So you’ve just gotten SMP treatment, hopefully with one of our qualified clinicians… what’s next? Although you may wish to head out (no pun intended) and show off your new look in public, there is quite a bit of aftercare required to ensure that you get the very best results from the treatment.
Why is aftercare so essential for SMP? Well, one of the most important considerations is choosing the right clinic to perform SMP in the first place, but failure to care for your scalp properly afterwards can ruin the results. Below are a few key tips to caring for your scalp after SMP:
1. For the First Five Days (Days 0-5)
Immediately following your SMP treatment and for the following five days, it is strongly recommended that you do not touch your scalp unless absolutely necessary. Moreover, drink plenty of fluids and keep the scalp damp (not wet!) with a cloth. Avoid washing the scalp with shampoo or other products altogether.
Also make sure that you cover your scalp with a hat or by staying indoors in the first few days as much as possible. Sun damage can lead to ‘bleeding’ of the pigments, smudging and ruining the overall appearance.
Lastly, avoid strenuous exercise. It’s okay to go for a brisk walk, but try to avoid breaking a sweat.
2. After the First Week (Days 5-10)
After the first five days of recovery, your scalp should be on its way to healing from the treatment. At this point, you’ll be able to wash your scalp with cold water, gently and carefully. Follow up with frequent use of moisturiser as well.
Although you may be inclined to wash the scalp, it’s still best to refrain from touching it too much. Do not use shampoo or other cleaning products; just cold water and some moisturiser at this point.
3. After the First Month (Days 30+)
After about 30 days, you should be able to resume most of your normal daily routine. Exercise, including swimming and rigorous exercise, are normally possible after the first month has gone by.
Try to use sunscreen on the scalp, rated SPF30-50. Continue mosturising the scalp every day for the best results. You can use an electric razor on the scalp at this point, but be careful, especially if there are scabs healing or scars present.
4. Avoid Infection
It is possible that you may attribute cold-like symptoms or a headache or fever to your SMP treatment, but there is practically no chance that it comes from the treatment. What is somewhat common, however, is slight inflammation of the scalp area. If your scalp is slightly swollen, especially in the first few days, this is normal and it should go away after a few days. If it persists, however, you may have an infection.
5. Schedule Follow-Up Treatments
After some time, you may notice that the pigment of your SMP will begin to fade ever so slightly. This may take 1-2 years to happen, and it is not necessarily a sign of a bad treatment (if it wears out very quickly, that most certainly is a sign of poor treatment).
Even when performed by qualified and experienced SMP clinicians, your scalp’s pigmentation will begin to fade after some time. The good news is that you won’t need to undergo 3-4 sessions like you may have the first time around, but you will need to get a touch up to keep the pigment looking great for years to come.
SMP Gold Coast also offers scalp micropigmentation in Brisbane, scalp micropigmentation in Broadbeach, scalp micropigmentation in Queensland, and scalp micropigmentation in Surfers Paradise.
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