How to Care for My Scalp After a Tattoo

A micropigmentation tattoo helps to minimize the appearance of baldness by recreating the illusion of hair follicles on the scalp and face. These treatments are different than traditional tattooing, as they require specialized ink and are not placed as deeply in the skin. Once your tattoo has healed, it will last for 4-6 years. Here is some information on how to care for your new scalp tattoo:

Avoid Shampoo and Conditioner

Try to avoid using shampoos and conditioners for four to five days after your treatment session. Some of these products contain other ingredients, like sulfides, that will irritate your new tattoo. This includes refraining from other hair and skin care products such as lotions, styling creams, and sprays. Once your new tattoo has fully healed, you will be able to return to your normal hygiene routine.

Wash your hands with soap and water before you clean the tattoo site. Use your hands and fingers to rinse the area with lukewarm water and an antibacterial soap. The soap should be a liquid, hypoallergenic soap that is free of dyes and perfumes. Do not scrub the area with your fingernails or with a washcloth. Instead, let the water flow over the area naturally.

Stay Out of Pools and Saunas

Public pools or saunas contain various cleaning chemicals like chlorine which can irritate your skin. You should refrain from submerging your new tattoo in water or vapor, just like any other healing wound. This is a way that bacteria can enter your tattoo and cause infection, prolonging the healing process and lessening the treatment’s effects. Try to keep your tattoo as clean as possible during the first 4-5 days after your last treatment session for the best results.

Refrain From Touching the Area

Your new scalp tattoo may be slightly itchy after your treatment session, this is a normal part of the healing process. Resist the urge to scratch, slap, or touch your scalp before your tattoo has fully healed. This helps to prevent further irritation or possible infection by accidentally introducing bacteria from your hands to the tattoo.

Minimize Sweating

Sweating during the healing process may desaturate the micropigmentation, as well as introduce bacteria to the tattoo. You’re free to still perform light activities such as stretching, walking, and leisurely sports like table tennis. High-intensity routines or sports that induce sweating should be avoided for 4-5 days until your scalp has fully healed. This also includes outdoor activities like gardening or soccer.

Allow Your Tattoo to Heal

Full treatments require two separate tattooing sessions spaced 10-20 days apart to complete. After your final treatment, you may notice some redness in the area, but it should fade within 2-3 days. Micropigmentation treatments heal faster than traditional tattoos because they do not go as deeply into the skin, and they cover less surface area. You will know when your new tattoo has fully healed in a few different ways. The tattoo site should be free of redness or irritation, and it should feel smooth to the touch without any itchiness. Stay hydrated and keep the area out of direct sunlight to help your tattoo heal quickly.

Wear Skin Protection

Hats are a good way to protect your new tattoo from the sun during the healing process. Choose a hat that has a loose fit and doesn’t rub against the tattoo while wearing it, this helps to mitigate irritation. Always wear a clean hat each day. You can wash certain hats, like baseball caps, efficiently by placing them on the top shelf of the dishwasher. Check the label to see if your hat is safe to machine wash.

After your tattoo has healed, continue to protect your tattoo by moisturizing it daily and by wearing sunscreen. UV rays can cause sunburns and other types of skin damage, which could lessen the effectiveness of the treatment over time. There are matte formulas for lotion and sunscreen that reduce the appearance of shine and protect your skin.

Schedule Your Scalp Tattoo Consultation

At Scalp Micro USA, we provide micropigmentation solutions for those experiencing hair loss. Our experienced technicians are able to adjust hairlines, fill in bald spots, and darken facial areas for a fuller-looking beard. Locations include New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, and South Florida. Contact us by phone or email to schedule your free consultation.