Let’s kick things off with Scalp Micropigmentation or SMP. Simply put, this non-surgical procedure uses tiny needles to deposit pigment into the scalp. It’s a medical-grade tattoo that imitates hair follicles.
The benefits of scalp micropigmentation are numerous. It’s a quick process, usually completed in a few sessions, and it’s also permanent, with touch-ups required every 4 to 6 years. Notably, it’s non-invasive, has a minimal healing period, and provides an immediate result that can be tailored to blend with your skin tone and hair color.
However, there are a few downsides. Most importantly, it doesn’t create real hair growth but only gives an illusion of density. Additionally, the result depends heavily on the practitioner’s skill, and poor work can lead to an unnatural look.
Now, let’s move on to hair transplants. A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that moves hair you already have to fill an area with thin or no hair. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) are the most popular techniques.
Hair transplants’ most significant advantage is that they provide natural hair growth, which can be a game-changer for many people. The new hair can be cut, styled, or dyed according to preference. Once completed, the results are generally permanent.
But hair transplants are not without their drawbacks. They can be time-consuming, requiring multiple sessions and a healing period of a few months. The process can be invasive and sometimes painful, with potential for complications such as infections and scarring. The procedure can be costly, and only some are suitable candidates.
So, between the two, which one is the best? It depends on your personal needs, lifestyle, and budget. Scalp micropigmentation might be the right choice if you want an immediate result, a non-surgical procedure, and a lower cost. On the other hand, hair transplants could be the way to go if your goal is to regrow your hair and you don’t mind the price, surgical procedure, or waiting period.
Everyone’s journey with hair loss is different, and it’s crucial to consult with professionals to understand your options and make an informed decision.
Touch-up sessions are a common topic discussed during a Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) consultation. Scalp micropigmentation is independent-based, and the outcome relies heavily on intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors involve age, genetics, gender, and disease states. Extrinsic factors involve anything from the outside world, from the foods we introduce into our bodies to the environment.
Occasionally a client may need one touch-up session; in other cases, two sessions are warranted depending on the amount of new hair loss or fading. Two scenarios can occur when touching up another artist’s work. In the best-case scenario, the previous artist did an excellent job, and there are minimal to no blowouts. Blowouts mean there are bigger than desired dots; the artist went too deep into the dermis, which is the second layer of the skin. Remember, we are trying to replicate tiny hair follicles. Correct depth avoids large dots and the possibility of color change in the future. On very light-skinned individuals, this color change can be more evident. Sometimes it’s not the ink or the technician’s fault; it is simply that the undertone of the client’s skin contains a blue hue. It may also be noticed on the side of the scalp where natural hair follicles are present and no scalp micropigmentation. Simply under specific lighting, the blue may be slightly more reflective. That being said, it should only be apparent to the client and a trained eye.
The other scenario is a client comes in with a botched scalp micropigmentation. These brave individuals had scalp micropigmentation treatment years ago when it was a new technique. Most times, a bad job cannot be camouflaged or fixed with more scalp micropigmentation. Like any new technique, mistakes had to be made to get us where we are today. Unfortunately, in these cases, laser removal is the only option. Laser treatment is excruciating and can take several sessions (4 to 7) to remove the ink.
LESS IS MORE…
Sclap micropigmentation is still a relatively new technique, so we are constantly working on new methods to make the results as natural as possible. New technology in ink compositions is being developed and brought into the market as well. Ultimately, when it comes to scalp micropigmentation touch-ups, you want to do it sparingly; less can be more. It may be four years to even longer before a touch-up is needed. Over saturation of ink should always be avoided, and finding a skilled technician is imperative.
Scalp Micropigmentation is an instant hair loss solution. It is a cosmetic tattoo in which pigment is applied onto the scalp to give the illusion of a buzzed cut look or give density and volume to thinning hair. This treatment is for both men and women, and the results are instant and subtle.
With scalp micropigmentation, pigment is applied at the top of the skin’s second layer, the dermis. For a traditional tattoo, the pigment is applied just slightly deeper. For this reason, the treatment will lighten up over time, and a touch-up may be needed after several years. However, scalp micropigmentation is a permanent treatment and will never go away 100%. Some people may want a touch-up in 2-5 years, while others can go 10-15 years before wanting or needing a touch-up. Something to point out is that you don’t want too many touch-ups. We don’t want to over-saturate the scalp with ink. The new ink must be placed directly on top of the existing dots so we can still see skin between each replicated hair follicle.
Scalp micropigmentation is performed in 2-3 sessions. Each session can last 1 to 4 hours, depending on the coverage needed. I want to point out that the entire head is covered in each session. In this first session, we want to determine if the needle size and pigment color we used is ideal for the client. When the client comes in for the second session, we may need to go a bit darker or use a different-sized needle in different areas of the scalp. We also adjust our pressure accordingly. Every scalp is different; what worked for one client with similar skin may not work for the next. It is crucial that your technician is skilled and understands skin. As a client it is important to be patient with the process. Again, as a client, it is essential to be patient with the process. Scalp micropigmentation should not be completed in 1 session. A minimum of 7-10 days are needed between each session to allow the skin to metabolize the ink and allow the skin to go through its natural regeneration process, which takes an average of 27 days. For this reason, I will sometimes allow one month to pass after the second session to see the results and then do the last session. However, this will depend on the technician and the client’s skin. It is our goal to give you the most natural results possible. Hence, scalp micropigmentation is performed in several sessions to create a 3-dimensional effect.
Scalp micropigmentation is non-invasive, and you can return to work immediately after each session. The subtle layering is also nice because no one will notice the subtle change. They will ask if you cut your hair differently or use topical medication for hair growth because when scalp micropigmentation is performed correctly, it looks like natural hair.
So there you go, instant hair! While there are many options for hair loss, scalp micropigmentation can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments. Scalp micropigmentation doesn’t require consistent treatment like some therapies; using medications with side effects or surgery that also has side effects is costly and has a long recovery time.
When choosing your scalp micropigmentation artist, it is crucial to have the ability to have good communication. You want to be able to have an open-ended conversation. If English is not your first language, ensure you find someone who speaks your preferred language. During the consultation, the questions will include: Do you want a more natural or sharp hairline? Do you like it slightly receded or straight across? You want a hairline that you are happy with and that also fits your facial structure. Your artist can help and work with you to figure that out.
Is there another technician that can vouch for their work? It is a great way to test if they are proficient. Sadly, getting three-day training and opening your studio is commonplace. A big misconception about scalp micropigmentation is that it will turn blue. Well, it shouldn’t, and the only reason it can is if your technician doesn’t have the skill to perform scalp micropigmentation. The reality is that scalp micropigmentation takes years to master. It’s trial and error until you get your technique down. But if they can provide you with another reputable artist who knows their work, this can be a fantastic way to ensure they are proficient.
I get so many calls on this next one. Most technicians only cover two sessions in their pricing. Every skin metabolizes the ink differently. In some cases, two sessions may be enough, but that 3rd session is a bonus to ensure the work is complete and uniform. Many clients have complained that they were unsatisfied because the work faded, and their technician wants to charge them for that 3rd touchup. In my experience, a 3rd session solidifies everything. So, ask how many sessions will be included in the price.
Do they offer a payment plan? Some options are to split your payments into sessions, or sometimes financing is available. Ask your technician what they offer. Also, remember that paying cash can sometimes provide a discount since the technician won’t be paying credit card charges.
And lastly, listen to your gut. Is the artist willing to work with you and give you what you want? Bring in pictures of what you are expecting. Are they honest and straightforward about what is possible with your treatment? Are the before and after photos, they are showing you photoshopped? Will they respect your privacy? Are they clean and provide a sterile environment?
This article helps guide you to finding the right artist for you. Remember you trust this person to perform a life-changing service and will spend several hours with them, so make sure you get along with them.
A common question during an initial scalp micropigmentation consultation is: “Should I shave for scalp micropigmentation? This question, unfortunately, only sometimes has a straightforward answer. Depending on the amount of hair loss and age, an in-person consultation is recommended to discuss the pros and cons of shaving or keeping the hair.
Hair loss is something that most guys will experience in their lives. According to the American Hair Loss Association, by age 35, two-thirds of American men will experience some degree of hair loss, with 85% percent having significant thinning by age 50. Unfortunately, 25% of these men will begin the process by age 21.
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) can serve those with hair or those who shave it. In this case, I will discuss individuals who opt to shave their heads during treatment but want also want the option to grow their hair out. However, this is only an option when hair is still present on the top of their heads.
As artists, a shaved head provides us with a clean canvas without the obstacle of having to work around existing hair. Since treatments are commonly completed in 3 sessions, the results are very gradual. I’ve even had clients keep their treatment from their spouses. They get questions like, “Did you get a new haircut? Are you using vitamins for hair growth? And so on. I’ve had clients tell their barbers they had the treatment, and even the barbers can’t believe it; instead, they think they had a hair transplant. Scalp Micropigmentation achieves very natural results.
If you have extensive hair loss and shaving down is your only option, then there are a few things to keep in mind.
It is critical to keep the hair shaved if this is the route you have chosen because, not doing so, the pigment will practically look like it has disappeared, or worse, it won’t look right, specifically if a hairline was created. Since scalp micropigmentation is a tattoo, it sits on the skin in one dimension. Hair is not one-dimensional, so it will always look darker than the pigment that was placed. Also, when hair is lost on the scalp, the skin on the scalp changes. The hair follicles shrink and turn into skin cells; this causes the sebaceous glands to increase when the hairs are lost. The scalp will secrete more oil than when hair exists. So, if you have hair on the sides but missing hair on the top, the top of the head will be shiny and stand out.
I have another blog dedicated to matting lotion recommendations, which will help reduce shine during the day so that your treatment looks natural. Before bed, however, you should have a skincare routine that will help keep your scalp healthy.
This image is of a client that just had scalp micropigmentation completed. He previously had a hair transplant and came in for SMP. He wanted the option to grow out his hair or shave it down. This is possible in his case because of a previous hair transplant. When working with these clients, it is critical to stay behind the hairline. Working on a clean canvas is much easier, so the client’s hair is shaved upon arrival. Although with the existing hair, the scalp micropigmentation reduced the shine on his head and created a bit of density, once shaved down, the pigment that was placed becomes visible. The difference is impressive; it’s like an optical illusion. He did come in with a dry scalp, so I used a moisturizer during the treatment making his head shiny in this picture.
Here is a second example: Not all treatments were completed in this picture, but you can see some of the scalp micropigmentation dots. Simply shaving down makes a big difference and looks so much better. He also wanted the option to grow out his hair. Not everyone is ready to shave down and commit to the change. So for these two clients, we shaved for the treatment to ensure all the impressions were consistent; we stayed behind the natural hairline and ensured there was no over-saturation of ink, which is very difficult to achieve when working around existing hair. This way, in the future, if these clients continue to lose more hair and are ready to shave down, then they have the perfect scalp micropigmentation foundation to do so.
Always communicate openly with your artist to see which long-term solution is best for you. Scalp Micropigmentation should be done with longevity in mind. An experienced artist can help determine if it is viable to keep your existing hair and create density or if it is best to shave when there has been or will be significant future hair loss.
Advantages and Disadvantages of scalp micropigmentation
The most important thing to establish is that scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a tattoo. Many clients think they will be leaving with a full set of hair or that scalp micropigmentation will help with regrowth. There have been cases where it did help with regrowth, but this is so rare that it’s not worth mentioning. The goal with scalp micropigmentation is not to regrow the hair; its purpose is to reconstruct the hairline or create density for existing thinning hair. Scalp micropigmentation is also used to cover scars like those after hair transplants, a burn, or patches of hair loss.
Advantage #1 No Need For Lifelong Drugs
Scalp micropigmentation is a considerable advantage because it is the #1 hair loss solution that does not require taking medications. You may be unaware that after a hair transplant, many are prescribed medication for the rest of their lives to maintain the success of the surgery. Medications such as Minoxidil and Finasterdine, along with treatments such as Derma rollers and PRP may be recommended. Minoxidil is a vasodilator prescribed as a topical solution to treat hair loss. Minoxidil is also prescribed as an oral medication to treat high blood pressure, and just like any medication, it comes with its risks. It may increase your heart rate, so be aware if you suffer from a heart condition. While some may not experience any side effects, the most common complaint is dryness, itching, and redness of the scalp.
Finasterdine, also known as Propecia is the other commonly prescribed medication given topically or orally. It helps control the production of DHT. Finasterdine is frequently used to shrink an enlarged prostate in hopes of avoiding prostate surgery. Both drugs help control hair loss but will not cure it. Also, halting the use of either one of these medications will cause the loss of any hair that grew back while you were taking them. The most significant side effect of Finasterdine is sexual dysfunction and even depression. Like all medications, they usually come with a long list of side effects.
Advantage # 2 No Need For Daily Use Of Toppik
For those who are unaware of what Toppik is, let me explain. I use it occasionally and think it’s a fantastic product; however, I can assure you I would not want to be using it daily. Toppik are hair-building fibers made of keratin protein that you powder onto your existing hair strands to create the appearance of naturally thick, full hair instantly. The downside is that, of course, they wash off. The two other significant downsides are that it can be challenging to blend in, so sometimes, I get a big blotch of fibers on one section. The other big downside is that they get all over the floor, sink, and even in your nostrils. I feel if you ever should wear a face mask, this is the time.
Advantage #3 No Downtime
You can go to work immediately after your treatment, and no one would know you had anything done. Unfortunately, with hair transplants, there is a significant time to heal. With surgery, your scalp will be very tender and may need pain meds. Your surgeon will have you wear bandages over your scalp for at least a day or two and prescribe antibiotics or an anti-inflammatory for several days.
There are two types of hair restoration surgeries FUT and FUE. FUT surgery is where a surgeon cuts a strip of skin from the back or side of your head and extracts individual hair follicles. This surgery is best when trying to achieve the most coverage and fullness. However, it does leave a large scar.
The second type of surgery is FUE. This surgery consists of taking individual hair follicles from your skin. This type of surgery leaves behind tiny white scars where follicles are extracted and thins out the donor site. I have had many clients who also had failed hair transplants or never received the coverage they hoped for. There is only so much donor site a surgeon can take from, and remember, everyone, heals differently. Hair transplants have a success rate of 10-80%. It rarely only requires one surgery; instead, it takes multiple, and if genetics are working against you, results will not be what you expected.
Advantage/Disadvantage #4 SMP May Stop You From Other Treatments
For the most part, you can continue with any treatment after scalp micropigmentation; however, using topical medication like Rogaine can fade your scalp micropigmentation faster due to the high alcohol content. Otherwise, you can still opt to have hair transplants in the future or a hairpiece.
Disadvantage #1: It’s Not Hair!
As mentioned in the beginning, scalp micropigmentation is not hair. Sometimes expectations can be too high. If your goal is to regrow your hair, hair transplants or a hairpiece may be your only option. Hairpieces can range in cost from $275-$800, not including monthly maintenance.
Disadvantage #2- Getting Bad SMP
Make sure to do your research and find a skilled technician. It is a particular skill that takes time to master. Sometimes, scalp micropigmentation is done incorrectly; it can be corrected by an experienced artist who can camouflage the bad work. Otherwise, laser removal might be the only viable option if the damage is too extensive. Lasers are very painful and can take multiple sessions to remove.
Hair loss is a journey and is very individually based. I highly recommend you do your research before any treatment. It is possible to get scalp micropigmentation after a hair transplant, but there is a healing time of 9-12 months before we can proceed with treatment. Scalp micropigmentation is low maintenance and effective. It doesn’t require any downtime and is significantly less expensive than other procedures. Make sure you address your gut health through diet, stress, and any other factors that can contribute to your hair loss. We can be experiencing many other symptoms in our daily lives and not realize that they are not typical, but it is our bodies’ way of telling us that something is out of balance.
Have you been considering scalp micropigmentation (SMP) but concerned about how long it will last? Well, I will be answering this commonly asked question in depth. First, I will explain where the ink is implanted within the skin and the reason it is considered a semi-permanent treatment. I will also discuss ways you can help make your treatment last longer and looking sharp.
Our Skin:
Our skin is the largest organ in the human body and is composed of three layers. The outer layer, that is visible is the epidermis, this layer works to provide protection from the outside world. The second layer is the dermis, contains connective tissue, blood vessels, oil and sweat glands, nerves, hair follicles, and other structures. The third layer, the most innermost layer is the hypodermis or subcutaneous tissue. This layer is mainly composed of fat cells, connective tissue, large nerves, and blood vessels.
HOW LONG DOES SMP LAST….
Scalp micropigmentation is very different from a traditional tattoo because instead of implanting the ink purposely into the second layer, the dermis; the ink is placed just below the epidermis into the very top part of the epidermis. Traditional tattoos are placed deeper to assure they are permanent, the downside of implanting the ink that deep is that over time there will be some migration. This however can be very detrimental with scalp micropigmentation the last thing we want is migration because we are attempting to replicate tiny hair follicles. The ink is only place between 1.5-2mm deep, for this reason scalp micropigmentation is considered semi-permanent. However, I consider scalp micropigmentation permanent because it will never go away 100% but will however slowly fade over time. Normally the treatment will last between 2-5 years before a touch-up is desired.
SKIN TYPES AFFECT SMP:
Take into consideration that we are all have different skin types and thickness of skin and for this reason it is critical to find a skilled technician that understands skin, its conditions and has that finesse to find the sweet spot. This skilled is learned over time and with a lot of practice. It is imperative that your artist is using the correct machine and needles to practice this technique.
Skin types also affect how long scalp micropigmentation will last. Dry, flaky skin will slough off taking the ink with it faster compared to healthy moisturized skin, therefore it is important to care for your skin and use a good moisturizer. I discuss moisturizers in a different video but an easy to find moisturizer to use before bed is AVEENO.
SKIN TONES AND SMP:
Skin tone also is a major factor for scalp micropigmentation. Someone with darker skin can tolerate the sun much longer than someone with fair skin. UV light is scalp micropigmentation’s #1 enemy. Someone with light skin will require a lighter shade of ink to be used whereas someone with a darker complexion will need a darker tone. What this ultimately means is someone with lighter complexion may need more touch-ups. This is very important to understand, many clients want to go much darker than recommended. Our #1 priority is that your treatment looks natural, and it’s your artist’s job is to find a color that is appropriate for you.
I always recommend wearing sunscreen or protecting your head with a hat if you plan to be in the sun for an extended amount of time. Chlorinated pools and the ocean can also affect your treatment, but this is the reason we provide touch-ups.
EXTENT OF HAIR LOSS:
Another factor is the amount of hair loss you first started off with. Someone who just had a small area to cover like a Norwood 1-3 can go longer without a touch-up compared to someone with extensive hair loss, a Norwood 5-7.
Touch up sessions are much shorter than the original treatment and can range from 1 to 2 hours. The cost will also be less. I hope this information was helpful and answered some of your questions regarding scalp micropigmentation and touch-ups.
HOW TO REDUCE SHINE FROM YOUR HEAD AFTER SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION
After your Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) treatment, the best method to keep the treatment looking as natural as possible is to:
1. Keep your hair shaved down as low as possible
2. Reduce shine from your head after scalp micropigmentation
There are many different products to reduce shine from your head. I will mention some of the most important ingredients to avoid and what qualities to look for when purchasing a product.
Most importantly, avoid products that contain alcohol (which can damage or fade your SMP) or harsh chemicals because they can cause a stinging sensation after shaving. You also don’t want a super heavy, thick product that leaves a greasy feeling.
Instead, look for a product that contains natural ingredients, absorbs quickly, is lightweight, and of course, has a matte finish. These products might be labeled as anti-shine, anti-oil, matte or mattifying.
A few lotions are explicitly designed for Scalp Micropigmentation, but many over-the-counter creams will work just as well to reduce shine. Other artists or clients recommended the products I will mention. There are many more lotions not listed here only because I can’t try them all out, but at least this gives you a good idea. I reviewed products in different price ranges, and you can find these lotions either on Amazon or at Sephora stores. I also had some of my clients test them out to get a better overall review. Take into consideration that you must find what works best for you, your preference, and your specific skin type, as everyone is different.
One last thing your SMP artist mentioned for long-term care of your Scalp Micropigmentation was to use an SPF. You may apply an SPF along with your lotion of choice; remember that many SPF lotions cause a bit of shine, but skin protection is vital. There will always be a bit of shine no matter what product you use. The reason for this is because of the vellus hairs and sebaceous glands. Most of our skin is covered in tiny hairs called vellus hairs that give your skin a slightly velvety look. However, with male pattern baldness, the hair follicles shrink and turn into skin cells. This means there are no hairs at all, not even vellus hairs. The scalp also contains sebaceous glands that secrete oil. We have these glands all over our skin but in high quantity on the scalp.
1. FUSE- Cosmetic Pigmentation Serum
This lotion is lightweight and easily applied with no residue or greasy feeling on your fingers or scalp. You automatically see a difference, and the matte finish is nice! I like this lotion because the scent is faint, the cream itself is very thin, and a little goes a long way. The matte finish lasts about 5 hours before a “minimal shine” returns. Overall, I think this is a great product!
Rate: 4 out of 5
$27.95 – 4 oz ($6.99/oz) Amazon
2. Head Lube Matte
This lotion has a light cooling mint/menthol scent and goes on very quickly. As for shine control, the matte finish lasts only for a few hours. You can work around this by applying more mid-day. Overall, it’s not a bad product for the price; it just doesn’t last as well as the others.
Rate: 3.6 out of 5
$12.99 – 5 oz ($2.60/oz) Amazon
3. Peter Thomas Roth- Max Matte-SPF 45
This is an excellent lotion for shine control. It has a faint, pleasant sunscreen smell, and it is very lightweight. It does have that sunscreen feel when you first apply it. However, it dries nicely and gives a matte finish to your scalp for a few hours. It leaves your scalp feeling great, plus it was protected by SPF 45. The matte coverage was overall good, but you will find that you will need to reapply it again mid-day, which is also great if you are out in the sun. With that said- I would recommend this overall matte and SPF coverage for your scalp.
Rate: 4.5 out of 5
$34 – 1.7 oz ($20/oz) Sephora/Amazon
4. Make Up For Ever- Shine Control Step 1 Primer
This light fragrance primer gave immediate results with an instant noticeable matte finish. There was no shine under direct sunlight, and it lasted about 6 to 8 hours. It does have a slight tacky-gel feel when you first apply it, but it does dry fast and becomes lightweight. This would be the PERFECT primer to control any scalp shine! I would highly recommend this product!!
Rate: 5 out of 5
$37 – 1 oz Sephora
A side note is always to use shampoo when washing your scalp, not soap, because it will dry your skin out. Apply the lotion after shaving, and make sure to really rub it in and apply it on your forehead as well. A good moisturizing cream to use before bed is AVEENO, while the matting lotions can be used throughout the day. Some lotions matte don’t last all day, so you may need to reapply. Remember, a little bit of shine is acceptable. Hope this helps you find the right personalized product for you to help reduce the shine from your head after SMP treatment.
Before discussing the 5 steps you need to take before your Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) treatment, make sure you have done your research. Pick your artist by having several consultations, looking at their work on their website and social media. Do they have work similar to what you are looking for? And speak with them; you will be spending multiple appointments, each several hours long, so make sure this is someone you feel comfortable with. Although cost is essential, don’t pick an artist for their lower fees as we all know a mistake can be costly to fix.
Now that we got that out of the way let’s go into those 5 steps
Understand your treatment goals and have realistic expectations
Scalp micropigmentation is a tattoo, not hair implantation. Whether you are looking to recreate a hairline or create density for thinning hair, it is essential to understand the limitations of scalp micropigmentation. Although it can be a bit daunting initially, enjoy the process by finding before and after pictures on Youtube, Instagram, or Pintrest for the hairline you would like to achieve. You may opt for a very soft hairline, a receded hairline, or a sharp edge up. If you are unsure, don’t worry; your artist is always willing to recommend a look that will best suit you.
Begin to moisturize your scalp
If you completely shave your head, we recommend starting to moisturize your scalp. You can begin days to even weeks before your appointment. A healthy scalp is the best canvas for your artist. Use a non-irritating, fragrance-free soap and moisturizer and moisturize 1-2 times per day. An easy to find and acceptable moisturizer is Aveeno. We are working at a very superficial surface, and dry, tough skin will not allow the needle to enter the skin adequately to deposit the ink. If you suffer from skin conditions, including dandruff, ensure it is well treated and under control. We are unable to work if there are any present flare-ups. If you have a dry scalp, you may need a hair scrub. In addition, If you do have any of these issues, make sure to address them before your treatment date with your artist.
It is best to stop using any harsh topical products on your scalp for at least 48 hours before your appointment. These products include Rogain, Toppicks, or a hair system if you wear one. We need to allow your skin to be clean and clear before your appointment.
Cut your hair
If you shave, it is best to do it the night before. This way, we can minimize the redness and soreness the clippers, razors, or foil shaver may cause. It also saves on treatment time. However, if you have never shaved before and prefer us to do it, we are well equipped to provide that service for you.
Eat and Hydrate
Plan on being at your appointment anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. Make sure you eat and, if possible, avoid blood thinners, like caffeine, alcohol, or aspirin.
5 Important aftercare steps for Scalp Micropigmentation
You are either interested in getting Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP), or you just had your treatment done; now, what do you do next. First of all, scalp micropigmentation is very low maintenance, and soon enough, you will be resuming your everyday life but with much more confidence and less stress because you will stop hiding underneath a hat. Following are the 5 most important aftercare steps for scalp micropigmentation.
STEP #1- Stop using any alcohol-based products
Read labels carefully; Rogaine and some shampoos contain alcohol, for instance, Head & Shoulders. The high alcohol content will extract the ink that was just placed. Also, consider this for long-term care; your scalp micropigmentation will last longer.
STEP #2- Do NOT get your head wet
You can use a shower cap or keep your head out of the water stream and avoid too much steam while showering for the first 4 days. On day 5 you may rinse your head with cold water and shave if you’d like. After day 7 you may resume routine care and shampoo your head with a mild shampoo.
STEP #3- Avoid excessive sweating
Stay away from gyms and saunas for the first 4 days. Also, gyms can be places where bacteria may be harvesting, and you want to prevent any chance of infection. If you do happen to sweat, pat your head dry very gently with a paper towel.
STEP #4- Treat your SMP gently
There are tiny scabs attached to the pigment underneath your skin. Before your skin heals completely, these scabs need to be treated very carefully, so avoid touching or rubbing your scalp. If possible, avoid wearing a hat for the first 4 days. If you must wear a hat, make sure it is clean to prevent infection. Also, if your work requires you to wear a hardhat, I recommend carrying around several clean bandanas, wearing them loosely, and changing them often whenever moisture is present.
STEP #5- Avoid the Sun
Sun does the most damage to your skin and your scalp micropigmentation. Like any tattoo, the more it is exposed to the sun, the faster it will fade.
I recommend placing a dark clean towel on your pillowcase for the first week to avoid ink or oil on your pillowcase.
Scalp micropigmentation has no actual downtime. You can walk out of the studio, and no one will know you had treatment. You will notice some redness, and it may feel like you have a sunburn on your scalp, but that goes away in a couple of hours.
LONG TERM AFTERCARE
Apply a minimum of 50+ SPF whenever you know you will be out in the sun or protect your scalp micropigmentation with a hat. You will require touch-ups more frequently if you are out in the sun and the pigment begins to fade. Also, chlorinated pools can make the pigment fade quicker. On the other hand, you had scalp micropigmentation treatment to live a more nonrestrictive life, so take off that hat and enjoy life. Scalp micropigmentation is low maintenance, and a touch-up is much less expensive than your original treatment because the foundation is there. All you need is a refresher, and you may want to get this done anywhere between 1 to 5 years. The critical point is to keep your scalp healthy; you can do this by moisturizing your scalp, and we are here to keep your scalp micropigmentation looking fresh.
