Written by
Nahim Ali
When I founded Team Micro back in 2015, I never imagined I’d be writing about a colleague’s seven-year struggle with botched scalp micropigmentation (SMP). But here I am, sharing Nahim Ali’s story—a tale that’s equal parts cautionary and inspiring.
For those unfamiliar, SMP is a cosmetic tattooing technique that creates the illusion of a closely shaved head. It’s a godsend for many battling hair loss, but as Nahim’s journey proves, it can also be a nightmare when done incorrectly.
Before we dive in, let me set the stage: It’s 2023, and I’m sitting in Craig Bottomley-High’s clinic at Scalp Micro UK. Nahim is grinning at his reflection, his scalp finally looking natural after years of frustration. But the road to this moment was long and painful—a journey that underscores why choosing the right SMP artist isn’t just important, it’s everything.
Nahim was 16 when he first noticed his hairline receding. Like many guys his age, he initially tried to ignore it before seeking the help of a hair transplant surgeon. Thankfully he decided against the surgical route, and found brief solace in Toppik concealers.
Unfortunately Toppik didn’t really work. In fact he hated using it.
Toppik was really bad. It was messy, really inconvenient to use, and applying the powders didn’t exactly make me feel good. I felt like I was living a lie. Every gust of wind, every rainy day… I was paranoid someone would notice.
That’s when he stumbled upon SMP. The before-and-after photos online were incredible. Men with shiny bald heads with what looked like perfectly buzzed hair. It seemed too good to be true.
And for Nahim, it was.
In his eagerness to find a solution, Nahim made a critical mistake: he chose the cheapest option he could find. In fact, his procedure was free. A permanent makeup artist in Liverpool was looking for models for her new SMP service. Nahim thought he’d caught a lucky break and signed up for the opportunity.
I thought, “It’s just dots on my head. How hard can it be?” I really wish I knew then what I know now.
The artist he found was working out of a small tattoo shop. Not a problem in itself, but when Nahim arrived and realized there would be no trainer supervision, he started to feel nervous about what he’d signed up for. But, he was there, and desperate for a hairline, he went through with it.
I’ve seen a lot of bad SMP in my years running Team Micro, but the photos Nahim showed me from that day in 2016 still make me wince. Here’s what went wrong:
Oversized Dots: The replicated dots looked nothing like natural hair follicles.
Excessive Pressure: SMP should be a relatively gentle process. But Nahim described it as feeling like “someone was trying to drill into my skull.” The excessive pressure caused bleeding—a clear sign something was very wrong.
Uneven Application: The artist didn’t account for the natural curvature of Nahim’s head, resulting in patchy areas and an unnatural hairline.
Wrong Pigment: The ink used was too dark for Nahim’s skin tone, creating a stark, artificial look.
No Aftercare Plan: After the torturous session, Nahim was handed a generic tattoo aftercare leaflet and sent on his way. No follow-up appointment, no specific SMP care instructions.
His scalp was red, swollen, and dotted with what looked like large black sesame seeds. Blood had trickled down the back of his neck during the procedure—something that should never happen with proper SMP.
When I looked in the mirror, I wanted to vomit. I went from being self-conscious about my thinning hair to being mortified by my entire head
The artist assured him it would “heal lighter” and “blend in.” But as the days passed and the swelling subsided, the reality set in: Nahim’s scalp looked worse than before.
The next few months were dark for Nahim. His confidence, already shaky from hair loss, plummeted to an all-time low.
After a while though, Naz accepted his situation. He was happier with some kind of hairline, even if it looked nothing like it should have done. At the time he didn’t have much awareness of what high quality SMP looked like, so he wasn’t as upset about his result as perhaps he should have been.
This experience had a silver lining, too. It pushed Nahim to research extensively, trying to understand what had gone wrong and if there was any way to fix it.
After months of hiding, Nahim stumbled upon a potential solution. A well-known permanent makeup artist (who we cannot name) claimed she could “neutralize” the dark, oversized dots using flesh-toned pigment.
The theory seemed sound: lighter pigment could camouflage the dark spots, creating a more natural blend. Nahim, desperate for any improvement, booked an appointment immediately.
Here’s where things went from bad to worse. The artist used a pigment containing titanium dioxide (TiO2), a common whitening agent in cosmetics and tattoo inks. Unfortunately, titanium dioxide can cause many problems down the line including:
Oxidation: TiO2 can oxidize over time, especially when exposed to UV light. This means the pigment can shift color, often turning a grayish or yellowish hue.
Laser Removal Complications: TiO2 makes future laser removal extremely difficult. When hit with laser light, it can actually darken instead of breaking down.
Migration: TiO2 particles are known to migrate in the skin, potentially causing uneven coloration over time.
Initially, Nahim was cautiously optimistic. The flesh-toned pigment did seem to soften the stark contrast of the original dots. “For about two weeks, I thought we’d cracked it,” he told me. “The dots were still visible, but they didn’t scream ‘bad tattoo’ anymore.”
Still looking for a better long term solution, Nahim began reaching out to SMP forums and groups online. He posted photos, shared his story, and asked for help. The responses were a mix of sympathy and shock.
It was through these forums that Nahim first learned about the dangers of titanium dioxide in scalp micropigmentation. He also discovered that his experience, while extreme, wasn’t unique. Others had fallen into similar traps, lured by promises of quick fixes.
“I felt like an idiot,” Nahim admitted. “But I also felt less alone. There were people out there who understood what I was going through.”
This online community would prove to be a lifeline for Nahim in the years to come, offering support, advice, and eventually, pointing him towards legitimate solutions.
Through the SMP forums, Nahim was introduced to Maya Khan, an SMP artist known for her corrective work. Maya had built a reputation for tackling complex cases, and after seeing Nahim’s photos, she agreed to take on his case.
“Meeting Maya was the first time I felt like a professional truly understood the gravity of my situation,” Nahim told me. “She didn’t promise miracles, but she offered a plan.”
Maya’s initial assessment was sobering but honest:
The original SMP dots were too large and unevenly distributed.
The titanium dioxide had indeed caused discoloration, creating a patchy, grayish undertone.
Complete removal would be ideal, but given Nahim’s darker skin tone, laser removal carried risks.
Maya proposed a careful camouflage technique. Her plan:
Use high-quality, carbon black pigments to add subtle shading around the existing dots.
Gradually build up density in the less affected areas to create a more even appearance.
Slightly darken the overall tone to minimize the contrast of the discolored patches.
Over three sessions, Maya meticulously worked on Nahim’s scalp. Each session lasted about four hours, with Maya pausing frequently to assess her progress under different lighting conditions.
“It was tedious,” Nahim recalled. “But for the first time, I felt like someone was treating my scalp with the care it deserved.”
After the final session, there was a noticeable improvement:
Positive Changes:
The stark contrast between the original dots and Nahim’s skin tone was softened.
From a distance, his scalp looked more uniform.
The yellowish tint from the titanium dioxide was less prominent.
Lingering Issues:
Up close, the texture remained uneven.
In bright sunlight, the patchiness was still visible.
The hairline still looked somewhat unnatural due to the original poor placement.
Nahim’s reaction was complex. Maya herself was candid about the limitations of her work. “She told me, ‘Nahim, I can keep layering, but you’ll never truly love this until we get rid of the old pigment,'” he recalled.
I was grateful to Maya. She had definitely improved things. But it was also a wake-up call. I realized that no amount of camouflage could fully fix what had been done.
This experience with Maya marked a crucial shift in Nahim’s journey. It showed him that there were skilled, ethical artists in the SMP world. But it also forced him to confront a hard truth: real improvement would require starting from scratch.
“It was like renovating a house,” Nahim mused. “Maya had done great work with the interior, but the foundation was still crumbling. We needed to tear it down and rebuild.”
With Maya’s encouragement, Nahim began to seriously consider laser removal. It was a daunting prospect, especially given the risks associated with his skin tone. But for the first time in years, he felt a glimmer of hope that he might one day have a scalp he wasn’t ashamed of.
“Maya’s work gave me breathing room,” Nahim explained. “I didn’t love how I looked, but I could worry a little less at least. And that gave me the strength to consider more drastic solutions.”
It took Nahim nearly four years to build up the courage to pursue laser removal. During this time, he became an active member of online SMP communities, sharing his story and learning from others who had undergone removal.
“Those forums became my support group,” Nahim said. “Hearing success stories gave me hope, but the horror stories reminded me to be cautious.”
Laser removal for darker skin tones is notoriously tricky. The laser must be powerful enough to break down the pigment but gentle enough not to damage the surrounding melanin. After extensive research and consultations, Nahim chose Mike at Mike Lee Laser, a specialist known for his work with diverse skin types.
Before beginning treatment, Mike laid out the potential complications:
Hypopigmentation: The laser could potentially remove natural skin pigment, leaving light patches.
Scarring: Improper settings could cause burns or textural changes.
Incomplete Removal: The titanium dioxide could resist complete removal.
Extended Recovery: Darker skin often requires more healing time between sessions.
Nahim’s removal process spanned 10 grueling sessions over 18 months. Here’s a breakdown:
Sessions 1-3: Cautious Beginnings
Mike used a Nd:YAG laser, which is safer for darker skin.
Low settings were used to test Nahim’s skin reaction.
Pain level: “Like a sizzling on my scalp,” Nahim described.
Results: Minimal fading, but no adverse reactions.
Sessions 4-7: Intensifying the Treatment
Laser settings were gradually increased.
Focus on breaking down the titanium dioxide patches.
Pain level: “Imagine the worst sunburn of your life, then multiply it,” Nahim winced.
Results: Noticeable fading, but with significant swelling and some blistering.
Sessions 8-10: The Final Push
Maximum safe settings for Nahim’s skin type.
Targeted approach to stubborn areas.
Pain level: “I won’t lie, I struggled during the last session,” Nahim admitted.
Results: Approximately 90% of the original pigment removed.
Each session left Nahim’s scalp raw and sensitive. Recovery typically involved:
3-4 days of redness and swelling
1-2 weeks of peeling and flaking
Up to a month of heightened sun sensitivity
“I was looking bald again,” Nahim said. “But this time, it felt like I was healing, not hiding.”
After the 10th session, Nahim’s scalp was nearly clear of the old pigment. Some faint shadows remained, particularly where the titanium dioxide had been used, but the transformation was remarkable.
“Looking in the mirror was surreal,” Nahim said. “For the first time in six years, I saw my scalp, not someone’s botched work.”
Nahim’s laser journey taught him valuable lessons:
Patience is crucial: Quick fixes often lead to more problems.
Research is non-negotiable: Understanding the process helped him manage expectations.
Support matters: The online SMP community provided crucial emotional backing.
Expertise is worth the cost: Mike’s specialized knowledge made a complex process safer and more effective.
With his scalp finally clear, Nahim faced a new dilemma: should he try SMP again, or embrace his natural look? After much soul-searching and discussions with his online support network, he decided to give SMP one last chance.
But this time, he was determined to work with the best he could find.
Craig Bottomley-High isn’t just an SMP artist; he’s a pioneer in the field. With over 15 years of experience and more than 3,000 procedures under his belt, Craig has earned a reputation as the “Mr Scalp.” His expertise in density, hairline design, and skin tone matching is hard to beat.
When I heard Craig was willing to take on my case, I felt like I’d won the lottery. His portfolio is amazing and I was confident we had found our guy.
Craig’s approach to Nahim’s case was methodical and comprehensive: Craig spent over an hour discussing Nahim’s journey, examining photos from each stage of his ordeal. Recognizing the emotional toll of Nahim’s experience, Craig discussed expectations and concerns in depth.
“It wasn’t just about the technical aspects,” Nahim explained. “Craig really listened to what I wanted and helped me understand what was realistically achievable.”
The first session lasted nearly four hours. Here’s how it unfolded:
Hairline Design: Craig spent 20 minutes mapping out a natural-looking hairline that complemented Nahim’s facial features.
Feathering Technique: To avoid the harsh edges of Nahim’s previous SMP, Craig used an ultra-fine needle to create a soft, graduated hairline.
Density Building: Working in small sections, Craig began creating the illusion of hair follicles, focusing on achieving a natural distribution pattern.
Color Layering: Multiple pigment shades were used to add depth and dimension, mimicking the natural variation in hair color.
“The level of detail was incredible,” Nahim recalled. “Craig would step back every few minutes, examining his work from different angles to make sure everything was perfect.”
After the first session, Nahim faced a challenging few weeks of healing. Unlike his previous experiences, Craig provided a detailed aftercare regimen:
Specialized antimicrobial sprays
Strict instructions on washing and moisturizing
Daily progress photos to be sent to Craig for monitoring
The healing process was night and day compared to my first SMP. There was minimal scabbing, and the color settled really well.
Two weeks later, Nahim returned for his second and final session. Craig’s focus this time was on adding dots to create a fuller, more natural-looking result, ensuring seamless integration with Nahim’s existing hair and adjusting any areas that had healed lighter or darker than expected.
When Craig finally handed Nahim the mirror, he could barely believe what he saw. For the first time in seven years, he recognized the man looking back at him. It was a glorious moment for Nahim, and for Craig.
The transformation was remarkable:
A natural-looking, age-appropriate hairline
Subtle variations in dot size and color, mimicking real hair follicles
Seamless blending with Nahim’s existing hair
No signs of the previous botched work
Watching Nahim’s transformation inspired me to book my own session with Craig. My original SMP, done by Simon Lane in 2014 with a top-up in 2017, had served me well but was due for a refresh.
Craig’s approach to my top-up was equally meticulous:
He carefully matched the new pigment to my faded SMP
Used a feathering technique to soften my hairline
Added density to areas that had lost definition over time
In just two hours, Craig had restored the crispness and definition of my original SMP. The result was subtle yet transformative – exactly what a good SMP should be.
For Nahim, the physical transformation was just part of the story. “It’s hard to explain how much this has changed my life,” he said. “I’m not constantly thinking about my scalp anymore. I can focus on living.”
The boost in confidence was immediate and profound. Working for Team Micro, he spoke with clients, suppliers and the public with more passion than before. It’s like he finally understood what SMP can really do in the right hands.
Research is Non-Negotiable:
Look for artists with extensive portfolios specifically in SMP (not just general tattooing).
Read reviews, but be wary of fake ones. Look for detailed, long-term feedback.
Check for proper certifications and ongoing training.
Understand the Pigments:
Always ask about the specific pigments used.
Avoid any artist who uses inks containing titanium dioxide.
Inquire about the pigments’ behavior over time and their compatibility with potential future removal.
Prioritize Expertise Over Price:
The cheapest option is rarely the best when it comes to permanent cosmetic procedures.
Consider the potential long-term costs of corrective work.
Expect a Thorough Consultation:
A reputable artist will spend significant time discussing your goals, examining your scalp, and explaining the process.
Be wary of anyone rushing to book you in without proper assessment.
Aftercare is Crucial:
Proper healing can make or break the final result.
Ensure your artist provides detailed, personalized aftercare instructions.
Consider Future-Proofing:
Discuss how the SMP might age and what future touch-ups might be needed.
Understand your options if you decide to remove or alter the SMP later.
Nahim’s journey from SMP victim to empowered advocate is a testament to resilience, the importance of expertise, and the transformative power of doing things right.
As for me, witnessing Nahim’s transformation and experiencing Craig’s artistry firsthand has reinvigorated my passion for the SMP industry. It’s a powerful reminder of why I started Team Micro: to connect people with true artists who can change lives, one scalp at a time.
The road to Nahim’s redemption was long and painful, but the destination proved worth the journey. His story is not just about hair – it’s about reclaiming confidence, advocating for oneself, and the profound impact of skilled, ethical practitioners in the beauty industry.
As we look to the future, both Nahim and I are committed to raising the bar in the SMP world. Through education, advocacy, and sharing stories like this, we hope to ensure that SMP continues to evolve as an art form and a life-changing solution for those struggling with hair loss.
Remember: Your scalp is a canvas, and you deserve nothing less than a masterpiece. Choose wisely, research thoroughly, and never settle for less than excellence. Your future self will thank you.
