentation

Obtain a reliable quote for SMP by getting in touch with the friendly folk at Foli Sim Scalp Micropigmentation. We can provide you with solutions that will restore your confidence at an affordable cost.

Does Scalp Micropigmentation Really Work?

No pun intended, but there’s quite a bit of buzz around hair tattoos lately. Formally known as scalp micropigmentation (SMP), hair tattoos are getting their well-deserved spotlight for both men and women looking to achieve a great look even with thinning hair or the onset of pattern baldness.

How Does SMP Work?

Perhaps you’ve seen photos making their rounds on the internet of women with ghastly eyebrow tattoos that look noticeably fake. Get that image out of your mind. SMP is a technique whereby micropigmentation (small tattoos) are made along the scalp to create a realistic, natural-looking shaved head effect that looks authentic from a distance and up close.

But Does it Really Work?

SMP works for men and women who are experiencing thinning hair and total or partial hair loss. Yes, it works in that it achieves a natural look which can accomplish two main goals:

For thinning hair, it fills in the areas where thinning occurs to give a natural appearance of thickness;
For balding, it resembles a natural ‘buzz cut’ appearance, giving the appearance of a neatly shaven head of hair.
In brief, yes, SMP works at mitigating the downsides of thinning and balding, so it’s ideal whether you’re already completely bald or are losing hair gradually.

In unique circumstances, SMP hair tattoo can also work to help camouflage scars from past surgeries, in particular FUT / FUE scars from hair transplant surgeries. However each scar is unique and all skin heals differently, so your SMP artist will consult you as to whether this camouflage option is achievable for you.

Does SMP Reverse Hair Loss?

No. It’s important to note that SMP is simply microscopic ‘tattoos’ of pigmentation that, when repeated in a pattern, is identical to the appearance of a shaved head. It does not address the underlying causes of hair thinning or hair loss, so if you are trying to regrow your hair SMP may not be right for you.

Do note, however, that hair regrowth treatment plans can be prohibitively expensive and aren’t guaranteed to work for each and every man and woman. If you prefer these options or are considering SMP, it’s always best to speak to a hair loss consultant first to know which solutions may work best for your circumstances.

What Benefits does SMP Have for Me?

Further answering the question ‘does scalp micropigmentation really work,’ the benefits are strikingly positive for those who have undergone the process. Some of the many benefits include:

Restores confidence and self-esteem for those afraid of balding or thinning hair;
Camouflages hair loss to resemble a full head of hair;
Cost-effective treatments that are superior to other costly hair regrowth treatments;
No more trips to the barber or hair salon;
When delivered by a skilled artist It doesn’t look fake at all;
Consistent appearance that doesn’t require grooming to maintain (hair styling products, combing, etc.)

Who Gets the Best Results From SMP?

SMP is available for both men and women. We suggest if SMP is something you are considering simply contact our office and make an appointment for a free, no-obligation consultation and assessment.

When it comes to quality, however, you’re always going to get more satisfying results from a trained technician that specialises in SMP. For this reason, it’s always wise to do your research and to enquire with clinics about their services and don’t hesitate to ask for some testimonials before making the decision to go forward with the treatment.

Foli Sim Scalp Micropigmentation

Enquire with us at Foli Sim Scalp Micropigmentation today to learn more about our high-quality SMP treatment and experience the confidence and satisfaction we offer.

Considering a Hair Tattoo? 5 Questions To Ask Yourself First

If you’re looking for solutions to thinning hair, baldness, or a loss of self-image that can come at any age from hair loss, the effectiveness of many modern choices can leave you grasping at those few hairs left out of sheer frustration. That’s why hair tattoos, or Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) are quickly becoming a popular choice for long-term effectiveness and a wide range of other benefits.

If you’re considering SMP hair tattoo, ask yourself the following questions first:

Is Scalp Micropigmentation Right For Me?

For most people going through alopecia or common balding, SMP is the right choice to make for a variety of reasons. If you’re willing to undergo the treatments for SMP, you’ll find that the results look great for years to come, and perhaps most importantly, your scalp will look completely natural. Compare this to middle-of-the-way solutions that may or may not work and leave you with visible signs of balding and the choice should be evident.

How Long Does It Take?

SMP is non-invasive, meaning you won’t have to take a significant amount of time off work to see results. We recommend that clients come by for anywhere between 2-4 sessions to optimal results. Each session takes a couple of hours depending on the size of the area to be treated. Upon your initial consultation with one of our highly skilled SMP Artists, we’ll be able to map out your SMP journey, including how many sessions you’ll need and how often.

How Long Does It Last?

Although SMP is effectively a permanent solution, some lightening of the original colour can occur after a number of years. This is why we offer clients a touch-up service to restore the original pigmentation colour.

Since your SMP hair tattoo is a long-lasting solution requiring little maintenance after the initial sessions, it’s an excellent investment, especially when compared to expensive shampoos and medications that may not always work for you.

Will Scalp Micropigmentation Reverse Hair Loss?

No, SMP is not and should not be seen as a means to reverse balding or hair loss. Instead, SMP replicates hair follicles with colour so that your scalp will look like a full head of shaven hair. If you wish to reverse hair loss, other options may be more suitable for you, such as treatment programmes and medications to restore and promote hair growth.

How Much Will It Cost?

Secret shoppers for choice.com.au revealed that many hair treatment centres have provided free consultations to the secret shoppers, but the asking price for hair treatment ranged anywhere from $3000-6000 followed by additional ongoing costs to maintain hair growth. Cheaper options abound, from over-the-counter hair growth products that end up often being more expensive in the long term simply because many may not work at all, not to mention the impacts they may have on your health if you are not fully educated about what you’re putting in your system.

When it comes to your personal SMP treatment, your cost will depend uniquely on the pattern of hair loss, the size of the area required to be covered, and if you have any existing scars on your head. In addition to outlining your recommended number of treatments, our Artists will provide you with a comprehensive quote, tailored to your SMP hair tattoo, so you’ll have a total cost for your journey before you even begin.

For more details, check out our video on How We Quote For Your Hair Loss

Foli Sim provides clients with free consultations and flexible payment plans so that you can get effects pretty much right away, with affordable solutions. Aside from occasional touch-ups every few years, there’s no need to keep handing over your hard-earned cash for nothing in return. Our SMP solutions will certainly give you excellent results and it’s a great investment for your money.

Foli Sim Scalp Micropigmentation

Experience the quality results of SMP with the professionals at Foli Sim Scalp Micropigmentation in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation to see if it’s right for you.

Thinning Hair: How Scalp Micropigmentation Can Help

No matter your age, thinning hair can really affect your self-image and make you feel older than you really are. At the same time, taking back control and stemming the thinning of your beloved hair can be both time-consuming and costly, with many over-the-counter products and services claiming to restore your hair. Getting real results can start to feel like something short of a miracle.

A time-tested way of dealing with thinning hair is Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP), sometimes referred to as ‘hair tattoo’. Micro-needles are used to create micro-tattoos that replicate the appearance of real shaven hair, thus restoring your confidence and invigorating your youth. How can SMP help with thinning hair?

Crown Balding

For men, thinning hair at the crown (or complete loss of hair) is one of the earliest signs of baldness. This process can happen rather quickly, or gradually over months and years, making it a challenge to keep under control.

SMP hair tattoo is ideal for crown balding since it can provide you with a great new look as balding takes hold. It can also be performed gradually and subtly to keep up with the balding so there’s no sudden or drastic change to your hairstyle.

Diffuse Hair Loss

When undergoing undue stress, suffering side effects from medical conditions, or if you’ve been doing extreme hairstyles that take a toll on the health of your hair, it’s normal to begin to see signs of diffuse hair loss and thus thinning.

SMP hair tattoo is a permanent treatment to diffuse hair loss, using the micro-dots of pigment to give the illusion of added density to areas affected. Essentially, letting your hair tattoo fill in the space where your hair can no longer. To explore some of our work, take a look at our ‘Density’ clients featured in our Gallery.

Alopecia or Baldness

Alopecia is a medical condition whereby your body’s immune system stages an attack on your hair follicles, which leads to hair loss. Levels of alopecia vary from small spots across the body, to ‘totalis’, meaning total hair loss.

Baldness has many factors and triggers, which can start with family history. It can also be a result of hormonal changes, supplement use, medical conditions, or just a normal part of aging. And when it comes to hair loss, sometimes, you’ve got to know when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em, as the poker saying goes. Holding on to a dwindling and thinning hairline has consequences, so whether you’re experiencing a degree of alopecia, or noticing the first signs of baldness, it may be time to act and to think of viable solutions to stay looking great for years to come.

Whether your hair loss happens quickly or takes years, a receding hairline isn’t ideal for most people, so take action sooner rather than later. SMP hair tattoo provides individuals with a great-looking way to camouflage a receding hairline and to balance out continuously thinning hair, so the effect will be such that excessive hair loss won’t be noticed by friends or family.

Does Scalp Micropigmentation Really Help?

Perhaps you’ve tried a few products to rejuvenate your hair, and that’s great. What isn’t so great, however, is that through constantly trying out products and ending up in failure to restore your beautiful old hair like yesteryear, you may end up in an emotional frustration that you just can’t escape.

Cut out the stress and don’t hesitate to enquire with Foli Sim about our quality solutions to hair loss and thinning instead. Not only is SMP hair tattoo cost-effective, but it’s a permanent solution that will bring about the results you’re after – no trickery or false promises!

Hear more from Shannon, satisfied Foli Sim SMP hair tattoo client, turned Perth Artist, on his experience with Foli Sim.

Foli Sim Scalp Micropigmentation

Live your life in confidence. Get in touch with the qualified SMP team here at Foli Sim Scalp Micropigmentation and find out what SMP is all about and how it can help you treat your hair loss, effectively.

Hair loss and Self Image

– Unattractive
– depressed
– ridiculed
– cheated
– less virile
– incomplete

Just some of the words men have used to describe how their hair loss makes them feel.

Hair loss is one of the most devastating appearance issues that people can face. A strong link has been found between hair loss and lowered self-esteem, lack of confidence, depression, anxiety and a range of social and emotional issues. One of Foli Sim’s previous clients takes the time to share his own personal experience with hair loss.

It took Shannon over 12 months to go through the different SMP artists and techniques with a fine-tooth comb before booking a consultation.

“I was extremely nervous. I wanted it to look as natural as possible not too obvious. I had seen online examples of really badly done SMP and I needed to make sure I was going to get treatment by the best of the best.” Says Shannon objectively.

Finding Foli Sim

“After asking all the questions I was recommended by Team Micro that Kate Dawes from Foli Sim is where I needed to be- they were right. From the minute I stepped through the doors, Directors Kate and Michael Dawes made me feel secure and like I was in the right hands.

They explained to me in extreme detail the process of SMP, right down to offering me the material safety data sheet on the pigment used!’ Chuckles Shannon. “This is how I could tell these guys were not in this to “sell” me SMP. There were no hidden agendas; only high-quality artist portfolios, 5-star reviews and honest people trying to help restore people’s confidence after hair loss…”

Ready to regain your confidence with SMP?

What are you waiting for ?

“…Going through with this treatment was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I was planning on keeping my treatment discreet, but I was so happy with SMP Kate had done on me (how natural and good it looked) that I ended up representing Foli Sim in an online campaign to promote SMP,” exclaims Shannon.

“Honestly, SMP has changed my life. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner. If you are considering it DO YOUR RESEARCH AND GET IT DONE!“

Shannon is now training under Foli Sims Senior Artist and Trichologist, Kate Dawes to become a Scalp a Micropigmentation artist at Foli Sim. “I am so happy that I can bring the experience I’ve had with SMP to other men like myself.”

Kate at the ISHRS Workshop Bangkok 2019

As industry-leaders for Scalp Micropigmentation in Australia, Foli Sim’s artists are dedicated to always providing the highest standards of medical practice across our three Health Department Certified studios in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. Because of this, our artists are recognised for their expertise and regularly requested to attend SMP seminars and conferences across the globe to help other professionals up-skill and expand their industry knowledge.

This November, Foli Sim’s very own Senior Artist, Kate Dawes, will be joining the Finishing Touches Group SMP Workshop Team in attending the International Society of Hair Restoration (ISHRS) 27th World Congress Live Surgery Workshop, held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok.

As a global non-profit medical association, with more than 1000 members throughout 70 countries worldwide, the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery is the leading authority on hair loss treatment and restoration. During the week-long World Congress, surgeons, transplant doctors and specialists from all corners of the world will share industry knowledge and up-skill on all the relevant areas of hair restoration so they can return home to their practices and incorporate real changes that bring them up-to-date with the latest in the field.

Attending from the 13th to the 17th of November, our Perth based artist, Kate, is set to take part in the Live Workshop where international transplant doctors and surgeons will observe Kate perform SMP, sometimes known as hair tattooing, asking any relevant questions and having a go themselves on dummy heads with Kate’s professional instruction.

The ISHRS World Congress Live Surgery Workshop isn’t the first Kate has been involved in this year. Recognised globally for her extensive background and professional experience in the hair industry, and her commitment to her clients’ comfort and happiness during the hair tattoo process, Kate featured as one of the international guest speakers at Olympia Beauty’s SMP Boot-camp in London in September and as part of the panel at the Team Micro Meeting of Minds alongside international and esteemed artists also in London earlier in the year.

Kate’s attendance at these global seminars and conferences solidifies her professional reputation as one of the best in SMP, with Foli Sim as leaders in the coveted industry.

Foli Sim’s Hair Tattoo – a Client’s Experience:

My background:

I began to notice my hair was receding before completing high school.

With male pattern baldness running on both sides of my family, and a strong attachment to my hair at the time, it didn’t take long for me to track my hair loss closely. As I noticed more hairs in my hands after washing my hair, as well as in the sink and on the comb, I began looking into options to slow, or halt my hair loss before I was 20.

For a few years, I experienced good results using a combination of antifungal shampoos such as Nizoral and Tea Tree Oil shampoo, as well as the topical over the counter foam Rogaine/Regain, also known as Minoxidil. This regimen, in conjunction with avoiding gym supplements like Creatine and Whey Protein Isolate, slowed my hair loss down significantly.

Until it didn’t.

Despite spending over $100 a month on my hair loss regimen, at around the 4-year mark, male pattern baldness caught up with me. As my regimen was no longer effective, I ditched the products, and within as little as 6 months, my hair loss had accelerated to the point where shaving my head was the only option.

I stayed up late researching other hair loss “solutions”, such as propecia, hair transplants and hair loss clinics, only to find that these options carried serious side effects or a hefty price tag, with no guarantees of success.

In venting my frustration to a friend who rocked a sharp buzz cut year-round, I recall jeering that he was “wasting” his hair by shaving it, as some of us don’t have the luxury of being able to choose a hairstyle. It was then that he revealed that he had lost his hair at a younger age than me, and had a procedure called “scalp micropigmentation” done.

He explained that his “buzz cut” was actually a hair tattoo of freshly shaved hair follicles, and that he had even less hair on top than me. As someone with their fair share of tattoos and who had seen this “buzz cut” more times than I can count, I was both surprised and impressed by the idea of this procedure, and a week later, I was chatting with Kate about my scalp micropigmentation “hair tattoo”.

Initial Consult

I only had a few questions going into my consult, which were largely based around my hairline. I had always had a slightly “M” shaped hairline, even in my youth, so I knew that a sharp, square hairline would have appeared jarring and unnatural.

Kate explained that the hairline would follow my natural hairline and showed some examples of men who had a similar shape to me, emphasising the importance of following the hairline’s natural shape for the best result.

She also explained the technique used to create the most realistic looking hairline possible, so that I was assured that the end-product would look like a natural, freshly shaved scalp, as opposed to a tattoo.

First Appointment

The first procedure took around 3 hours, including a few breaks here and there to stretch and move around. The pain was not unbearable, and while it began with a bit of a sting and discomfort, I quickly became used to it, and had no trouble maintaining a conversation.

As someone who has been tattooed relatively frequently, I can confidently say that scalp micropigmentation is less than 50% of the pain of being tattooed. The experience isn’t exactly pleasant, but the pain would certainly not be a deterring factor from having it done.

Aftercare

Following my first appointment, I was advised to keep the scalp dry, and avoid excessive sweating or getting it wet in the shower for a week. I didn’t find the discomfort to be noticeable for the rest of the day, and the only inconvenience was that it was a little tender on my pillow for the first and second night after the appointment.

The feeling was similar to a mild sunburn.

Although there was a small amount of itching after the first few days, I felt the scalp micropigmentation healed rapidly and didn’t feel any major inconvenience after having the procedure done, other than having to remember to keep my head out of the shower.

The appearance after the first appointment was also great. Although it was a little red for the first 48 hours, it looked very natural and didn’t draw any unwanted attention. After the tattoo healed at the end of the week, it looked noticeably lighter than after the appointment, which was to be expected, and appeared as a very light version of the final product.

Second and Third Appointments

The second and third appointments were much like the first, only shorter, and I knew what to expect. Kate made adjustments to my hairline based on how the tattoo healed and added additional density to the front and sides to make the tattoo look more prominent. I found this approach to be very reassuring, as Kate mentioned, “we can always bring the hairline down, but if we start too low, we can’t bring it back up”.

I found that the aftercare was a lot easier and quicker than my first appointment as there was less ink being added in the second and third appointments, so the healing process was a little quicker.

Final Result

My final result looked perfect and I couldn’t be happier, over a year later. The final product looks completely natural, maintenance is quick and easy, and my only regret is not getting it done sooner!

Read more about Dave’s experience with hair loss and male pattern baldness from a young age here.

Foli Sim has a New Melbourne Studio!

Melbourne we’ve moved!

We are very excited to announce the relocation of our Melbourne studio to our new premises.
Level 2, Suite 221, 55 Flemington Road North Melbourne VIC, 3051

Just a short tram ride from the city to Flemington Road, our new studio is in the heart of Melbourne’s health precinct, located across the road from Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Featuring a brand-new, spacious interior, our Department Of Health certified facility boasts two comfortable treatment rooms for our practitioners Suzi and Kelly to work their magic.

The clinic will be open Monday to Saturday by appointment from 9am until 6pm. To book your initial, obligation-free consultation, simply call 1300 668 490 or complete an online enquiry form.

Alternatively, you can email us your questions and photos, and we will get back to you within 24 hours via email with a response and a written quotation.

We can’t wait to welcome you into our new Melbourne home.

Pros and Cons of Scalp Micropigmentation: One Year On

Almost a year ago, in the early months of 2018, I decided to bite the bullet and accept the inevitability that was my hair loss. With my hairline beginning to recede as early as 18 and thin in my early 20s, the time had finally come for my date with the hair clippers.

I had been using Minoxidil (brand name Rogaine, or Regain, depending on where you live) for a number of years to slow the process, but as I felt this expensive, inconvenient and messy uphill battle draw to a close, I weighed up the alternatives to what seemed like an unavoidable, shiny headed fate.

Fortunately, in the depths of my internet searches, I stumbled across Scalp Micropigmentation, and I’m glad I did.

In fact, I wish I’d come across it sooner.

It’s been just about a year since my head went under the needle, and here are the pros and cons relating to the aftermath, as well as the procedure itself.

Pros:

It’s done.

Most hair-loss “solutions” (I use that term loosely) involve an expensive, time consuming and often messy daily, or twice daily, regimen.

Pills, ointments, creams and shampoo are often utilised in tandem to keep the bald patch at bay, and while they can be effective, it’s not exactly a cruisy experience.

I remember constantly packing (or forgetting to pack) my foam and special shampoo when staying at my girlfriend’s place or travelling interstate, or ensuring to order my next supply before my last can of foam ran out.

Fortunately, once SMP is done, it’s done.

I shave my head with a razor every few days and that’s it. Easy.

No-one will believe you when you say it’s a tattoo.

The question I get asked the most by long-term friends is “why did you shave your head?” closely followed by “why don’t you grow out your hair again?”

When I inform them that it’s a tattoo, and that i’ve infact lost the majority of the hair on top, most people think I’m joking, or want to examine it closely to see if I’m pulling their leg.

Unlike hair transplants gone wrong, hair-pieces or holding onto that fading hairline, SMP looks completely natural and fantastic.

There are no on-going costs.

Bar the touch-up you may need a few years down the track if you get too much sunshine (just like any tattoo), unlike other forms of hair treatments, SMP doesn’t carry any ongoing costs.

This is a huge factor considering the expensive upfront cost of hair-transplants, multiple procedures (which are often required) and ongoing medications, shampoos and topical treatments.

If you don’t believe me, grab a “free consult” at your local hair loss clinic and you’ll see what I mean…

Plus, think of all the money you’ll save over the years on hair products, hair-cuts and shampoo/conditioner.

Cons:

There are only two real “downsides” to having SMP, which involve the procedure itself.

The first being the experience of having your scalp tattooed, and the second relating to the slight inconvenience of aftercare for the week after your procedure.

For anyone who has been tattooed, SMP is a little less painful, but it isn’t exactly “pleasant”. The pain is nowhere near unbearable, and I found it quite easy to hold a conversation while having the tattoo done.

The only inconvenience of the aftercare protocol is not wetting your head, or sweating for the following three days. This means a few days off the gym and keeping your head dry in the shower.

This was definitely not a deal-breaker or massive inconvenience by any means.

And there you have it. Do the pros outweigh the cons? Absolutely.

SMP is a cost-effective, minimally invasive procedure which offers a low-maintenance hair loss solution with minimal downsides!

Meeting Of The Minds 2019

Foli Sim are delighted to announce that our three resident and expert artists; Kate, Suzi and Kelly will be attending the third annual Meeting Of The Minds conference, held in London this year.

With an industry as young and rapidly evolving as Scalp Micropigmentation, the international Scalp Micropigmentation conference, Meeting Of The Minds, held by Team Micro, is an exciting opportunity for our artists to share their expertise, as well as collaborate and learn from the industry’s best of the best.

We are extremely proud of all three of our artists, as they have each been nominated for the Best International Artist award. The Meeting Of The Minds features incredibly talented artists with a diverse range of backgrounds from all over the world, so we are honoured to have all three of our artists in the running for the prestigious award.

Kate Dawes will also be sitting on the expert panel, providing guidance and answering questions to help shape the global industry, in areas such as specific techniques and equipment in order to achieve the perfect Scalp Micropigmentation airline. Kate is also able to offer her expertise in trichology, to assist practitioners to consult and apply Scalp Micropigmentation perfectly for different hair-loss causes and scenarios.

We wish Kate, Suzi and Kelly all the best in their experience at the Meeting Of The Minds conference, and are excited for them to bring back the latest innovations, techniques and equipment to offer the very best Scalp Micropigmentation hair tattoo for our Australian clients.

Say Hello to Foli Sim’s New Client Operations Manager

Foli Sim has a new Operations Manager, and she’s dedicated to making sure your experience at Foli Sim is flawless.

Diane Delia, daughter of Foli Sim General Manager, Michael Dawes, has joined the family business to further her passion for superb customer service.

And because we want you to feel as confident in us as we do in each other, we’ve sat down with Diane to hear more about her experience, and what makes her so excited about scalp micropigmentation (SMP).

Hi Diane, welcome to Foli Sim! Let’s jump right in and talk about your new role in the family business.

Hi! My role at Foli Sim is split between liaising with clients and managing the East Coast clinics.

I get in touch with everyone that contacts us to see if there’s anything we can do for them and give them as much information as possible so that they can make the right decision for themselves.

As well as the appointments, I also manage the practitioners by making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible, and that our clients get plenty of time with them.

So what were you doing before you joined Foli Sim?

I was in the freight forwarding industry for nearly 12 years. My role was in customer service – if you couldn’t tell already, I love working with people!

I pride myself in my friendly manner, being prompt, and there for a client when they need me.

Tell us what made you want to be a part of the team.

Not only is Foli Sim a family business, it’s something different.

It’s good having a change after being in the same industry for nearly 12 years, and I love that we’re helping people.

What excites you most about SMP and its future?

We’ve only just scratched the surface!

Although it’s been around for years, most people have never heard of scalp micropigmentation, so I’m excited to be part of something so fresh and to see it growing.

But best of all, it’s great being involved in something that makes a difference in someone’s life.

Seeing our clients’ progress shots and hearing their experiences and the difference it makes in their lives is amazing. I’m lucky to play a part in that.

Do you think SMP is becoming a more popular hair loss solution?

Definitely! Word of mouth is extremely powerful, so ensuring our clients have a great experience and result is fundamental.

This is why Foli Sim has grown so much – people want to know more.

If anyone is considering SMP, what advice do you have for them?

For anyone considering the procedure, I’d say do your research.

Ensure you can speak directly to your artist and look at their own portfolio of work. You need to feel comfortable.

There are so many options out there now and you need to make the right decision for you.

To get in touch with Diane for your free consultation, please call 1300 668 490 or hit the button below to fill out an online form.

Daves-Testimonial

There’s nothing quite like noticing your hairline thinning to ruin your morning.

Whether it’s a comb or basin full of loose hair or a slightly larger forehead than you remember staring back at you in the reflection, the first real recognition of hair loss is enough to send a lot of young men into the seven stages of grief.

Unfortunately for me, male pattern baldness reared its ugly head at the age of 18. Slowly but surely, after finishing high school and beginning life as an adult, I’d notice that as the months went by, my youthful hairline had started to recede. Most days I’d write it off as being self conscious or pessimistic, but one day, when catching a glimpse of the crown of my head in a photograph, I was shocked to see a 20c sized bald patch on the crown of my head.

While MPB effects the majority of men at some point in their life, few of us are unlucky enough to see the onset in our early 20s, let alone our teenage years.

When it became clear that a pushed forward fringe and some thickening matte paste wasn’t quite cutting the mustard, I scoured the internet for solutions to stop, or at least slow, my inevitable balding fate. I spent hours evaluating the snake-oil salesmen from the science, and came to two conclusions.

1. Unless I was willing to fork out thousands of dollars (which I most certainly did not have at this stage in my life), a hair transplant was out of the picture.

2. The internet is full of false promises and scams when it comes to hair restoration.

With a limited budget and a sense of determination to hold on to my remaining locks, I drove to the local pharmacy and purchased the only two products which seemed to hold any real merit, according to the anecdotal experiences which I had read. Nizoral shampoo, an antifungal shampoo which contained ketoconazole, and Rogaine, a minoxidil based foam.

These products, which when purchased in bulk set me back around $50 per month, allowed me to hold on to my hair, and even grow a small amount of it back, for the remaining 5 years. I eventually swapped out Nizoral for Tea Tree Oil shampoo which proved more effective (and less itchy), and spent mornings and nights, day in day out, washing my hair and applying a thick layer of smelly foam in order to keep the thinning at bay.

And to some extent, it worked. I didn’t regrow a full head of hair, but I was certainly able to keep my confidence and prolong the inevitable. However, at the age of 23, the hill became steeper, and the battle began to feel as though it was being fought in vein. I doubled down on my Rogaine dosage, (which was now estimated to cost $1,000 per year alone) but despite my best efforts, the thinning returned, and me regimen had begun to prove ineffective. I bit the bullet, discontinued my treatment and accepted reality for what it was.

Within 3 months of being Rogaine-free, my hairloss turbo-charged itself to the point of no return. I bit the bullet, visited my local barber and ordered a number 2.

I looked in the mirror afterwards, and while being a noticeable improvement on my thin, patchy excuse for a hairstyle, my self esteem was shattered, and I was no longer comfortable with how I looked in my physical appearance.

So, back to the drawing board I went. With all the hair-loss options either being far too expensive, scammy, or involving dangerous pharmaceuticals with side effects worse than the hair-loss itself, I began to gave up hope and started saving my pennies for a hair transplant. It was then, in researching different options and scrolling through countless before and after photos that I discovered scalp micropigmentation.

It seemed almost too good to be true. It created the look of a freshly shaved full head of hair, at a fraction of the cost of the alternatives. Better yet, it was a once off treatment, with minimal upkeep, no chemicals and the results looked fantastic. I immediately booked in for a consultation and met Kate the following day.

I had three goals for my initial consultation:

1. To assess the experience and skill level of the artist. To me, this was just like getting any other tattoo – except the stakes were higher, as it was on my head! I wanted to make sure that the artist had a portfolio of work that I would be happy sporting on my noggin for life.

2. I wanted a solid understanding of the costs involved, and if there were to be any follow up treatments or unexpected costs that might rear up down the line (which seemed common with other hair loss “solutions’)

3. To understand exactly how it would look on me, and how the tattoo would compliment my original hairline and work with the shape of my face.

Fortunately, all these goals were achieved in my consultation. I was excited to review all of Kate’s work and see that she was amongst the best in the business, and to know that I would be looking at 2-4 treatments with a set cost for the desired outcome. It was also reassuring to learn that I would receive a complimentary touch up in the first 12 months, if any excessive fading occurred, for whatever reason. Kate explained that the tattoo would restore my natural hairline and so it would appear as subtle, natural and realistic as possible, which was exactly what I was after. I didn’t hesitate, and booked in.

The most common question I’ve had since having SMP done is, does it hurt? And the answer is, yes. As SMP is a tattoo directly on the scalp, it’s no surprise that it is not the most pleasant sensation. However, it is definitely far from unbearable or excruciating, and as the tattoo being applied is a variety of tiny dots, as opposed to heavy lines or shading in regular tattooing, I would say that it’s similar, but not as painful as a regular tattoo.

The sessions lasted for a few hours with regular breaks as requested, and following the appointments I was able to carry out my regular daily tasks. There was no down time, and after care was as simple as not getting it wet for a few days, and applying an all natural cream to reduce dryness and speed the healing process. I found that SMP healed significantly faster than a regular tattoo, and felt completely healed after a week.

Following my third session, I was advised that there would be no need for a fourth, and that my SMP was complete. I went through the aftercare routine as usual, and was ecstatic with the results.

Rather than applying thick foams and washing my hair extensively with smelly shampoos, I simply shave my head with a razor (or electric clippers) twice a week, which takes about a minute in the shower, and my “hair” is good-to-go.

Now, the most common question I get asked is “why did you shave your head”, or people will compliment the shaved head look and tell me that I should try growing it out. I always laugh to myself, and when I explain that it’s a tattoo, more often than not, they think I’m joking.

If I had known that SMP was an option from Day 1, I wouldn’t have wasted thousands of dollars trying to hold onto the hair I had, I would have accepted the reality and allow MPB to occur naturally, knowing that I had an affordable and viable option for when the day came.

I would absolutely recommend SMP to anyone who is looking for the most affordable and complete hair loss solution which, unlike the others, has a 100% success rate. Kate and the team at Foli Sim were a dream to work with, and my only regret is not having it done sooner.

Meeting Of Minds 2018

When an industry is relatively young, there’s so much to be taught, learned and improved. Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) has seen a huge surge in popularity over recent years, and now the artistic hair loss solution has its very own annual conference.

The Meeting of Minds conference is a relatively new event held in the UK by Team Micro. Now in it’s second year, it’s dedicated to bringing together industry leaders and practitioners from around the world, which is where Foli Sim’s co-founder and leading technician, Kate Dawes comes in.

Kate was invited to speak on the experts panel at the event, and share her knowledge of SMP. So back in May, she and our leading Melbourne scalp micropigmentation practitioner, Suzi, jet off to attend Meeting of Minds 2018.

The pair touched down in Manchester, home of this years’ conference. Kate spoke alongside other internationally acclaimed artists, Eve Pleavin, Agnieszka Zapala, Steven Greitzer, and Fernando Cortes.

The speakers gave varying lectures on subjects such as colour correction, SMP removal systems, advertising, and the future of the industry.

Meanwhile, the panel were asked questions from the members of the audience, which varied from the future of the SMP industry, down to the size of needles they each preferred. As the only trichologist on the panel, Kate tackled the questions on the various forms of hair loss, as well as her SMP technique.

In return, both Kate and Suzi broadened their knowledge on different machines and pigments, with a room full of items ready to trial. There were also plenty of opportunities to network with some of the best in the business, and were delighted to hear how well known their work was amongst other artists.

When their time in the UK was over, Kate and Suzi left Meeting of Minds 2018 with even more passion for this ever-evolving industry.

What to Consider when Choosing an SMP Clinic

With rising popularity of scalp micropigmentation (SMP), more and more clinics are offering the hair loss solution.

Because of this, it can be difficult to decide which SMP clinic to go with, so we’ve outline five key points to take into account and help you choose the right scalp micropigmentation clinic.

Reputation

A clinic’s reputation is arguably the most important factor.

They should make you feel at ease with outstanding customer service, quality before and after pictures or videos, free no obligation consultations, highly acclaimed testimonials, and they should always maintain full transparency with you.

If the worst case scenario happened and you were unhappy with your result, the clinic should rectify this by doing everything in their power to make sure you are left thrilled with your new look.

The second most important factor is the practitioner. As the demand for SMP increases so does the number of practitioners, but this can be a pitfall.

It is important that whoever completes your SMP procedure is qualified, has had substantial training and plenty of experience. If you are unsure, ask them for some before and after photos so that you can see their work.

Read about our leading practitioner Kate Dawes (and why we’re so proud of her) here.

Equipment

The pigments, needles and tools a practitioner uses are also a key factor. It’s essential the technician uses a specific pigment designed for SMP and that it is correctly matched with your colouring.

At Foli Sim we sit down with you to choose the right colour based on your existing hair. If you’re completely bald, we’ll help you select a colour that compliments your skin colour and eyebrows.

We also use single-use needles, so we never reuse a needle to maintain the highest standard of hygiene possible.

These are the types of questions you need to be asking your clinic about: how do they select pigment, what pigment is it and do they use single-use needles?

Cost

The price of scalp micropigmentation varies from clinic to clinic.

One factor that impacts how expensive an SMP procedure is franchise fees. Large companies with many clinics will have to pay these fees, which will impact their profit and therefore the amount you’re charged.

Boutique clinics and smaller companies like Foli Sim don’t need to pay this extra cost, so we are usually cheaper than large multinational companies.

Location

If you live far away from the clinic, you’ll need to take into account travel and accommodation expenses.

Because there is no recovery time, you won’t have to stay away from home to rest up, which is fantastic, however, you will have to return for another two or three sessions.

We currently have clinics in Perth and Melbourne; find out our exact locations to see if it’s close enough for you.

If you have any more questions, please call us on 1300 668 490, or book in a free, no obligation consultation at either our Perth or Melbourne clinics.

Meet Foli Sim’s new practitioner, Kelly Dawes

When you own and operate a family business, it’s pretty great when more of your relatives want to get involved. So Foli Sim’s founders were delighted when their daughter, Kelly Dawes, decided to join Foli Sim’s Melbourne clinic as a certified scalp micropigmentation artist.

We of course know Kelly and her skills well, but we’d like you to get to know her too so that you feel just as confident in her ability as we do.

Congratulations on joining Foli Sim, Kelly! How did you get into SMP, and what were you doing before?

Thank you! I’m a qualified remedial massage therapist and I also do social media marketing.

I decided to join my father and step mother at Foli Sim when I saw how incredibly rewarding this line of work is, and just how much fun it can be!

How long have you been practising scalp micropigmentation (SMP)?

I completed my training in SMP in May 2017. I then continued to train extensively with Kate and Suzi in the Perth and Melbourne clinics to further my knowledge in the area. After this I traveled to London to complete a Master SMP course with the renowned Brandwood Clinic.

I try to keep my knowledge expanding by following every change in the industry. The learning never ends!

What excites you most about SMP?

This industry is still relatively new and so is everyone in it. SMP is growing rapidly, and it’s always changing. I only see it getting bigger and better as the years go on!

Because the majority of people are able to get SMP, it makes it a widely available hair loss treatment.

Aside from your skill set, why else would you encourage people to come and see you for SMP?

I’m so passionate about what I do and take the time to tailor this treatment to suit every individual I meet.

I am very empathetic to the situation each of my clients present. Men and women alike can suffer emotionally due to their hair loss, so I try to make them feel as comfortable as possible.

Can you give us any examples where SMP has changed your clients’ lives?

All of my clients have come to me wearing either hats, hair systems or topical solutions such as hair fibres. Some have even had hair transplants.

The difference SMP has made for these people is phenomenal. Recreating their hairlines and giving them the confidence to not have to wear hats or hair systems free’s them up so much.

They no longer have to worry about a night out where they can’t wear their hat, or going to the beach with hair fibres running down their face.

What advice do you have for anyone considering SMP?

Just go for it! Start researching different technicians and clinics, find someone that does the style you like, and book consultations.

You’ll feel you can make a well-informed choice after sitting down and talking with your potential technician.

What do you like most about Foli Sim as a company? And you can’t say having your parents as your bosses.

Foli Sim is extremely focused on giving clients the best service possible.

You’ll be given a five-star treatment from the very first message or phone call, all the way down to a consultation and procedure. We value having very friendly and empathetic team members.

To meet Kelly or any of our practitioners in person, please call 1300 668 490 for your free consultation, or hit the button below to fill out an online enquiry form

How Scalp Micropigmentation Changed my Life [Foli Sim Review and Case Study]

When Scott began losing his hair in his early 30’s, his confidence started to disappear too. As time went on, he was sick of hiding behind hair fibers and decided to take control, and that’s when he found scalp micropigmentation.

Here, Scott reveals his story about his hair loss, how he found scalp micropigmentation in Australia, and his experience with Foli Sim.

Scott’s Story

Tell us about your hair loss story and what you did in the beginning.

I first noticed my hair loss a couple of years ago, but it got really bad over the last 12 months for some reason.

I had been using hair fibers to cover it up, which was working quite well, but it was a big commitment every day and something I thought about constantly – like what if it rains heavily or someone ruffles my hair? I felt very self conscious about the whole thing.

How did you feel when you started loosing your hair?

I felt like I wasn’t completely myself all of a sudden, and was starting to look heaps older. I just wasn’t comfortable with it like some guys are so, I started searching for options!

Discovering Scalp Micropigmentation

How did you hear about scalp micropigmentation?

I stumbled upon SMP on Instagram. After looking at lots of pages, the Foli Sim page had me wanting to know more after seeing the natural results achieved.

What were your first thoughts about SMP?

I didn’t think it would look natural in real life, but I was taken with the reviews and struggled to find a bad one about the procedure unless it had been done by an unqualified person.

Foli Sim Review

Why did you choose Foli Sim?

After enquiring, I felt like I was dealing with a really professional company who had been in the profession for a while. And the results spoke for themselves!

How did you feel after the consultation with Kate?

I felt very reassured, Kate was fantastic in understanding that there is a million questions you want to ask and I felt at ease immediately. I felt incredibly confident I was going to achieve the results I wanted!

How did you find the SMP procedure? Were you nervous? Was it painful?

I went into it very nervous, but felt comfortable again when we were about to start. Kate was very aware and caring about how I could be a little bit on edge about the procedure.

The pain I would describe as mildly uncomfortable, but completely bearable. After a while you become accustomed to it, and at one stage during my second session I drifted off to sleep!

Can you describe how you felt after the procedure?

The first time I looked in the mirror after the first session I felt a wave of confidence come over me. Seeing my hairline restored to where it should have been was the best feeling.

And this was only after the first session, once it was completed I looked like myself again and just so grateful!

Why would you recommend Foli Sim?

These guys are clear industry leaders in Australia. Having dealt with a couple of other companies, Foli Sim were by far the most informative and professional, whilst also being so friendly and making me feel completely at ease!

What would you say to those considering SMP?

Just do it! If you feel like you have lost confidence or your hair loss is worrying you then get this procedure. I don’t even really think about my hair now and I guarantee you will be thrilled with the results, it’ll change your way of life!

Want to know more?

Check out our scalp micropigmentation before and after shots, or book your free consultation at either a Perth or Melbourne clinic by calling 1300 668 490 or booking a free consultation. We can’t wait to meet you and start your story!

Meet Kate Dawes: Foli Sim’s leading practitioner

There’s no doubt about it, deciding to go under the needle for scalp micropigmentation or eyebrow feather blading can feel a bit daunting.

At Foli Sim we strive to make you feel as comfortable as possible, which is why we have interviewed our leading practitioner, Kate Dawes, so you can get to know her a little better and feel as confident as we do about her work.

Kate has over 30 years’ experience in the hair industry, is one of four registered trichologists in WA and the longest practicing practitioner of SMP micropigmentation in Perth. Her number one priority is to make sure each one of her clients walks out of our clinic feeling happier with their hair, whether they’re the ones on your head or on your brow bones.

She knows hair inside out, so let’s get to know her a bit better too…

When did your interest in hair begin?

It’s a pretty unique story; I was studying costume design for theatre and my job was to make the wigs, and I really enjoyed it!

What qualifications did you set out to obtain?

First I became a hairdresser, which led to running a very successful salon in Melbourne for six years before we moved back to Perth. Then about 6 years ago I became one of only four trichologists registered with the International Association of Trichologist (IAT) in Western Australia.

After that I received a Diploma in scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) and eyebrow pigmentation from Goldeneye Micropigmentation based in the UK, then went on to complete the ‘Master’s Scalp Micropigmentation’ course in New York City with internationally renowned expert Matt Iulo from Scalp Micro USA. All up, I’ve now been working in the hair industry for 30 years.

Wow, so you must be finished with education for now?

Not yet! I am currently finishing my Bachelor of Health Science, majoring in Nutritional Medicine.

Why did you start practicing micropigmentation?

I was introduced to micropigmentation by Dr Martinick and Dr Kotai, who wanted to use it to camouflage the scarring from hair transplants.

I found this new technique so exciting for treating hair loss. It lets me use my knowledge of hair while allowing me to be really creative, which is something I missed since I stopped hairdressing.

What’s the most important thing to you when working with a client on their new look?

My number one priority is giving my clients the look they want, but making sure that it suits them too. They tell me what they want, and then I recommend certain hairlines to complement their face shape and SMP density to suit their natural density. We work together.

Why do you believe SMP is the best solution for people with thinning hair?

SMP is a fantastic alternative to other hair loss solutions and gives my clients a major confidence boost. While it doesn’t grow back your hair, it can add the appearance of density amongst both long and short hairs, and on shaved heads it’s a modern style in itself.

Eyebrows are big business right now, have you noticed more women opting for microblading recently?

Absolutely, thin eyebrows are out and big brows are in. Feather blading can give thicker eyebrows to women who have plucked their eyebrows into oblivion, or who aren’t naturally blessed with thick eyebrows.

However, you can bet that thin brows will be back in a few years, so a perk with this option is its semi-permanent, which means my clients will be able to get their slim brows back if they want them.

Can you tell us any examples where SMP has changed your clients’ lives?

I had a couple of older men who had unsuccessful hair transplants and scalp reductions when they were younger. This left them with scalps covered in scars, which they both kept hidden – one wore hats all the time and the other wore a hair piece. After having a full head of SMP, both have ditched their head coverings. It’s lovely to see the confidence they’ve gained since the treatment.

Have you seen any hair horror stories of clients opting for alternative hair loss solutions?

Yes, unfortunately there are many unscrupulous people in the hair loss industry who are only out to make a quick dollar and not look after their clients. The worse I have seen was a gentleman who had a synthetic hair transplant and it became infected. He wore a hair piece over it and when he took it off the smell was horrendous! He had the synthetic hair removed and was left with severe scarring. I say, shave your head and have SMP instead!

Have you noticed any trends in micropigmentation over the years?

Shaved heads have become really popular over the years, so scalp micropigmentation is a great way to get that modern look when you don’t have a naturally full head of hair. Right now solid and angular hairlines are all in, but only certain types of people can carry them off. I don’t think you can go wrong with a natural looking hairline.

What sets Foli Sim apart from other Micropigmentation clinics?

Foli Sim is a family run business, not an international franchise. The work you see on our website is my work, not someone else’s from overseas. In the micropigmentation industry, it is the practitioner that makes all the difference.

If anyone is considering SMP, what advice do you have for them?

Start by doing your research and finding pictures of the results you like. Then come in for a complimentary consultation with myself, as I’ll be the one doing your treatment – there’s no point talking to sales consultants! I also highly recommend you visit other clinics for consultations and see the difference between clinics. You have to feel comfortable and confident with your choice.

Hide your scarring with SMP

Whether the scars on your scalp are from an accident, surgery or hair transplantation, Foli Sim can camouflage your troublesome tissue.

Our clinics have experts skilled in the art of scalp micropigmentation (SMP), and can disguise your scalp scarring with our specially formalised pigments and equipment.

How does scalp micropigmentation hide scars?

The process of scalp micropigmentation is similar to cosmetic tattooing. It involves placing hundreds of tiny dots of pigment with a special needle on either your entire scalp (to hide baldness) or selected areas, such as scars.

Our team of skilled professionals are highly trained in the art of SMP and will treat each scar individually, from thick hair transplant scars to finer cuts, we’ll use our technique to blend our pigment with your existing hair.

Depending on your scar, you may need to have 2 or 3 sessions for full coverage, but you will see immediate results from the first session. Plus there is no down time, so you’ll walk in and out in just a couple of hours.

How long does scalp micropigmentation last?

The pigment can last 3-5 years depending on your skin type and sun exposure. We recommend our clients come back after 2 years to assess the colour and see if you need any touch ups.

Unlike tattoo ink, our pigment will not turn blue or grey as it fades either.

Why choose Foli Sim?

All scars are as unique as you, so together we will work out the best way to give you the result you desire.

All you have to do is book your free consultation and we will answer all the questions you may have. Then we will analyse the length and thickness of your scarring – be it FUT (strip) scar or multiple FUE (dot) scars – to determine the best method of coverage.

When you are confident to go ahead with SMP, we will tailor our pigment to your hair and skin colouring to ensure your final result is as natural as possible.

Our highly experienced specialists have treated hundreds of scars of all shapes and sizes and carry out specific practices ensure you get the best results possible.

These practices include concealing your scars in our sterile clinic, using only medical grade equipment, using pigment specifically designed to be used for scalp micropigmentation and only using single-use needles for supreme hygiene.

Plus, because Foli Sim is a family owned and operated business, we don’t have to pay franchise fees or associated costs, meaning the procedure is more affordable for you!

Simply book your free consultation online, or give us a call on 1300668490.

Don’t Fall Victim to Bad Scalp Micropigmentation

Categories

Sadly, we have seen countless men and women who have fallen victim to such clinics.

Our answer…?

RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!

What do I need to know?

SMP Artist and Clinic Checklist

High quality is never an accident, it is the result of highly skilled practitioners!

Credentials and Training

Experience

The Clinic Itself

Foli Sim

Step 1: Let’s connect!

Step 2: Consult, Communicate, Confirm!

Step 3: Ready to book?

Online / Phone Consultation Option

What is the Price for SMP?

SMP Process:

Treatment One – Laying the foundations:

Treatment Two & Three – Noticeable difference:

Final Treatment – The Perfection Session:

SMP Aftercare:

Important information on Aftercare:

Please Avoid:

Once healed:

Foli Sim Guarantee to You:

SMP is a form of cosmetic tattooing developed from ‘permanent makeup’

Micropigmentation of the scalp was developed and received the tick of approval as a hair loss solution

2002 The beginning of the Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) we know today!

Does it Look Real?

What Will the Micro Tattoos Look Like Over Time?

If Tattoos can Turn Green or Blue – Does This Happen With SMP?

Will My Scalp Look Any Different After SMP, i.e. Are There Any Temporary Effects?

Foli Sim in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth

Hormones

Reduce Stress

Diet

Hair Loss Treatment Solutions

Foli Sim

Vitamin A

Vitamin B3

Vitamin D

Vitamin E

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Amino Acids

Biotin

Zinc

Manganese

Iron

Foli Sim

Pros

Cons

What’s the Verdict?

Foli Sim

Hair Follicles and Pigmentation

If You’re Taking Medical Hair Growth Treatments

SMP as a Remedy to Hair Loss

Foli Sim

Experience matters!

Hear from Nat’s happy clients.

He found the answer in SMP.

Practice makes progress!

Come and see for yourself!

Hear from Shannon’s happy clients.

A Trip to the Hair Salon

Hair Transplant Surgery

Topical Creams

SMP Treatment

Is SMP Worth It?

Foli Sim Scalp Micropigmentation

How Does SMP Work?

But Does it Really Work?

Does SMP Reverse Hair Loss?

What Benefits does SMP Have for Me?

Who Gets the Best Results From SMP?

Foli Sim Scalp Micropigmentation

Is Scalp Micropigmentation Right For Me?

How Long Does It Take?

How Long Does It Last?

Will Scalp Micropigmentation Reverse Hair Loss?

Take The First Step Towards Hair Restoration Today!
Schedule Your Free Consultation