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The Complete Guide to Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) Aftercare

Protect Your Investment. Maximise Your Results.

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is more than a treatment—it's an investment in your confidence. Proper aftercare plays an important role in ensuring your scalp heals comfortably and your Scalp Micropigmentation looks natural and long-lasting.

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At Hair Ink SMP Gold Coast, we're committed to helping every client achieve the best possible results. Following the correct aftercare routine will help protect your scalp, support healthy healing and keep your SMP looking its best for years to come.

Why Is SMP Aftercare Important?

Scalp Micropigmentation works by carefully placing specialised pigment into the upper layers of the skin to replicate the appearance of natural hair follicles.

Like any cosmetic tattoo procedure, your skin requires time to heal.

Following your aftercare instructions helps:

✔ Support healthy skin recovery

✔ Reduce irritation

✔ Maintain healthy scalp condition

✔ Promote even healing

✔ Protect the appearance of your SMP

Immediately After Your Treatment

Following your appointment, it's normal to experience:

  • Mild redness

  • Slight skin sensitivity

  • Tightness

  • Minor dryness

These reactions are temporary and usually settle within 24–48 hours.

First 4 Days

During the first four days after your treatment:

Avoid

❌ Heavy sweating

❌ Gym workouts

❌ Swimming pools

❌ Saunas

❌ Steam rooms

❌ Direct sun exposure

❌ Scratching or picking your scalp

❌ Hair products

Keeping the treated area clean and dry gives your skin the best opportunity to begin healing.

Washing Your Scalp

Do not wash your scalp until advised by your practitioner.

Once you have been instructed to begin cleansing, use a gentle cleanser specifically recommended for Scalp Micropigmentation.

We recommend:

ZooTattoo SMP Foaming Cleanser

Designed specifically for SMP aftercare, this gentle cleanser helps remove:

  • Sweat

  • Oil

  • Dirt

  • Environmental impurities

without leaving the scalp feeling dry.

Moisturising Your Scalp

Once your practitioner recommends moisturising, apply a thin layer of a professional aftercare moisturiser to keep your scalp hydrated and comfortable.

Recommended products:

  • MicroBalm Healing Salve

  • MicroBalm 5.5 Scalp

Healthy skin supports healthy healing.

Sun Protection

The sun is one of the biggest causes of pigment fading.

After your scalp has healed:

✔ Wear SPF 50+ sunscreen

✔ Wear a hat whenever possible

✔ Avoid prolonged sun exposure

Protecting your scalp helps maintain your SMP for years.

Exercise

Wait at least 4 days before returning to heavy exercise or activities that cause excessive sweating.

Sweat may irritate freshly treated skin during the early healing period.

Swimming

Avoid:

  • Chlorinated pools for 1 week

  • Salt water until advised by your practitioner

After healing, rinse your scalp after swimming and moisturise if needed.

Shaving Your Head

Most clients can resume shaving after approximately 4 days, or once advised by their practitioner.

Always use:

✔ A clean razor

✔ Gentle pressure

✔ Quality shaving products

Avoid aggressive shaving over healing skin.

Managing Dry Skin

Some flaking or dryness may occur as your scalp heals.

Avoid picking or scratching.

Instead:

✔ Keep your scalp hydrated

✔ Follow your aftercare routine

✔ Allow your skin to heal naturally

Managing Dry Skin

Healthy scalp care doesn't stop once healing is complete.

For long-lasting results:

Cleanse Daily

Use a gentle scalp cleanser.

Exfoliate Weekly

A gentle scalp exfoliator removes:

  • Dead skin

  • Excess oil

  • Product build-up

without irritating the scalp.

Moisturise Regularly

Hydrated skin feels healthier and more comfortable.

Reduce Shine

Many clients enjoy using a mattifying scalp cream to create a softer, more natural finish.

Managing Dry Skin

Healthy scalp care doesn't stop once healing is complete.

For long-lasting results:

Cleanse Daily

Use a gentle scalp cleanser.

Exfoliate Weekly

A gentle scalp exfoliator removes:

  • Dead skin

  • Excess oil

  • Product build-up

without irritating the scalp.

Moisturise Regularly

Hydrated skin feels healthier and more comfortable.

Reduce Shine

Many clients enjoy using a mattifying scalp cream to create a softer, more natural finish.

Recommended Hair Ink SMP Aftercare Products

ZooTattoo SMP Foaming Cleanser

Gentle daily cleansing for healthy scalp care.

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ZooTattoo SMP Scalp Exfoliate

Weekly exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and product build-up.

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ZooTattoo SMP Mattifying Scalp Cream

Reduces excess shine for a natural-looking scalp.

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MicroBalm Healing Salve

Hydrates and nourishes the scalp during ongoing aftercare.

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Scalp Pro 5.5 SMP Match Box Set

Professional scalp preparation and maintenance before and after SMP.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How long does SMP take to heal?

Most visible redness settles within 24–48 hours. Surface healing generally occurs within the first week, while the skin continues to mature over the following weeks.

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When can I exercise again?

Avoid heavy sweating for at least 4 days after each treatment.

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Can I wear a hat?

Yes.

A clean, loose-fitting hat may be worn if necessary.

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Can I moisturise immediately?

Only begin moisturising when advised by your practitioner.

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Will my SMP fade?

Some softening during healing is completely normal.

Long-term fading occurs gradually over several years and can usually be refreshed with a maintenance appointment.

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How long does SMP last?

Most clients enjoy their results for 3–5 years before considering a refresh treatment. Longevity depends on skin type, sun exposure, lifestyle and aftercare.

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Can I use normal shampoo?

We recommend using products specifically chosen for Scalp Micropigmentation whenever possible, as they are generally gentler on the scalp.

Georgia's Professional Advice

"Your Scalp Micropigmentation is an investment in your confidence, and looking after your scalp is just as important as the treatment itself. Following your aftercare instructions and using professional scalp care products will help keep your scalp healthy and your results looking natural for years to come."

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Georgia Elson
Hair Ink SMP Gold Coast

Shop Professional SMP Aftercare

Maintain healthy skin and protect your investment with our professionally selected aftercare products.

✔ ZooTattoo SMP Foaming Cleanser

✔ ZooTattoo SMP Scalp Exfoliate

✔ ZooTattoo SMP Mattifying Scalp Cream

✔ MicroBalm Healing Salve

✔ MicroBalm 5.5 Scalp

✔ Scalp Pro 5.5 SMP Match Box Set

Browse our complete SMP Aftercare collection and give your scalp the professional care it deserves.

Microchanneling

What You Need to Know Before Your Microchanneling Appointment

  • Avoid topical skin irritants that may increase your skin’s sensitivity (e.g. glycolic/ ​ salicylic acids, benzoyl peroxide, retinol products such as Retin A, Tazorac, Triluma,​ Differin, and Vitamin C) and topical antibiotics 3-5 days prior to your treatment.

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  • Avoid unprotected sun exposure or sunburn for at least 48 hours prior to your treatment.

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  • No waxing, depilatory creams, or electrolysis to the area being treated for 5-7 days prior.

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  • If you’re prone to cold sores, take an antiviral agent for 2 days prior to and the day of the treatment.

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  • Avoid blood-thinning agents for one week prior because bruising is a common side effect.

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  • Accutane or any related acne medication should be discontinued for a minimum of 6 months prior to undergoing microchanneling.

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  • On the day of your treatment do not wear any make-up or moisturisers on the area being treated, however, we have cleaners that can be used for you to remove this if required.

  • If you are given a mask, apply it 90 minutes after the completion of your treatment andkeep it on for around 30 minutes.

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  • Preferably, no other products apart from make-up are applied for 6-8 hours after yourmask is taken off.

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  • Avoid exposure to pet dander and other irritants as best you can. You may experience a mild allergic reaction to pets and other things you typically do not react to within the first 24 hours.

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  • Your skin may feel hot and tight, like a mild sunburn.

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  • For your first treatment, (and treatments at .25mm in general) you can expect mild redness and swelling, and a tight, warm sensation for between 4-24 hours. Treatments withlonger needle lengths may produce redness and swelling, along with tiny flecks of redness for between 4-72 hours.

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  • Mild skin sloughing may occur for a few days after treatment.

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  • Mild acne and milia can occur in rare cases. Don’t pick and they’ll go away in a few days.

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  • Trans-Epidermal Water Loss is a common temporary side effect and could leave you feeling dry throughout the first week. Keep the recommended moisturizer with you during the day and apply as frequently as necessary to avoid dryness.

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  •  After 36-48 hours post-procedure: apply the Procell Therapies Cellular Renewal Serum and Healing Accelerator for the best results. Cleanse first and apply 1-3 pumps each. Apply daily, morning and night.

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  • Return for a follow-up treatment in about a month or as recommended.

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  • In addition:

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  • For the first 90 mins, don’t touch treatment areas or put anything else on (besides the mask), and avoid any sun exposure.

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  • After 6-8 hours, you can apply a mild moisturizer as well as an SPF 30 or higher with Zinc Oxide sunblock and daily thereafter to maximize results.

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  • Avoid sweating for the first 24 hours (No gym, sauna, swimming, exercise) and spicy food

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  • For the first 5 days, your skin will be dryer than normal (trans-epidermal water loss) so drink plenty of water and moisturize often throughout the day.

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  • No Retin-A, Retinol, Vitamin C, beta hydroxy acids (BHA), alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), or exfoliation for 5-7 days

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