Androgenetic alopecia, known as male pattern baldness, is the most common cause of hair loss in men. Approximately 85% of men will experience this condition during their lifetime. Genetics are the main reason for making hair follicles on the scalp sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Over time, DHT causes these follicles to shrink, producing finer, weaker hairs until no visible hair is produced.
Typically, the hair loss pattern starts with a receding hairline, moves to thin at the crown, and eventually results in the whole top of the head losing hair.
What Causes Male Pattern Baldness?
The common causes of hair loss in men are genetics and male sex hormones, specifically androgens. These hormones aid various functions, including hair growth.
Each person's hair grows in a particular cycle. Men who lose hair have a weakened growth cycle. When the hair growth cycle is weak, follicles reduce in size over time. This causes men to experience gradual hair thinning and, eventually, complete hair loss.
What Causes Male Pattern Baldness?
The common causes of hair loss in men are genetics and male sex hormones, specifically androgens. These hormones aid various functions, including hair growth.
Each person's hair grows in a particular cycle. Men who lose hair have a weakened growth cycle. When the hair growth cycle is weak, follicles reduce in size over time. This causes men to experience gradual hair thinning and, eventually, complete hair loss.
How is Male Pattern Baldness Diagnosed and How Does it Influence Hair Loss?
To diagnose male pattern baldness, the specific pattern of hair loss affecting the hairline and crown is observed. Genetics and hormones play crucial roles in this and other hair conditions.
Stages of Male Pattern Baldness
To evaluate hair loss severity, the Hamilton-Norwood scale is used. Stage 1 is the least severe, and stage 7 indicates complete baldness on the top of the head. Patients in Norwood stages 1 to 3 typically have a mild to moderate receding hairline.
Norwood stages 4 to 5 involve severe hair loss at the front and marked thinning in the crown area. Stages 6 to 7 reflect near-total or total baldness on the top of the scalp.
Some rare variations of male pattern baldness include diffuse thinning of the entire scalp without affecting the hairline or hair loss confined to the crown area with no hairline recession.
Treatment For Male Pattern Hair Loss: Scalp Micropigmentation
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a non-invasive procedure designed to treat male-pattern baldness. It uses a particular tattooing technique on the scalp to create the appearance of hair follicles. SMP can provide a full head of hair for individuals, regardless of the extent of their hair loss.
Unlike hair transplantation, which is limited by the available donor hair grafts, SMP can stimulate hair growth and provide any level of hair density immediately, with no downtime required.
Zang SMP in Orange County uses plant-based, organic pigments applied to the scalp. These pigments replicate the appearance of hair follicles, resulting in a notable transformation. Instead of a bald head, SMP provides a buzzed hairstyle.
SMP for men avoids the need for surgery or a painful hair transplant. This option lets you achieve the look you want. If you’re dealing with a bald head you didn’t choose, we can assist. SMP gives you the hair to enhance your appearance.
SMP generally involves two to three sessions. For male-pattern hair loss, the first two treatments are scheduled a week apart. If a third treatment is necessary, it will be arranged 1 to 3 months later.
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Just finished my 3rd session with Walter, best investment ever. I've tried everything short of a hair transplant over the past ten years and eventually stumbled upon SMP. I searched and researched the best SMP practitioners in the country and then decided to call the folks at Zang. Ridwan expertly walked me through the whole procedure and answered all of my questions.
If you're comfortable with the buzz cut look, SMP is the only way to go. And the team at Zang SMP are the real deal, true artists.
Rick
As a female, I didn't want to leave a public review in fear of someone I know seeing it - but at the same time, I want everyone to know about the amazingness that Zang SMP is!!! As someone who struggled with severe postpartum hair loss and a receding hair line, I really thought I would be a slave to hair powders and fillers for life (if not a transplant) and that has all changed!! I cannot say enough wonderful things about the entire experience!! If you are female and hesitant to do this, DON'T BE!!! It will change your life!!! Huge thank you to Ridwan, Walter, and the rest of the guys at Zang!! Forever grateful!
Laura
I don't normally write reviews cause it's a waste of my time but I have to this time. Over the last 20 years, I've done 3 hair transplant procedures and I was not happy with the results. I started looking into SMP and call many places before I settled with ZangSMP. It's a bit more expensive but let me tell you, worth every pennies. After the 2nd time, everyone said there's no sign that I was ever bald. And what can I say about Walter. I couldn't thank him enough. He gave me the confident I needed and a new look in life. He's such a perfectionist and took the time to do it right and make sure I'm happy with the result. I even recommended my brother to give him a call.
Kevin
Thank u so much Walter and Ridd for your excellent customer service and I can't be any happier with the results. Walter is truly a master of his craft and he was able to hide my scar very well. I had gone to a different smp place before but wasnt happy with results. Zang Smp gave me the results I was looking for. There a reason why they have 5 stars on their reviews! Highly recommend!
Oliver
After 2 hair transplants and a botched smp I felt all hope was lost I wanted more density I researched looked into doing Smp.again After sailing across the sea lol I found Zang. They are master perfectionist artist that truly define what SMP is. Walter did mine. He never looses focus, addressed my concerns , and had an excellent game plan and will do the same for your individual case. I was so happy with the results it changed saved my life, and now I fell more of being the best version of me. You saved my Life! My many thanks love and gratitude to Zang -Johnny G
Johnny
These guys changed my life for the better. I have had alopecia for 10 years, wearing wigs and being generally uncomfortable. I was looking for a long-term solution to my alopecia and this was it. Ridwan is a delight to set things up with, and Walter has a real eye for the details. This is worth the money. A load has been lifted and I couldn’t be happier. My only regret is not coming here sooner!
Alex
Zang is THE most skilled and experienced SMP practitioner BY FAR. I have had multiple treatments with him to fill in the density in my hair and beard, and the results are amazing. People don't even believe I've had anything done until I show them my before/after pics. Zang is a great guy with an incredible attention to detail, and his work has restored my confidence big time. I really can't recommend him enough. 5 stars!
William
Here’s what you can expect:
01
Following your initial SMP treatment, the pigments will appear bolder due to their fresh application.
02
In just 24 hours, the pigments will take on a more settled and natural appearance.
03
Redness will disappear after 48 to 72 hours.
04
Once the settling phase is finished, your hair treatment will appear completely natural.
Benefits of SMP for Male Pattern Baldness in Orange County
01
You’ll Have Natural-Looking Hair
SMP delivers a completely natural hair look, allowing you to look great and healthy instead of facing male pattern balding. Feel confident stepping outside with SMP hair loss treatment.
02
Custom-Tailored Treatment
Acknowledging that each patient is different, we customize hair loss treatments to your needs. We adjust everything from hairline shape to pigment blending for a bespoke cropped, shaved head look.
03
Controlled Environment
Your safety is our highest priority. Our practitioners are skilled in the SMP procedure for male pattern hair loss, ensuring a safe and smooth experience. We also offer a four-day aftercare plan for effective recovery.
Get a personalized quote for your treatment with Zang SMP!
All consultations are always FREE. We offer in-person consultations, and virtual consultations through video call or phone call.
FAQ’s
What is Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)?
Scalp Micropigmentation is a non-surgical, hair restoration method of inserting organic plant-based pigment deposits through the dermal layer of the scalp. The pigment deposits replicate hair follicles and create the appearance of a full head of hair.
If you are completely bald we provide the 5 o’clock shadow look. If your hair is thinning or you are not satisfied with hair transplant surgery and require more density, SMP could be the solution you need.
What are the benefits of SMP?
SMP offers a non-invasive solution to increase visual hair density and is especially beneficial for individuals with alopecia areata and thinning hair. SMP enhances existing thinning hair densities, creating an illusion of fuller hair. Suitable for those with healthy normal skin, this technique provides a cosmetic alternative for those looking to restore their hair's appearance. It can also be an adjunct to hair restoration surgery, helping to camouflage scars or areas of previous hair density loss.
How many treatments do I need?
Scalp Micro Pigmentation is always done in a minimum of two treatments, both treatments one week apart. Reason being, we are working with your skin (the largest organ on the body) to accept our procedure; the human skin will reject some of the pigment immediately after the first treatment. We expect to see significant results after the first treatment but after the second treatment you will see more of a completion. There is a possibility of a third treatment 1-3 months after the second treatment where we add the finishing touches.
How long is each treatment?
Each session is 2-4 hours depending on the work at hand. The first treatment is typically the longest as we are constructing the hairline and putting in the foundational layer. Each subsequent treatment is typically shorter, although this can vary based on retention of previous treatments.
Who decides on the construction of the hairline?
There are factors that determine what hairline is suitable for you. We tailor the hairline to your individual features in order to create the most natural and appropriate result. We also account for your personal preferences, as there is a range of options for what can look natural on any given person.
I've already had 3 treatments, now what?
After following the initial after care instructions, sit back and enjoy the SMP treatment. We do offer a one year guarantee with our treatment plans so in case there is some lightening of the pigments, you have our guarantee that we will touch it up on us. After that, we will see you in a few years!
A "few years"? What does that mean exactly?
Typically with our clients we expect touch ups within the 5-8 years mark. This is a permanent procedure which will last forever, but there is normal wear and tear involved in the surface of the skin which causes it to lighten up over time.
What are the aftercare instructions?
It is crucial you follow our 4 day post-treatment instructions to prevent excessive fading and all forms of contamination. Essentially the instructions are no touching, washing, cutting, and no working out for the first 4 days. You can wear a hat immediately after each treatment. Don’t worry about sleeping on it, the pigment won’t smudge or smear on your pillows. See the PDF attached for the full aftercare instructions.
So I don't need to take time off from work?
Scalp Micropigmentation is non-invasive and nonsurgical. There is no downtime associated with it, you only need to follow the 4 day aftercare. Many of our clients come in for treatment and go back home on the same day, and start work again the following day.
Will people be able to tell I have the treatment done?
Initially after the first treatment the pigments will look bolder as they are freshly deposited. Overnight you will notice the pigments softening and settling down. As for the redness, it will disappear in 48-72 hours. Intensity of redness is based on sensitivity of the skin, but more or less clients will notice significantly less redness 48 hours after the first treatment. After the initial settling process is finished, your treatment will look completely natural.
Does it hurt?
For most clients who undergo SMP, the pain is not as intense as a traditional tattoo. Pain tolerance is case to case per client, but your health and safety is our priority. Our practitioners will ensure the process is as smooth as possible.
Do I need to keep the shaved look?
We will assess your hair loss during the consultation or via web assessment. Once we get an understanding of what class of hair loss you fall under, we provide a treatment plan with the style and look we recommend that would be optimal with our SMP procedure.
Clients classified as Norwood 6-7 hair loss need to maintain a shaved look due to the amount of coverage we have created on top of your head with SMP. As the hair on the back and sides keeps growing, the treatment will become more apparent as there is a visible contrast between your hair and the SMP. This is ultimately a permanent cosmetic procedure in which we are replicating hair follicles with pigmentation, which will never grow or create a 3D texture.
Adding density to an existing hairline and/or density to the crown is classified as a filler treatment. Good candidates for filler treatments are those who still have some hair around the area for us to blend the SMP in with.
Do you also do scar concealment?
Yes! Scalp Micropigmentation isn’t just for male pattern baldness. It is also used to conceal scars from previous surgeries or injuries. Both FUE and FUT transplant scars can be concealed with SMP.
Do I need to cut my hair before the SMP treatment?
If we are doing a filler treatment or scar concealment, we typically request our clients to come in with the shortest hair length they are going to keep, unless requested otherwise. If you have class 6 or 7 hair loss, you would need to shave your head before you come in for treatment and maintain it at that length.
What do I do for optimal maintenance?
We will provide suggestions for products to use to maintain your treatment. Please check the link to our products recommendation page.
Will it affect the treatment if I continue to shave my head?
You can shave your head every day and wash it as well, the treatment will not be damaged as it is in your epidermis layer. As a matter of fact, the majority of our clients who have this procedure shave every day!
How do I best protect my SMP from sunlight?
Overexposure to direct sunlight can cause the pigments to weaken, and overtime you will be damaging both the treatment and your scalp. Wear protective sunscreen or a hat whenever you are going out and expecting to be in direct sunlight for over an hour.
How much does it cost?
Cost for SMP is case by case, depending on the scale of hair loss and the amount of work needed. The first two treatments are one week apart with a possibility of a third treatment 1-3 months after the second. For scar concealments it is $800-$1000 per treatment. For class 2-4 hair loss it is $2400-$3400. Class 5-7 hair loss is $3400-$4200. Top of the scalp with scar concealment ranges from $4200-$5200 for 2-3 treatments.
When are the payments due?
There is a $400 booking deposit to secure your treatment dates with us. There is a typical wait time of 8 weeks for an appointment. We then split the payments 50/50 between the first two treatments. We do offer financing as well.
How do I get started?
Contact us at 310-425-4975 or at info@zangsmp.comand schedule your free consultation. We service many clients from around the world so instead of coming in, you can send us a photo of your scalp (top-down, birds eye view) and of your scar and we can schedule a phone consultation or Facetime/Skype video session.