Scalp Micropigmentation Aftercare
A simple routine to help your scalp settle between sessions for the cleanest, most natural finish.
Healing Time
7–10 Days
Wash After
4 Days
Moisturise
From Week 2
Avoid
Sweating & Sun
Step by step
Healing timeline
The typical phases to expect between SMP sessions.
Day 1
- Keep the scalp completely dry
- No hats, hoods or beanies
- Sleep on a clean pillowcase and avoid touching the scalp
Days 2–4
- Continue to keep the scalp dry
- No moisturiser or shaving yet
- The pigment may look darker. This is expected
Week 1
- Light water rinses are fine from day 4–5
- Pat dry. Never scrub
- Return to gentle exercise once you can stay dry
Long-term
- Apply a fragrance-free moisturiser from week 2
- Wear SPF 50 daily to keep the pigment tone stable
- Most clients top-up every 2–4 years to keep it crisp
Fully settled
- Tone softens into a natural, even finish
- Return for a top-up whenever it starts to lighten
Do & don't
Look after your scalp
Simple habits that keep the pigment crisp between sessions.
Do
- Keep the scalp completely dry for the first 3–4 days
- Rinse gently with lukewarm water and fragrance-free cleanser from day 4–5
- Apply a fragrance-free moisturiser from week 2 onwards
- Wear SPF 50 daily to keep the tone stable
- Sleep on a clean pillowcase and avoid touching the scalp
- Book top-ups every 2–4 years to keep it looking crisp
Don’t
- Wear hats, hoods or beanies for the first 4–5 days
- Swim, sauna or use steam rooms for 2 weeks
- Sweat heavily or take hot showers for 4 days
- Shave for at least 7 days after a session
- Pick or scratch any flaking pigment
- Use scented products or harsh shampoos while healing
FAQs
The questions we're asked most between SMP sessions.
What's normal
Wait at least 7 days, then shave with a fresh blade with the grain. Electric foil shavers are gentlest long-term.
💬 Need some reassurance?
If you're unsure whether everything is healing as expected, send us a clear photo on WhatsApp and our experienced team will happily take a look. We'd always rather hear from you early and help put your mind at ease.
Worth a quick message if: You've shaved early and the scalp is red, weeping or the pigment looks patchy.
What's normal
Keep it completely dry for the first 3–4 days. From day 4–5, gentle rinses with lukewarm water.
💬 Need some reassurance?
If you're unsure whether everything is healing as expected, send us a clear photo on WhatsApp and our experienced team will happily take a look. We'd always rather hear from you early and help put your mind at ease.
Worth a quick message if: The scalp has been soaked early and pigment appears to be lifting.
What's normal
SMP softens gradually over years, especially with sun exposure. Most clients top-up every 2–4 years.
💬 Need some reassurance?
If you're unsure whether everything is healing as expected, send us a clear photo on WhatsApp and our experienced team will happily take a look. We'd always rather hear from you early and help put your mind at ease.
Worth a quick message if: You notice unusual patchiness, spotting or dramatic fading in the first few months.
What's normal
Avoid heavy sweating for 4 days. After that light exercise is fine as long as the scalp stays cool and dry.
💬 Need some reassurance?
If you're unsure whether everything is healing as expected, send us a clear photo on WhatsApp and our experienced team will happily take a look. We'd always rather hear from you early and help put your mind at ease.
Worth a quick message if: You've sweated heavily on a fresh session and the scalp feels sore or is weeping.
What's normal
No hats, hoods or beanies for the first 4–5 days. Once fully healed, wear whatever you like.
💬 Need some reassurance?
If you're unsure whether everything is healing as expected, send us a clear photo on WhatsApp and our experienced team will happily take a look. We'd always rather hear from you early and help put your mind at ease.
Worth a quick message if: You've worn a hat over fresh pigment and see patchiness or irritation underneath.
What's normal
Every 2–4 years for most clients. Come in when tone starts to soften or lighten.
💬 Need some reassurance?
If you're unsure whether everything is healing as expected, send us a clear photo on WhatsApp and our experienced team will happily take a look. We'd always rather hear from you early and help put your mind at ease.
Worth a quick message if: You want to darken, adjust or refresh sooner than expected.
Healing Checker
Answer a few quick questions tailored to the treatment you're viewing. We'll help you understand what is commonly seen while healing and what to do next. This is guidance, not a diagnosis.
Takes less than 60 seconds
Where to go for help
- Common healing signs
- Mild redness, tenderness, swelling, light flaking or a little clear fluid early on.
- Ask the studio
- Irritation that is not settling, snagging, jewellery questions or anything unclear.
- Seek medical advice today
- Increasing pain, heat, spreading redness, yellow or green discharge, fever or feeling unwell. Contact your GP urgently or call NHS 111, without waiting for our reply. Seek emergency care if you are seriously unwell.
Still need help?
Send us a clear photo and one of our experienced team members will review it and advise on the next steps. If appropriate, we'll recommend a studio check-up or seeking medical advice.