Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a solution for concealing hair transplant scars and other issues. This non-invasive treatment employs micropigmentation to blend follicles at the scar site with surrounding areas, reducing visibility. Once you get your SMP, you will need to care for your scalp to maintain the results. Here are mistakes to avoid after receiving a hair tattoo:
Overlooking Excessive Sun Exposure
UV rays may impact micropigmentation ink. Excessive exposure without covering your scalp or using sunscreen fades pigments or changes their color. When spending time outdoors, wear hats that shade your scalp from direct sunlight. Apply sunscreen to all treated and surrounding areas. Protective accessories and sunblocks can help lessen the impact of UV rays on your hair tattoo.
Wearing Tight Hats
Tight hats that constrict circulation can damage pigmented follicles. Avoid tight skull caps, beanies, headbands, and any headwear that presses against your scalp. Loose baseball caps are okay if they have ventilation panels and do not apply pressure on your scalp. Let follicles breathe and recover pigment integrity without constriction before resuming snug hats. Check fit comfort when wearing hats after the rest period ends.
Picking at Scabs
Scabs indicate healing from the process but can pull out pigments if prematurely removed. Let protective scabs shed naturally rather than picking and peeling. Doing this interrupts the healing process. Picking at scabs also risks infection and potential pigment loss or uneven results, as embedded inks may come off with the scabs. Notify your practitioner if any scabs look discolored or infected.
Applying Moisturizers or Ointments
For the initial healing phase, keep your treated areas dry. Moisturizers and ointments may add extra moisture that interferes with pigment uptake. Avoid water, as dry environments allow embedded pigments to stabilize, while moisture disrupts this process. Your head’s natural oils will provide enough moisture for healing. Your practitioner will advise when products like approved moisturizers can be reintroduced.
Getting Your Hair Dyed
Chemicals from dyes or bleach can damage follicles. If gray root coverage or tonal enhancements are desired, these cosmetic touches may need to wait. After your procedure, avoid salon appointments that include bleaching, highlighting, coloring, tinting, perming, or straightening. The chemicals used in these treatments can compromise pigment integrity. You want your roots to blend with the SMP follicles as they grow out. Let your natural base hues and undertones surface.
Attempting At-home Touch-ups
The SMP involves pigment tattooing that should be left to the hands of skilled practitioners. Do-it-yourself touch-ups can misjudge pigment matching and create uneven results. Attempting at-home SMP enhancement lacks the precision equipment and training location procedures provide. Visit your artist for any assessment of retention, color refreshes, or density additions you seek.
Maintain Your Hair Tattoo
Aftercare for pigmented follicles can help maintain them properly. Avoid excessive sun exposure and wear loose hats. These precautions preserve your procedure’s results. Artists offer long-lasting scalp micropigmentation for scar camouflage. They use pigments that blend with the surrounding area, masking FUT or FUE procedures. Now you are well-informed take the first step and get your hair tattoo done.
