How should you care for your scalp after Scalp Micropigmentation to keep the results looking natural?

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    Surveyed from the published FAQs of 235 scalp micropigmentation providers. The percentage on each highlighted claim is the share of surveyed providers who make that claim on their own sites — it shows how common a claim is, not that it is true. Hover to see who.

    Also asked as: “What is the aftercare?” · “What are the aftercare instructions?” · “What aftercare is required?” · “How do I care for my scalp after SMP?”

    To maintain the natural appearance of your scalp micropigmentation (SMP) results, most providers give detailed aftercare instructions67%Stated by 67% of the providers we surveyed. Including Scalp Culture, Simon Symeou SMP, Smp Energy by Damon, Scalpalex Scalp Micropigmentation, Scalp Micro Pro Clinic, INK BARBER SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION, and 14 more.. Following these instructions is crucial for optimal healing and long-lasting results.

    About half of clinics recommend avoiding activities that cause excessive sweating49%Stated by 49% of the providers we surveyed. Including 6e/mp, EJ Hair Clinic SMP, Natural Scalp, Scalp Headquarters LLC, Flawless SMP, Scalp Tattoo Studio, and 14 more. for 4-5 days after treatment. This includes strenuous exercise and hot environments that might lead to perspiration. Similarly, about half of providers advise avoiding direct sun exposure47%Stated by 47% of the providers we surveyed. Including SMP ARABIA, SKALP INK MICROPIGMENTATION, Micro Technics -SMP- Scalp Micropigmentation, The SMP Studio, Scalp Micro UK, Picasso Scalp Micropigmentation, and 14 more. for at least 4-7 days post-treatment to prevent any adverse effects on the healing process. Additionally, about half of providers suggest avoiding washing the scalp38%Stated by 38% of the providers we surveyed. Including Supreme SMP, Scalp3D, ScalpMates - Scalp Micropigmentation in Birmingham UK, SMP Northwest | Scalp Micropigmentation, Carolina Scalp Center, SMP Mobile, and 14 more. for 3-5 days after each session to allow the pigments to settle properly.

    About a quarter of providers note that results can vary30%Stated by 30% of the providers we surveyed. Including ScalpCarolinas, Scalpworx, Toronto Scalp Micropigmentation Studio, The SMP Factory, Emulate Follicles, Fort Worth Scalp Micropigmentation, and 14 more. based on individual skin conditions and adherence to aftercare instructions. To support the healing process, about a quarter of providers recommend moisturizing the scalp regularly27%Stated by 27% of the providers we surveyed. Including DC Scalp Micro, Mane Illusions SMP, Alex James SMP Clinic & Training Academy, Smart Choice SMP, Dr Lipy Gupta, Kennedy SMP Studio, and 14 more. after the initial healing period. Furthermore, about a quarter of clinics advise against swimming26%Stated by 26% of the providers we surveyed. Including Melissa Carr Cosmetic Tattooing, Novoscalp Scalp Micropigmentation Clinic, Zeeva Clinic, SMP Studio, RC Micropigmentation, Jo Saldini Permanent Makeup & SMP, and 14 more. for at least 7-10 days after treatment to avoid exposure to chlorine and other chemicals that could affect the pigments.

    During the healing period, about a quarter of providers suggest avoiding harsh shampoos or products23%Stated by 23% of the providers we surveyed. Including Scalp Styles UK, INKT, Subtle Solutions Scalp Micropigmentation, Bizrahmed, Inked scalps dewsbury Est 2017, Luxe Micro scalp micropigmentation Melbourne, and 14 more. on the scalp. To protect the pigments from fading, about one in seven providers recommend using sunscreen on the scalp20%Stated by 20% of the providers we surveyed. Including SMP Hair Solutions, SMP Trendsetters Scalp Micropigmentation Toronto, Ink-credible Scalp Micropigmentation, Restoration U, KOPFSCALPHAIRLINE - SMP LONDON, and 15 more. once the initial healing phase is complete.

    A minority of providers emphasize the importance of avoiding scratching or picking at18%Stated by 18% of the providers we surveyed. Including Pigment Lab, Arlette's Studio, Premier Smp Micropigmentation, Aesthetic Ink, Karina Michèle Permanent Cosmetics, and 15 more. the treated area to prevent pigment loss. They also state that the treated area takes about 4-7 days to heal18%Stated by 18% of the providers we surveyed. Including Prime Hair Clinic, My Transformation, Scalp Evolution, INK HDZ Scalp Micropigmentation, Magic Ink SMP, Nico's SMP, Areola and Hair Studio, and 14 more. initially. Additionally, a minority of providers advise against shaving the treated area13%Stated by 13% of the providers we surveyed. Including SMP-Clinic & Training Academy, RAGGOS SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION, Beverly Hills Ink by Michal Makeup, New Beginning Micro LLC, LIPS AND BROWS - Permanent Makeup Salon, Winnipeg Scalp Micropigmentation, and 14 more. for at least 4-7 days after treatment and recommend avoiding saunas and steam rooms12%Stated by 12% of the providers we surveyed. Including Micro Dot Studio, The Hair Loss Clinic, The Brow & Beauty Boutique, JC Barbershop and Studio, Shadow Scalp Wales, Joe’s SMP Studio, and 14 more. for at least 7-10 days post-procedure.

    A few providers say that SMP is designed to fade7%Stated by 7% of the providers we surveyed. Including MicroHair® SMP Scalp Micropigmentation Hair Tattoo Clinic | Liverpool, International Hairlines, Elite Institute of Micropigmentation Atlanta, Finescalps, Scalp Ink, Custom Hair Clinic - Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) Appointment Only, and 10 more. gradually over time and that periodic touch-ups are needed9%Stated by 9% of the providers we surveyed. Including Skalp, Skalptec Ltd, Baroque Beauty Center, Alpha Micropigmentation - Las Vegas, Star Micro Studio, The Hair Simulation Company, and 14 more. to maintain the appearance.

    If the treated area becomes increasingly red, swollen, hot or painful, or oozes, or if a rash or lumps appear, see a doctor. Tattoo pigment can cause infection and allergic reactions, and some reactions appear months or years later (FDA Tattoos & Permanent Makeup Fact Sheet).

    What clinics say

    Claims from clinics' own websites

    In their own words — drawn from 310 clinics whose published guidance fed this answer, showing 24. 2 translated into English from the clinic's own language.

    1. The best thing you can do after scalp micropigmentation is to let it heal.
      6e/mp Brandon, US
    2. SMP is designed to fade gradually over time, requiring periodic maintenance.
      MicroHair® SMP Scalp Micropigmentation Hair Tattoo Clinic | Liverpool Liverpool, GB
    3. For the following 4 days after each treatment it is important not to allow your scalp to get wet or wear hats which may rub on your new SMP treatment.
      Scalp Culture Northampton, IR
    4. Just keep your hair cut low and moisturized (coconut oil) and continue enjoying life.
      ScalpCarolinas Charlotte, US
    5. Avoid washing the scalp for the first few days afterwards.
      Simon Symeou SMP Edgware, GB
    6. … don't need to put anything on it or do anything special, just let it heal naturally.
      EJ Hair Clinic SMP Bristol, GB
    7. For the next 15 days, you must take special care to avoid UVA rays in any way. Translated
      Riezu Capilar Micropigmentación capilar en Bilbao Bilbao, ES
    8. It is crucial you follow our 4-day post-treatment instructions to prevent excessive fading and all forms of contamination.
      Smp Energy by Damon Baltimore, US
    9. … swimming pools, and excessive sweating for the first few days. Keep the skin hydrated with the recommended cream.
      Hogla Jimenez | Permanent Makeup Artist Brodheadsville, US
    10. AVOID INTENSE SPORTS, SAUNAS, CHLORINATED WATER AND DUSTY PLACES WITHIN 7 DAYS.
      Scalp Tattoo Studio Bratislava, SK
    11. This is the brochure we give clients after they have done the procedure. You can zoom and read
      Scalpalex Scalp Micropigmentation Addis Ababa, ET
    12. 2. Keep the scalp clean: Gently use the aftercare provided for a week and avoid using any products that contain …
      Flawless SMP Vancouver, CA
    13. Aftercare is simple. Keeping the area clean and dry is the most important.
      INK BARBER SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION Chilliwack, CA
    14. After treatment: Avoid heavy sweating, swimming, and direct sun exposure for 4–5 days; Do not wash your scalp for the first 3 days; Apply recommended moisturizers after healing; Always use sunscreen to extend results.
      Natural Scalp New York, US
    15. Following your SMP treatments, it is very important to take care of the treated area to ensure a successful long-term result.
      SMP ARABIA Bayrut, LB
    16. We typically recommend not doing activities that cause sweating, exposing the area to direct sunlight, using products with alcohol in them, and more.
      Scalp Headquarters LLC Kansas City, US
    17. Simple: avoid heavy sweating and rubbing the scalp for a few days after each session.
      Scalp Micro Pro Clinic Greensboro, US
    18. Moisturize scalp daily with non-fragrance lotion or cream.
      Supreme SMP Wilmington, US
    19. After the fourth day, we recommend gently washing your scalp.
      Carolina Scalp Center Raleigh, US
    20. Aftercare includes keeping the scalp clean, dry, avoiding sun and sweat, not picking the scalp, and using SPF long-term.
      SKALP INK MICROPIGMENTATION Upper Marlboro, US
    21. Yes, it is recommended to moisturize with oil or moisturizer from the 5th day after any session.
      Emulate Follicles Bengaluru, IN
    22. You’ll also need to wear a good sunscreen and avoid chlorinated swimming pools for a month.
      Scalp3D Puyallup, US
    23. Most clients simply follow basic scalp care recommendations and consider a touch-up after several years if they wish to refresh the appearance of their …
      Toronto Scalp Micropigmentation Studio Toronto, CA
    24. … the sun, not scratching or picking at any possible scabs, and taking care of the area with the regenerative cream that will be recommended at the end of the treatment. Translated
      Victoria Llorente Micropigmentación Málaga, ES