A large number of people all over the world struggle with various hair loss conditions. While this is saddening, it is also comforting that there are also treatment options for them to pick from – from effortless treatments to medication and the more invasive surgeries.

However, when it comes to viable hair loss solutions, one treatment stands out – SMP; which is short for Scalp Micropigmentation. This treatment is administered in SMP clinics like scalpmicropigmentationclinics.com and many others.

One reason that many people opt for scalp micropigmentation is that it is a non-invasive, yet, effective solution. And unlike hair transplants, SMP heals faster.

That being said, this treatment requires adequate preparation and aftercare. So, if you are curious to know what to do, eat or drink before an SMP and after it, then keep reading to learn all you need to know.

What to do Before an SMP Treatment

A successful scalp micropigmentation starts with taking all the necessary precautions before the process. So, better treatment results are guaranteed if you prepare adequately for it.

Here are a few of the things you need consider:

Avoid Blood Thinners

Do not take anything likely to cause blood thinning, such as garlic, oily fish, energy drinks, caffeinated tea, and coffee. If you are on medication, see your doctor and find out if that medication is likely to cause blood thinning. However, anticoagulant medicines are sure to either prevent or reduce blood clots.

Moisture Your Scalp

Moisturizing your scalp will soften its skin and make it easy for the needle to go underneath the surface. Apply moisturizer to your scalp twice a day; in the morning and afternoon. Unlike a typical tattoo in which the needle goes deep and the scrapping immediately follows, scalp micropigmentation goes just underneath the outer layer of the skin. So, the needle will likely bounce off if the skin is hard. Better treatment is guaranteed with soft skin.

Cut Your Hair Before Your Treatment

To cut your hair, make use of clippers to get it to your desired length. If you’ll be treating your full scalp, you’re most likely going to cut your hair down to your scalp. To do this, you could use a foil shaver or a razor, whichever works best for you. However, the cutting must be done the night preparatory to your treatment. If you cut it in on the day of your treatment, your follicles might still be open, and this will cause a rash. The night before works best.

Choose a Hairline

If you are considering SMP because you want a better hairline, then it is useful to choose the kind of hairline that you want. You can start from here.

Sleep Well the Night Before and Take Lots of Water

Ensure you sleep well the night before your treatment. Doing this will help you stay relaxed and comfortable while the technician does the micropigmentation. Taking lots of water before your treatment will also help your SMP ink sit in nice and easy, without thinning the blood.

What Do I Do On the Day of an SMP Treatment

1. Scalp Micro-Pigmentation burns a lot of calories so be sure to eat a healthy breakfast.
2. Do not use any oily product on your head.
3. Blood sugar levels drop during an SMP so you could take a sugary drink or snack along with you.
4. Inform your practitioner of any allergies you might have because several items will come in contact with your skin.
5. If you would like some distraction to get you relaxed before the process, you could read a book or listen to a song.

What Do I Do After An SMP Treatment

Immediate Aftercare

1. Avoid activities like showering and swimming that can get water on your head.
2. Avoid heavy exercises as they would make you sweat excessively.
3. Wash the scalp with shampoo about four days after your treatment. Clean it with a bar of mild soap after a week.
4. As your scalp heals, it’s likely going to feel itchy. Don’t pick it. To prevent bacteria and to be sure the pigment will stay, it’s best if it heals on its own.
5. Do not donate blood until about 12months after your treatment.

Extended Aftercare

1. Avoid long exposure to sunlight. If you have to go out during the day, it is recommended that you use sunscreen and a hat.
2. Always moisturize your treated scalp with a light moisturizer to help the micropigmentation to settle.
3. Avoid using products that contain lanolin, petroleum, or any acid.

How to Aid the Healing Process

1. Use new pillowcases.
2. Leave any dry skin to naturally shed.
3. Avoid picking on the treated area.

  

If you are not comfortable with getting an SMP treatment but want to manage hair loss, you might want to check this out: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0915/p371.html.

Conclusion

As with most treatments, it is important to be prepared before you get an SMP too. See the need to be well-prepared as the role you need to play to ensure that the micropigmentation process goes well. Following the tips in this article would keep you well-informed and ready for this life-changing treatment.

For instance, ensure that you cut your hair the night before the first session and eat a good breakfast on the day you are scheduled to have the SMP. Avoid getting your head wet a few days after your scalp micropigmentation and do not donate blood until about 12 months after your last session. Ensure that you don’t engage in any activity that will cause you to expose your SMP treated scalp to excessive sunlight.

The care doesn’t end when the micropigmentation process is completed. So, don’t forget to follow all the aftercare instructions.

Meanwhile, there may be specific tips and instructions that your SMP specialist may need you to follow before, during, and after the process. Be sure to follow them to avoid getting undesired results.

SMP is relatively fast. So, it won’t be long before you get your confidence back and show off your new look.