Battling baldness can be hair-raising.

At least in the case of Graig Lauricella, manager at HIS Hair Clinic in New York. He says that scalp tattoos are easier than having a painful hair transplant.

“I think with transplants it’s a lot of smoke and mirrors,” he says. “You’re promised the world, but they come up short.”



Five years ago, Lauricella was inked at HIS Hair Clinic to cover up his receding hairline.

Scalp micropigmentation is a procedure that uses a three-pronged needle to inject ink in your head — to mirror the look of a buzzcut. The procedure migrated over to the U.S. in 2010 after spending several years on British soil.

Millions who suffer from bald spots, scars, burns or birthmarks can visit the ink shop in Soho to fill in the gaps.

Scalp tattoos are increasing, and becoming more socially acceptable. Advocates say it’s part of the expansion of tattoo culture. Dr. William Rassman, founder of the New Hair Institute in L.A., says he has seen 1,000 patients asking for micropigmentations over the past five years.

“We have so many miracles every day,” Dr. Rassman says.

The new look costs clients $2,400 to $4,500 and only takes the ink barber two to three sessions to complete. The procedure is mildly painful and designed to last anywhere from eight to 15 years. Regular tattoos last longer in comparison, since the ink penetrates the skin deeper than with scalp tatoos.

When done right, scalp micropigmentations have a success rate of 97 to 99 percent. But Rassman said many doctors hire tattooists that botch micropigmentations because they don’t understand the proper medical procedures.

Eugene, who did not want to give his last name, is 29 and underwent another company’s procedure to cover up his ugly biopsy scars. His first time under the needle proved gruesome.

“It was the wrong color. It was blotchy. It didn’t even look like my hair,” Eugene says.

But Rassman says recently he’s seen a growing interest among a few dozen hair restoration doctors. They’re looking to add micropigmentation to their list of skills.

“I think doctors should offer everything,” Dr. Rassman says.

Eugene gave it another shot after his first bad experience, putting HIS Hair Clinic to the test. This time, it worked.

“When you’re the one who’s sitting in that chair and you look in the mirror for the first time, words can’t describe it,” Lauricella says. “It’s definitely a day I will remember.”