How to Care for Your SMP After Treatment

Essential aftercare tips for clients across Birmingham AL, Nashville TN, Memphis TN, Atlanta GA, Mobile AL, New Orleans LA, and all Southeast US locations to ensure optimal SMP healing and long-lasting results.

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Essential SMP Aftercare Steps

  • Days 1-4: Keep completely dry, no washing, minimal touching, avoid sweating
  • Days 5-10: Gentle washing with mild cleanser, light moisturizing, avoid direct sun exposure
  • Weeks 2-4: Color settles and lightens 30-40%, continue SPF protection daily
  • Long-term: Daily SPF 50+, gentle cleansing routine, avoid harsh exfoliants

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Detailed Day-by-Day Aftercare Timeline

Following these instructions precisely ensures optimal healing, color retention, and long-lasting results.

1-4

Days 1-4: Critical Healing Phase

DO:

  • • Keep scalp completely DRY
  • • Sleep elevated (45-degree angle)
  • • Wear loose-fitting hats if needed outdoors
  • • Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed
  • • Expect mild redness and tenderness

DON'T:

  • • NO water on scalp (shower carefully)
  • • NO touching, picking, or scratching
  • • NO exercise or sweating
  • • NO sun exposure
  • • NO swimming, sauna, or steam
  • • NO alcohol consumption

Why this matters: The first 4 days are when pigment settles into your skin. Any moisture, friction, or contamination can cause pigment loss, uneven healing, or infection.

5-10

Days 5-10: Gentle Care Phase

First Wash (Day 5):

  1. Use lukewarm water (not hot)
  2. Apply gentle, fragrance-free cleanser with fingertips only
  3. Rinse thoroughly but gently
  4. Pat dry with clean paper towel (don't rub)
  5. Air dry for 10 minutes before applying moisturizer

Moisturizing:

Apply thin layer of recommended healing ointment 2-3x daily. Our recommendation: Aquaphor, Aftercare+, or similar fragrance-free healing ointment.

NOW YOU CAN:

  • ✓ Wash scalp gently daily
  • ✓ Light exercise (no heavy sweating)
  • ✓ Resume normal sleep position

STILL AVOID:

  • ✗ Direct sun exposure
  • ✗ Swimming pools/ocean
  • ✗ Saunas/steam rooms
  • ✗ Picking/scratching
2-4W

Weeks 2-4: Color Settling Phase

During this period, your SMP will appear darker than the final result, then lighten 30-40% as it heals. This is completely normal. The color you see at week 4-6 is closer to your final result.

⚠️ Common Concern: "My SMP is too dark!" Don't panic. The pigment oxidizes and lightens significantly during healing. Wait until week 6 before assessing final results.

Sun Protection:

Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen daily. UV rays are the #1 cause of premature SMP fading.

Swimming:

You can swim after week 2, but apply waterproof sunscreen and rinse scalp immediately after.

Exercise:

Resume full workouts. Sweat is fine—just wash scalp gently afterward.

Long-Term SMP Maintenance

Daily SPF Protection

Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen to your scalp every morning. This single habit extends your SMP lifespan by 1-2 years and prevents premature fading.

Recommended products: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer, EltaMD UV Sport, Coppertone Sport

Gentle Cleansing

Wash your scalp daily with mild, pH-balanced cleansers. Avoid harsh shampoos with sulfates, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid.

Recommended: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Moisturize Regularly

Keep your scalp moisturized, especially if you have dry skin. Hydrated skin retains pigment better and looks healthier.

Use fragrance-free, lightweight lotions 2-3x per week

Avoid Harsh Products

Skip exfoliating scrubs, retinol products, chemical peels, and aggressive skincare on your scalp. These accelerate pigment fading.

Simple is better for SMP maintenance

Questions About Aftercare?

We're here to support you through every step of healing. Contact us anytime with concerns.

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