Struggling with hair loss? A hair tattoo might be the perfect solution for you

Have you been struggling with hair loss? A tattoo on your scalp might be the perfect solution.

As seen on an episode of "Pinoy MD," hair tattoo or scalp micropigmentation (SM) makes one's head appear like it has hair with the use of ink.

"Mini-mimic niya 'yung hair follicles para kung nakatingin ka sa malayo'y mukhang meron pa rin siyang mga buhok. Para rin siyang microblading," said dermatologist Dr. Jean Marquez.

("It mimics hair follicles so when someone is looking from afar it looks like it still has hair. It's like microblading.")

"'Yon nga lang, hindi siya linear. Pinpoint ang paglagay ng pigments na 'yon sa scalp," she added. "It is an alternative or a cosmetic procedure for balding scalp."

("However, it's not linear. The pigments are placed at pinpoint on the scalp.")

Among those that offer the service is an aesthetic shop in Mabalacat, Pampanga that swears by their "kalbo pero 'di panot" motto.

A minimum of three sessions, three hours each, is required to ensure the scalp's healing. All in all, the procedure costs P3,500 to P60,000, depending on the client's case.

The process goes like this: a numbing cream is applied to the scalp, the technician will mark the head with a hairline, and then the inking will start.

Their customers include "Matthew," an overseas Filipino worker who noticed that his hair was thinning while he was in Saudi Arabia.

"Nagsimula sa bandang crown tapos palala nang palala. I tried putting castor oil pero hindi nag-work. Mabilis pa ring mapanot kaya naghanap ako ng ibang alternative," he said.

("It started around the crown and it got worse and worse. I tried putting castor oil but it did not work. I still lost a lot of hair so I looked for other alternatives.")

"First session, natuwa na ako doon sa result. Sabi ko, 'Di ako nagsisi na nagpunta ako dito.' Medyo nagka-hairline na. 'Yon 'yung una mong mapapansin. Malaki na 'yung pagbabago," he added.

("First season, I am already with the result. I said, 'I don't regret coming here.' I have a slight hairline now. That's the first thing you will notice. The difference is huge.")

Another is Ferdie Mendoza, who just finished his first session. Like "Matthew," he instantly saw the results and is already looking forward to his next visits.

"Masayang-masaya tapos nakita ko 'yung difference nung una saka 'yung ngayon. Talagang may nag-bago kaya nakaka-dagdag ng self-confidence," he said.

("I am very happy and I saw the difference before and now. Something really changed so it adds to my self-confidence.")

Marquez assured that the procedure is safe as long as a customer is not prone to develop an allergic reaction "to the pigments of the solution" because it's also like tattoo ink.

Shop owner Leandro Baclagon, who got certified to be an SM technician abroad, added that he doesn't allow the procedure when one has an illness such as diabetes and those with heart conditions.

Meanwhile, Marquez said there are reasons why someone is suffering from hair loss. This may include stress, lack of nutrients, and genes.

She recommends drinking supplements that may help with hair growth. They may also consume healthy food, protein powder, and collagen.

—Franchesca Viernes/MGP, GMA News