Microneedling For Hair Regrowth

Hey everyone, HairTrick here! 

If you have a problem with hair loss, then you must have heard about many different treatments - pills, lotions, even PRP, which we have discussed in other articles. However, what would you say about a relatively simple device, which was initially created to rejuvenate the skin, but is currently causing ripples in the hair regrowth industry?

Yes, today we are discussing microneedling as a hair regrowth method. You will discover what microneedling actually is, how this process works, and whether the small device used in the process can be a game-changer in your hair regrowth journey. And believe me, you will have a clear idea by the end whether those little needles are really powerful enough to help you have thicker, healthier hair.

So, let's get into it!

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling, in its simplest form, is a treatment that involves the use of a machine with numerous small needles to make controlled, microscopic holes in the uppermost layer of your skin. Sounds a bit scary, right? However, these needles are extremely fine, and the procedure is very safe and effective when performed properly.

You may have heard about it to rejuvenate the face, to assist with wrinkles, or acne scars. However, the same principles that make it great on the skin are the same that make it powerful on your scalp and hair follicles.

What Does This Little Prick Do To Your Hair? 

All right, we are piercing holes in your head. What in the world does that cause your hair to grow? It is really very smart, and it all comes down to the natural healing abilities of your body.

The magic is as follows:

Controlled Injury and Healing Response: 

When those little needles make micro-punctures, your body perceives it as a very small injury. And what does your body do when it feels an injury? It kicks into repair mode! This healing process entails a flood of blood, nutrients, and, you guessed it, growth factors to the area. These are the same potent growth factors we discussed with PRP! They act as an emergency crew, and they activate not only collagen production (which is good for skin health) but, more importantly, our hair follicle activity.

Increased Blood Supply: 

Blood is needed in the healing process, and microneedling increases blood flow to the scalp. Healthy hair is completely dependent on a good blood supply. Hair follicles require a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients, and improved blood circulation provides exactly that, making them stronger and promoting hair regrowth.

Stem Cell Activation: 

In the depths of your hair follicles, you have special cells called stem cells. They are similar to master cells, which can develop into other kinds of cells, such as new hair cells. Microneedling has been demonstrated to stimulate these inactive stem cells in the hair follicle bulge, basically waking them up and causing them to begin growing new hair.

Growth Factor Production: 

The healing process involved in this technique not only attracts growth factors; it helps in making them. Microneedling activates your scalp cells to produce more of these hair-friendly growth factors, which makes your scalp a more hospitable place to grow hair.

Increased Topical Absorption: 

This is really a great one! The little holes made by the needles are not only healing channels; they are also portals. This implies that whatever topical treatments you put on your scalp, such as minoxidil (Rogaine), can go much deeper and work much better than when you simply apply it to healthy skin. Imagine it as attempting to water a rock as opposed to watering soil - the soil (your microneedled scalp) takes everything in far better. It is in this synergy between microneedling and topical treatments that we tend to find some of the most impressive results.

In a nutshell, therefore, microneedling is a combination of healing, blood flow, stem cell activation, and improved product delivery, all of which combine to stimulate your hair to grow back thicker and stronger.

What types of Microneedling Devices exist?

As far as microneedling is concerned, you will have a couple of tools. The main ones are:

Dermarollers: 

These are handheld tools that have a roller that is coated with small needles. You roll it over your scalp. They are cheaper and are commonly used at home.

Dermapens / Microneedling Pens: 

These devices are motorized tools that move the needles up and down at a very high rate in continuity. They enable a more accurate control of the depth of the needle and may be less painful to some. Professionals commonly use these, but there are also at-home versions of them.

Specialized Devices: 

There are a variety of more complex devices that are used to combine microneedling with other useful therapies, such as radiofrequency, but simple hair regrowth requires the rollers and pens to be used on the scalp.

The most important distinctions usually boil down to the length of the needle and sterility.

• Needle Length: This is extremely important. To achieve hair growth, needles are usually between 0.5mm and 1.5mm, with shorter needles (0.25mm) being used to absorb products, and longer needles (1.5mm) penetrating deeper to activate more growth factors. In a moment, we will discuss the choice of the appropriate length.
• Sterility: This is paramount. Any equipment that penetrates the skin should be sterile to avoid infection.

For Whom Is Microneedling Ideal?

Micro needling may not be a universal cure, but in a number of hair loss cases, it is very practical.

Androgenetic Alopecia (Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss): 

This is where microneedling is the most effective. Many studies demonstrate tremendous outcomes in both men and women with this prevalent type of genetic hair thinning.

Alopecia Areata (Patchy Hair Loss): 

Alopecia areata has not been studied as extensively as androgenetic alopecia, yet microneedling can sometimes be incorporated to promote the growth in foci(patches) of alopecia areata, as part of a combination with other treatments.

Early Hair Loss: 

Just like PRP, microneedling is best in cases where the hair follicles are active. And when an area is completely bald and shiny, the chances of a significant regrowth are very minimal. It does not imply reactivation of dead follicles but reactivation of existing ones.

Those Who Want to Improve Topical Treatments: 

Microneedling may be applied to increase the effectiveness of minoxidil or other topical serums, even when it is underused.

In What Cases Might Microneedling NOT Be the Best Choice?

• Completely Bald Areas: As stated, when you have no hair follicles remaining in an area, microneedling will not form new ones out of thin air.
• Active Scalp Infections: Microneedling should not be done on your scalp when you have any open sores, acne, or infections because it may transmit the infection.
• Very Sensitive Scalps: Most people are alright with it, but some people might be too uncomfortable with it. 
• Some Medical Conditions: You should consult your doctor first in case you have bleeding disorders, are taking blood thinners, or have some skin conditions.

Microneedling + Minoxidil = Supercharged Growth!

This is where the fun begins! There is one thing you should remember about microneedling your scalp, and that is - it can be much more effective when used with minoxidil.

Why? Since microneedling forms those small holes through which minoxidil can enter deeper and reach the hair follicles more efficiently.

Micro-needling has always been known to yield significantly superior outcomes when used with minoxidil compared to when done without using minoxidil. We are discussing increased density of hair, increased thickness, and accelerated growth.

Combination: 

It is recommended to microneedle initially, and then apply minoxidil at least 24 hours after. This enables the micro-channels to start closing so that there is no over-absorption, which may cause side effects. As an example, when you microneedle on Sunday evening, use minoxidil on Monday evening.

Microneedling Scalp: Step-by-Step Guide.

Regardless of whether you are doing it at home or thinking about a professional treatment, the process usually looks like this:

Prepare Your Scalp:

• Cleanliness is Essential: It is always important to begin with a clean scalp. Shower your hair on the day or the night before.
• Clean Your Equipment: When using a home dermaroller or pen, it is important to sterilize the needles prior to use. One easy method is to wet it in 70% isopropyl alcohol for 5-10 minutes and allow it to dry. This cannot be compromised to avoid infection.

The Microneedling Process:

• Divide and Conquer: Part your hair to reveal the balding spots on your head.
• Gentle Pressure: Use even pressure. You want a little pinkness, not bleeding.
• Rolling (Dermaroller): Rolling one direction (e.g., top-to-bottom) 5-10 times over a small area. Then roll the roller in a different direction (e.g., side-to-side) 5-10 times. Do not roll around or drag the roller, which may snag your hair.
• Stamping (Dermapen): In the case of a dermapen, stamp the device on the treatment area. The vertical motion is done by the pen. Slight overlap when crossing the scalp.
• Apply to All Thinning Areas: Apply to all the areas you want to grow hair.
• Time: An average at-home session may last 10-20 minutes, depending on the area under treatment.

Aftercare:

• Keep It Clean: Remember that the first 24 hours are very crucial; In this time period, do not put or apply anything irritating on your scalp.
• Moisturize (Optional): A few apply a non-comedogenic, light moisturizer in case their scalp is dry or tight.
• Sun Protection: Your head will be more sensitive, and it should not be exposed to the sun.
• No Minoxidil (Immediately!): Wait at least 24 hours before applying minoxidil or other active topicals, as noted.
• Re-sterilize: Clean and sterilize your dermaroller or pen after use.

Needle Length: Finding Your Sweet Spot.

This is a very important choice, because it affects effectiveness and safety.

• 0.25 mm: This is mainly used to increase topical absorption. Minimal sensation. It can be used more frequently.
• 0.5 mm: Suitable to enhance topical penetration and light stimulation. Mild discomfort. Frequently used with novices or extremely sensitive scalps. It can be used 2-3 times a week.
• 0.75 mm: An ideal balance to stimulate growth factors and absorption. More noticeable sensation. It may be applied once or twice a week.
• 1.0 mm: This is the most common in many individuals who are interested in achieving substantial hair growth. It goes deep enough to stimulate stem cells and generate growth factors successfully. You will certainly feel this one. Suggested once a week, or every 10 days.
• 1.5 mm: This is very deep and is commonly employed by professionals. It is more painful and has a little more risk when not performed properly. When at home, use very carefully and not more than once in 2 weeks.

General Recommendation: Many experts recommend starting the treatment with 0.5 mm or 0.75 mm and then perhaps moving to 1.0mm once your scalp is accustomed to the treatment. At home, anything over 1.5 mm is not usually recommended.

What is the Frequency of Microneedling?

The frequency is determined by the length of the needle:

• 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm: You may apply these 2-3 times a week.
• 0.75 mm to 1.0 mm: A weekly dose is usually advised.
• 1.5 mm: Not more than twice in two weeks.

Consistency is key! As with any hair loss treatment, you will not see results overnight. It requires time and frequent use.

What to Expect and When to See Results.

First Redness/Tenderness: 

Your head will probably be pink or reddish right after treatment, and you may experience a small amount of tenderness, such as a mild sunburn. This typically passes in a few hours to a day.

The Waiting Time: 

Always remember that hair regrowth is a slow process. You'll need patience. After 3 to 6 months of regular therapy, most individuals begin to experience observable changes in shedding, thickening, and certain new growth. Complete outcomes may require a year or longer.

No Miracle Cure: 

It should be kept in mind that microneedling is applied to activate and improve existing hair quality and to wake up inactive follicles. It will not restore hair in bald spots where follicles are actually lost or dead.

Possible Side Effects and Precautions.

Although it is usually safe, it is good to know about possible problems:

• Irritation/Redness: Normal and transient.
• Swelling: Mild swelling may be present.
• Pain/Discomfort: Depends on the length of the needle and personal pain tolerance.
• Infection: This is the greatest risk when devices are not sterilized. Always sterilize!
• Hyperpigmentation (Dark Spots): Occurs rarely, but can happen in individuals with darker skin, especially where too much pressure is applied or too frequently.
• Scarring: With correct technique and correct needle lengths, extremely rare.

Always listen to your scalp. In case of excessive pain, redness, or infection symptoms, discontinue treatment and seek medical attention.

Professional vs. At-Home Microneedling

Both have their place:

At-Home Microneedling:

• Advantages: Easy, affordable, and can be treated frequently.
• Cons: Can only be used with shorter needles, depends on the technique of the user (can be inaccurate), and can cause infection unless sterilization is flawless.
• Best Use: Maintenance, topical absorption, mild thinning.

Microneedling (in a clinic):

• Advantages: Longer needles (e.g., 1.5mm+) are used, trained professionals carry out the treatment, more advanced equipment is often used, and better sterility.
• Disadvantages: More expensive, less frequent treatment.
• Best For: More professional in severe thinning or kick-starting treatment, or when you prefer to leave it to chance.

A combination is often effective for many people: professional treatments every few months, with at-home microneedling between sessions using shorter needles.

Is Microneedling For Hair Regrowth Worth Trying? 

Is microneedling the magic cure for hair loss? Although there is no magic bullet for hair loss, microneedling is a potent method indeed, particularly when done properly and in conjunction with other proven therapies such as minoxidil.

It is an excellent choice among numerous individuals who want to:

• Reduce hair shedding.
• Make hair thicker and denser.
• Enhance the efficacy of their topical hair loss drugs.
• Activate inactive hair follicles.

Micro needles may be a useful addition to your hair restoration process in case you are experiencing androgenetic alopecia and are in the early to moderate stages of hair thinning. All you need to do is remember to be safe, use proper technique, and be consistent.

As usual, seek the advice of a dermatologist or hair restoration expert to receive a customized evaluation and treatment. They will be able to assist you in deciding the optimal needle length, frequency, and whether microneedling is the appropriate option to address your particular type of hair loss.

Now that you have all the information about microneedling, go out there and make an informed choice about your hair!

References

These are our primary sources and research that support our data on microneedling as a hair regrowth method and technique that has been discussed in the article. The data that we are talking about has been frequently mentioned in the discussion and videos on the subject - 

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