Hair loss is a common concern affecting both men and women, often leading to frustration and a loss of confidence. Whether caused by genetics, hormonal changes, or age, hair loss can be difficult to manage, and many individuals seek effective solutions to encourage hair regrowth.
One emerging option for tackling hair loss is microneedling. Known for its benefits in skin rejuvenation, microneedling is now applied to the scalp to stimulate hair follicles and promote growth. This raises the question, “Does microneedling work for hair loss?”
In this blog, we’ll explore the science behind microneedling for hair loss, how it works, and whether it might be the right solution for restoring fuller, healthier hair.
Understanding hair loss
Hair loss can result from various factors, with some of the most common causes including:
- Genetics: For many, hair loss is an inherited trait, known as androgenetic alopecia or pattern hair loss. This condition, also referred to as male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss, typically leads to gradual hair thinning and loss around the scalp’s crown and hairline.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in conditions like menopause or thyroid disorders, can contribute to hair thinning and loss.
- Age: As people age, hair growth naturally slows down, and hair follicles may become weaker, leading to thinning or hair loss over time.
These factors and lifestyle influences, such as stress and diet, impact the hair growth cycle. Understanding the cause of hair loss is essential in choosing the right hair loss treatment.
How does microneedling work?
Microneedling treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a device with tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin or scalp. These small punctures trigger the body’s natural healing response, stimulating collagen production and elastin formation—essential proteins for healthy skin and scalp function. This process, known as collagen induction therapy, has proven effective in treating various skin concerns and is now being applied to hair loss treatments.
For the scalp, microneedling enhances scalp health by increasing blood flow and oxygenation around the hair follicles, which helps nourish and stimulate hair growth. The increased collagen production strengthens the skin structure and may create a more supportive environment for hair regrowth.
Microneedling for hair growth: How effective is it?
Microneedling has gained attention as a potential solution for hair loss. It directly stimulates hair follicles and promotes a healthier scalp environment. The micro-injuries created by the tiny needles enhance blood flow and nutrient delivery to the follicles, which can support hair regrowth over time.
How microneedling works for hair loss:
- Enhances Blood Circulation: By increasing blood flow to the scalp, microneedling ensures that hair follicles receive more oxygen and essential nutrients, creating a supportive foundation for healthy hair growth.
- Stimulates Hair Follicles: The tiny injuries caused by microneedling activate dormant hair follicles, encouraging new hair to grow in areas where hair has thinned.
- In Combination with Topical Minoxidil: Microneedling is often paired with topical minoxidil, a common hair growth stimulant. Studies suggest that microneedling improves the absorption of minoxidil, boosting its effectiveness and promoting more robust hair regrowth.
While microneedling may not work for everyone, especially those with advanced androgenetic alopecia, it has shown promise as a part of an integrated approach to hair restoration.
Microneedling vs. other hair loss treatments
Several treatments are available to address hair loss, each offering unique benefits. Here’s a comparison of microneedling and other common options, such as topical minoxidil, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and dermal fillers:
Each of these hair loss treatments offers different benefits based on individual needs and hair loss severity. Microneedling is ideal for stimulating natural hair growth, while PRP therapy may be better suited for those with a larger budget seeking a regenerative treatment. Topical minoxidil remains a widely used at-home option for long-term maintenance.
How often to microneedle for hair growth
The frequency and needle length for microneedling depend on individual goals and hair loss severity. Regular sessions help stimulate hair follicles and promote consistent hair regrowth, but overdoing it can lead to scalp irritation.
Consistency is key for healthy hair growth, but allowing adequate time between sessions prevents scalp irritation and ensures optimal healing and collagen production.
How to microneedle for hair growth at home vs. professional treatment
Microneedling for hair growth can be done at home using a derma roller or by a professional using specialised equipment. While both methods stimulate hair follicles to promote growth, there are key differences in safety, effectiveness, and overall results.
DIY microneedling with a derma roller:
- Convenience: Derma rollers are affordable and allow users to microneedle in the comfort of their homes.
- Limited Depth: At-home devices generally use shorter needle lengths (0.25-0.5 mm), suitable for promoting topical absorption (e.g., minoxidil) but less effective for deeper follicle stimulation.
- Sanitisation: The roller should be disinfected before and after each use to prevent infection. Rubbing alcohol is commonly used, and the scalp should be thoroughly cleaned before treatment.
Professional microneedling
- Deeper Stimulation: Professionals use specialised microneedling devices with adjustable needle lengths, allowing for more effective scalp penetration (up to 1.5 mm) and better hair regrowth stimulation.
- Safety and Expertise: Professionals are trained to handle the procedure safely, minimising the risk of complications and ensuring proper equipment sanitisation.
- Enhanced Results: Clinics may offer combined treatments, such as topical growth serums or platelet-rich plasma (PRP), to enhance the effects of microneedling.
Whether you choose DIY or professional microneedling, proper sanitisation is essential to prevent infection. Consulting with a professional for guidance on technique and frequency is also recommended to achieve the best results safely.
Complementary treatments to boost results
To maximise the effects of microneedling for hair growth, combining it with other treatments can enhance results and support hair regrowth:
- PRP Therapy: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses the patient’s own plasma, rich in growth factors, to stimulate hair follicles and promote stronger, healthier hair. Applied after microneedling, PRP can accelerate healing and improve overall results.
- Growth Factor Serums: These serums contain peptides and growth factors encouraging cell regeneration and supporting hair density. Applying growth factor serums post-micro needling can help nourish the scalp skin and enhance hair growth.
Combining microneedling with PRP or growth factor serums can provide a more comprehensive approach, helping users achieve fuller, thicker hair over time.
Potential side effects and risks
While microneedling for hair growth is generally safe, there are some potential side effects to consider:
- Scalp Irritation: Following a microneedling session, the scalp may feel sensitive or experience mild redness and irritation. This is a natural reaction to the micro-injuries and usually subsides within a day or two.
- Minor Swelling: Some individuals may experience minor swelling in the treatment area, which should also diminish as the scalp heals.
- Risk of Infection: As microneedling creates tiny punctures, there’s a slight risk of infection if the scalp or microneedling device isn’t properly sanitised.
To minimise these risks, consulting with a qualified professional to ensure the procedure is done safely and hygienically is essential. Professional microneedling also allows for the precise adjustment of needle length and frequency, tailored to your scalp’s needs, helping to achieve the best possible results while maintaining scalp health.
Is microneedling the right solution for your hair loss?
Microneedling has emerged as a promising option for those seeking hair regrowth by stimulating hair follicles and enhancing scalp health. For personalised advice and a tailored treatment plan, contact Victorian Dermal Group. Our team of professionals can help determine if microneedling is the right approach for your hair restoration goals and guide you through safe, effective treatment options.
