SMP AFTERCARE
Following the correct aftercare is an important part of achieving the best possible healed result. Your scalp has undergone a cosmetic tattooing treatment and needs time to heal and retain the pigment.
Your SMP may appear darker, sharper or more noticeable immediately after treatment. This is completely normal. As your scalp heals, the pigment will soften and settle into a more natural appearance.
THE FIRST 24 HOURS
Keep things simple — clean, dry and hands off.
Keep the treated area clean and dry.
Do not wash or shampoo your scalp.
Avoid touching, scratching or rubbing the treated area.
Avoid exercise and heavy sweating.
No swimming, saunas or steam rooms.
Keep your scalp out of direct sunlight.
Avoid applying products unless recommended by your practitioner.
Avoid tight hats or anything that may rub against the treated area.
DAYS 2–4
Your scalp is now healing. You may experience mild dryness, itching, flaking or changes in how dark the pigment appears.
Continue to avoid washing or soaking the scalp, heavy sweating, swimming, excessive heat and direct sunlight.
Most importantly — don’t scratch, pick or peel. Allow any dry or flaky skin to come away naturally to avoid disturbing the pigment.
DAYS 5–14
You can gradually begin returning to your normal routine as your scalp heals.
You may begin gently washing your scalp as instructed, using lukewarm water and a gentle shampoo. Avoid scrubbing or exfoliating the area and pat dry rather than rubbing.
Continue to avoid swimming, excessive sweating, strong scalp treatments and prolonged sun exposure until the area is fully healed.
TRUST THE PROCESS
SMP is designed to be built gradually over multiple sessions.
During healing, the pigment may look darker, lighter or slightly uneven in places. Don’t judge your final result too early. Once healed, we’ll assess your SMP at your next appointment and add density, definition or adjust the pigment wherever needed.
Trust the process — we’re building your result layer by layer.
SUN, SWEAT & SWIMMING
UV exposure can cause SMP to fade more quickly, so once fully healed, protect exposed areas with a high-SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen and consider a hat during prolonged sun exposure.
During the initial healing period, avoid strenuous exercise, heavy sweating, swimming, hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms.
SHAVING & PRODUCTS
Wait until your scalp has healed before shaving or cutting over the treated area. When you do resume, use clean equipment and avoid shaving over irritated or flaky skin.
During healing, avoid unnecessary styling products, hair fibres, exfoliants, acids, retinoids and strong or fragranced scalp treatments.
WHAT'S NORMAL?
Some redness, mild tenderness, sensitivity, itching, dryness or light flaking can be expected after SMP. Your pigment may also initially appear darker before gradually softening as it heals.
If you experience increasing pain, redness or swelling, significant heat, discharge, persistent bleeding, blistering, a significant skin reaction or symptoms that are worsening rather than improving, please contact DOT — The Pigment Method.
If you feel significantly unwell or believe you may be experiencing an infection or serious allergic reaction, seek appropriate medical attention promptly.
LONG-TERM CARE
Once fully healed, SMP is relatively low maintenance.
Protect your scalp from UV exposure, keep your skin healthy and hydrated and avoid excessive exfoliation or harsh treatments over the area.
SMP will naturally soften and fade gradually over time. A maintenance/top-up treatment can be carried out in the future to refresh the colour and density when needed.
REMEMBER
Healing is part of the process.
Your SMP will not look exactly the same on Day 1 as it does once fully healed. Allow your scalp time to settle and trust the gradual process of building your result across your treatment sessions.
If you are ever unsure about something during your healing process, please contact DOT — The Pigment Method rather than trying to treat the area yourself.
DOT — The Pigment Method