Scalp Micropigmentation - Before and After Care
- hapanese
- Nov 22, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 23, 2022
Before your session Here’s how to get your skin ready your procedure
48 hours before
Don’t be tempted to have a drink the night before or on the day of your scalp procedure. Alcohol is a blood thinner, which means you could bleed more and the pigment may take Get pushed out.
Anticoagulants lengthen the time it takes your blood to clot, Anti-platelet drugs, such as aspirin and Ibuprofen prevent your blood from clotting, causing the tattoo to bleed more and be less comfortable.
Note: Caffeinated tea, coffee and energy drinks, garlic, oily fish, and some herbal teas can also thin the blood.
* Please check with your GP if you are on any medication that may cause blood thinning*
Full Scalp Procedure
Full head scalp Micropigmentation always works best on closely shaved scalps, wet shaving or grade 0-2 is ideal. The longer the natural hair is the more difficult it is to blend.
Do not tan two weeks prior or have sunburned face
Do not work out the day of the procedure (excessive oils in the skin can prevent the pigment from retaining).
Exfoliate your scalp the night before your procedure to remove any dead skin.
Hair Densification Procedures
Wash your hair on the morning of your procedure
Do not use oily, serum or wax products on the day of your procedure.
In order to avoid excessive bleeding which will reduce the pigment retention:
Do not drink alcohol 24 – 48 hours before your tattoo
Do not consume coffee before your procedure
Do not take any aspirin or ibuprofen for pain relief (this thins the blood)
Avoid oily fish, Garlic and herbal teas to avoid blood thinning
To Minimise Discomfort
Try to get a good night sleep before your treatment this will help you relax and make the treatment more comfortable.
Drink lots of water- before and during the session – this allows the skin to accept the ink more easily, without thinning the blood.
On the day
Have a good breakfast on the day of your tattoo, this increases your stamina as getting tattooed burns a lot of calories.
Paracetamol reduces pain and helps reduce inflammation so if your worried take two before or after the session.
Bring a sugary drink or snack for your session *blood sugar levels drop when your getting tattooed so this can help you feel more comfortable during the session* this also allows you not to stop so often which can interrupt adrenaline build up, making it harder to cope.
Consider a distraction, music to listen to or a book or simply flicking through your phone will help. I play music and have a TV in my studio.
A variety of products will come into contact with the skin during the session including , wax pencil, baby wipes, cling film , nitrile gloves, numbing cream, pigment. I have never had an allergic reaction to any of these but please be prepared to declare all allergies before the session as I can then use an alternative product where possible.
I can use numbing products throughout your treatment to ease any discomfort, this only lasts around 20-40 minutes. Soon after your treatment the area may feel sensitive or bruised. I recommend applying a dry ice pack or ice wrapped in paper towels or a tea towel to reduce any swelling and soothe the area. Paracetamol will ease any discomfort but avoid Ibuprofen for around 6 hours as this could cause the area to swell
Other things to consider
Pigment stains – I use protective hair nets and cover you and all my equipment and couch in tissue and protective sheet but occasionally tiny droplets of pigment could splash on clothing and may stain, I recommend wearing dark tops where possible.
I don’t have much space in my treatment room so please limit to 1 friend or family member joining you where possible. Due to the equipment I use and contaminated waste I don’t not allow children in my treatment room.
My treatment room is cleaned before and after every procedure I consider it a sterile environment so do not allow pets (other than Assistant Digs for disabled).
Please note tattooing is an art form of which there are many variables, we try always to do our best and monitor as many variables as possible but ever client and every skin is different – the final outcome of any tattoo can never be guaranteed.
After care
Looking after your scalp after sessions and beyond is incredibly import to maintaining your look. Following these instructions will ensure the longevity of your treatment.
Try to avoid any activities which might make you sweat.
Avoid washing or getting your head wet for the first three days.
Try not to touch your head with your hands or any surface that may be unclean.
Do not shave the treated area.
Don’t apply any product to scalp.
Sleeping on a clean pillow case is recommended.
You can now shave your head, but we recommend not using a conventional razer as this may remove any healing scabs. The best option is to use an electric razor.
You can now wash your scalp with water only, avoid scrubbing.
You can also moisture your head and you can perform activities from which you sweat lightly.
You can resume showering as normal with shampoo.
You may now your shave your head with a razor. However, avoid using it if there are still healing scabs on the skin.
You may now resume heavy exercise.
From here on, you may resume life as normal.
Take adequate precautions in direct sunlight using a quality sunscreen..
Moisturise daily with a light moisturising cream. Avoid using products which contain alcohol. The day of the treatment
Scalp Micropigmentation involves individual dots of pigment into the scalp, there is hardly any blood and hardly any trauma there is very little healing or aftercare.
Avoid using any products that contain Lanolin, Petroleum or any acids.
Full Scalp Procedures
I recommend Tattoo Goo balm, Tattoo Goo aftercare lotion which contains Healix Gold and Panthenol which accelerates healing and moisturises without suffocating the skin, Tattoo Goo Cleansing Soap, and Tattoo Goo Revive with SPF50 for any tattoos and Micropigmentation.
Do not wet the treated area for 3 days after the treatment. This give the skin a chance to seal in the pigment and ensure water doesn’t dilute the pigment.
The key to ensure your procedure lasts is to minimise UV light which will fade the pigment. Ensurevylu wear a hat in strong sunlight and use strong SPF sun protection, I recommend Tattoo Goo SPF50 which has been developed especially to protect and enhance tattoos
PLEASE NOTE: You are unable to donate blood for up to 12 months following Micropigmentation Procedure
Additional Tips To Aid Fast Healing
Use a fresh pillowcase
Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate away. Picking can cause scarring or loss of pigment and patchy healed results.
Avoid hot, sweaty exercise for one week
Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning for 4 weeks after procedure.
Wear a hat when outdoors.
Avoid heavy sweating and long hot showers for the first 10 days.
Avoid swimming and chlorinated hot tubs for the first 10 days
Avoid topical makeup including sunscreen on the area until fully healed.
DO NOT rub, pick or scratch the treated area.
Showering
Limit your showers to 5 minutes so you do not create too much steam. Keep your face out of the water while you wash your body, then, at the end of your shower, wash your hair. Your face should only be getting wet at the very last end of the shower. Avoid excessive rinsing and hot water on the treated area.
The second part of your procedure should be booked between 6-9 days after your first. Once healed your Micropigmentation should last approximately 5 years dependant on your skin and lifestyle.
REMEMBER: You are unable to donate blood for up to 12 months following Micropigmentation Procedure
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