Scalp Micropigmentation Houston (SMP)

It's a non-invasive procedure in which plant-based pigments are inserted into the skin's dermis along the surface of the scalp, replicating the look of hair follicles to achieve the appearance of a full head of hair. For clients who are totally bald, SMP will give your scalp the appearance of a five o'clock shadow. If you are dealing with thinning hair or you are unhappy with the results of hair transplants and other ineffective methods for regrowing hair, SMP can restore the density that you have been missing.

SMP treatments are typically administered at a minimum of two sessions, each treatment performed one week apart from the other. This is due to the fact that your skin will often reject some portion of the pigments almost immediately after the first treatment has been completed. Although you will notice results after that first treatment, the second treatment is when you will see the real difference. Some clients may require a third treatment to achieve the expected results. This additional treatment is typically administered approximately one to three months after the second treatment has been performed.

Each scalp micropigmentation treatment can be two to four hours in length depending on how much work is necessary to achieve the desired results. The initial treatment will usually take a bit longer than the second as the hairline is constructed and the foundational layer applied to the scalp. The second and third (if necessary) treatments are usually shorter but there is no way to determine the length of time for the second and third treatments until your practitioner can see how much of the pigment has been retained in your skin.

Although your practitioner will review the various factors and guidelines that will help determine the hairline that fits best with your unique features in order to reach a natural-looking result, you ultimately decide on the construction of the hairline. There is often more than one option to achieve a natural appearance on a client and your particular preferences should always be made known at the time of the first treatment.

If you have followed the after-care instructions proceeding your SMP treatments, there isn't much else to do but marvel at your appearance in the mirror. All of our treatment plans are backed by a one-year guarantee. In the unlikely event the pigments start to fade or appear lighter than usual, we will perform a touch-up session to restore the natural look of the SMP treatments. Outside of that, you won't need to come back for any further touch-up treatment sessions for a few years.

The average length of time we see clients return for touch-up sessions is usually five to eight years from the time the third treatment is administered. While scalp micropigmentation is a permanent application to your skin, you should expect normal wear and tear of the skin to cause fading or lightening of the pigments as time goes on.

These are strict directions that must be followed in order to ensure the best possible results from your SMP treatments. If you fail to follow these instructions over the prescribed four day post-treatment period, you risk damaging the pigments and contaminating the scalp. The instructions are simple and straightforward, you should not touch the scalp, wash or cut your hair, or participate in any workouts. Wearing a hat is permitted right after the procedure has been performed, if you wish. Sleeping won't be affected, nor do you need to take any precautions to avoid smudging or smearing the pigment.

Please see the attached PDF to review the after-care instructions.

Download: Mid-Treatment Advice

Since scalp micropigmentation is a non-invasive, non-surgical method for addressing hair loss, there is no downtime necessary. You need only to follow the after-care instructions that your practitioner will give you at the time your treatments are performed. Many clients will book a treatment session and return home that same day and go to work the day after.

Upon completion of the first treatment, the pigments tend to appear darker and bolder since they have just been implanted into your scalp. But once the pigments have fully settled, you will notice some softening and the treatment will appear more natural-looking. Some clients may experience redness on the scalp but this typically fades after 48 to 72 hours depending on the sensitivity of your skin and the complexity of the treatment needed.

Overall, it depends on the client. Each client is different, some have a higher pain tolerance than others. But we strive to ensure the highest health and safety standards possible, so please review your concerns and discuss options for reducing pain or discomfort with your practitioner before the procedure begins.

Your practitioner will examine your hair loss during the initial consultation or online assessment and determine your classification on the Norwood Scale. From there, a treatment plan that fits your style and look will be developed and your scalp micropigmentation sessions will be booked.

If you fall under the Norwood 6-7 classification of hair loss you will need to keep your head shaved due to the amount of SMP coverage that will be required on your scalp. The reason being that, when the hair comes in along the back and the sides of your head, there will be a stark difference in the look and texture of your hair and the SMP treatments.

Scalp micropigmentation is a permanent procedure with a two-dimensional aesthetic, best suited for adding density to an existing hairline or crown of the scalp as a filler treatment. Your existing hair has a three-dimensional texture and there will be a recognizable contrast between regrown hair and visible scalp. The only way to avoid this contrast is by keeping your head shaved.

Yes, scalp micropigmentation can also be an effective solution for concealing scars due to surgery or injury. Many of our clients have sought out SMP treatments to hide the scars from FUE and FUT transplants.

Clients who are requesting filler treatments or scar concealment will need to cut their hair to the shortest possible length at which they feel comfortable with their appearance, unless requested to do otherwise. Clients who have been categorized with a Norwood 6-7 classification for hair will be required to shave their head in preparation for SMP treatments.

Your practitioner will review the various products available for maintaining the condition of your SMP treatments and recommend the best maintenance regimen for you. Please take a look at our Product Recommendation Page for more information.

No, you will not damage or impact the treatments if you shave your head daily. Washing your scalp won't affect the treatments either as the pigments are firmly implanted in the epidermis layer. In fact, most of our clients shave every day without worry or fear of damage to their treatments.

Direct sunlight can weaken and fade the pigments, causing damage to your scalp micropigmentation treatments and your skin. There are many choices available for keeping your scalp protected, but we suggest applying a strong SPF sunscreen or wearing a hat when you are going to be exposed to direct sunlight for any extended length of time.

The cost of treatment is determined on a case by case basis as the number of treatments and amount of work necessary for addressing hair loss are contributing factors to the cost. But the average costs for treatments are as follows:

SMP treatments for scar concealment can run approximately $800-$1000 per treatment. Norwood Class 2-4 hair loss is $2400-$3400, Class 5-7 is $3400-$4200, and crown of the scalp treatment with scar concealment can run about $4200-$5200 for two to three treatments.

We ask clients to put down a $400 deposit at the time of booking as a security for your treatment dates. You can expect a wait time of around eight weeks for an available appointment. The payments are split up 50/50 between the two treatments. Ask about our financing options.

Call us at 310-425-4975 or email info@zangsmp.com to book a free consultation. We provide our services to clients worldwide, so if you are unable to visit our office for your consultation, please send clear photographs of your scalp or your scar so we can schedule a consultation via telephone or Facetime/Skype video session. If you are sending photographs of the scalp, be sure you take them from the top down, bird's eye view. This will give us the clearest view of your scalp and the hair loss issues you would like to address.