Scalp micropigmentation aftercare is simple, but the first few days do matter. After each session, the goal is to keep your scalp clean, dry and undisturbed while the skin settles and the pigment heals into its natural appearance. If you remember one thing, make it this: give your scalp four quiet days, then gradually return to your normal routine.
THE FIRST 4 DAYS
For the first four full days after each SMP session:
Keep your scalp dry. You can shower normally, but keep your scalp out of the direct water and avoid excessive steam.
Do not shampoo, scrub or wash the treated area.
Avoid intense exercise or anything that causes heavy sweating.
Do not shave the treated area.
Avoid scratching, picking, rubbing or unnecessarily touching your scalp.
Stay out of prolonged direct sunlight.
Avoid swimming, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and tanning.
A clean, loose fitting hat is fine if needed. We also recommend sleeping on a fresh pillowcase for the first few nights. That is really it. You can work, go out and continue most of your normal day to day activities. Just give the treated area a few days without water, sweat, friction or irritation.
DAYS 5 TO 10
Beginning on Day 5, you can start gently washing your scalp with cool or lukewarm water. Use your fingertips rather than scrubbing and gently pat the scalp dry afterward. A mild, fragrance free cleanser can also be introduced as the skin settles.
If your scalp feels dry, you can apply a small amount of light, fragrance free moisturizer. Light exercise can usually resume around this point. If you are still noticeably red, tender or flaky, give your scalp another day or two before returning to intense workouts.
If you need to shave, an electric foil shaver can generally be used gently once the skin is calm and no significant flaking or scabbing remains. Avoid a razor blade directly over the treated area until at least Day 10. Continue to avoid scratching, exfoliating and applying harsh or irritating products while the scalp is healing.
AFTER DAY 10
By around Day 10, most clients can return to their regular routine, including normal washing, shaving and exercise. Everyone heals slightly differently, so let your scalp guide you. If the skin is still noticeably dry, flaky or irritated, give it a little more time rather than forcing your normal routine.
SWIMMING, SAUNAS AND STEAM ROOMS
For the best pigment retention, we recommend avoiding chlorinated pools, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and tanning beds for approximately 28 days after your final SMP session. This gives the skin plenty of time to completely settle before prolonged exposure to chlorine, heat and moisture.
WHAT IS NORMAL AFTER SMP?
Immediately after treatment, your SMP will usually look darker, sharper and slightly more defined than the final healed result. Mild redness, tenderness or tightness can also happen during the first day or two.
As the scalp heals, you may notice some dryness or light flaking. The pigment will gradually soften and may appear noticeably lighter during the healing process. This is normal and is part of why SMP is built gradually across multiple sessions.
Do not scratch or pick at any dry or flaky skin. Allow it to shed naturally. For a closer look at what happens during each stage, see our SMP Healing Timeline.
LONG TERM SMP CARE
Once healed, scalp micropigmentation requires very little maintenance. The most important habit is protecting an exposed scalp from excessive sun. Regular use of a high SPF sunscreen helps protect your skin and can reduce premature fading of your SMP.
Keep your scalp moisturized when needed and avoid sunburn whenever possible. With good long term care, SMP is designed to maintain its natural appearance for years before a future refresh may be wanted.
QUESTIONS WHILE YOU ARE HEALING?
If you are unsure about anything after your appointment, contact us. We are always happy to look at how your scalp is healing and let you know whether what you are seeing is normal. If redness, swelling, discomfort or irritation is becoming significantly worse rather than improving, or you notice anything unusual, contact us promptly.
Toronto Scalp Micropigmentation Studio provides aftercare support for clients treated at our Downtown Toronto and Leslieville studios, as well as clients receiving private mobile SMP appointments throughout Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.