SMP Aftercare Guide — What to Do After Each Session

Why Aftercare Matters

SMP creates thousands of tiny micro-wounds in the scalp with each session. While much smaller than a traditional tattoo, the healing process is similar — and what you do during healing directly affects how well the pigment settles and how long it lasts.

Poor aftercare can cause uneven pigment settling, premature fading, or in extreme cases, infection. Good aftercare — which is simple and straightforward — protects your investment and ensures the best possible result.

Days 1–4: The Critical Window

The first four days are the most important. The pigment is settling into the upper dermis and the micro-wounds are closing.

Do:

• Keep the scalp completely dry — no washing, no rain, no condensation from showers
• Sleep on a clean, dark-coloured pillowcase (slight pigment transfer is normal in the first 48 hours)
• Stay in cool, dry environments where possible
• Wear a loose hat if going outside (not tight-fitting, which can cause friction)

Don’t:

• No washing or wetting the scalp — wash your face at the sink and keep your head away from water
• No sweating — avoid intense exercise, saunas, steam rooms or hot baths
• Don’t touch or pick — the scalp will feel tight and may itch. Resist the urge to scratch the treated area
• No swimming — chlorinated or salt water
• No sun exposure — UV rays directly after treatment can affect healing
• No alcohol — alcohol thins the blood and can affect healing in the first 24 hours

Days 5–10: Healing Phase

From day 5 onwards, healing is well underway. You can begin gentle washing and resume most normal activities.

• Use lukewarm water only — no hot showers directly on the scalp yet
• Use a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo or simply rinse with water alone
• Do not rub — pour water gently and pat dry with a clean towel
• Light exercise is fine from day 5; avoid heavy sweating until day 10

Expect the scalp to appear slightly darker and drier than the final result — this is normal. Final colour will be around 30–40% lighter than immediately after treatment. This is factored into the layering process across all 3 sessions.

Long-Term Care

Once your full treatment is complete and healed (~35 days from session 1), ongoing care is minimal but a few simple habits significantly extend the life of your SMP.

• Daily SPF 30–50 — the single most important thing for long-term longevity
• Moisturise regularly — a light daily scalp moisturiser maintains pigment vibrancy
• Wait 10 days before shaving — avoid wet shaving for 28 days after the final session
• Avoid prolonged chlorinated pool use — occasional swimming is fine, but daily pool use accelerates fading
• Use gentle sulphate-free shampoo — avoid salicylic acid, glycolic acid or strong exfoliants
• Avoid sunbeds — UV from sunbeds is significantly more intense than natural sunlight

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