An increasingly popular treatment for balding, thinning hair, and hair loss is scalp micropigmentation. Scalp micropigmentation, commonly known as a scalp tattoo, can camouflage male pattern baldness, scarring, alopecia, and more. Some people choose to have the treatment and continue to grow their natural hair, while other people choose to shave their heads following their treatments. Here’s what you need to know about shaving your scalp after micropigmentation:
Do You Have to Shave if You Have Scalp Micropigmentation?
Shaving your head is not required following scalp micropigmentation treatments. Some people choose to continue to grow their hair even after they have hair loss treatments, like scalp tattoos. Scalp tattoos fill in thin areas and replicate the look of hair follicles.
If you want to shave your head following your scalp micropigmentation treatments, you should wait for four to five days after each session. Many people choose to completely shave their heads following the scalp micropigmentation treatments because the treatments give their scalp the appearance of a traditional buzz cut.
There are ways to maximize the look of your scalp and treatment area when you choose to shave your head following scalp micropigmentation. How you care for your scalp will vary depending on whether you shave with a razor or an electric shaver.
How To Shave With a Razor
You might wonder how to shave your scalp after micropigmentation treatment sessions if you aren’t used to shaving your head. Here are some suggestions for how to shave your head with a razor:
- Choose a razor meant for use on body hair
- Razors with three to five blades give the closest, smoothest shave
- Don’t shave with an old or worn razor
- Wet your scalp before shaving your head
- Use warm water and clean your head prior to shaving
- Use a protective shave gel, cream, or lotion
- Work slowly from the base of your neck to the top of your scalp
- Thoroughly rinse your head when you are finished shaving
- Apply aftershave moisturizer lotion or oil
- Discontinue the use of any product that causes scalp discomfort
How To Shave With an Electric Shaver
If you don’t want to use a razor to shave your head, you can use an electric shaver. Here are some tips for shaving your head with an electric shaver:
- Start with a clean shaver and dry hair
- Remove any clogs in the shaver to prevent pulling or snagging
- Move from the bottom of your scalp to the top of your head
- Apply aftershave moisturizer lotion or oil
- Stop and change moisturizers if you notice any scalp discomfort
Will the Scalp Tattoo Fade if You Shave?
Traditional tattoos change color and fade over time. One great thing about scalp micropigmentation is that the pigment doesn’t respond the same way as a traditional tattoo. The pigment used for scalp micropigmentation doesn’t contain additives or colorants.
You can expect your scalp tattoo to last several years. Shaving your head will not shorten pigment retention or cause discoloration.
How Often Can You Shave a Scalp Tattoo?
The frequency with which you shave your scalp will depend on the desired look you are going for. If you want a longer-looking head of hair, you might shave your head once a week or once every other week. So long as you have a decent amount of hair growth across your scalp, this shaving schedule will give you a longer buzzed look.
Shaving more frequently will eliminate the amount of hair that’s visible on your scalp on a day-to-day basis. To keep your scalp in good condition, you should shave no more than three times per week.
Shaving your head more than three times per week can cause your scalp to dry out. A dry, itchy scalp is a sign that you’re shaving too frequently.
Find a Scalp Micropigmentation Clinic Near You
Scalp micropigmentation clinics focus solely on hair loss solutions, not various cosmetic procedures. The practitioners at these clinics use special techniques to help you achieve the desired results with minimal downtime. If you want to learn more about scalp micropigmentation, sign up for a consultation at a scalp micropigmentation clinic near you. Expert consultants at these clinics can walk you through the tattoo aftercare process if you need further shaving suggestions.
