SMP Aftercare: The Day-by-Day Guide (Days 0–30)

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a low-maintenance hair loss treatment—but great results rely on smart aftercare. Follow this Birmingham-tested routine to keep your hair tattoo crisp, natural and long-lasting. If you’re looking for SMP Birmingham aftercare specifics, this guide is exactly what we give clients at Sharp SMP.

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Key principles (that protect colour and realism)

• Keep it clean, dry, and hands-off while micro-wounds close.

• No sweat, sun, or steam early on—these push out pigment and dull definition.

• Moisturise at the right time (not too early) to avoid softening fresh work.

• SPF forever. UV is the #1 reason a hair tattoo fades or shifts tone.

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Days 0–4: Heal first

• Do not wash the scalp. Gently blot excess lymph with a clean tissue if needed.

• No sweating: skip gym, running, sauna/steam rooms, hot showers.

• No sun exposure; stay indoors or wear a very loose, breathable cap if you must go out.

• Don’t touch or pick. Mild redness/itching is normal—leave it.

• Sleep on a clean pillowcase; avoid letting the scalp rub on rough fabrics.

Tip: If you need pain relief, use a simple option like paracetamol (avoid blood-thinning meds unless prescribed). If you’re unsure, check with a clinician.

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Days 5–7: Gentle cleanse, light hydrate

• First gentle wash: quick, lukewarm shower. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser in your hands (no sponge/loofah). Pat dry—don’t rub.

• Start light moisturising 1–3× daily with a simple, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturiser. Use thin layers.

• Still no heavy sweating, swimming, sun, or shaving.

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Days 8–10: Back to routine… carefully

• Continue gentle washing and light moisturising.

• Shaving: if the scalp feels smooth (no scabs/tender spots), you can dry-shave carefully with an electric clipper or foil shaver. Avoid wet razors until the skin feels fully settled.

• Light movement OK (walks), but keep sweat minimal. No sauna/steam.

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Days 11–14: Re-introduce activity

• Normal showers are fine; keep them warm, not hot.

• Gym: resume moderate workouts, towel off sweat quickly.

• SPF begins as soon as the skin looks healed—use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily on exposed scalp.

• Hats are fine if clean and breathable.

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Days 15–30: Lock in the look

• Full training and regular life resume.

• Swimming: wait until at least day 21–30, then rinse off chlorine/salt straight after.

• Weekly gentle exfoliation (once the skin is calm) can keep the surface even; avoid harsh scrubs.

• Avoid strong actives (high-percentage retinoids/AHAs/BHAs) on the area until past day 30.

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Long-term care (for a hair tattoo that stays sharp)

• Daily SPF 30+ (upgrade to SPF 50 in summer/holidays).

• Moisturise lightly to prevent dryness/flake; shiny scalps can use a matte moisturiser.

• Sun, sauna, and heavy sweat fade pigment faster—protect and rinse.

• Top-ups: most clients refresh every 12–24 months depending on skin, lifestyle, and sun exposure.

• Using topical hair loss treatments (e.g., minoxidil)? Pause for about 5–7 days after sessions, then re-introduce gently—avoid irritation. If in doubt, ask your practitioner.

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Products that play nicely

• Cleanser: mild, fragrance-free.

• Moisturiser: lightweight, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free.

• Sunscreen: broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (mineral or hybrid if you’re sensitive).

(Brand isn’t critical—ingredients and behaviour are.)

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Common mistakes to avoid

• Moisturising too early (can soften micro-wounds).

• Hot showers/steam in the first week.

• Picking or scratching tiny flakes.

• Skipping SPF (fastest way to fade colour).

• Over-exfoliating in the first month.

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Quick aftercare checklist

Do: keep it dry Days 0–4 • gentle wash Day 5 • light moisturise from Day 5 • start SPF once healed • wear breathable caps • rinse sweat/chlorine fast.

Don’t: sunbathe • swim early • sauna/steam early • scratch/pick • wet shave too soon • use harsh acids/retinoids before Day 30.

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FAQs

Does SMP hurt after the session?

You might feel mild warmth or tightness for 24–48 hours. It settles quickly if you follow the no-sweat/no-steam rule.

When can I shave my head again?

Usually Days 7 with an electric shaver if the skin feels smooth and settled. If you really can’t wait then go 4 days minimum

When can I hit the gym?

Give it 7–10 days before proper workouts. Start light, towel off sweat promptly.

Can I wear a hat?

Yes—loose, clean, and breathable from Day 0 if you need it. Avoid anything tight or sweaty early on.

Will my Scalp Micropigmentation fade?

All SMP softens slightly over time; SPF and sensible aftercare massively slow fade.

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Ready to protect your investment?

If you’re comparing hair loss treatment options or want tailored advice for SMP Birmingham, book a free consultation with Sharp SMP. Check our Services, Gallery, and Contact pages for next steps—and keep your Scalp Micropigmentation looking its best all year round.

• Explore services: sharpsmp.co.uk/scalp-micropigmentation

• See results: sharpsmp.co.uk/gallery

• Book a free consultation: sharpsmp.co.uk/contact