Pre-care and Aftercare Guidelines for SMP
Do Your Part!
Proper aftercare is one of the most important parts of your Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) treatment. These SMP pre-care and aftercare instructions help protect your pigment, prevent color loss, and ensure the best possible healed result. Please follow them closely to maintain a natural, long-lasting look.
Proper aftercare is one of the most important parts of your Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) treatment.
These SMP pre-care and aftercare instructions help protect your pigment, prevent color loss, and ensure the best possible healed result. Please follow them closely to maintain a natural, long-lasting look.
Pre-care Instructions
Please follow the Pre-care instructions to prepare your scalp for optimal results.
Hair Preparation
One week before your appointment, begin moisturizing your scalp 3–4 times per day in the areas that will be pigmented. Keeping the skin hydrated helps the pigment absorb properly.
If your skin is oily, moisturize less frequently — too much oil can be just as problematic as dryness.
One week before your session, switch to a gentle, non-abrasive shampoo.
Shave your head with a razor 2–3 days before your procedure.
If you prefer clippers, use a #0 guard on the day of your appointment.
Do not use a razor on your scalp within 24 hours of your appointment.
We must see your natural hair texture to blend the follicles properly.
Do not take fish oil or aspirin for one week before your appointment unless prescribed by a doctor.
Please follow the Pre-care instructions to prepare your scalp for optimal results.
Hair Preparation
One week before your appointment, begin moisturizing your scalp 3–4 times per day in the areas that will be pigmented.
Keeping the skin hydrated helps the pigment absorb properly.
If your skin is oily, moisturize less frequently — too much oil can be just as problematic as dryness.
One week before your session, switch to a gentle, non-abrasive shampoo.
Shave your head with a razor 2–3 days before your procedure.
If you prefer clippers, use a #0 guard on the day of your appointment.
Do not use a razor on your scalp within 24 hours of your appointment.
We must see your natural hair texture to blend the follicles properly.
Do not take fish oil or aspirin for one week before your appointment unless prescribed by a doctor.
Aftercare Instructions
Follow these steps after each SMP session to protect your new pigment and support proper healing:
Days 1–4 (Healing Phase)
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Avoid washing or wetting the scalp
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Do not sweat heavily — avoid workouts, saunas, and steam rooms
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Do not shave your scalp
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Avoid touching or scratching the treated area.
Days 5–7 (Early Recovery)
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You may wash your scalp gently (no scrubbing)
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Moisturizer once per day if the scalp feels dry
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Avoid sun exposure
Days 8–30 (Final Healing)
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Resume normal showering and moisturizing
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You may buzz your hair with clippers (no razor yet)
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Avoid prolonged sun exposure — SMP is sensitive to UV fading
Use sunscreen daily
Aftercare Instructions (Long-Term)
Use SPF 30+ daily to maintain pigment brightness
Moisturize your scalp regularly
Avoid harsh exfoliants or chemical peels on the scalp
Touch-ups every 3–5 years help keep your SMP looking crisp and natural
Use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily to help preserve your color. Ultraviolet rays can damage SMP pigment over time, leading to fading and the need for a touch-up.
Do not use tanning beds — they can fade your SMP. The end result would be fading and the need for a touch up.
Use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily to help preserve your color.
Ultraviolet rays can damage SMP pigment over time, leading to fading and the need for a touch-up.
Do not use tanning beds — they can fade your SMP. The end result would be fading and the need for a touch up.
Infections
Adverse reactions to SMP are rare. However, excessive redness, swelling, purulent drainage, or pain radiating beyond the treatment area may be signs of infection.
If you experience itching, swelling, blistering, or other complications after your procedure, contact a medical provider first, then call us if you believe an infection may be present.
Adverse reactions to SMP are rare. However, excessive redness, swelling, purulent drainage, or pain radiating beyond the treatment area may be signs of infection.
If you experience itching, swelling, blistering, or other complications after your procedure, contact a medical provider first.
Next call us if you believe an infection may be present.
Fever
A fever may indicate an underlying condition, most commonly an infection. If you develop a fever after treatment, contact a medical provider first, then notify us if you believe it may be related to your SMP procedure.
A fever may indicate an underlying condition, most commonly an infection. If you develop a fever after treatment, contact a medical provider first.
Next call us if you believe it may be related to your SMP procedure.