SMP Aftercare: Essential Tips for Maintaining Long-lasting Results
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We are guessing you are happy with the results you just got from that Scalp Micropigmentation procedure. But did you know the journey doesn't end at that SMP chair? To maintain realistic and natural-looking results, you must follow post-care maintenance tips.
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is an innovative procedure that has helped thousands of people with hair loss problems. However, its longevity depends on proper aftercare. Below, we have shared the most essential tips to help you maintain those impeccable results. Continue reading to learn more!
Essential Tips for Post-SMP Care - Immediate Aftercare Guidelines
If you have already had a Scalp Micropigmentation procedure, your practitioner must have shed light on how to take care of the hair tattoo after the treatment. Allow us to explain briefly to those who are yet to have the procedure.
Within the first few days after getting a hair SMP, individuals should:
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- Keep the scalp dry to allow the scalp to heal.
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- Avoid strenuous activities that may lead to excessive sweating.
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- Refrain from using harsh hair products that may irritate the scalp.
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- Avoid sun exposure
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- Avoid scabbing
It is essential that all candidates follow the given immediate aftercare guidelines to facilitate quick healing and maintain effective results.
Long-term After-Care Guidelines
Skin Routine
Skin routine is one essential tip that cannot be understated. Just like your face requires nourishing products to maintain flawless skin, the same applies to the skin on your scalp.
Building a proper skincare routine for your scalp can go a long way in maintaining your SMP results. If you have no idea what the routine involves, don't worry; you are many on the train.
An SMP skin routine involves gentle cleansing to help remove dirt and excess oils. To do this, you must use a mild, sulphate-free shampoo to avoid damaging the pigments. After cleansing, you can follow up with a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser. This allows the scalp to soak up the moisture, preventing flaking. Now, if you must exfoliate, ensure it's done gently and infrequently. You don't want to irritate your scalp.
Sun Protection
Sun protection is both an immediate and long-term aftercare tip. Scalp Micropigmentation pigments are likely to fade faster when exposed to the sun. This is because the UV light breaks down the pigment particles faster, causing premature fading.
To avoid this, ensure you apply sunscreen to your scalp before stepping out of your house. We recommend you use an SPF 50 sunscreen. With its water—and sweat-resistant properties, it guards your scalp against UV light and maintains scalp health. Now, it is essential to note that you should always have sunscreen every day. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate and affect your results.
Follow Up Appointments
Frankly, one session is not enough to achieve seamless and natural-looking results. You need at most 2-3 sessions to get the results you are looking for. Let's get technical here for a minute! The very first session lays a foundation for pigment placement. The second session adds density and refines the hairline, while the third session perfects the look and addresses any areas requiring touch-ups.
Based on your SMP goals, your practitioner should inform you of the number of sessions you will need and the appointment times for each session. Sessions are generally spaced about 7-14 days apart. If you fail to follow up with your appointments, the results will be undesirable. That said, it is essential to do your diligence and attend the given sessions.
Also Read: Understanding SMP Sessions
SMP Maintenance Strategies
Tough as it may be, it is essential to make certain lifestyle changes to maintain seamless and natural-looking results for the estimated time. Some lifestyle adjustments involve;
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- Limit sun exposure and use sunscreen when needed
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- Saying no to harsh hair products
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- Use skin moisturiser daily to prevent your scalp from flaking.
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- Avoid using hair dyes
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- Wearing a hat or cap during peak sunlight hours
As we conclude, it's never too late to incorporate these tips if you already have a hair tattoo. And remember, consistency is the secret to ensuring your scalp maintains that clean shave buzz look. For anyone planning to go for a Scalp Micropigmentation procedure, make sure you get all the products needed to maintain the results. We hope you have a seamless experience.