Scalp Micropigmentation (or "SMP") is a specifically designed and modified form of tattooing that is applied to the scalp to give the appearance of hair follicles – helping to bring confidence to men and women who have experienced all types of hair loss.
Zang SMP has the most expertly-skilled and experienced practitioners in the Scalp Micropigmentation industry. Our track record is second to none. Talk to us and see why Zang SMP is where men and women go for the highest quality SMP treatments in Orange County. Contact us today.
Stop fooling around with itchy powders, creams, pastes, hair pieces, hats, and every other antiquated, faulty hair loss cover-up.
All consultations are always FREE. We offer in-person consultations, and virtual consultations through video call or phone call.
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.com and 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.
