I find that low retention of scalp micropigmentation can result from immune response, oily or dry skin, natural exfoliation, skin chemistry, inadequate pre-care or aftercare, and unprotected UV exposure. These factors may cause pigment to fade faster or be difficult to retain initially, sometimes requiring multiple sessions. Following my care routine helps protect the result.
For individuals who find that they are “low retainers” of Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP), the pigment can fade more quickly than average due to a combination of biological factors and may also be difficult to retain initially, causing the need for multiple sessions.
A person’s immune system can be a primary reason, as the body can perceive the implanted pigments as foreign substances and gradually break them down and flush them out through the lymphatic system.
Additionally, skin type plays a significant role; those with very oily skin may experience faster fading as the increased sebum production can push the pigment particles out more quickly. Conversely, very dry or flaky skin can also cause quicker pigment shedding. Other contributing factors include the skin’s natural exfoliation rate and its overall chemistry, which differ from person to person.
Pre-care and after care is so important too. Failure to adhere to pre/post care is a major contributing factor, and I have seen it in my studio many times, so remember to follow the routine that I give to you, don’t get your head wet for the first three days, no swimming with head down in pools or ocean, no saunas, jacuzzis, hot tubs, hot yoga for about a month… SMP is an investment in yourself and well worth the wait.
External elements like prolonged, unprotected exposure to UV radiation can also accelerate the breakdown of pigments, regardless of a person’s inherent retention ability. After 10 days, start applying a top quality sun protection cream before slipping into the sun.
One client retained very lightly and I asked her if she followed my after care correctly. She said she did, so she was surprised that her SMP was so light.Then it dawned on her. She said “Would three hours in the sun the next day after my procedure lighten it up if I forgot to put on a hat for protection? I was in a pumpkin patch with my kids!”
Uh, yes, yes it would. So the moral of this story is wear a hat if you are venturing out to a pumpkin patch with the kids on a sunny afternoon in October and re-read the pre/post care in the drop-down menu on my site!
San francisco bay area smp artist janette
Frequently Asked Questions
How can the immune system affect pigment retention?
I explain that the immune system can perceive implanted pigments as foreign substances. The body may gradually break them down and flush them out through the lymphatic system. For some individuals, this biological response can make scalp micropigmentation difficult to retain initially or cause the pigment to fade more quickly than average.
Can oily skin cause scalp micropigmentation to fade faster?
I find that skin type can significantly affect retention. Very oily skin may fade more quickly because increased sebum production can push pigment particles out sooner. Very dry or flaky skin can also contribute to faster pigment shedding, so each person’s skin characteristics and chemistry may affect the result.
Can dry or flaky skin reduce pigment retention?
I explain that very dry or flaky skin can cause quicker pigment shedding. Skin’s natural exfoliation rate and overall chemistry also differ from person to person. These individual factors can affect how well implanted pigment is retained, so dry or flaky skin may contribute to lower retention of scalp micropigmentation.
How does aftercare affect pigment retention?
I have seen failure to follow pre-care or aftercare contribute significantly to low retention. I ask clients to follow the routine I provide, keep the head dry for the first three days, and avoid swimming, saunas, jacuzzis, hot tubs, and hot yoga for about a month while the treatment settles.
Can sun exposure lighten scalp micropigmentation?
I explain that prolonged, unprotected UV exposure can accelerate pigment breakdown, regardless of someone’s natural retention ability. After 10 days, I recommend applying a top-quality sun protection cream before going into the sun. Wearing a hat can also protect the treatment during sunny outdoor activities.
How soon can sun exposure affect the pigment?
I have seen a client retain pigment very lightly after spending three hours in the sun the day after her procedure without a hat. That experience showed how early, unprotected sun exposure can lighten scalp micropigmentation. I therefore emphasize following aftercare and protecting the head from sunny outdoor exposure.
