In general, when it comes to scalp micropigmentation aftercare, you’ll want to treat your scalp like an open wound after SMP treatment. Meaning, avoid getting it wet and keep it clean. No chlorinated pools, saunas, steam rooms, or tanning beds for 28 days after your final treatment. Following this guide for scalp micropigmentation aftercare for density treatments will ensure a good, long-lasting result.
Scalp Micropigmentation Aftercare for Density Treatments
After The First 4 Hours
After 4 hours from your treatment, you may wash your head to get all of the residual ink off of your scalp if you wish. Use cool or lukewarm water (the cooler the better, hot water is bad). When you are finished washing the hair blow-dry your hair with the blow dryer on COOL. Do NOT use HOT air. This step alone makes the scalp micropigmentation aftercare for density treatments different than the aftercare for full head SMP.
Day 0 to Day 5
For the first 5 days following treatment, you should avoid the following:
- Sweating heavily – Try not to engage in any intense exercise for 5 days following treatment. Excessive sweating could interrupt the healing process
- Scrubbing and shampooing – Scrubbing the scalp can break the skin and open wounds, and shampooing could introduce harsh chemicals.
- Shaving/Haircuts – Avoid shaving, getting a haircut, and irritating the area while it’s healing.
- Exposure to long-term sunlight – UV rays from the sun can cause sunburn and sun damage. This could lead to premature fading of the scalp pigmentation.
- Touching with hands – Refrain from touching your scalp with your hands too much. You could introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
During the first 5 days, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and taking any medication as prescribed. If for some reason your scalp or hair get wet, dry the hair with the blow dryer on COOL. Do NOT use HOT air. Do not soak the scalp. You may also loosely wear a clean hat or headwrap and sleep any way that’s comfortable for you, but do not wear it if you get hot or sweaty.
Day 5 to Day 10
For days 5 to 10, your head should be looking much better and healing nicely. However, it is still healing and you still need to follow this scalp micropigmentation aftercare for density treatments guide. For the next 5 days, you should still avoid the following:
- Scratching the scalp – As with tattoos, the skin on your scalp may begin to peel during these next few days. It’s important that you avoid scratching or picking any scabs that may form.
- Shampooing or exfoliating – Shampoo and exfoliants can disrupt the formation of new skin layers during healing.
What you can do is carefully cut your hair if needed. You can also resume working out with light exercise.
Day 10 to 30
After 10 days, your scalp should be healed enough to return to your normal routine. You may be scheduled for your next treatment session for after 10 days. However, your next treatment date will depend on how it has healed so far. Before your next follow-up session, you’ll be requested to wash your head.
- Exposure to long-term sunlight – You shouldn’t go out in the sun for long periods of time for up to 30 days since your last micropigmentation procedure. Sunlight contains dangerous UV rays that can interfere with the healing process of your scalp. Wear a loosely fitted clean hat if you go out in bright sunlight to protect your scalp and let the natural pigments do their job.
- Avoid swimming – Another thing you should avoid for the first 30 days is swimming in pools, lakes, seas or rivers. Swimming can expose your scalp to salty water or chlorine and this can ruin the results of your micropigmentation procedure. You are not allowed to swim for up to 30 days since your last procedure.
After a month (30 days) from your final treatment session, you can do pretty much anything you want, provided that you don’t have any upcoming micropigmentation sessions. You can go swimming, you can go out during sunny days and resume your regular lifestyle. It is suggested you wear a light-colored hat to protect your scalp from dangerous UV rays.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is scalp micropigmentation (SMP)?
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a widely popular non-surgical hair loss solution whereby minuscule deposits of pigment simulate hair follicles on the scalp. SMP for men, however, is extremely intricate and not a mere “hair tattoo.” We use different pigments and needles to accurately simulate tiny hair follicles.
How long does scalp micropigmentation last?
SMP for men is permanent, however, the “dots” or injected pigment lessen in circumference very slightly over time. While this is not technically fading, the scalp will benefit from a touch-up session every 4-6 years. This nearly imperceptible decrease in circumference happens because macrophage cells in the human immune system will gradually break up and disperse pigment from any procedure, albeit extremely slowly.
What will my head look like immediately after treatment?
Expect some redness which will subside after a day or two.
Is SMP painful?
Although each client’s pain sensitivity differs, SMP is much less painful than a traditional tattoo. SMP needles are so thin, some customers say they feel almost nothing. When asked to rate their pain levels, most SMP clients report 1-3 on a scale of 1-10.
Can SMP be removed?
Yes, SMP for men can be removed with an electro-optic Q switched laser, which is used to heat and break up SMP pigmentation for easier absorption by phagocytes in the dermis. SMP is easy to remove because the pigment isn’t deposited as deep as traditional tattoo ink.
Does insurance cover scalp micropigmentation?
No, sorry. Scalp micropigmentation for men is a cosmetic procedure by nature, so it is rarely ever covered by medical insurance. It’s worth checking with your insurance provider about potential coverage since policies vary as do personal circumstances.
Is scalp micropigmentation safe?
SMP for men is a non-surgical hair loss solution. Needles deposit pigment below the upper layer of the skin, similar to a body art tattoo. The procedure is a very safe remedy for male hair loss when performed by a professional.
How is SMP different than a regular tattoo?
Unlike traditional tattooing, SMP pigment is deposited near the epidermal layer rather than deep inside the dermal layer. SMP can be removed by laser much more easily than traditional tattoos.
Will I be able to go in the sun?
We recommend always using some sort of sunscreen to retain the ink its longest. Should you choose not to use sunscreen, for the first 30 days you must cover your head with sunscreen or a hat.
What is the treatment process and how long is one session?
Depending on the level of baldness or male hair loss, the first treatment session generally takes 1-3 hours while the second and third sessions take 1-2 hours. Each session is performed 1-2 weeks apart with the average client receiving 3 sessions.
What should I be cautious of in the days following my treatment?
In the first 4 days following treatment, avoid shaving, showers, sweating, scrubbing, shampooing topicals and long term exposure to sunlight. It’s okay to lightly dab the area with wet cloths, but do not soak the head. After 4 days, it’s okay to shower (lightly), shave, and use fragrance free moisturizers. After 10 days, you can resume your normal activities, but it’s still best to avoid long term sunlight for 30 days.
How often will men need to shave their head?
This is a personal preference, but most clients opt for a buzzed look where they shave every 1-3 days.
How much does scalp micropigmentation cost?
The cost of SMP for men varies per client. We base the cost on how much of the treatment needs to be applied and by how many sessions are needed per client, which is assessed based on male hair loss. We offer FREE consultations for everyone. During the consultation, we will be able to assess your scalp and from there we can judge approximately how much treatment and how many sessions you will need.
Does micropigmentation look natural / real?
Scalp micropigmentation for men looks incredibly real, as long as it is applied correctly. Many of our clients say their family, friends, and co-workers say they look younger or something looks different about them, but no one ever knows what it is that has changed and that’s what we want when addressing male hair loss!
Does SMP stimulate hair growth or help grow my hair back?
No, sorry, scalp micropigmentation for men will not grow your hair back. However, SMP for men gives you the look of short hair, a tight buzz-cut, or fuller hair density.
