Ahead Ink

Ahead Ink focuses only on scalp micropigmentation (SMP). Its two services are Shaved Look, a treatment that creates the look of full, freshly shaved hair, and Scar Camouflage, which conceals scarring from FUE, FUT and older plug hair transplants as well as accident and other surgical scars. The clinic treats one client at a time and says it serves clients traveling from California and Europe. It is located near Newark, LaGuardia and JFK airports, according to the business.

Shaved Look hairlines are designed around each client's needs, lifestyle, occupation and age. The design can be soft and broken-up, or an edge-up or line-up style. The same treatment can also reduce the horseshoe pattern in the crown, add density to thinning areas, and reshape a hairline and add density after a hair transplant. Scar Camouflage uses microdots blended into the scar and the surrounding scalp. Prices depend on the Norwood level for Shaved Look, and FUE and strip camouflage usually need coverage across the entire donor zone. Scar Camouflage is usually charged by the hour, and a strip scar camouflage cost is given as $750 to $1,200 on average.

A visit begins with a free consultation, which can be done by email, phone, video conference or in person. Virtual consultations include an assessment from photos, a suggested plan, pricing and written notes. In-person consultations include mock hairline designs. The business says it does not pressure clients to book. Each session lasts 2 to 5 hours. Most clients have two sessions on consecutive days, followed by a touch-up 2 to 6 weeks later, and many need only one session for a touch-up. Before a full treatment, clients receive a test patch to confirm the pigment holds. Discomfort ranges from almost none to a slight stinging feeling, depending on the area. Clients may choose their own music and take breaks, and they can return to normal activities right after the procedure. They are advised to avoid direct sunlight, heavy sweating and chlorine for three to five days, and each client receives written aftercare instructions and an aftercare kit.

The clinic uses Beauty Medical products and a Beauty Medical machine that places pigment at a depth of 0.5 mm. Its equipment and pigments match those used at Milena Lardi's clinic in Milan. Scalp micropigmentation is non-permanent and fades over time, at a rate that depends on skin type, lifestyle and sun or water exposure. Shaved Look packages cover all three sessions for one package price. Deposits are non-refundable and are deducted from the amount due on the day of the appointment. Appointments can be rescheduled with at least 48 hours notice, and a deposit can be moved to a new appointment once. Payment plans are offered. Prices are listed as estimates for 2025/2026, and actual pricing is given after a free consultation. The clinic says its Shaved Look gallery includes clients aged 19 to 70 with a range of skin tones and Norwood levels. Its Google rating is listed as excellent, based on 97 reviews.

Ahead Ink treats one client at a time and designs each Shaved Look hairline around the individual, with a free consultation before any pricing is given. Erik Cavagnuolo has said a successful Shaved Look result should look subtle yet clearly improved, so that people notice a better look without noticing SMP.

The business describes its clinic as clean, relaxing, private and modern.