Scalp micropigmentation
Aftercare Instructions.
Find the stage you are in. See what you can do, what to avoid, and when each restriction changes.
Your day-by-day guide
What can I do today?
Choose the period that matches where you are in healing. Your selected instructions stay together so there is no mixing of timelines.
First 5 days after your SMP procedure
Protect the treated area.
Keep this period simple. A loose clean hat and a fresh pillowcase are okay; touching, water, sun, and heavy sweat are not.
You can
- Wear a hatA loose hat or skullcap is fine.
- Sleep any way you wishChange and use clean pillowcases.
- Use medication if neededNo blood thinners.
You can’t
- Sweat heavilyAvoid strenuous exercise and heavy perspiration.
- Buzz or shave your hairLeave the treated area undisturbed.
- Expose your scalp to sunKeep the treated area protected from direct sunlight.
- Touch the treated areaDo not rub, pick, or scratch.
- Wash your scalpDo not scrub, rinse, or shampoo it yet.
After the five-day ban
Resume carefully.
You can begin normal care in stages, while keeping the 30-day restrictions below in place.
You can
- Buzz or cut your hairDo not shave with a razor.
- Wash your scalpUse a natural shampoo.
- MoisturizeUse gentle scalp moisturizer.
- Resume light exerciseLight sweating is okay after day five.
You still can’t
- Scratch the treated areaLet the scalp settle without picking or friction.
- Swim or use a saunaWait 30 days after the procedure.
- Use self-tanner or prolonged sunAvoid self-tanners and long-term sunlight exposure.
The simple version
Protect the impressions while they settle.
The first five days are about leaving the treated area alone. After day five, the routine becomes easier—but scratching, swimming, sauna use, self-tanner, and prolonged sunlight still need care.
Hands off.
No rubbing, picking, or scratching.
Keep it dry.
No washing until the five-day ban has passed.
Limit exposure.
Protect the scalp from prolonged sunlight.
Once the first month has passed
Long-term SMP care.
Gentle scalp care and sun protection help you look after your treatment over time.
Protect from sun
Use a hat or appropriate SPF when your scalp will be exposed.
Keep care gentle
Moisturize and avoid unnecessarily harsh scalp products.
Protect in chlorinated pools
Consider a swim cap when swimming in chlorinated water.
SMP aftercare routine
SMP Aftercare Routine – DOs and DON’Ts explained
The timeline above is the quickest reference. These notes preserve the broader guidance clients often want before and after a session.
Before your SMP treatment
Prepare with a clean, hydrated scalp. Avoid unnecessary sun exposure, moisturize during the week before treatment, and wash your hair thoroughly with a mild shampoo the night before.
Medication changes should never be made from a webpage alone. Confirm any medication question with the prescribing clinician and SCALPS.
Scalp aftercare — the first 5 days
Use clean pillowcases and clean, loose hats. Do not wash, touch, scratch, buzz, shave, sweat heavily, or expose the treated area to direct sun during the first five days.
After day 5 and through day 30
After the five-day ban, you can wash with natural shampoo, moisturize, buzz or cut without a razor, and resume light exercise. Continue to avoid scratching, swimming, saunas, self-tanners, and prolonged sunlight exposure for 30 days.
Years after the treatment
Continue with gentle scalp products, moisturizer, hydration, and sun protection. A hat or appropriate SPF can help protect an exposed scalp, and a swim cap can reduce repeated chlorine exposure.
When you are unsure
Ask before you improvise.
Your specific treatment instructions always come first. If something does not feel clear, contact SCALPS before changing your care routine.
Contact SCALPS