📅 Recovery Timeline
Expect redness, swelling, and a sensation of tightness or warmth on the scalp. The pigment will appear much darker and more defined than the final result. Tiny scabs will begin to form over the treated areas.
The initial redness and swelling will start to subside. Scabs will be more prominent and may begin to flake. The scalp may feel itchy, which is a normal part of the healing process. The pigment may start to look lighter as the initial dark layer peels off with the scabs.
Most of the scabbing and flaking should be gone. The pigment will continue to settle, and the color may appear uneven or patchy. This is normal, and the color will even out in the coming weeks.
The scalp should be mostly healed on the surface. The pigment will continue to settle and may darken slightly. The final color and density will become more apparent.
The pigment has fully settled, and the color is stable. The final result of the initial sessions is visible. A touch-up session is typically scheduled around 4-6 weeks after the final treatment to perfect the results.
The SMP will continue to look natural and will not require any specific maintenance other than regular moisturizing and sun protection. The color will remain stable.
The SMP remains in good condition. Some very slight fading may occur over a long period, but this is minimal. Touch-ups may be considered every 3-5 years to maintain the vibrancy of the pigment.
⚡ Shock Loss & Shedding
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a cosmetic pigmentation procedure, not a hair transplant. Therefore, there is no shedding or "shock loss" of transplanted hair. The procedure does not involve hair follicles and does not cause hair to fall out.
📈 Growth Milestones
Since SMP does not involve hair growth, there are no growth milestones. The milestones in SMP recovery relate to the settling of the pigment and the healing of the scalp. The final, settled result of the treatment is typically visible 4-6 weeks after the final session.
💊 Pain Levels & Medication
Expected pain levels during and after SMP are generally low. Most clients describe the sensation as a light, persistent pricking. On a scale of 1 to 10, the pain is typically rated between 2 and 4 during the procedure and subsides to a 0 to 2 within a few hours. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen can be used if needed, but are often not necessary. No prescription pain medications are typically required.
✅ Do's
- ✓Keep the scalp dry for the first 4 days.
- ✓Moisturize the scalp with a fragrance-free moisturizer after day 4.
- ✓Wear a loose, breathable hat for sun protection.
- ✓Gently rinse the scalp with lukewarm water after day 4.
- ✓Use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo after day 7.
- ✓Pat the scalp dry gently with a clean towel.
- ✓Use an electric foil shaver after day 5-6, avoiding scabs.
- ✓Use high-quality sunscreen (SPF 50+) daily after the initial healing period.
- ✓Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- ✓Relax and minimize stress to promote healing.
❌ Don'ts
- ✗Do not wash, touch, or apply any products to the scalp for the first 4 days.
- ✗Do not pick or scratch at the scabs.
- ✗Avoid activities that cause heavy sweating for the first 4 days.
- ✗Do not expose the scalp to direct sunlight without protection.
- ✗Avoid swimming pools, saunas, and steam rooms for at least 14 days.
- ✗Do not use harsh shampoos, exfoliants, or hair growth treatments.
- ✗Do not wear tight hats or helmets that can rub against the scalp.
- ✗Do not shave with a razor blade until after day 7, and be careful of unhealed areas.
- ✗Avoid tanning beds and fake tanners during the healing process.
- ✗Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it can dehydrate the skin.
🚨 When to Contact Your Doctor
- ⚠Signs of infection: Increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or pus from the treated area.
- ⚠Excessive pain: Severe or throbbing pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter medication.
- ⚠Fever: A fever may indicate a systemic infection.
- ⚠Allergic reaction: A rash, hives, or severe itching could be a sign of an allergic reaction to the pigment.
- ⚠Swollen lymph nodes: Swelling in the lymph nodes in your neck or behind your ears.
- ⚠Blistering or severe scabbing: While some scabbing is normal, excessive or painful blistering is not.
- ⚠Unusual discharge: Any colored or foul-smelling discharge from the treated area.
- ⚠Pigment migration or blurring: If the pigment dots appear to be spreading or blurring together.
- ⚠No improvement: If redness and irritation do not improve after a few days.
- ⚠Feeling unwell: If you generally feel unwell, have nausea, or other systemic symptoms.
💡 Tips for Optimal Results
- ›Follow aftercare instructions diligently: This is the most critical factor for achieving the best results.
- ›Choose a reputable and experienced practitioner: Research your artist and clinic thoroughly.
- ›Moisturize daily: Keeping the scalp moisturized helps the pigment settle and prevents a shiny appearance.
- ›Protect your scalp from the sun: Sun exposure can cause the pigment to fade prematurely. Use a high-SPF sunscreen or wear a hat.
- ›Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use shampoos or other hair products that contain harsh chemicals, alcohol, or exfoliants.
- ›Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is good for your skin and helps with the healing process.
- ›Avoid chlorinated water: Chlorine in swimming pools can affect the pigment, so it's best to avoid swimming for at least two weeks.
- ›Be patient: The final result is not immediate. It takes time for the pigment to settle and the scalp to heal.
- ›Attend your touch-up session: The touch-up session is essential for perfecting the result and ensuring longevity.
- ›Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A healthy diet and regular exercise can contribute to healthy skin and better long-term results.