âme vitality · Frequently asked questions
Your questions.
Clear answers.
A place to understand your options, prepare for your first visit, and learn how your care fits together.
Where should I begin?
Begin with an in-person Hair & Scalp Analysis or Comprehensive Hair & Scalp Analysis. We take time to understand your concerns, examine your hair and scalp, and explain the care we recommend. You do not need to choose a treatment first.
Can I come in if I don’t know what is causing the changes in my hair?
Yes. Bring the changes you’ve noticed, what you’ve tried, and any questions you have. Your consultation helps us consider the findings alongside your history. If a concern needs medical investigation, we’ll recommend an appropriate medical evaluation.
Do you work with both women and men?
Yes. We work with women and men with hair and scalp concerns. Recommendations are guided by your individual assessment and goals.
Can I book a single treatment?
Our treatment services are offered through personalized programs. We do not offer individual treatment sessions. Begin with an analysis so we can recommend how scalp care, targeted treatments, home care, and follow-up should work together for you.
What is included in Hair & Scalp Analysis?
Hair & Scalp Analysis includes the overall consultation, examination with a trichoscope, and measurements of scalp sebum levels, hydration levels, and pH. We also discuss your concerns and current routine so the findings can guide your next steps.
What does Comprehensive Hair & Scalp Analysis add?
Comprehensive Hair & Scalp Analysis includes everything in Hair & Scalp Analysis, plus polarized light microscopy (PLM). During PLM, we examine the hair bulbs under a high-powered microscope. This additional examination is specific to the Comprehensive service.
What are the trichoscope and CRLab Tricotest used for?
A trichoscope provides a magnified view of your hair and scalp. CRLab Tricotest brings imaging and scalp measurements into the assessment process. We use the observations and readings to discuss your scalp condition and establish a starting point for your care.
Which analysis should I choose?
Contact us with your concerns and we can help you choose. The main difference is that the Comprehensive Analysis adds polarized light microscopy of the hair bulbs. You can also compare the two services before enquiring.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
We’ll confirm hair-washing and product-use instructions when you book. Bring a list or photos of your current hair-care products and details of previous treatments. For Comprehensive Analysis, we’ll also explain the hair-sample collection process.
How do you build my treatment plan?
We consider your scalp findings, hair history, goals, sensitivities, and daily routine together. Your plan may bring together CRLab scalp care, home care, light-based treatments, Alma TED with ACORN YOU where appropriate, and follow-up. We explain the role of each recommendation. Explore our approach.
Are the programs the same for everyone?
No. The combination of services, appointment frequency, and length of care depend on your needs. We discuss the proposed program and the commitment involved before you begin.
How long will my program last?
Programs generally involve care over several months. Your recommended schedule depends on your assessment and the services included. We explain the proposed length and review your response during follow-up visits.
How soon will I see a difference—and can you guarantee results?
Your response is individual. Changes in scalp comfort and visible changes in hair fullness may follow different timelines. We discuss realistic expectations for your plan; we cannot promise a particular result or complete restoration of lost hair.
How do you track progress?
Depending on your plan, we may compare scalp images, photographs, and measurements with your starting point. What you notice at home also matters. These observations help us review your response over time.
What if I’m not seeing the progress I expected?
Tell us. We’ll review your current findings, home routine, and experience alongside the original assessment. The next step may involve adjusting your program or recommending medical evaluation when appropriate.
What is Alma TED?
Alma TED is a needle-free device used in hair and scalp care to support the topical application of hair-care products. At âme vitality, it is considered within a personalized program after an analysis. Explore Alma TED and ACORN.
What is ACORN YOU, and how does it work with Alma TED?
ACORN YOU is a personalized, cell-free secretome product made using cells collected from your own hair follicles. A secretome contains molecules released by those cells. At âme vitality, we use ACORN YOU with Alma TED when it is appropriate for your treatment program.
Are live stem cells applied during an ACORN YOU treatment?
No. The cells are used by ACORN to produce your secretome. The finished ACORN YOU product is cell-free; the product applied during treatment contains cell-derived molecules rather than live stem cells.
What is cell banking, and why consider it for the future?
Cell banking preserves cells collected from your hair follicles through cryogenic storage. It gives you a stored source of your own cells for personalized products and potential future uses as the field develops. Future applications depend on research, approvals, availability, and your suitability; banking does not guarantee access to a future treatment or a particular outcome.
How does the ACORN process begin?
It begins with a consultation and a hair-follicle collection appointment. ACORN processes and assesses the collected cells, then preserves them for storage. We explain the collection, storage arrangements, and steps for requesting your personalized product before you proceed.
Is Alma TED uncomfortable, and is there downtime?
Alma TED uses no needles and is designed for a comfortable treatment experience. We explain what to expect and provide preparation and aftercare instructions for your specific treatment. Ask us about exercise, washing your hair, or other activities when we review your appointment.
Do I need an analysis before Alma TED, and how many sessions will I need?
Yes. An analysis is required before starting Alma TED at âme vitality. Your recommended number and spacing of sessions are part of your personalized program, based on your starting point and goals. Alma TED is not offered as a single treatment session.
Why does scalp care come first?
Your scalp condition helps guide the sequence of care. Buildup, excess oil, dryness, flaking, or sensitivity may need attention before moving to the next stage of treatment. This is the thinking behind our philosophy: “Heal first, then grow.”
What is the CRLab three-step routine?
The routine typically begins with a preshampoo to prepare the scalp, followed by a selected shampoo to cleanse, then a leave-on lotion or vial. We choose the products and instructions for your scalp rather than applying the same routine to everyone. Explore CRLab care.
How do lotions and vials fit into my routine?
The product and phase of your protocol determine which lotion or vial is recommended. We explain the amount, application method, and frequency for the specific formula you use. Follow your assigned routine and the product instructions.
How often should I use my products, and can I keep my current ones?
We set the frequency according to your products and scalp needs. Bring your current shampoo and styling products to the conversation; some may still fit your routine, while others may need replacing. Consistency between visits is part of your program, and we’ll help you understand what to use and when.
Can I buy CRLab products without an analysis?
Selected products are available through our online shop. If you have an ongoing scalp concern or need a complete protocol, an analysis can help guide product selection. Retail product purchases are separate from our treatment programs.
Are your products natural, and can you work with a sensitive scalp?
Our product selection includes botanical ingredients and targeted active ingredients. Formulas vary, so tell us about allergies, sensitivities, and previous reactions before starting a product or service. We review your scalp and the specific ingredients when considering an appropriate routine.
Why do you ask about nutrition, sleep, and stress?
These conversations help us understand your everyday life alongside your scalp findings. We discuss practical wellness habits in the context of your history and any medical guidance you already receive. An assessment may also indicate that a concern deserves further evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.
What is the Cell Wellbeing Hair, Skin & Nails Report?
Cell Wellbeing uses its hair-sample process to generate a report with food and lifestyle suggestions. We use it as an educational wellness tool within the wider conversation about your care. It does not establish nutrient deficiencies, allergies, or the cause of hair loss, and it does not replace medical evaluation or laboratory testing. Learn about Cell Wellbeing.
Do you diagnose medical conditions?
We provide trichology, scalp care, wellness education, and cosmetic hair-restoration services. We do not replace medical diagnosis or care from a physician or dermatologist. When a finding or concern needs medical evaluation, we recommend the appropriate next step.
How do I arrange an appointment?
Contact us at (818) 949-1722 or email our team. We can help you choose an analysis and confirm the next steps. For an overview of the experience, visit What to Expect.
Where are you located, and do you offer virtual consultations?
We are in Santa Monica. Visit our contact page for the current address and directions. Both Hair & Scalp Analysis and Comprehensive Hair & Scalp Analysis take place in person; we do not offer virtual consultations.
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
Please review the current booking policy provided when scheduling. Contact us as soon as possible if you need to change your appointment so we can help with the next steps.
Let’s talk
Still have a question?
Tell us what you’re wondering about. We’ll help you understand the next step for your hair and scalp care.
In-person analysis · Personalized programs · Ongoing guidance