SMP recovery requires no downtime. There are no incisions to heal, no stitches to remove, and no surgical aftercare protocol. The scalp is red and slightly tender for 24 to 48 hours after each session, with a light flaking period on days 3 to 5. By day 7, healing is complete and the pigment has settled to its final shade.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Day-by-Day Recovery Timeline
The recovery process is the same after each SMP session (sessions 1, 2, 3, and 4 if applicable). The following timeline covers what to expect from the moment you leave the clinic.
Days 1-2: Redness and Settling
| What You See | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Scalp is red, especially at injection sites | Normal inflammatory response |
| Pigment appears darker than expected | Excess pigment sits on the surface; it will lighten |
| Mild swelling possible | Keep head elevated when sleeping |
| Small, visible dots on close inspection | These are the fresh pigment deposits |
The scalp immediately after SMP looks darker and more intense than the final result. This is because surface-level pigment has not yet shed. Do not panic at the initial darkness. It fades significantly.
Do not touch, scratch, rub, or wash the scalp. Keep it completely dry. Avoid sweating.
Days 3-5: Flaking Phase
| What You See | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Light peeling or flaking begins | Do not pick or scratch |
| Pigment starts to lighten underneath | This is the true color emerging |
| Itching is common | Apply a thin layer of aftercare moisturizer if provided by your practitioner |
| Redness mostly resolved | Normal |
The flaking phase is critical. The outer layer of skin that absorbed surface pigment sheds naturally, revealing the properly implanted pigment beneath. Picking at flakes can pull pigment from the dermis and create uneven spots that require correction at the next session.
Days 5-7: Settling
| What You See | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Flaking subsides | Begin gentle scalp washing on day 4-5 |
| Pigment has lightened to closer to final shade | Compare to photos from consultation |
| Scalp feels normal, no tenderness | Normal activity resumes |
| Dots look softer and more natural | The healing process softens edges |
By day 7, the scalp is ready for the next session if one is scheduled. The pigment has settled, and the practitioner can accurately assess retention and coverage to plan the next layer.
Days 7-14: Full Recovery
The scalp is fully healed. Pigment is at its true color. You can shave, exercise, swim, and resume all normal activities. If your next session is scheduled within this window, the practitioner will evaluate the result and begin the next layer.
Aftercare Restrictions
Following these rules during the recovery window maximizes pigment retention and final result quality.
Things to Avoid After Each Session
| Restriction | Duration After Session | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Washing or wetting the scalp | 4 days | Water can pull pigment from unsettled deposits |
| Heavy exercise or sweating | 4-5 days | Sweat introduces salt and moisture to healing skin |
| Swimming (pool, ocean) | 5-7 days | Chlorine and saltwater irritate and strip pigment |
| Direct sun exposure | 4 weeks | UV degrades fresh pigment and can cause uneven fading |
| Sauna, steam room | 5-7 days | Heat and moisture disrupt healing |
| Shaving the treated area | 4 days | Razor contact can damage healing dots |
| Alcohol consumption | 48 hours | Thins blood and may increase redness/swelling |
| Harsh shampoos or products | 10 days | Chemicals can irritate and strip pigment |
| Wearing tight hats | 5 days | Friction against fresh pigment deposits |
First Wash Protocol
When you wash the scalp for the first time after the 4-day waiting period:
- Use lukewarm water only. Not hot.
- Apply a small amount of mild, fragrance-free cleanser (baby shampoo works).
- Pat gently with fingertips. Do not scrub or use a washcloth.
- Rinse carefully with lukewarm water.
- Pat dry with a clean, soft towel. Do not rub.
For the first 10 days, avoid medicated shampoos, dandruff treatments, or exfoliating scalp products. These can accelerate pigment loss during the settling phase.
Long-Term Aftercare
After the treatment series is complete and the scalp has fully healed from the final session, ongoing maintenance is minimal but important for longevity.
Sun Protection
UV exposure is the primary driver of SMP fading. Protect the scalp with:
- SPF 30 or higher sunscreen applied to the scalp before sun exposure
- A hat during extended outdoor time
- Reapplication of sunscreen every 2 hours during outdoor activities
Patients who consistently protect their scalp from sun can expect their SMP to last toward the upper end of the 4 to 6 year range before needing a touch-up.
Moisturizing
A well-moisturized scalp holds pigment better than dry, flaky skin. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer daily, especially if you have naturally dry skin or live in a dry climate.
Shaving Maintenance
If you maintain the buzzed-head SMP look, you will need to shave or clipper your scalp regularly to keep your natural hair at the same length as the pigmented dots. Most SMP patients shave every 1 to 3 days.
| Shaving Method | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electric foil shaver | Every 1-2 days | Gentlest option, recommended by most practitioners |
| Electric clipper (no guard) | Every 2-3 days | Good balance of convenience and closeness |
| Wet razor | Every 2-3 days | Closest shave but more abrasion on scalp |
Avoid shaving against the grain aggressively, which can cause irritation and ingrown hairs that disrupt the SMP pattern.
Healing Differences by Skin Type
Recovery experience varies slightly by skin type.
| Skin Type | Healing Notes |
|---|---|
| Oily skin | May retain slightly less pigment; may need an extra session |
| Dry skin | Flaking may be more noticeable; moisturize regularly |
| Sensitive skin | Redness may last 48-72 hours instead of 24-48 |
| Dark skin (Fitzpatrick V-VI) | Pigment may appear slightly different during healing but settles well |
| Mature/thin skin | Pigment may spread slightly; experienced practitioner adjusts depth |
Your practitioner should account for your skin type when selecting needle depth, pigment concentration, and aftercare products.
When to Call Your Practitioner
Contact your SMP practitioner if you experience:
- Redness or swelling that worsens after day 3 instead of improving
- Signs of infection: increasing pain, warmth, pus, or fever
- Large areas of pigment loss beyond normal flaking
- Allergic reaction symptoms (rare): severe itching, hives, swelling beyond the treatment area
These complications are uncommon. The vast majority of SMP patients heal without any issues following the standard aftercare protocol.
Next Steps
SMP recovery is the easiest part of the process. Follow the aftercare rules, protect your scalp from sun, and let the pigment settle between sessions. For a walkthrough of the full SMP treatment process, see our SMP procedure guide. To determine your hair loss stage, review the Norwood scale or get a free assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze.