Scalp micropigmentation is a noninvasive treatment that replicates hair follicles, usually across two to four sessions. Afterwards the scalp needs time to heal before you return to strenuous activity. Here are the steps to follow and the products to nourish your scalp after SMP.
SMP Healing Process
Take care of your scalp while it heals to avoid scarring and infection and to preserve the result. Avoid the following:
Exercising and other sweat-inducing activities: avoid strenuous activity for at least five days. Sweating affects the way the pigment settles into the scalp.
Soaking your scalp: for the first week, avoid getting your scalp completely wet. A damp washcloth or a light rinse for oil control is fine. Wait two weeks before swimming — chlorinated pools and hot tubs dry the skin and can fade pigment.
Exposing your scalp to the sun: wear a hat or stay out of it. UV breaks down the molecules in the pigment and causes premature fading.
Using scalp products: avoid them for five days, giving the pigment time to settle. After that, build a daily routine.
Touching your scalp: do not shave, comb or scratch the treatment area — it introduces bacteria, and scratching can pull pigment out. Pat gently if it itches.
For artists, Photo Finish Foam helps reduce local swelling after treatment. Talk to your SMP specialist about any additional post-treatment instructions.
Scalp Aftercare Products
Folicule makes a line of aftercare products to moisturize, mattify and protect the scalp after SMP. They are designed to be layered in a daily routine.
Matte Moisturizer
Matte Moisturizer nourishes and hydrates the skin and finishes matte rather than dewy. It uses five humectants — glycerin, trehalose, hyaluronic acid, beta-glucan and erythritol — that pull water into the skin instead of sealing oil on top of it, plus aloe barbadensis leaf extract to calm post-shave irritation and vitamin E as an antioxidant. Paraben-free, silicone-free.
Apply at the start of your day after cleaning your scalp: a small amount, smoothed over freshly cleaned skin.
Shine Slayer
Shine flattens SMP — the matte finish is what makes the work read as real stubble. Shine Slayer is a mattifying balm built for a shaved head: rice starch absorbs sebum and flattens breakthrough shine, and jojoba seed oil helps stop the scalp overproducing oil in the first place. No white cast, no tacky film, nothing to scrub off.
Apply the moisturizer first, let it settle, then a dime-sized amount of the balm over a clean, dry scalp. Reapply as needed.
Scalp Sunscreen
Scalp Sunscreen is designed for SMP: SPF 40 against both UVA and UVB, 100% mineral-based with no chemical preservatives or oils, tinted to prevent white residue, and with a built-in mattifier. Water-resistant and reef-friendly.
Apply moisturizer first, then sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours, or every 80 minutes if swimming or sweating.
A note on fragrance: these products are scented — Shine Slayer with sandalwood, gardenia and rose; Matte Moisturizer with orange peel, geranium and citronella. These are recognised fragrance allergens, so patch test if you are sensitive.
Additional Scalp Care Recommendations
Wash your scalp two to three times a week with something gentle and sulfate-free — more if your skin is especially oily or you sweat heavily. Exfoliate at least once a week; dead skin cells build up and dull the appearance of the pigment. Avoid tanning beds, wear sunscreen, and follow your artist’s guidance on touch-ups.
Shop Folicule Aftercare
Our products are designed for people who have had scalp micropigmentation and for bald or buzzed heads generally. Bundled: the Shine Control Duo is the moisturizer and the balm, the Shine Control Trio adds sunscreen, and the Complete Scalp Kit is the full range.
Questions? Email hello@folicule.com.