Pre- and aftercare for micropigmentation of the scalp

One of the main advantages of micropigmentation of the scalp is simple aftercare! After the procedure, you will need a 7-day healing period until each subsequent treatment session. After this period you will usually be ready for the next session.

Preparation for the procedure:

You should refrain from sun exposure in the days before treatment, especially if you are prone to burning. Your scalp may be sensitive, causing pain during treatment, and may also not accept pigment. If your scalp is sunburned on the day of your treatment, we may need to reschedule your appointment.

Dry scalp and skin conditions such as dandruff, eczema or psoriasis MUST be cleared before treatment begins. Skin that is sunburned, dry or flaky may not heal or accept the pigment properly.

Moisturizing your scalp to prepare the skin for micropigmentation is key, and it is recommended to use a water-based moisturizer before treatment and after the treatment has cured. Exfoliation is recommended prior to treatment to remove dead skin.

If your skin is not in excellent condition, we may need to reschedule your reservation.

If you are prone to keloid scarring or have active and changing forms of alopecia, scalp micropigmentation is unfortunately not right for you.
Clients who have type 2 diabetes or have undergone chemotherapy in the last 12 months will need a doctor's permission to continue.

Any use of blood thinning medications must be completed for 30 days prior to the start of treatment.

If you are unsure about your general health or have any unusual scalp conditions, it is advisable to get a doctor's permission before starting treatment.

After the procedure:

Aftercare is simple for the most part: take sensible precautions when exposed to the sun, keep your scalp clean, dry and moisturize as needed. Follow these steps and you'll see the best possible results from a treatment you'll enjoy for years.

Because SMP pigment is deposited only in the papillary layer of the skin, lack of aftercare can cause uneven healing, affect the overall appearance of your treatment, and result in the need for additional sessions. Your skin will heal in 3-5 days, but the ink itself can take 7-10 days to fully settle, so you should follow these steps to ensure the best healed results and longevity of your treatment.

SHORT-TERM AFTERCARE:

DAY 1 - DAY 4:

Do not do anything to cause excessive sweating for a minimum of 2-4 days after the procedures.
DO NOT expose your scalp to strong sunlight while treating.

Do not fully immerse the scalp in water for a minimum of 4 days after treatment. Example: when showering, do not spray water directly on the scalp. If necessary, a shower cap may be used. You can clean your scalp after treatment by gently wiping with clean hands, wet wipes or a wet paper towel. Soaps and/or shampoos should not be used during this time.

Wide-brimmed hats or work helmets may be worn after and during treatment. With this in mind, it is important to let your skin breathe as much as possible during treatment. Hats or tight hats that cause rubbing or sweating should not be worn for at least 5 days after treatment.
DAY 5 - DAY 7:

On the 5th day after the treatment, you can again gently wash your head as usual, with WARM water and without scrubbing. We recommend using a mild cleanser, such as baby shampoo. Continue by moisturizing your scalp with a water-based lotion or a very light natural oil such as jojoba.

Refrain from shaving the hair of the treated area.
DAY 8 - 14

DO NOT apply chemical-based paints, fibers, makeup, antibiotic creams, ointments, Monoxidil or RetinA to the treated area until it is completely healed. We recommend at least 10+ days after your last session, as this may cause discoloration or fading of the pigment.

Do not expose your scalp to strong sunlight while you are treating. For shaved heads, always apply sunscreen. We recommend that you do not expose yourself to strong sunlight during the initial 7-10 day settling period so that you do not have to use sunscreen on the treatment area, and instead wear a hat. It is important not to burn your scalp to the extent that would cause peeling, especially during the first 2 weeks after treatment. Any sun damage that causes peeling of the healing tattoo can lead to fading and uneven treatment results. This includes after the treatment has completely healed.

Wet shaving with a barber's blade for 10 days after each session of the procedure.

Do not rub, chip or scratch the treated area or scabs that may appear as this may cause uneven healing and the impressions to be less distinct. Gently pat if you feel itching

Keep your scalp moisturized with a water-based moisturizer or light oil once your treatment is established. This will help keep your scalp in good condition and extend the life of your SMP.

DAY 15 NATATEC

You can now resume your normal daily routine

LONG-TERM AFTERCARE:

Exfoliate your scalp at least twice a month to remove dead skin cells and maintain the appearance of pigments.

Avoid chlorinated pools, salt water, saunas and steam rooms for 3 weeks after treatment

Always wear SPF 50+ as UV rays can cause the pigment to fade.

Avoid using products that use a high concentration of alcohol. To find out how much alcohol is in a product, check the label. On labels, ingredients are listed in descending order of concentration. If alcohol is one of the first ingredients, it is best to avoid it.

Avoid products with AHA as this will cause the pigment to fade.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

For best results and to keep your SMP fresh for years to come, be sure to follow the steps above.

If you ever have questions about aftercare, it's always best to contact your scalp micropigmentation specialist.