Caring for Your Scalp After SMP: A Comprehensive Guide
Reviewed by Zang and Ridwan
Congratulations on completing your Scalp Micropigmentation! However, your journey isn’t finished yet. After your SMP session, there are still some important steps to follow to ensure you achieve the best results. The treatment is just one part of the process—proper aftercare for your scalp is equally essential.
SMP AFTERCARE GUIDELINE:
The primary goal of SMP aftercare is to slow down the fading process as much as possible. The steps outlined in this article are crucial in helping with this, but it’s important to understand that fading is a natural occurrence that can’t be completely stopped—only slowed.
Your doctor should have given you detailed aftercare instructions, but if you're feeling uncertain, you can rely on this guideline.
It’s essential to remember that during Scalp Micropigmentation, thousands of tiny perforations are made in the scalp to inject color. These perforations lead to the formation of small scabs on the scalp. While it may be tempting to scratch or peel them off due to itching, you MUST resist the urge. Doing so can interfere with the healing process, and if you do peel them, keep in mind that some of the pigments will be lost.
Here are the aftercare guidelines for both the short-term and long-term:
SHORT-TERM AFTERCARE:
DAY 1 – DAY 4:
- Refrain from touching, rubbing, or disturbing your scalp in any way.
- Avoid washing your scalp, regardless of the temptation.
- Stay out of direct sunlight. UV rays can damage the treatment and contribute to fading.
- Refrain from sweating. Avoid intense workouts or gym sessions that could lead to excessive sweating.
DAY 5 – DAY 7:
- On day 5, you may wash your scalp gently with warm water and mild shampoo.
- Begin moisturizing your scalp to prevent dryness. Opt for a fragrance-free moisturizer.
- Apply moisturizer twice a day—once in the morning and once at night.
- You may wear hats or beanies to cover your scalp.
- An electric foil shaver can be used to trim your hair, but ensure no contact with scabs if still present.
- Avoid wet shaving with a razor for at least 10 days post-treatment.
LONG-TERM AFTERCARE:
- For 30 days, avoid chlorinated pools, saltwater, saunas, and steam rooms to prevent irritation.
- Protect the treated area from UV exposure. Always apply sunscreen with SPF 50+ before going outside and avoid tanning the treated area for 30 days.
- Use a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap for cleaning your scalp for the first 30 days.
- Incorporate an exfoliating cleanser into your routine to remove dead skin cells and maintain the appearance of your scalp.
- Avoid products that contain high alcohol content. It's fine to use products with a small amount of alcohol.
- Minimize head sweating when possible.
CONCLUSION:
To maintain a fresh and vibrant look, continue following this guideline. Achieving the best results requires some additional effort. Don’t forget to check in with your doctor regarding your aftercare routine to ensure you're on the right track.