Scalp Microneedling Aftercare Instructions

Before your first session

• Tell me if you have a history of cold sores, keloid scarring, or skin that darkens after inflammation.
• These are general instructions. The advice I give you on the day comes first — it may differ with the needle depth used and your skin type.

In the day before

• Come with clean, dry hair and no styling products on the scalp.
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your session.
• Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and other blood-thinning medicines for a day before, unless you take them by prescription — if you do, tell me and keep taking them.

First 24 hours

• Keep the scalp clean and dry. Do not wash your hair for the rest of the day of treatment — avoid washing for the first 24 hours, or longer if I advise.
• Do not apply minoxidil, finasteride solution, or any other topical product to the scalp for about 24 hours. Applying products too soon can cause stinging and irritation on the freshly treated skin. I will tell you exactly when to restart.
• Do not scratch, rub, pick, or massage the treated area.
• Avoid heavy sweating, intense exercise, saunas, hot tubs, and swimming pools.
• Do not wear tight hats or helmets that rub the scalp.
• Use only clean hands and clean pillowcases to reduce the risk of infection.

Days 2 to 7

• When you resume washing, use a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo and lukewarm (not hot) water. Wash gently with fingertips, not fingernails.
• Restart minoxidil or other prescribed topical treatments only when I say to, usually after 24 hours.
• Avoid harsh or irritating scalp products during the first week, including alcohol-based toners, strong exfoliating acids (glycolic, salicylic), retinoids, and strong fragrances.
• Avoid hair dye, chemical relaxers, perms, and other chemical treatments for at least 1 week, or as directed.
• Protect the scalp from the sun. Avoid direct sun exposure, and when outdoors wear a hat or use a mineral (physical) sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide on any exposed scalp. Sun protection is especially important after treatment.

Protecting your results

• Follow the full treatment schedule I recommend. Microneedling for hair loss usually requires several sessions over months, and it works best when combined with treatments such as minoxidil.
• Keep applying your prescribed hair-loss medications as directed between sessions.