Microneedling for hair loss

Microneedling using a Dermaroller is a treatment that have reached a lot of attention lately. It is a treatment in which the skin is perforated in a gentle and controlled manner and at a predetermined depth with very fine needles made of surgical steel. The skin is thus stimulated to produce collagen and elastin.

During the treatment, controlled damages are made in the skin, leaving the skin on the surface intact. Inside the skin is a controlled inflammatory response that triggers a healing process in the skin. This healing process stimulates, among other things, the natural production of collagen and elastin. Microneedling is a therapy that is easy to apply and can be used for various conditions. Varying from treating acne, stretch marks, hair loss and for a better absorption of substances into the skin.

What kind of results can I expect from microneedling?

Recent studies show that the use of a Dermaroller (or Microneedling) is an effective treatment against hair loss. I have read several research reports on the use of microneedling. I see that more than eighty percent of the users see an improvement in hair growth. Some studies are also looking at the combination of Minoxidil and Microneedling. This shows much better results than just using Microneedling

What kind of derma roller do I need?

The best material for the needles on the derma roller is either titanium or stainless steel. Titanium is preferred because it is stronger than stainless steel. This means the titanium needles will last longer and the sharpness will not blunt as quickly.

The other option is the length of the needles that are on the derma roller. In short I read that the needle length in the range of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm will be most effective for stimulating hair growth on the scalp area. In the following article you can find a huge amount of information on the type of derma roller that is used during different research studies.

How often do I have to use microneedling

This depends on the needle length that you use. The longer the needle length the more you damage the scalp by using the derma roller and the longer the scalp needs to repair itself. If you use the advised needle length of 1.5 mm you should use the derma roller once a week or once every two weeks for the best results.

How Often Should I Change My Dermaroller

If you are using a high quality derma roller with titanium needles it could last you for approximately three to four months. You really shouldn’t use the derma roller for a longer period then advised. The following adverse effects can start if you keep using the derma roller for a longer period.

• Infection of the skin
• Bleeding 
• Inflammation
• Damage on the skin
• bruises

Microneedling and Minoxidil

Research have shown that dermarolling and Minoxidil are actually more effective at reducing hair loss when used together. There have been studies in which the results have been compared of men that have used only Microneedling against a group of men that combined Microneedling and Minoxidil. Also I have seen studies where you see a comparison of Minoxidil only results versus Minoxidil plus Microneedling results. In all these studies the outcome was that the combination of both treatments showed the best result.

If you want to use a combination of Microneedling and Minoxidil you should start by using the derma roller and roll it horizontally and vertically on the scalp. after you have finished rolling the entire scalp you should rinse it with warm water. After that you can apply the Minoxidil to the areas of you scalp that have been affected by hair loss.

Applying the Minoxidil can sting a little because of the alcohol that is put on the damaged skin. If this hurts too much you could apply a numbing cream to ease the pain. Make sure you fully wash the numbing cream off before you start with the derma roller.