If you’re considering scalp micropigmentation (SMP), you’re likely wondering about recovery and aftercare. The journey to regaining your hairline or concealing hair loss doesn’t end in the SMP chair; it continues with proper aftercare that ensures your new look stays fresh, vibrant, and healthy.

In this article, we’ll cover the typical SMP timeline and healing process, scalp micropigmentation aftercare tips, and SMP aftercare FAQs. This information will allow you to make an informed decision about whether you can manage the necessary care to maintain your SMP results.

The Edge Scalp Ink team ranks among the top regional scalp micropigmentation artists. We’ve helped create natural and long-lasting hairlines with our specially formulated and plant-based pigment. If you’re ready to transform your appearance with hyper-realistic results or just want to discuss scalp micropigmentation aftercare further, schedule a free consultation today.

SMP Recovery Timeline

Although there is some recovery time after each of the scalp micropigmentation treatments, you’ll find that it is minimal and very easy to manage. We provide a four-day recovery guide that helps you maintain your SMP results for as long as possible.

Scalp micropigmentation should always be done in multiple sessions. Most can be completed in three treatments. The only time a single session is appropriate is for a touch-up treatment.Our four-day scalp micropigmentation aftercare guidelines should be followed after each treatment.

Below, we outline what you can expect following your SMP, all the way from day one after your first treatment to day 30 after all sessions are complete.

For Four Days After Each Treatment, You Should:

Avoid swimming and water exposure.
Avoid steam rooms or saunas.
Avoid any activities that make you sweat more than normal.
Protect your scalp from direct sunlight.
Avoid cutting or shaving your hair.
Avoid using hair products like shampoo or moisturizer.
Gently pat the scalp with a clean and new paper towel if it itches.
Avoid using hair dyes.

Day 5 to Day 6

At this point in the recovery timeline, you should notice visible improvement in redness and swelling. If you experienced any scabbing in the previous few days, they will be flaking off during this time. Avoid scratching the treated area if you can.

SMP Aftercare: Day 5-6

Stick with the agreed style plan to avoid contrast with treated areas.
Cut your hair to the agreed length if you have a closely cropped style.
Begin moisturizing your scalp daily with a moisturizing lotion or moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
Avoid using hair dyes.

Second SMP Treatment

Day 7 to Day 10

A week after your first treatment is when you will ideally receive your second SMP treatment. On this day, following the SMP session, you will again start the four-day aftercare process.

SMP Aftercare: Day 7-10

Avoid swimming and exposing your scalp to water.
Avoid steam rooms or saunas.
Avoid any activities that make you sweat more than normal.
Protect your scalp from direct sunlight.
Avoid cutting or shaving your hair.
Avoid using hair products like shampoo or moisturizer.
Gently pat the scalp with a clean and new paper towel if it itches.
Avoid using hair dyes.

Day 10 to Day 30

Following your second treatment, you’ll experience many of the same symptoms, such as redness and swelling. This next time period is when your scalp will heal completely before receiving your final treatment. By day 30, you should be able to return to your normal routine.

SMP Aftercare Day 10-30

Follow the style plan to achieve the desired results.
If you have short buzzed hair, keep shaving your head as necessary.
Ongoing daily scalp moisturization.
Avoid using hair dyes.
Follow up with your artist if you have any questions.

Third SMP Treatment: One Month

Four weeks after your first SMP treatment is when you will ideally receive your second treatment. On this day, you will again start the four-day aftercare process.

SMP Aftercare: One Month

Avoid swimming and exposing your scalp to water.
Avoid steam rooms or saunas.
Avoid any activities that make you sweat more than normal.
Protect your scalp from direct sunlight.
Avoid cutting or shaving your hair.
Avoid using hair products like shampoo or moisturizer.
Avoid touching or scratching your scalp wit your fingers.
Avoid using hair dyes.

Long Term Care of Your SMP Treatment

After the treatments and after you’re fully healed, the aftercare doesn’t end. To maintain your scalp micropigmentation results, you should always protect your head from overexposure to UV rays from the sun, as this can fade the pigment of the SMP. If you’ll be in the sun all day, wear a hat or use sunblock. Additionally, you should use skin moisturizer or moisturizing shampoo daily.

Four-Day SMP Aftercare Tips

Here are some SMP aftercare tips to help you maximize the look of your new treatment from the day of the session to four days later.

Keep Your Scalp Dry

Keeping your scalp dry following your scalp micropigmentation helps prevent infection as your scalp heals. Excessive moisture can also cause the pigments to fade more quickly, leading to less vibrant results. It’s important that you avoid water exposure on your scalp entirely for the first four days after your treatment.

All of our equipment is sanitized using hospital-grade cleaners and the micro-needles are used once per client then disposed of. We never reuse needles.

We provide numbing creams by request, although most of our clients find that the pain was minimal and they did not need it.

Avoid Excessive Sweating

It’s important to steer clear of strenuous activities that cause excessive sweating. Sweat can result in the dilution of the pigment as well as may push some pigment out of the deposited area when fresh.

Many clients maximize their workouts the days before the treatments and rest for the four days of aftercare.

All of our equipment is sanitized using hospital-grade cleaners and the micro-needles are used once per client then disposed of. We never reuse needles.

We provide numbing creams by request, although most of our clients find that the pain was minimal and they did not need it.

Use Moisturizer

After the fourth day, begin daily moisturization to prevent dry skin. Remember, moisturized skin is healthy skin and this will help your treatment look its best. If possible, only use skin moisturizers that are free of parabens and fragrances or perfumes. Organic moisturizers are best.

Avoid Products With Alcohol

Avoid hair products containing alcohol. Alcohol can irritate the treated area as well as dry out your skin.

Cover Up From Direct Sun Exposure

Protect your scalp from direct sunlight to prevent the pigment from fading. Ultraviolet (UV) light breaks down the pigment in the skin and can cause it to fade prematurely. Use a hat or sunscreen when going outdoors on sunny days.

You don’t have to hide in the shadows like Dracula, but you should be thoughtful about the amount of sunlight your scalp is exposed to.

Follow-Up Scalp Micropigmentation Treatment

Subsequent SMP treatments typically occur around one week and one month after the previous sessions.These sessions help achieve your desired coverage and color consistency and ensure that you don’t end up with a treatment that is too dark or too light.

Schedule a Free SMP Consultation With Edge Ink Today

If you’re interested in the SMP treatment or simply have questions, schedule a consultation with us.

SMP Aftercare FAQs

What Should I Avoid After SMP

For four days following your SMP, you should avoid:

When can I wash my head after Scalp Micropigmentation?

After the four-day aftercare window, you may resume washing your scalp and moisturizing. When you first wash your hair after the treatment, pigment that was left on your scalp or skin will wash out. Do not be alarmed. You are not washing out the pigment that was deposited into your skin.

What are the symptoms of an infection after SMP?

Your scalp micropigmentation treatment can become infected if proper aftercare is not followed. If you develop any of the symptoms below, you may contact us or your doctor with questions.

Cold sweats
Fever
Shivering that is not normal
Swelling of the pigmented area
Pus appearing in the treated area
Hard or raised skin in the treated area

Skin redness and a slight burning sensation in the treated area is normal and should subside within 24-48 hours.

How long does it take SMP to fully heal?

You can expect your skin to heal between 7-10 days after your treatment.

How many days after SMP can you sweat?

You should not perform any activities that make you sweat more than normal for four days after your treatment. Avoid saunas for at least a week after your treatment. Sweating can lead to dilution or pushing out of the pigment deposited into your skin. This may cause your pigment to lighten or fade more than normal.