It offers new hope to the follically challenged: a chance to replace your thinning locks without recourse to a rug, turfing out for tufts, or wishing for a weave.

A new treatment centre opening in Glasgow later this week claims to be the first in Scotland to offer pioneering scalp pigmentation - a non-surgical procedure that uses the most advanced cosmetic tattoo to create the illusion of a head of hair.

Originally from America, where it's recognised by the Food and Drugs Administration, the treatment is currently available only in England, where it's popular in London and Manchester.

Cost depends on the size of head, but prices start at £500, and 22 colour shades are on offer.

Video: how hair tattooing works

Vinci Hair Clinic has been set up by 28-year-old Scott McGaw, from Paisley, who knows how devastating premature hair loss can be, since his own hair started thinning at the crown when he was 24.

He said: "I would use a powder type substance known as nanofibres to cover up my hair loss. But when I went on holiday and wanted to do normal things like jump in the pool, I couldn't so I started looking for a more permanent solution."

He came across the usual options like hair plugs, made popular by Wayne Rooney, but it was scalp pigmentation treatment that took his interest.

He says it can be more uncomfortable due to the length of time it takes, and a local anaesthetic cream can be used if it is needed.

What the clinic won't do, however, is create unusual designs...like, for example, football logos.

McGaw said: "Glasgow is a city of culture and fashion - and many people are increasingly style conscious. While looking good is high on people's agenda, feeling self-assured is equally as important.

"As a young man working in the fashion industry my thinning hair caused me a lot of insecurities, especially since my line of work was strongly based on appearance value.

"Seeking help was one of the best things I did and I would like to encourage others to come forward and seek treatment in a supportive environment."

He added: "There is a massive number of guys who just don't know this treatment exists. If you were to ask 100 people in the street what the treatment is, the chances are most of them will probably not know."

His clinic is due to open in Ingram Street, Glasgow, on January 31.