Whether you’ve recently undergone scalp micropigmentation treatment or are planning to have it done in the future, caring for your smp after the treatment has been completed is essential to achieving the best finish. We’ve put together this handy guide to tell you more about smp and caring for your smp so that you can proceed with confidence.
What is SMP?
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a cosmetic procedure that involves tattooing pigments that mimic the appearance of hair follicles onto the scalp. The procedure is used to create the appearance of a full head of hair, or to camouflage the appearance of hair loss or thinning hair. SMP is typically done using a tattoo gun and is performed in a series of sessions.
Caring For Your SMP Treatment
Once your scalp micropigmentation is complete, you should think about how to maintain it. Our website provides a pre-treatment and aftercare guide to help you get started. This guide covers what you should avoid doing immediately after treatment and while your head is healing.
Days 0 – 5
- During the first five days after your treatment you should give your scalp plenty of time to recover. Some of the things you must avoid when caring for your smp include:
- Intense exercise – this can cause you to sweat heavily which can, in turn, affect the smp treatment that you have undergone.
- Products and shaving – scratching, scrubbing and shaving can all cause breaks in your skin, encouraging infection in your newly completed smp. Avoid using any chemicals on the area and try not to touch it too much.
- Sunbathing – if you love the feel of the sun on your scalp, now is not the time to indulge. Getting sunburnt after smp can cause it to fade quickly as well as causing significant pain.
Days 5 – 10
After the first five days are over, you should notice that your scalp is getting back to normal, but caring for your smp is just as important in the next five days as they were in the first five days. Some of things you should be doing include:
- Following aftercare advice – from moisturising and protecting your scalp from the sun, you must continue following all the aftercare advice.
- Avoid exfoliation and scrubbing – you may be tempted to exfoliate the scalp or even just use your normal shampoo but this still needs to be avoided so that it doesn’t stop the healing from progressing as expected.
After 10 Days
Once the first 10 days have passed, you can then get back to your normal routine whilst still caring for your smp. If you are heading in for another treatment, make sure that you follow all pre-treatment guidelines and protect your head from sunburn and injury so that it doesn’t have to be delayed.
Why You Can Trust Skalp®
All of Skalp® practitioners have all had the procedure done themselves. They understand everything you need to know to keep your new hairline looking great for years to come. To make things even easier, they have picked out four top products you should be using to continue caring for your SMP and keep your head tattoo looking perfect.
Post Tattoo Calming Moisturiser
Eucerin DermoCapillaire CALMING UREA SCALP TREATMENT
We advise that for four days after each treatment you do not use any moisturiser on your scalp. This is to allow the skin to heal and avoid any sensitivity issues the cream may create. Once this period has passed, we recommend that you use Eucerin DermoCapillaire CALMING UREA SC moisturiser.
This particular moisturiser is for people with a dry and itchy scalp. It contains a non-sticky leave-in formula which is insensitive and perfect for those who have just had the treatment. The ingredients help to restore hydration levels which is important when caring for your SMP. It will relieve the skin from any dryness that can lead to itching.
Anti Shine Gel
MONISTAT Complete Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel
A major concern for clients who have had SMP is dealing with a shiny scalp. Most people do not want the light to reflect off their head to make them feel they are standing out even more. The MONISTAT product is highly recommended as it helps men combat oily looking skin.
It doesn’t contain any scent and creates a smooth barrier over the scalp. MONISTAT also helps reduce any redness after shaving and leaves the skin looking in great condition. The added benefit is after rubbing into the scalp it also makes SMP look even more like real hair.
Suncream For Bald Heads
La Roche-Posay Anti-Shine Dry Touch Gel Cream 50+ SPF
Our practitioners recommend this sunscreen for use during the hot summer months. Your scalp is prone to sunburn without hair as protection. It is easy to forget about it during the day only to realise after several hours you have skin damage from too much unprotected exposure to the sun.
This is a non-sticky and non-oily product that doesn’t leave any white marks on the skin. Apply it at least 30 minutes before exposure. If you perspire frequently, towel your scalp or come into contact with water, apply once more to protect the skin.
On the Go Mattifying
Boots Skin Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets
Sometimes you need an easy-to-use product when you’re on the go. If you’re at work, going out for the evening, or travelling, moisturisers and creams aren’t always practical to carry around. That’s why we advise using Boots Skin Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets which are really easy to apply.
The oil-absorbing sheets remove excess oil and with it any shine on the skin. They are soft to the touch and easily disposed of after use. You simply blot over the scalp and go. The sheets have also been dermatologically tested so will not cause any adverse reactions on the skin.
SMP Tips & Tricks
Want to get more advice from people who know all about caring for SMP? Why not join our online forum to chat with hundreds of other clients who have already had their treatment.
Skalp have clinics around the world. We have clinics in New York, Los Angeles, London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin.
Book an appointment for a complimentary consultation today
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