While we were researching for a trending topic to cover for this edition, we surprisingly came across someone familiar to us – Dr Gaurav Raj Chhabra. The name may ring a bell for many in Chandigarh, especially for those who have been involved in the field of social work and activism around a decade back in the city. We spoke to him to find out more about Scalp Micropigmentation and learn a bit about his journey from a popular social activist to an internationally renowned Scalp Micropigmentation pioneer of India.
Tell our readers, what exactly is Scalp Micropigmentation and what makes it the hottest trend for men and women with hair loss issues?
Scalp Micropigmentation is a non-surgical, cosmetic hair loss solution for both men and women. It is a minimally invasive procedure by which permanent micro-dots are created on the scalp using a suitable shade of Carbon-based pigments, giving an appearance of freshly trimmed hair. It has picked up as a trend globally, especially among men because of the many advantages it has over other available solutions. Not only are the results instant and long-lasting, but the treatment is also able to offer an appearance of a full head of trimmed hair even for the highest grades of hair loss.
Who can benefit from Scalp Micropigmentation?
People who have a high grade of male pattern baldness, hair thinning or even hair loss due to conditions like Alopecia Areata Universalis can immensely benefit from Scalp Micropigmentation. People who may have had a Hair-transplant earlier may benefit from density treatment with Scalp Micropigmentation and as well get to camouflage the Hair transplant scars with it.
We also run a non-profit initiative called Hellopecia- Alopecia support group that supports the treatment of those suffering from serious hair loss from autoimmune disorders etc.
What is the Scalp Micropigmentation treatment process like?
First thing first, a professional evaluates if the client is a suitable candidate for Scalp Micropigmentation or not. This depends upon the medical history and assessing the client’s expectations etc. Once finalized, the next step is to plan a customized hairline that is appropriate for client’s age and would duly enhance client’s facial features. The treatment takes on an average of 3 Sessions at a gap of approx. 2 weeks in between and each session maybe 3-4 hours long. A very common question is that does it hurt? The answer is that it’s only a mild discomfort and most clients tolerate it with ease. Some clients sleep during the procedure and others prefer to watch their favourite series on their phones, meanwhile.
What precautions does one need to take after the session?
Right after the session, a client may immediately return to work as there is no pain or swelling as such. There could be mild redness on the scalp that settles within 24 hours. For the first week after the session, the client has to take some precautions as the skin is still healing. Once the treatment is complete, the client is free to wet his head, go swimming, steam or undertake any adventure activity as per their wish, without affecting the results. That’s one great advantage of Scalp Micropigmentation that it literally sets you free. Especially if you have an active lifestyle, Scalp Micropigmentation is a great option!
What is the downside of Scalp Micropigmentation?
It is an immensely successful procedure that provides almost instant transformations for those suffering from hair loss. However, one must make sure that the treatment is availed only from suitably trained and certified Scalp Micropigmentation professionals. Getting a treatment done from an ill-trained professional can end up being your worst nightmare, both hygiene and aesthetics wise. In the wrong hands, it can give horrible results and then one has to undergo multiple sessions of LASER removal spread over many months, to clear the botched job. Only a properly trained Scalp Micropigmentation professional can suggest and execute highly customized treatment solutions.
How did you get into this field of Scalp Micropigmentation?
The journey has been long. After I left Chandigarh, in around 2013, I moved to Tamil Nadu and immersed myself in spiritual explorations through dedicated study and practice, along with a voracious creative writing spree for some years.
It was in 2016, that I moved to Pune and joined part-time at my colleague’s Medical aesthetics training institute as a faculty.
Down the line, in 2017, I took specialized International trainings in the field of cosmetic and restorative micro-pigmentation and soon started an Integral Micropigmentation centre – Dermakraft in Pune, which at that time, was India’s only dedicated cosmetic and restorative micro-pigmentation facility, offering Scalp Micropigmentation, Permanent Makeup and restorative Micropigmentation services. Since then, we have been able to establish some of India’s best known and trusted brands in the field. Thanks to the memory of the tree-laden lanes of Chandigarh, I chose one of the greenest estates in Pune for setting up the Dermakraft HQ.
What challenges can one expect in this field?
Though the field of Scalp Micropigmentation and Permanent makeup appears to be very flashy and glamorous, but, one must also know that to establish oneself in this field, one has to ensure enough dedication, hard work and a constant thirst for gaining knowledge and upgrading their skills. Even on date, I keep attending any worthy trainings from senior international trainers and as well attend the annual academic conferences in the field. Meeting of Minds, UK is the most popular annual conference in the field of Scalp Micropigmentation that provides a platform for healthy growth of the Industry worldwide and as well bestows awards to the best Scalp Micropigmentation professionals annually. I look forward to attending the next edition of Meeting of Minds, which is scheduled for June 2022 in Edinburgh.
How do you see the International Scenario versus the Indian Scenario?
In western countries, especially the USA and UK, Scalp Micropigmentation has been a thing for around 10 years or so. The ‘Shaved head Look’ that Scalp Micropigmentation promises has a high acceptance in the West. Otherwise too, many celebrities, TV personalities, sports persons etc. carry a real shaved head, with great pride.
While in India, there could be certain cultural aspects attached to that look, but thankfully the young crowd is now discovering the power of ‘Shaved head look’ and as a matter of fact many young people are looking at Scalp Micropigmentation as a preferred choice of treatment for their hair loss issues.There are very few dedicated Scalp Micropigmentation professionals in India on date, though many trichology and cosmetic clinics offer it as one of the services. As the demand further grows, more service providers will offer it as a dedicated service. We are efficiently geared up to provide professional guidance and quality training to the aspiring Scalp Micropigmentation professionals in India.
Any Plans to bring Scalp Micropigmentation to Chandigarh?
Absolutely yes, and why not? Chandigarh has always been dear to me. Having lived in numerous States and towns across India, I must confess that Chandigarh has a very special place in my heart, and this is the city where I absolutely feel at home. Already, with numerous inflowing queries for Scalp Micropigmentation, time is ripe for setting up a dedicated Micropigmentation centre in Chandigarh. We are open to explore Franchise/ partnership opportunities to replicate the successful model of our Integral Micropigmentation centre in the city of Chandigarh. Though times have been tough for everyone, during the COVID-19 lockdowns, and our business was no exception, we waded through it gracefully and are now all set to accept all the challenges and opportunities that may come our way.
Final word for those looking for Scalp Micropigmentation treatment?
That’s the most important part! Since there is not much awareness in the general public about this treatment in India at the moment, I would like to share some important pointers for those seeking the treatment. There are 3 essential criteria that one must look at, before going ahead with the Scalp Micropigmentation:
1. Opt for a duly trained and preferably, an experienced Scalp Micropigmentation professional.
2. Do have a look at the hygiene standards the service provider follows at the workplace. Safety is very important.
3. The Scalp Micropigmentation professional must be able to share images of his own sample works, rather than showing you some reference images from the internet.
If you stick to these criteria, it shall ensure that you get into the right hands for your treatment and will get to avail yourself a worthwhile transformative experience with Scalp Micropigmentation!
DISCLAIMER: This is a men’s health Public Awareness write-up and may not be construed as a medical advice or an advertisement in any way.
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