Everyone craves a boost of confidence these days, especially with all the social media activity that’s not always avoidable. People want to be comfortable in their own skin – happy with their weight, excited about their hair, thriving in body art, and simply proud to rock their physical appearances. Sadly, it’s not always that simple. Life and genetic makeup can blast through walls of confidence really quickly, and while everyone is truly beautiful in their own way, some people just need reassurance more than others.
This is why SMP artist Taylor Perry often has clients sitting in the chair at his studio, shedding tears of joy at the sight of their new looks. It’s not hard to picture months and years of self-doubt and embarrassment over hair loss melting away, clearing the way for a brand new wave of self-love and excitement.
Based in Miami, Florida, Taylor Perry has risen through the ranks to be recognized as a pace-setting SMP specialist and aesthetician, trainer, and product creator. Scalp micropigmentation is a non-invasive scalp procedure performed with an electric tattoo device. It involves using specially mixed hues of color to pointedly create the illusions of depth and fullness in scanty scalps. SMP gained popularity in the early 2000s as a way to help people battling hair loss from natural balding, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and other conditions.
Perry’s love for hairstyling took roots at the age of seven when he was the neighborhood kid giving his peers haircuts, cool fades, and stylish looks.
“I’ve been professionally cutting hair since I was 15 years old,” Perry recalls. “Being a barber and a tattoo artist are two things I’ve been doing almost as long as I’ve been alive. When I first learned about SMP, I instantly fell in love. I knew this was not only something I could do but something I could be amazing at. I’ve basically been practicing to become an SMP artist my entire life.”
Now the founder and CEO of Taylor Perry Studios, Perry spends most of his days working on everyone from high-profile NBA celebrities and coaches to professional fighters and regular people.
Is Scalp Micropigmentation a reliable option?
Balding in men varies according to age and race, but most men may begin to see uncomfortable signs of hair loss from their early thirties. For some, male pattern baldness may start as early as their teens or twenties, and it often triggers a lifetime of seeking solutions such as hair implantation, topical medication, and artificial hair options.
Scalp micropigmentation is a low-risk procedure that offers the illusion of a head full of low-cut hair. Experts in the field believe that one perfectly-executed procedure can last five to ten years before needing a touch-up. It’s not the same as a tattoo procedure because tattoo ink penetrates deeper into the skin layers and requires larger needle sizes.
Also, SMP is considered less painful because the aesthetician is required to numb the scalp with a mild anesthetic. For aftercare, clients are usually required to avoid sunlight and direct heat for 28 days, and they must ensure to use sunscreen afterward.
Suitable for all skin tones and hair types, SMP is a permanent solution that cuts out the emotional stress of battling a hair loss journey. Choosing a certified professional aesthetician and studio for your procedure usually covers most of the preparatory activity required.
Training a generation of SMP artists
Perry is committed to safeguarding the future of SMP by teaching his craft to upcoming aestheticians in the field. He considers it an important role to play as a respected figure to ensure that their SMP artists are well-versed in every aspect of the procedure, starting from safety and product quality to finesse and aftercare.
Perry offers the full weight of his SMP training course at the annual Connecticut Barber Expo (CT Barber Expo), coming up this year between the 14th and 16th of May. He helps thousands of entrepreneurs in the SMP space understand the delicacy of the procedure and identify great products and working tools.
“As a leader in the space, I have also made it my duty to give back,” Perry says. “I started my own premium brand of SMP products that are perfect for anyone from new technicians who are just starting out to seasoned artists that have a few years under their belt. The products include SMP needles, aftercare serum, and antiseptic foam. I knew these products were necessary in the industry because the products we used that were for tattooing were lower quality and subpar to what should be the industry standard.”
Inspired by family
With over 53,000 Instagram followers as of 2022, Taylor Perry Studios has garnered a reputation as a leading SMP establishment and top-rated barbing salon.
A family-oriented man, Perry says his children are his daily source of motivation and a constant reminder of his future goals and plans.
“My number one priority will always be my family,” says Perry. “I have two beautiful children, a 7-year-old son, and a 6-year-old daughter, and I like to be around them and spend as much time with them as possible. This is all for them at the end of the day. I want to provide them with every single opportunity I didn’t have growing up. They are pretty young now, but cellphones, cars, and college aren’t very far away. I want to get them everything they need.”
Perry believes in doing his part to contribute to the wellbeing of his community by giving back through his craft.
“I consistently participate in local causes such as Buzz Box which offers free haircuts for low-income kids throughout the Florida area. We try and consistently do this project every year before school starts back up and with COVID soon coming to an end, it is a cause I hope to keep going consistently.”
