In recent years, microneedling has gained significant attention as a promising solution for various skin concerns, including acne scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks. However, its benefits might extend beyond just skin health. Microneedling is now being explored as a potential treatment for hair loss, a concern that affects millions of people worldwide. This blog post delves into the effectiveness of microneedling for hair loss, exploring how it works, its benefits, and whether it stands as a viable solution for those battling hair thinning or alopecia.
What is Microneedling For Hair Loss?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, involves using a device equipped with fine needles to create tiny punctures in the top layer of the skin. Originally developed as a technique to rejuvenate skin, the concept has been adjusted to apply for hair loss scenarios. The idea is that microneedling can stimulate the scalp’s healing response, encouraging the production of proteins like collagen and elastin, which are crucial for healthy hair growth.
In the context of hair loss, a specialized dermaroller or a microneedling device is rolled over the scalp. This procedure is believed to not only open up the skin and make it more receptive to topical treatments but also to kick start the hair follicles’ rejuvenation process. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that can be done in an outpatient setting, usually taking about an hour to complete with the patient under local anesthesia or none at all.
Does Microneedling Work For Hair?
Research suggests that microneedling can indeed be beneficial for hair growth, particularly when combined with other treatments. One study involving men with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) reported significant hair regrowth when microneedling was paired with minoxidil (Rogaine) treatment as opposed to just the minoxidil alone. Similarly, women with alopecia could also potentially benefit, as the process encourages the scalp to ramp up its natural production of hair-critical substances like collagen.
The science behind these effects lies in the body’s natural wound healing process. When the skin is punctured, the body immediately works to repair itself, initiating a cascade of growth factors that encourage cellular turnover and increased blood flow to the affected area. For the scalp, this means a better nutrient-rich environment for hair follicles, which can translate to new hair growth and thicker, fuller hair over time.
However, it’s crucial to manage expectations. While microneedling can be a powerful ally against hair loss, it may not work for everyone and often requires several sessions and consistency in treatment to see notable results. Moreover, the efficacy of microneedling for hair loss can also depend on the underlying cause of the hair loss itself.
What Are The Benefits of Microneedling?
Aside from its potential to combat hair loss, microneedling offers several other benefits that make it an attractive procedure:
Enhanced Product Absorption
By creating thousands of tiny channels in the scalp, microneedling vastly improves the absorption of topical treatments, which can make them significantly more effective.
Minimal Downtime
Compared to more invasive procedures like hair transplant surgery, microneedling has minimal downtime. Patients can usually return to their normal activities almost immediately, making it an ideal choice for those with busy lifestyles.
Safety
Microneedling is generally safe when performed by a qualified professional. The risk of side effects is low, and it can be used on all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Natural Results
Because it utilizes the body’s own healing mechanisms, microneedling can produce very natural-looking results. Over time, hair grows back stronger and thicker as the scalp health is improved.
Scalp Health
Regular microneedling sessions can help maintain scalp health, prevent the onset of hair thinning, and keep the hair follicles active.
How Effective is Microneedling for Hair Loss?
Microneedling has been found to be beneficial for certain types of hair loss by promoting hair regrowth. It leverages the body’s natural healing processes by causing minor skin injuries that can stimulate hair follicle stem cells and potentially enhance hair growth. Research has indicated that microneedling is effective across various types of hair loss conditions, with the procedure adaptable through different needling devices, depths, session frequencies, and combination therapies.
When do the results start to appear with microneedling for hair loss?
The timeline for seeing results from microneedling for hair loss varies by individual, but some studies have reported that participants noticed hair regrowth after just a few sessions. However, most clinical studies and experts suggest that it may take several months of consistent treatment to observe significant improvements. The optimal interval for treatments and the total duration may differ depending on specific protocols and individual responses to the therapy.
Microneedling For Hair – FAQs
Does microneedling really work for hair loss?
Microneedling can help regrow hair, but its effectiveness is mainly for certain types of hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia. This procedure, also known as collagen induction therapy, works by stimulating blood flow and encouraging the production of growth factors that may lead to hair growth.
How long does microneedling take to regrow hair?
The time it takes for hair to regrow after microneedling can vary. While some individual studies show positive results after just a few weeks, more comprehensive results may take months of consistent treatment. It’s important to set realistic expectations and understand that it may require ongoing treatment.
What is the success rate of microneedling hair?
The exact success rate of microneedling for hair growth can be challenging to quantify as it depends on the study and the population being observed. However, some studies suggest that when combined with topical treatments like minoxidil, microneedling can improve hair regrowth.
How to do microneedling at home for hair loss?
To do microneedling at home for hair loss, you would need a microneedling device such as a dermaroller. After ensuring the scalp is clean, you would roll the device over the affected areas of the scalp in multiple directions to create controlled micro-injuries. Topical solutions that benefit hair growth can be applied following the treatment as they may be better absorbed.
How many times a week should I microneedle my hair?
How often you should use microneedling on your hair might depend on the individual’s response and the device being used. Generally, once per week to start is a commonly suggested frequency, although some might benefit from less frequent sessions. It’s critical to allow the skin time to heal between sessions.
What size microneedling is best for hair loss?
The size of the microneedles can vary, and for hair loss, needles that range from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm are commonly used. Needles longer than 1.5 mm might increase the risk of adverse effects and are typically not recommended for home use.
Do you use microneedling on wet or dry hair?
Microneedling is generally performed on dry hair and a clean scalp to avoid tugging and to ensure that the device moves smoothly over the skin without pulling on wet hair strands.
How many pins for hair loss microneedling?
For hair loss microneedling, devices typically have around 192 to 540 needles. The number of pins can affect the coverage and sensation of the treatment. More pins might mean a more efficient but possibly a more intense procedure.
Which microneedling is best for hair growth?
The best microneedling device for hair growth can depend on your personal preferences, the device’s quality, needle size, and length. Medical-grade, sterilized devices that are designed specifically for the scalp should be used to ensure safety and effectiveness.