preparation & aftercare
treatment care plan
A major benefit of Scalp Micropigmentation is the simple aftercare which requires little to no downtime.
The procedural result from each treatment session will settle over a 7-day healing period. After this time, you will generally be ready for the next session.
Aftercare may be adjusted if needed based on your results from each session.
pre-treatment instructions
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Avoid sun exposure within the days prior to treatment, especially if you are prone to burning. Your scalp may be sensitive causing pain during treatment and may also be rejective to pigment. If your scalp is sunburned on the day of treatment, we may need to reschedule your appointment.
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Dry scalp and skin conditions such as dandruff, eczema or psoriasis MUST cleared up before treatment commences. Skin that is sunburned, dry or flaking may not heal or accept pigment properly.
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Moisturising your scalp to prepare the skin for Micropigmentation is key and it is recommended to use a water-based moisturiser before treatment and after the treatment is healed.
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Sugar scrubs or light exfoliation of the scalp are recommended before treatment to remove dead skin 5 days before treatment.
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Please refrain from using Minoxidil or other topical treatments a minimum of 72 hours before
treatment.
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If possible, remove wig units 7 days prior to treatment and give your scalp time to breath and clear up irritations to glue. If your skin is in poor condition, we may need to reschedule your booking.
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Please ensure you eat before your appointments. Getting tattooed on an empty stomach may make you feel nauseous.
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Wear dark-coloured shirts as we are working with ink and pigments may splatter.
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It's ideal that the use of blood thinning medication is ceased 30 days before treatment commences. Any medication must only be stopped if safe to do so and as advised by your doctor. Some blood thinning medication may not affect your SMP treatment so please get in touch prior to your appointment.
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Use of antibiotics must be complete for 7 days before starting treatment.
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You must not be pregnant or breastfeeding.
All clients must be over 18+.
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If you are unsure about your general health or are experiencing abnormal scalp conditions, it is recommended to get a doctor’s clearance before treatment commences.
MEDICAL
If you are prone to keloid scarring or have any active and changing forms of Alopecia unfortunately Scalp Micropigmentation may not be suitable for you.
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We will not be able to treat clients who are undergoing chemotherapy or have undergone chemotherapy within the last 12 months due to the radiation and its possible effects on the pigment settling.
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Type 2 diabetes: You will need a doctor’s clearance to proceed due to being at higher risk of infection and use of certain medications.
POST TREATMENT
Aftercare for the most part is simple: Take sensible precautions in the sun and avoid direct sunlight for minimum of 10 days if possible. Keep your scalp clean, dry, and moisturise as needed.
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Do NOT apply chemical based colours, fibers, makeup, antibiotic creams, ointments, Monoxidil or RetinA to the treated area until it is fully healed. We recommend at least 10+ days after your final session as this may cause the pigment to discolour or fade.
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Follow these steps and you’ll see the best possible treatment results that will last for years to come.
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SMP pigment is only deposited into the Papillary layer of skin. Failing to follow through with aftercare may cause uneven healing, affect the overall appearance of your treatment, and result in needing additional sessions. Please take care to follow these steps to ensure the best healed results and the longevity of your treatment.
AFTERCARE
DAYS 1 – 4:
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•Do not do anything to cause excessive sweating for a minimum of 2-4 days after sessions.
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DO NOT expose your scalp to sunlight while healing, minimum of 7-10 days.
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Do not fully submerge scalp in water for a minimum of 4 days post treatment.
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When showering, do not spray the water directly onto your scalp. A Shower cap can be used if needed.
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Do not submerge your head in chlorinated water for a minimum of 7 days.
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You may cleanse your scalp after treatment by gently wiping with clean hands, wet wipes, or wet paper towel. No soap and/or shampoo is to be used during this time.
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Clients may experience pigment shedding during this period - small scab like dots which shed from the skin. This is a completely normal part of the healing process.
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Do not scratch or pick as this may cause the pigment to be pulled out.
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Loose fitting hats or work hardhats may be worn after treatment and during healing. It’s important to let your skin breathe as much as possible during healing. Beanies or tight hats causing friction or sweating must not be worn for a minimum of 5 days post treatment.
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DAYS 5 – 7:
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On day 5 post treatment you may gently wash your head as normal again with warm water and no scrubbing.
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For bald heads, a light cleanser such as baby shampoo is recommended.
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Follow up by moisturising your scalp with a water-based lotion or very light natural oil such as jojoba.
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You may shave your hair with clippers only.
DAYS 8 – 14:
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Wet shaving with a razor blade can resume 10 days after each session of the procedure.
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Do not rub, pick, or scratch the treated area or scabbing that may appear, as this may cause uneven healing and the impressions to be less crisp. Gently tap if you experience itching.
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Keep your scalp moisturised with a water-based moisturiser or light oil once your treatment has settled. This will help to keep the scalp in good condition & helps to extend the longevity of your SMP.
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For shaved heads, always apply sunscreen. We recommend you stay out of strong sunlight during the initial 7-10 day settling period to avoid having to use sunscreen on your treatment area, and instead wear a hat. It is important that you do not sunburn your scalp to the point that would cause peeling, especially within the first 2 weeks following treatment.
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Any sun damage which causes peeling on the healing tattoo can lead to fading and uneven treatment results.
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Continue to always apply sunscreen after treatment is fully healed any time, you’re in the sun to minimise fading due to sun exposure.
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From day 15 onwards, you may resume your normal daily routine.
LONG-TERM AFTERCARE
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Avoid chlorinated pools, saltwater, saunas, and steam rooms for 3 weeks after treatment.
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Always wear SPF 50+ as UV rays can cause the pigment to fade.
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Avoid using products that use a high concentration of alcohol. To tell how much alcohol is in a product check the label. On the labels, ingredients are listed in descending order of concentration. If alcohol is one of the first ingredients it is best to avoid it.
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Avoid products with AHAs or Glycolics as this will cause pigment to fade.
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Exfoliate your scalp at least 2 times a month to remove dead skin cells and maintain the appearance of the pigments.