Can I work out after SMP?

Author: Boyd Stiedemann  |  Last update: Wednesday, December 10, 2025

The First 4 Days After SMP Treatment This is normal, and scabs will fade quickly during the healing process. Sweating is also not recommended directly following treatment. To avoid sweating, don't perform any workouts or exercise routines up to 5 days after treatment.

How long after SMP can I work out?

So in short, within four days, you can start working out again. But it really is best to let your health complete seven days before going back to working out really hard. That said, as long as you wait the first four days it's going to be okay.

How long after SMP can I exercise?

It is important to avoid any exercise that is going to cause excessive sweating for 5-7 days after each SMP session because the salt in the sweat could draw the pigment out of the scalp and result in poor retention.

How long after SMP can I sweat?

We recommend you avoid intense sweating for at least 3-5 days post procedure and no swimming in a chlorine-treated pool. Should I clean my scalp after having SMP? So let's discuss showering. You can and should shower!

What are the restrictions after SMP?

This means that to ensure lasting results, for at least a month after your last SMP treatment you should not use facilities such as saunas, tanning beds, chlorinated pools or steam rooms. Also, if you're a blood donor, it is advisable to refrain from donating blood for at least a year after your final SMP treatment.

Scalp Micropigmentation AFTERCARE: Step-by-step Guidelines

How long does SMP take to settle?

The pigment colour may appear darker until it has had time to settle and you have washed off the excess pigment, approximately 5-7 days. Again this is more noticeable on lighter skin. It is not uncommon to lose implanted colour, which is why you will require 2-3 treatments to ensure an even colour match all over.

How to make SMP fade faster?

Regular exfoliation with sea salt can help speed up the fading process. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub designed for the scalp. This method works by removing the top layer of skin cells, which can help lighten the pigment over time.

Does SMP look good after 1 session?

For your scalp micropigmentation to look the best quality and authentic is simply can't be done in a day of treatment. As a rule of thumb you will require a minimum of three sittings.

How does SMP look after 5 years?

The pigments may soften, leading to a more natural look that blends seamlessly with any existing hair. The key contours and hairline designs set during the initial treatment remain visible, preserving the overall aesthetic. This matured look of SMP after 5 years fits well with the natural aging of the scalp and hair.

What Moisturiser is best after SMP?

You should moisturise regularly after 4 DAYS post-final treatment using a Nivea after sun product or with an all-natural ingredient moisturiser. Following these SMP aftercare tips will ensure you get the best results possible.

When can I buzz my head after SMP?

For some people, it may be safe to shave their heads as soon as a week after SMP. For others, it may be necessary to wait a little longer in order to ensure that the scalp is completely healed. Ultimately, it is best to check with your SMP artist to see what their recommendation is.

Can hair grow over SMP?

Can you grow your hair out after SMP? The answer is yes, you can do whatever you like with your own hair.

Can I drink coffee after SMP?

As part of your SMP aftercare, it's recommended to avoid drinking coffee or any caffeinated beverages for 24-48 hours after your SMP session. Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, potentially leading to excessive sweating, which could disrupt the healing process.

Can I gym after SMP?

Avoid Intense Workouts: In the initial days after SMP, it's best to steer clear of intense workouts. Focus on lighter activities or give your body a brief period of rest to allow the scalp to heal. Gentle Care: Be gentle when washing your scalp during the healing process.

Can hair grow through SMP?

Scalp micropigmentation doesn't grow hair or change your natural hair growth. And beyond what you may have read, it also won't cause hair loss or damage your existing hair follicles.

Can you sleep normally after SMP?

Can you sleep normally after SMP? Yes you can, the treatment does not affect your sleep. Ensure you have a clean pillow.

Does SMP ever completely fade?

One of the most common questions about SMP is whether it fades over time. The answer is yes—hair tattoos do fade gradually. If performed correctly by a skilled practitioner, the pigment lightens naturally over a period of 2 to 5 years, requiring only a refresh or touch-up to maintain its appearance.

Can SMP be fully removed?

Remember, SMP isn't a life sentence—you have options to fade or remove it completely.

Can you tell if someone has had SMP?

Scalp micropigmentation can look either like hair that is denser or like shaved hair. But just as it would be odd to have only part of a head shaved, so too does SMP look odd when there is a mix of haired (long hair) and non-haired (closely shaved) areas on a scalp.

Does sweating ruin SMP?

After SMP treatment, do not wet your hair. For example, a wash, swim, or sweat session could all lead to faster fading for your skin. And, as each piece of ink is like a small open wound to the skin, it can also be painful. Avoid shaving as well with a normal blade until 15 days after and direct sunlight for 30 days.

Does SMP look realistic?

When done right by an expert, SMP produces stunningly natural-looking results. The advanced techniques and customized approach result in hairlines and hair patterns that are virtually undetectable as not being real hair. With the right factors in place, you can achieve natural-looking SMP results.

Does SMP make your head shiny?

Think of sunlight or artificial light bouncing off the surface of a shaved smooth SMP scalp. When this happens, the surface will shine and shine will be noticed after having a wet shave. When there is hair growing from the scalp there is not as much shine because the hair disrupts the shine on the skin surface.

Can SMP make hair look thicker?

Scalp micropigmentation doesn't grow hair or change your natural hair growth. It's not a hair loss treatment. It also won't cause hair loss or damage your existing hair follicles. Scalp micropigmentation is a way to make it look like you have fuller, thicker hair.

Why did my SMP turn blue?

SMP may turn blue for a few reasons, often related to the type of pigment used, the depth at which the pigment was implanted, or external factors affecting the scalp.

Can you laser off SMP?

If you've undergone a scalp micro pigmentation (SMP) treatment in the past and now want to remove it, laser scalp micro pigmentation removal might be the solution you're looking for.

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