How Long Does Scalp Micro Pigmentation Take To Heal?

What happens during a scalp micropigmentation session?

Scalp micropigmentation is a cosmetic treatment, tattoo-like, used to fix thinning hair, baldness, and a receding hairline to allow the illusion of thicker hair with a natural appearance. The pigment of the tattoo is matched to your hair color around the treated area. People who might require such treatments are those with alopecia, thinning hair, or just the need for more natural-looking, thicker hair.

Scalp micropigmentation treatments are specifically performed in sessions stretched over some time. Each scalp micropigmentation treatment will take several hours including touch-ups. The SMP procedure takes between two and four sessions. How many treatments depends on the treated area of the receding hairline, the extent of hair loss, and the existence of scarring. Treatments usually occur between ten and twenty days apart.

How long does scalp micropigmentation take to heal?

The hair tattoo is a much easier procedure to heal from than a traditional tattoo, permanent makeup, or even a hair transplant. Thin needles used for scalp micropigmentation allow the scalp and treated area to be fully healed quicker. The fact that the needles pierce only the outermost layer of skin of the scalp assists with this.

Scalp micropigmentation treatments are injected into the surface of the skin. The skin cells on the head and body absorb the color beyond just the top layer of the epidermis, allowing into to be seen on the skin. When the procedure is complete the patient is left with aesthetically beautiful, tiny hair follicles on the scalp with no appearance of hair loss.

The correct hairline style will be determined according to your head shape. The SMP technician will go over the hair styles with you to find the perfect one to suit your head and shape.

All of this is to create an easier healing process and a more comfortable transition with virtually no downtime. A scalp micropigmentation treatment is less painful than getting a hair tattoo because of the micro needles used. The scalp may have slight redness for up to three days after a procedure, though this is assisted by following aftercare instructions given by your SMP specialist.

SMP Aftercare

The aftercare instructions are quite simple. For one, you want to avoid excessive sweating as it will stimulate fading. This means for a time you want to avoid the steam room, certain activities that force excessive perspiration, swimming, and too much sun exposure. You can wear hats when in direct sunlight, though it is suggested that you remove them now and then to allow the scalp to breathe. Protecting your scalp is incredibly important to the process, so wear UV protection and sunscreen as it is imperative if you choose not to use a hat when you go into direct sun exposure.

If your job requires physical labor and/or sweating it is recommended that you try to keep from doing so for up to five days after a procedure. Following proper skin aftercare instructions will result in less pain and redness, and the amount of time it will take to heal will also be reduced.

It is recommended that you do not wash your hair for four days after undergoing a scalp micropigmentation treatment. Doing so will only help the pigment to fade. When this time is complete you may gently wash your hair with water and baby shampoo until your next smp treatment.

You may continue to moisturize your head and hair two days after the procedure. It is recommended as it assists with the healing process and will not affect the pigment.

Gentle shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for color-treated hair follicles are suggested. Even still, you will want to wait four days before washing your hair. You will likely notice scabs after treatments, but this is normal and will fade quickly during the healing process. Zang SMP has a list of aftercare products that work best during the healing process.

Redness should be expected as inflammation is an indication that the body is doing what it has to during the healing time. The reddish pigment is only expected to last three days at most. An allergic reaction on the scalp is very unlikely with an SMP treatment.

SMP Recovery Dos and Don'ts

During the healing process, it is unnecessary to take time off from work. This will create a few changes to your daily life during recovery time. How long does scalp micropigmentation take to heal is, in fact, a relatively short period and shouldn't affect your life outside of the treatments.

Remember, during healing not to pick at scabs to keep from getting scars. Avoid touching your head at all if you find the compulsion to check your hair. Scabs that are removed can also bring along infection on the epidermis. Most people simply use a mirror and natural lighting to examine their scalp and hairline style during healing.

Believe it or not, men and women can heal differently from scalp micropigmentation. Men can heal better from scalp micropigmentation depending on skin elasticity and other variables like skin health, their immune system, and hormonal variations. In some cases, healing could be longer because of scars from a failed hair transplant, a thin skin surface that produces an increased amount of oil, or other scalp issues. For optimal healing for men and women, all aftercare treatment plans should be followed.

It can be common to have some slight bleeding on the treated area due to scalp micropigmentation, especially when a micro needle is used. In bleeding there could be lymphatic fluid released. Bleeding can be slowed or healed with pressure and by application of sterile gauze. SMP does not cause excessive bleeding, so if this occurs it means that there is an additional problem such as an underlying disease, infection, or medication that was used before undergoing scalp micropigmentation.

What to expect during healing

SMP does not affect or modify healthy hair follicles and does not affect follicular growth. There will be no further hair loss or damage to the hair follicles due to a scalp micropigmentation procedure. When all is said and done you will have the natural look of thicker, fuller hair.

When following all of the appropriate recommendations including aftercare the results should last at least three years or longer, depending upon the customer. Different immune systems make a difference in the results of the appearance of the skin. All of this will create a hairline that once had the appearance of baldness and now will have the look of a thicker, fuller head of hair with no appearance of any cosmetic treatment.