What to Expect Immediately After the Procedure
Redness & Mild Swelling: It’s normal to experience some redness and mild swelling on the treated areas immediately after your session. This typically subsides within 24-48 hours.
Pigment Appearance: The pigment will appear darker, bolder, and more defined than the final healed result. This is completely normal and expected. The color will soften by 30-50% as the skin heals and the pigment settles.
Micro-Scabbing & Flaking: Tiny, almost invisible scabs will form over each pigmented dot as your skin begins to heal. These micro-scabs are part of the natural healing process and will flake off naturally around days 4-10. Do NOT pick, scratch, or rub your scalp.
Itchiness: Mild itchiness is common during the healing phase, especially as scabs form and flake. Resist the urge to scratch.
“Ghosting” or Fading: As the scabs flake off, the pigment may appear to vanish or look significantly lighter. This “ghosting” phase is a normal and temporary part of healing. The true, settled color will reappear and develop fully over weeks 2-6.
Multiple Sessions: SMP typically requires 2-4 sessions to achieve the desired density and blend. Subsequent sessions are usually scheduled 7-14 days apart to allow adequate healing.
Healing Timeline & Aftercare (Session by Session)
IMPORTANT: These instructions apply after each SMP session. You will repeat the “Day 1-4” aftercare after every treatment.
Day 1–4 (Initial Critical Healing)
KEEP SCALP COMPLETELY DRY: This is the most crucial step. Absolutely NO water contact on the treated area. This means:
No washing your scalp.
No showering directly on your head (consider head coverings or careful showering).
No swimming (pools, ocean, hot tubs).
No saunas or steam rooms.
AVOID SWEATING: Refrain from any strenuous physical activity, heavy exercise, or anything that causes profuse sweating. Sweat can push out pigment and negatively impact healing.
NO TOUCHING: Do not touch, rub, scratch, or pick at your scalp. Keep your hands clean if you must adjust a hat.
PROTECT FROM SUN: Avoid direct sun exposure. Wear a clean, loose-fitting, breathable hat if you must be outdoors. Limit sun exposure to 5-10 minutes if uncovered.
NO PRODUCTS: Do not apply any lotions, moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, hair products, or medications (like Minoxidil) to your scalp.
No Shaving: Do not shave or cut your hair during this period.
Day 5–7 (Gentle Cleansing & Moisture)
GENTLE RINSING/WASHING: You can now gently rinse your scalp with lukewarm water using very light pressure.
Some artists recommend a mild, fragrance-free, sulfate-free shampoo (like baby shampoo); others advise water only. Follow your artist’s specific guidance.
Do NOT scrub or rub. Gently pat dry with a clean, soft towel.
MOISTURIZE LIGHTLY: Begin applying a very thin layer of a recommended fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer (e.g., Aquaphor, Cetaphil, Lubriderm, or artist-provided balm) once or twice daily to prevent dryness and aid in flaking. A rice-grain amount per section of the scalp is often enough.
CONTINUE TO AVOID: Heavy sweating, harsh sun exposure, swimming, saunas, steam rooms, and direct forceful water pressure.
Scabbing: Tiny scabs may still be present or actively flaking. Allow them to fall off naturally. Do not pick or scratch.
Light Sweating: Light, non-strenuous activity that results in minimal sweating might be permissible, but it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid excessive sweating.
Day 8–14 (Scabs Finish, Color Develops)
Most Scabs Gone: The majority of micro-scabs should have flaked off by now.
Color Fading (Ghosting): The pigment may appear very light or “ghosted.” This is a normal stage. The true color will begin to resurface.
Gentle Routine: You can resume gentle washing with a mild, sulfate-free shampoo. Continue moisturizing.
Shaving (Electric Only): If you typically shave your head, you can now use an electric shaver, but avoid wet shaving with a razor blade for at least 10-14 days post-procedure to prevent disturbing the healing skin.
Light Exercise: Moderate exercise can typically be resumed, but avoid heavy sweating for prolonged periods.
AVOID: Direct sun exposure (continue to wear hats or seek shade), chlorinated pools, saunas, and steam rooms.
Week 3–6 (Final Color Stabilization & Next Session)
True Color Revealed: The pigment will have settled into its final, natural-looking shade and dot size.
Next Session: This is the ideal time for your next SMP session if more are needed to achieve your desired density and blend. Ensure sufficient healing time (at least 7-14 days) between sessions.
Sun Protection is Key: Begin daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen specifically designed for the scalp, or wear a hat, especially when outdoors. UV exposure is the primary cause of premature fading.
Avoid for 30 Days (from final session)
❌ Excessive direct sun exposure (unless protected by hat/SPF)
❌ Chlorinated swimming pools, saltwater, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms
❌ Heavy sweating activities (e.g., intense gym workouts)
❌ Applying harsh chemicals, self-tanners, hair dyes, or strong hair growth products (like Minoxidil) directly to the treated area
❌ Harsh scrubbing, exfoliation, or chemical peels on the scalp
Long-Term Care Tips
✔ Daily SPF: Consistently use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen or wear a hat when exposed to the sun. UV rays are the biggest enemy of SMP longevity.
✔ Hydration: Keep your scalp moisturized daily with a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer. Hydrated skin helps the pigment maintain its vibrancy.
✔ Gentle Cleansing: Use mild, sulfate-free shampoos. Avoid harsh scrubbing or abrasive products. ✔ Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of products containing alcohol, peroxides, or strong acids on your scalp, as these can accelerate pigment fading.
✔ Maintenance Touch-Ups: While SMP is permanent, slight fading can occur over many years due to sun exposure and individual skin characteristics. Maintenance touch-ups are recommended every 3-7 years, or as needed, to keep your SMP looking fresh and sharp.
✔ Shaving: Use a clean, sharp electric shaver for daily maintenance. If using a wet razor, ensure it’s clean and apply minimal pressure.
Watch for Signs of Infection
Contact your artist or a medical professional immediately if you experience:
Excessive redness or swelling that worsens after 48 hours
Severe pain or throbbing sensation
Yellow or green discharge from the treated area
Fever, chills, or a spreading rash
Any signs of an allergic reaction
Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD)
Please Note: If any signs of infection or adverse reactions occur, please contact your physician and report to the SNHD
For official health & safety guidelines related to body art and permanent makeup in Southern Nevada: Website: southernnevadahealthdistrict.org Email: Bodyart@SNHD.org Phone: (702) 759-0677
Contact Information
Artist Name: Antonio Baroque
Business Name: Baroque Beauty Center
📍 Address: 3100 South Durango Drive, Suite 102 Las Vegas, NV 89117
📞 Phone: (702) 412-7456
✉️ Email: info@antoniobaroque.com
🌐 Website: www.antoniobaroque.com
Thank you for trusting Baroque Beauty Center with your Scalp Micropigmentation. We look forward to seeing your incredible results and welcoming you back for your subsequent sessions!