The use of scalp micropigmentation is on the rise as a means to redefine hairlines that have been impacted by male pattern baldness or other factors. This option is gaining popularity due to its less invasive nature and the fact that it requires minimal maintenance, setting it apart from traditional hair transplants or wigs.
After your treatment session, there are some things to keep in mind. For example, you are avoiding soaking your head in water or excessive sweating.
Wear Wide-Brimmed Hats
Unlike hair transplants that rely on natural hair, scalp micropigmentation uses a pigmented solution to cover up the appearance of natural or receding hairlines. Therefore, it is essential to wear a hat outdoors to protect from sun damage and other environmental hazards.
Using wide-brimmed hats is one of the most effective ways to protect your skin and preserve the color of your scalp micropigmentation. A recent cluster randomized trial called Sun Protection of Florida’s Children showed that students in intervention schools who received classroom sessions to promote hat use at school statistically increased their hat usage (primary outcome). The study also found that hats increased the use of sunscreen and decreased UV exposure.
To maximize the longevity of your scalp micropigmentation, you should follow a simple skincare routine that includes gentle cleansing and moisturizing. It is best to use a shampoo designed for the treatment area to avoid harsh chemicals that could fade or damage the pigmentation. After washing, apply a specially formulated moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness and itchiness.
It is also essential to always attend a touch-up appointment with your SMP technician. These appointments are crucial for ensuring the integrity of your scalp micropigmentation and maintaining its vibrant look for years to come.
Nourish Your Scalp
Scalp micropigmentation is an incredible treatment that can make you look like you have a full head of well-groomed hair, even when you’re bald or going through significant hair loss. The process involves pigments being deposited at the epidermal level of the scalp to create the appearance of natural hair follicles or strands, depending on your desired outcome. The result can cover thinning spots, scars, birthmarks, and more.
Following recommended aftercare guidelines is essential to keep your scalp looking as natural as possible. This includes gentle cleansing and moisturizing with products formulated specifically for SMP. Use a mild shampoo that’s safe to use on the treated area, and avoid any other ingredients that may fade or damage the pigment. It’s also important to moisturize the skin 3 to 4 times daily in pigmented areas. Moisturizing is especially vital if your scalp is dry, as this can help prevent premature pigment fading.
While it’s not always easy to resist the temptation to scratch an itchy scalp, avoiding this can significantly reduce your chances of damaging your SMP results. Squashing or rubbing the treated area can displace the pigment and lead to premature fading. Instead, if you feel the urge to scratch, gently tap or pat the itchy area with your fingertip instead. This can help to alleviate the itching and distract you from forming unintentional picking habits.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Scalp micropigmentation is a tattoo-like treatment that uses specialized pigments to create the appearance of a full head of hair in people with baldness or thinning scalps. While this treatment can help restore a sense of youthfulness and confidence, it’s essential to care for your scalp micropigmentation and prevent premature damage.
One of the most common mistakes people make with scalp micropigmentation is not protecting their investment by wearing a hat and using sunscreen outdoors. Exposing your scalp to direct sunlight for extended periods can damage the skin and cause early pigment fading. To avoid this, wear a hat and apply non-greasy sunscreen to your scalp whenever you’re outside for an extended period.
Getting your scalp wet should also be avoided if possible. While this doesn’t necessarily mean you should not shower, you should wear a cap when swimming or visiting hot environments like saunas or steam rooms. This will keep your scalp and hair dry, which will help to prevent any bacterial infections from developing on the tiny wounds that the SMP procedure has created.
It is also a good idea to moisturize the areas of your scalp that have been treated with scalp micropigmentation 3-4 times per day, especially if you have oily skin. This will ensure that the skin is hydrated and prepared for the treatment, which will help to promote optimal results.
Avoid Excessive Sweating
Scalp micropigmentation uses specialty pigments to camouflage sparse areas of your scalp where natural hair follicles are absent. The technique is not only a practical way to add more hair coverage sans new growth, but it also looks highly realistic, making it nearly impossible for anyone to tell that your hair is fake.
To maintain the integrity of your SMP results, you should avoid excessive sweating for the first four days following treatment. Sweat can interfere with the healing process, and it can also distort the color of your results. If you are still determining how long to wait before engaging in any activity that could make you sweat heavily, ask your SMP technician for guidelines.
It would also help if you did not swim in water containing chlorine or salt for at least 30 days after your SMP treatment. These substances can irritate the sensitive skin on your scalp and cause it to heal improperly, resulting in discolored or faded pigmentation.
It’s also important to avoid rubbing, scratching, or picking at the area after your SMP treatment. While the temptation may be strong, doing so can lead to scarring or removing the scalp micropigmentation. In addition, scabs may form during the healing process and should be left alone. If scabs develop, apply a gentle moisturizer to prevent flaking.
