Norwood 7... better to have it cut off?

[Stu50]

I've got Norwood 7 pattern baldness which I've been told is not suitable for a hair transplant and, to be honest, the cost of one would be pushing it for me anyway. I know there are plenty of people who say shave it off and embrace it but I have it extremely short anyway and when I look in the mirror I just don't like what I see... baldness just doesn't suit me. When I first read about scalp micropigmentation it obviously piqued my curiosity, especially with the cost compared to a transplant. My main question is should I keep the thin band of hair I have if I went for the treatment or is it better to have it cut off and go for all-over pigmentation? I'm 50 and the hair loss has stabilised for a few years now so it doesn't look like anything will change. Probably my main concern though is the colour which is a mixture of grey and flecks of white. Preferably I'd like something darker. Any thoughts?

 

[Stev11]

Do you have any pictures to share with us?

 

[Stu50]

 

[Stev11]

Have you had any consultations so far with any clinics to discuss expectations?

 

[Stu50]

Only in terms of transplant. Sent photos to two clinics a few months ago and both said there wasn't enough hair for a transplant.

 

[Philw]

No no to a hair transplant u will look worse u will just get a puff of hair comb over
2 options only hair system ie wig look really good now but matanience pain in the arse
Or smp shave off zero guard have a subtle soft light density of smp all over

 

[Stev11]

Depends what your expectations are to be honest. Worth having different options on the table and decide what you feel is best

 

[Stu50]

I gave up on the transplant idea after the feedback from the clinics.
Had considered hair system but, as Philw mentioned, the maintenance would be a pain.
Seems SMP is probably only option. Would probably want to see someone who's had it done in person rather than just photos though.

 

[Bigmac]

If you did have a HT using scalp and body hair I’m doubtful you’d get a result you’ll be happy with. Have you tried shaving everything down to see if you like the look? Otherwise, as Phil mentions, SMP is an option.
Reach out to a few providers and ask them for patients you can speak to or meet.
Best of luck.

 

[Stu50]

I've taken it down to 1/2 on the clippers so have a fairly good idea of what it might look like all off. I should really go for it because when I see photos like the ones above I suddenly realise how awful it looks. You don't tend to notice when you look straight ahead in a mirror. SMP is definitely something I'm going to look more into though.

 

[Bigmac]

If you’re wishing to have it in the UK give clinics such as Brandwood an email. There’s also the temporary option offered by a few. If you don’t have your top ups it eventually fades away. This way, if you don’t like it, you don’t require laser treatment to remove it. Take your time researching the various providers.