Seen At 11: Bald Men Turn To Ink Procedure Known As Micropigmentation

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Some bald men are finding a permanent cure for their embarrassment.

As CBS 2's Maurice DuBois reported, the men are turning to a procedure called "micropigmentation," which is similar to getting a tattoo.

The process uses a small three-point needle to create the look of a closely shaved head. It is becoming popular among Hollywood celebrities such as Bruce Willis, Vin Diesel, Jason Statham and Pitbull.

"It's an ink we apply to the head to make it look like men have hair," said Julissa Rosado of His Hair Clinic.

Tattoo artists apply small dots to the scalp in a pattern that re-creates the look of lost hair.

"We are poking little dots to match your hair follicles," Rosado explained.

"First thing we do is mark the head with a pencil before we make it permanent," said Orian Barzily, a micropigmentation practitioner.

It usually takes two to three treatments to fill in the scalp for a natural, close-cropped look. The cost for micropigmentation ranges from $1,600 to $5,000.

Anthony Castilgi, a client, said micropigmentation has changed his life.

"I wanted to look at myself ... to feel confident and not hate what I see in the mirror," he said.

Another customer, who wanted to remain anonymous, said he tried everything to stop his hair loss.

"I've been through ... doing rollers on your head with the needles to get some hair to grow," he said. "I've done Rogaine. I've done Propecia. I've gone every single route."

Now he's relieved to be getting the the look of his hairline back.

"You look at the hero, always shaved head, and that's what the girls like," he said. "That's what I like."

Before Barzily was a practitioner, he had the procedure, too.

"I've gone through four hair transplants," he said. "Over $30,000 down the drain on procedures that didn't take. This is the only thing that worked. Before that, I lived under a hat. Now my hats decorate my walls."

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