How to Maintain the Results of SMP for as Long as Possible

Posted on 17th March, 2022

As the least invasive, the safest, and the easiest to maintain hair loss treatment, scalp micropigmentation can be quite expensive, particularly if you are completely bald. The more hairless areas of your scalp the practitioner has to cover by depositing pigments underneath the skin, the greater the cost of the procedure will be, as performing scalp micropigmentation requires a lot of precision.

However, the results of this hair loss treatment are extremely realistic and will restore your confidence if you have been struggling with feelings of inadequacy. Naturally, since scalp micropigmentation is a major investment, it is perfectly understandable that you want the results to last as long as possible without the pigment fading. To ensure you enjoy your new look for years to come, here are five valuable tips.

1. Follow the Instructions of Your Practitioner Religiously After Your Last Session

The punctures the artist makes in the skin on your head during scalp micropigmentation are basically small open wounds, although not as deep as those a tattoo entails, so immediate aftercare is paramount to make sure the pigment remains securely trapped in your skin and to avoid infection. Proper healing is of utmost importance when it comes to scalp micropigmentation and is actually the first aspect you need to address to ensure you will benefit from your new appearance for at least 5 years. While you will receive a list of things to do and things to avoid from your artist at the end of your last scalp micropigmentation session, here are the essentials:

  • avoid soaking your head in water for 3 to 5 days following your last session and avoid intense physical activity that causes you to sweat profusely, as excessive sweat can make the pigment look blotchy and ruin the new look of your scalp
  • minimize sun exposure as much as possible, as ultraviolet radiation will break down the pigment and cause premature fading, so you should wear something that covers your head when you go outside, especially if it is sunny
  • if you experience mild swelling, which is completely normal after scalp micropigmentation, you should place a towel over your head and put some ice on top of it
  • avoid scrubbing, combing, or scratching your scalp and instead use your fingertips for itchiness relief, as taking the tiny scabs off your head may cause the pigment to leak and destroy the appearance of your scalp

2. Moisturize Your Scalp Every Day, Multiple Times a Day

Moving on to how you should look after your scalp after micropigmentation in the long run, something that helps maintain the results of the procedure is moisturizing your scalp daily, twice a day, with a fragrance-free product. While you may find it inconvenient, you will be surprised how quickly it can become a habit or a part of your skincare routine. Your scalp will have to be constantly moisturized to prevent your skin from becoming dry or flaky.

If you experience this and scratch your head, you will forcibly take off dead skin that is still attached to your scalp, which may cause slight bleeding. While your small wounds are bleeding, the pigment underneath the skin may leak as well. Therefore, it is a good idea to use moisturizer after taking a shower and before going to bed.

3. Use Sunscreen on Your Scalp All Year Round

To prevent the color of the pigment from prematurely fading, we encourage you to apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or 50 every time you go outside, even in the winter or when it is cloudy. Ultraviolet radiation can cause your scalp micropigmentaiton to fade the same way it affects car paint or leather fabrics.

A product with SPF 30 or 50 will block out UV rays up to 98%. To add extra protection to your scalp treatment, you may also want to wear suitable headwear, such as a hat made of thick fabric. Not only will sunscreen protect the pigment in your scalp from fading, but it will also moisturize your skin and prevent skin cancer.

4. Avoid Using Skincare Products with Alcohol on Your Scalp

While we strongly encourage you to apply moisturizing lotion on your scalp daily, you should pay close attention to what the product contains, as if it has alcohol, you should cease using it. Alcohol will be partially absorbed by your scalp and will make the pigment look blotchy over time, so it is ideal to avoid products with alcohol as much as possible.

Furthermore, alcohol in skincare products will strip your skin of moisture and dry it out, which you are trying to avoid if you want your results to last as much as possible. In some cases, this ingredient can lead to redness and irritation, which in turn might trigger a skin rash that will take a toll on your scalp.

5. Gently Exfoliate Your Scalp Once a Week

One month after your final session, you should exfoliate your scalp once a week by using a gentle product to remove dead skin cells and maintain the appearance of the pigment. A harsh exfoliating product might cause skin irritation and even bleeding if you scrub your scalp too forcefully, so you should pick one that is kind to your skin. Oftentimes, natural exfoliating products are the best for taking care of your scalp after micropigmentation, as they do not contain harsh chemicals.

You should never exfoliate in between sessions, as this might cause bleeding of the healing wounds on your scalp. A lot of scalp micropigmentation artists claim that regular scalp exfoliation is crucial for healthier, more radiant-looking skin and long-term pigmentation retention. You should exfoliate your scalp once or, maximum, twice a week. It is preferable to exfoliate during bathing, using a splash of water so that the exfoliate lathers and spreads evenly over your scalp.

We Offer Excellent Scalp Micropigmentation Treatment for People with All Types of Hair Loss

For several years, our artists, Rob and Macy, have been providing scalp micropigmentation to clients in California, as well as to those who come from other corners of America to have this effective hair loss treatment. From men with male pattern baldness and women who want their hair to appear denser to cancer patients whose hair fell off due to treatment and people who want their head scars to be concealed, we can offer scalp micropigmentation to everyone with hair loss problems.

We know from experience that undergoing this procedure can improve the confidence of a person to a great extent if their hair situation had been a cause of insecurity. Although undergoing scalp micropigmentaiton is quite costly if you are completely bald and time-consuming, it is something worth investing in since you will relish the results for years, and the touch-ups that will be necessary when the pigment begins to fade will cost you considerably less than the complete treatment you initially had.