When we have a prospective client come in for a consultation, we always discuss the after care of the treatments. When you sit in the sun, the treatments could start to fade faster than expected. We sometimes hear something similar to “I’m going on holiday and I just had my Scalp Micropigmentation treatments.” “Will the sun affect my Scalp Micropigmentation?”
Your Scalp Micropigmentation treatments will be spread out in three sessions over six weeks. We recommend not starting your treatments until you return from your holiday. Directly exposing your scalp to the sun’s rays can accelerate the fading of your treatment, which is why it’s crucial to invest in an SPF-containing product to preserve your new hairline. Ultraviolet rays can cause your scalp tattoo to fade much like it does on car paint or leather fabrics.
When you go on holiday again after your treatments, we recommend using a sunscreen that has an SPF (sun protection factor) of 50 which blocks 97-98% of UV rays. To be honest, while out in the sun even at home, we recommend to our clients they should still wear a sunblock. To spend your hard earned money on a procedure that is semi-permanent, why not do everything in your power to avoid a top up sooner rather than later? We understand that the vast majority of people do not want to use a sunscreen daily. Sun protection creams and sprays are usually oily and can cause the scalp to shine, they can sometimes feel heavy on the skin and are generally best used when there is a specific need for the product. While this may be true, the procedure is an investment. Why not protect your investment at all costs?
If you do not protect your scalp from the sun, quite simply, your Scalp Micropigmentation treatment will fade faster and require more touch ups to keep it thick and vibrant. This can add up to your costs significantly over time, which is why it’s smart to invest in clothing, sunscreen, and moisturisers that protect your scalp from the sun and keep it nice and healthy. On average, a Scalp Micropigmentation treatment will last for about four to six years before it exhibits any form of fading.
You should use sun protection whenever it would have been advisable to do so, prior to your Scalp Micropigmentation treatment. If if the sun is strong enough to warrant using SPF anyway, this is the time to dig out your preferred cream and use it on your scalp. Depending on where you live, this may be an occasional thing when you are away on holiday, or it may be every day.
How a patient cares for his hair tattoo will go a long way towards preventing it from fading. The most important thing is to keep your scalp hydrated and shield it from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Another option is wearing a hat but make sure it’s breathable and clean it prior to your treatments. Hats are full of bacteria and sweat and after an SMP procedure, your pores are open and an infection could set in if bacteria enters into the pores.
