How to Prepare for Your SMP Appointment
Everything You Need to Know Before You Come In
Getting prepared properly before your SMP sessions makes a real difference to how smoothly your treatment goes and how well the pigment settles. It's not complicated - but there are a few things worth knowing before you come in.Here's exactly what we recommend at Signature Scalp.
Hair length
This one matters more than most people realise. Come in with your hair short enough that we can clearly see where your natural hair starts and ends - but not freshly razor shaved.
A fresh razor shave can leave the skin slightly irritated and makes it harder to read the natural hairline accurately. Aim for a day of growth rather than coming in straight off the razor. That small amount of length gives us the reference points we need to place the pigment precisely and create the most natural result.
Skin preparation - start a week out
This is something we recommend that makes a genuine difference to how well your skin accepts the pigment.
In the week leading up to your appointment, moisturise your scalp daily with coconut oil if possible. Coconut oil softens the skin and helps it accept the pigment impressions more effectively - which means better results and a more comfortable experience.
Just make sure you don't apply anything directly to your scalp on the day of your appointment. Come in with clean, product-free skin on the day.
What to avoid beforehand
Sunburn and fake tan. Burnt or freshly tanned skin behaves differently and can affect how the pigment sits. If you've caught some sun recently give your skin time to fully recover before coming in. Avoid fake tan on your scalp in the weeks leading up to treatment - it alters the skin tone we're working with and makes accurate shade matching harder.
Alcohol. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment. Alcohol thins the blood which can cause increased bleeding and affect how the pigment is absorbed into the skin. It can also make the experience more uncomfortable than it needs to be.
Blood thinners. If you're taking any medication that thins the blood let us know before your appointment. This includes some common over the counter medications as well as prescribed blood thinners. We'll advise you on the best approach for your situation.
What to do on the day
Eat a solid meal before you come in. Your sessions run for a few hours and you want to be comfortable and settled throughout. Coming in hungry is not a great idea - low blood sugar makes everything harder to manage, including discomfort.
Bring water or a drink. You're welcome to have something to drink during your session. Stay hydrated and comfortable - there's no rush.
Wear comfortable clothing. You'll be seated for an extended period so wear whatever you're most relaxed in. Dark clothing is worth considering in case of any minor pigment contact, though we take care to avoid this.
Get a good rest the night before. This sounds simple but it genuinely helps. A well rested body handles the session better and you'll be more relaxed throughout. Most clients who come in tired find the experience harder going than those who've had a decent sleep.
What to expect when you arrive
Every new client at Signature Scalp starts with a free consultation before any treatment begins. We assess your hair loss, talk through your goals, and build a treatment plan around you specifically.
Before your first full session we conduct a patch test - a small amount of pigment applied discreetly to confirm the perfect shade for your skin tone and hair colour. We then allow at least 7 days for this to heal and settle before your first full session begins. If you decide not to go ahead, the patch test simply won't be noticeable.
Treatment then runs across three sessions, each spaced at least 7 days apart. Every client receives a full aftercare pack on the day including aftercare cream, hair nets, baby wipes, and written aftercare instructions.
Any questions before you come in?
Get in touch before your appointment if anything is unclear. We'd rather answer your questions up front than have you come in uncertain about anything.Book your free consultation at signaturescalp.com.au or email info@signaturescalp.com.au
Signature Scalp is located within Inkdulgence Tattoo in Marden SA. While you are in the studio getting your SMP sorted, feel free to have a look around at the tattoo work on the walls. If anything catches your eye, inkdulgence.com.au is the place to start.