Scalp micropigmentation is a great way to treat hair loss for both men and women. In this simple procedure, pigment is placed across the scalp to imitate hair follicles. It's perfect for anyone seeking a natural look to fill out receding hair loss lines or give a shaved appearance. In little words, scalp micropigmentation (SMP) will help you get your confidence back!
After your SMP procedure, your technician will advise you on aftercare. This form of aftercare may change your daily routine for a month, but the changes beyond the first week are fairly minimal.
Learn more about scalp micropigmentation aftercare in this thorough guide.
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What to Expect After Your SMP Treatment
Following your treatment for hair loss, you will see a lot of color on your scalp! There may be some pain, but the pain should be minimal. Some scabs may occur but will fade during the healing process.
Post-procedure, you'll want to generally be careful with your head. Treat it almost like a wound that you don't want to wet until it's ready. Avoid chlorine, saltwater, and the like. Know that your healing will begin directly following your SMP session. Refrain from directly washing, and follow the recommendations of the technician.
Aftercare Basics
While healing begins on day one after your procedure, there are some activities you should refrain from for only a few days. Other activities should be avoided for a month. Here, we'll get into the specifics of how to treat your scalp and what recommendations lead to the best results.
For each set of days, make sure you're following recommended guidelines from your SMP professional. These instructions are designed to help in the healing process and keep your scalp looking as good as possible with lots of pigment.
The First 4 Days After SMP Treatment
We know you want to keep your scalp clean. However, for the short term, do not wash your head for 4 days following your SMP treatment. Directly after treatment, you may notice some scabs on your scalp. This is normal, and scabs will fade quickly during the healing process.
Sweating is also not recommended directly following treatment. To avoid sweating, don't perform any workouts or exercise routines up to 5 days after treatment. Don't touch your scalp as the oils and bacteria from your fingers could affect your scalp or even infect it.
Day 5 - 7
There is no better way to keep your scalp clean than shampooing it, and after 5 days, you can finally do so. We recommend mild shampoo with no exfoliants to keep it clean. Wash your scalp 5 days following your session with a sulfate-free shampoo in lukewarm water for best healing.
You can also shave your head at this point. We recommend waiting 10 days for a wet shave, however, you can use an electric foil shaver after day 5.
Day 8 - 14
After day 7, we still recommend that you avoid scratching your scalp since it could lead to infections. This also includes razor blades; instead, opt for an electric foil shaver. At this point, start using a moisturizer regularly. Rubbing it into your scalp will help your head heal quickly.
Day 15 - 30
At this time, you'll almost be ready to return to your normal routine. There are just a few more things you'll want to avoid until 30 days after your treatment: swimming and the sun.
Avoid situations that might affect the pigments like steam rooms, saltwater, chlorinated pools, saunas, and UV rays. You can protect yourself against UV rays by wearing sunscreen and hats. Stay safe from the sun for your health and the best SMP results.
Aftercare Routine Tips
Here are some general tips for your long-term aftercare:
- Avoid tanning beds as this will speed up the loss of pigments. Even beyond the days following treatment, your scalp may be more affected by tanning beds light.
- Keep your scalp moisturized.
- Refrain from AHA products for washing as this will affect the pigments.
- Some products have far more alcohol than others. While a little won't do excessive damage, less alcohol is better for your scalp.
Follow-Up Treatments
Your specialist at the clinic will determine how many follow-up sessions are necessary. They will evaluate your scalp and your goals to secure a plan in place. Depending on your skin type and treatment, fading may occur more quickly. If so, you can schedule more procedures as you notice your scalp micropigmentation fading. After each procedure, you should repeat the same aftercare process.
Frequently Asked Questions about SMP Aftercare
Want to know more about how to properly protect your scalp after SMP procedures? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions our technicians get from clients.
What Should I Do After Scalp Micropigmentation?
For the first 4 days, avoid sweating and wetting your scalp. After day 4, start protecting your scalp and skin by moisturizing regularly and wearing sunscreen. This is best for long-term care.
What Should You Not Do After Micropigmentation?
After SMP treatment, do not wet your hair. For example, a wash, swim, or sweat session could all lead to faster fading for your skin. And, as each piece of ink is like a small open wound to the skin, it can also be painful. Avoid shaving as well with a normal blade until 15 days after and direct sunlight for 30 days.
When Can I Wash My Head After SMP?
After your scalp micropigmentation services, wash your hair and scalp after 4 days. However, even then, you'll want to use a mild, sulfate-free, non-exfoliating product for the best scalp micropigmentation aftercare. This will wash your scalp and hair without affecting the ink.
What Happens If You Sweat After Scalp Micropigmentation?
For long-term care, sweating is not a problem for your skin. But directly after a session, you'll want to avoid sweat as this will fade the ink making it look less like hair.
The Bottom Line
If you're ever unsure about your scalp micropigmentation aftercare, talk to the artist at the clinic who performed the treatment for detailed instructions. To learn more about scalp micropigmentation aftercare and services, call us at (954) 422-3171 for a free consultation. Eximious SMP Academy also provides SMP training for anyone interested in learning how to be an artist for their clientele.
