A Warwickshire start-up business is looking to make the cut with an alternative to hair transplants after launching a Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) studio.
SMP artist Rudyard Stallard, 19, from Langley in south Warwickshire, has launched RJSSMP at the new Space Business Centre Warwick to provide men and women with a less invasive and more affordable alternative to hair transplants, to improve the appearance of bald patches and thinning hair.
Rudyard describes the treatment as a long-lasting, subtle alternative to hair transplants. He treats people at all stages of hair loss, using specialist equipment to inject pigment into the top layer of the dermis.
Rudyard said that he discovered his creative side during school and that Space Warwick, which is operated by property company AC Lloyd, is providing an outlet for him to give self-employment a go.
Units at the 35,000 sq ft site can support a wide variety of uses, from light industrial spaces and workshops to offices and storage, and are available on a 30-day rolling agreement with no service charge or legal fees.
Rudyard said: “After I completed the SMP training course, I began looking for places to set up my own studio. Warwickshire is a great location but I found that long leases were not really compatible with such a new venture, so Space Warwick is a brilliant solution and provides everything I need without the massive commitment.”
Discussing the treatment, he said: “The treatment uses a mixture of distilled water and specialised ink without the metals you find in tattoo ink and is designed to give the appearance almost like a five o’clock shadow.
“SMP is virtually pain free as the needle goes just below the top layer of the skin. We find the right colour blend for the client’s hair and skin, so each procedure is tailor-made for the client.
“It’s common for people who have had hair transplants to go on to have SMP for density or scar treatment, but our goal is to reach people before they have the transplant procedure.
“SMP is a permanent procedure, that may require top-ups after 2-3 years to obtain the desired look again and we charge a reduced fee for clients that had the initial treatment from us.”
Space Business Centre Warwick opened in March and is comprised of 61 units ranging from 285 sq ft to 840 sq ft, with two facility blocks containing a kitchen, toilets and shower room, as well as allocated parking, 12 electric car charging points, solar panels on some of the roofs and a cycle shelter.
Kat Skerry, Site Manager at Space Business Centre Warwick, said: “We are already seeing a wide variety of businesses setting up at Space Warwick in its first month, and Rudyard’s SMP studio is a fantastic addition.”