In the quest for lush, healthy hair, many individuals turn to various treatments and remedies, from traditional oils to advanced medical procedures. Although options like hair transplants and wigs exist, they can be costly or require intrusive therapies.
Microneedling has now emerged as a contemporary avenue for hair restoration. Still, does scalp microneedling work?
To assist you in determining whether microneedling for hair is the best option for your greatest asset, stick around. Stick around to explore microneedling. You’ll understand how well it promotes hair growth and what to consider before settling for it.
But first,
What is Microneedling?
Have you ever heard of Collagen Induction Therapy? Well, it’s just microneedling—a minimally invasive technique that uses a roller studded with tiny needles. Lightly rubbing tiny needles against the skin creates minute injuries.
Now, the injuries cause your body to start the natural healing response. As the injuries occur, blood flow increases, producing more collagen and releasing growth factors in the treated area.
And it gets even more enjoyable! We're not just talking about minimizing wrinkles and improving skin texture anymore. There’s more on microneedling for hair.
The Science of Microneedling on Scalps
Microneedling as a boost for hair growth is still under research. Tiny wounds cause the scalp's blood vessels to dilate, supplying vital nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. Does scalp microneedling work?
Increased circulation has the power to revitalize dormant follicles and encourage hair growth. With microneedling, the hair follicles get to work, causing hair development.
Have you ever heard of alopecia? Alopecia areata is a global condition. With a lifetime risk of roughly 2 percent, the estimated prevalence is 1 in 1000 persons. That said, we have another theory involving particular forms of hair loss, such as alopecia areata. Well, alopecia causes scar tissue to grow around hair follicles. Microneedling may prevent this from happening.
This disturbance might enable the restoration of average hair growth from the temporary channels in the scalp after microneedling.
Does Hair Loss Respond to Microneedling?
It is worth noting that despite minimal research, microneedling for hair loss shows promise, but there are more guaranteed solutions. Some studies have produced encouraging outcomes. Does scalp microneedling work? let's look at the results.
For instance, the International Journal of Trichology published a 2018 evaluation of 10 trials on microneedling for hair loss. The analysis concluded that microneedling could increase hair thickness and density, especially when paired with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
PRP therapy uses a patient's platelets, abundant in growth factors, and injects them into the scalp at a concentration. However, the review also emphasized the necessity of more extensive, carefully planned research to support these conclusions.
Through the National Institutes of Health study, microneedling may be an answer to hair loss. And an even better solution when combined with other therapies. More thorough research is necessary to completely comprehend its long-term effectiveness and determine the best course of treatment, though.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Microneedling for Hair
Numerous benefits that microneedling provides could make it a desirable choice.
Minimally Invasive
A dermal roller or derma pen with tiny needles is an efficient tool for microneedling. It makes microneedling less invasive. So, it works best instead of hair transplants, which require scalpels and sutures. These tiny needles create micro-injuries, triggering our body's natural healing process. As a result, you’ll experience less pain and faster recovery.
Potentially Effective
Research indicates microneedling may enhance hair thickness and density, particularly when paired with other therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP). It may also help with alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes patchy hair loss.
Enhanced Absorption
If you have had issues with your skin absorbing skin treatments, then try microneedling. It guarantees deeper penetration into the scalp.
Drawbacks of Microneedling
Microneedling can be limiting. Those with advanced stages of hair loss may find that microneedling is not for them. There is a chance of infection, especially when using it at home. Here are more reasons why it might not be for you:
Results for Each Individual
Results may vary among people. Do you have severe hair loss? What are your characteristics and treatment regimens? The efficacy can vary greatly. Especially in more severe phases of hair loss, it could not be a definite treatment for everyone.So the question that does scalp microneedling work? Look at the results after using miconeedling before and after.
Possible Adverse Reactions
Temporary adverse effects from microneedling may include redness, edema, and pinpoint bleeding. Additionally, there is a chance of infection, especially when using it at home and neglecting basic hygiene.
Upkeep Needed
Do you want to maintain your microneedling hair results? Well, your answer is yes. So, you will need several microneedling sessions for optimal results. Moreover, any hair growth achieved might require continuous treatments to maintain it.
Who Might Benefit from Hair Microneedling
Different people suffer from various types of hair loss. However, you can combine microneedling with other hair loss treatments for more improved outcomes.
So, here are those that can benefit from microneedling:
Androgenetic alopecia: Have you ever heard of male or female pattern baldness? Also referred to as androgenetic alopecia, it is a genetically programmed hair loss syndrome. Several variables contribute to its causation, including genetic predisposition and sensitivity to androgens, the male hormone. Hair becomes thinner and shorter due to the hair follicles gradually shrinking, and hair loss occurs.
Alopecia Areata: Patchy hair loss is a symptom of the autoimmune illness alopecia areata. It throws off the regular hair growth cycle, which makes the immune system wrongly target hair follicles. Well, microneedling has demonstrated potential in promoting hair growth in this case.
Microneedling can help with Telogen Efflux, a condition in which many hair follicles prematurely enter the resting phase (telogen). It leads to excessive hair shedding, often called clumps of hair loss. It can be triggered by various factors, such as stress, hormonal changes, or underlying medical conditions.
The Application of Scalp Microneedling
We can choose to have microneedling at our doctor's office or at home. Here's a breakdown of both approaches:
Office-Based Microneedling
The flexibility of having microneedling done at home or your doctor's office is available. The doctor's office atmosphere can be a better alternative specifically for hair development. So, here's what to expect:
- Now, you must consult before anything else. Talk to your dermatologist about your worries about hair loss and whether microneedling is a good option.
- The first step is to prepare. You must wash and sterilize your scalp, which is vital to reduce the chances of infection.
- Are you worried it might get painful? Your doctor can apply a topical anesthetic cream to numb your scalp to make the treatment more comfortable.
- It’s now time for microneedling. The dermatologist will use a sterile microneedling tool with needles between 1.0 and 1.5 mm in length. They will gently create micro-injuries on your scalp by rolling the device over it in a particular manner.
- After the above procedure, you will need a follow-up treatment. The dermatologist will give detailed advice on how to take care of yourself after treatment. These recommendations include using a calming cream and staying out of the sun for a few days.
Using Microneedles at Home
Although convenient, use additional caution when using this option:
- Select the Correct Roller: Look for a microneedling derma roller with needles between 0.5 and 1.0 mm long and made especially for use on the scalp. It's generally not recommended to use longer needles at home because of the greater risk of harm.
- Sanitize the Roller: Use a 70% rubbing alcohol solution to sanitize the microneedling roller before each usage thoroughly.
- Cleanse the Scalp: Use a mild cleanser to wash your scalp, then pat it entirely dry.
- The microneedling technique involves lightly rolling the device over your scalp in a vertical, horizontal, and diagonal pattern. It also avoids too many passes over the same area and provides mild pressure.
- After-treatment Care: To calm the scalp, use a soothing lotion or serum without alcohol. Avoid intense exercise or prolonged sweat for a full day.
- At-home microneedling is often done once a week, but it's essential to consult a dermatologist or trichologist for a personalized frequency recommendation.
If you want to be successful in your microneedling procedure, keep in mind the following crucial points: If you want to be successful in your microneedling procedure, keep in mind the following critical points:
Sanitization recognizes the need to wash and clean all areas to avoid diseases. When suggesting changing the needle length, begin with the smaller size and gradually increase its usage based on the scalp's comfort level.
Pain is possible, so there will be some discomfort even with shorter needles. If the discomfort reaches a maximum, it is necessary to interrupt the procedure and apply minimum pressure.
It is wise to note that this is not legal advice. While you can do microneedling at home, it is best to consult a dermatologist, especially if it is your first time doing it. The expert may explain what service suits your situation and help you decide whether it suits you.
Is Microneedling Right for You?
Several factors will decide if you should opt for microneedling or not in the case of hair loss. So does scalp microneedling work for you? Now, let me help you in making this choice:
If you try microneedling, it is best to consult a dermatologist or trichologist, a specialist in hair loss. They can include an extensive analysis of your specific situation.
The outcomes of microneedling can be different among people. First, it is necessary to underline that the causes of various forms of hair loss are distinct. An expert can tell you if your hair loss management is possible during microneedling.
Besides, not everyone is suitable for microneedling, especially those who have some health complications or those who take specific medications. It is possible to learn if microneedling is the proper therapy for you and ensure your safety by booking an appointment with a doctor.
Microneedling vs. Other Hair Loss Treatments
Minoxidil
The question does scalp microneedling work is related to what supporting products are used. Microneedling enhances the minoxidil results. Minoxidil is a topical solution that increases the anagen phase of the hair cycle and facilitates hair growth. It is relatively available and simple to perform. Studies have substantiated its benefits in stimulating hair growth in many people without any side effects or social inconveniences.
Oh, it does have its flaws. It has some drawbacks. For example, it preserves its results only if used frequently and over a long period.
The possible side effects may be rash on the scalp regions and undesirable hair growth on the face. Also, it is recognized that efficacy variations could be possible, meaning that some patients may only notice a marginal improvement.
Finasteride
One of the commonly known drugs for the male is finasteride, which is a prescription drug for the treatment of hair loss in men. In this way, it inhibits the conversion of testosterone into another hormone called DHT, which plays a role in hair and baldness thinning.
Despite this condition not being a cure for baldness, Finasteride helps one lose hair at a slower rate and encourages minor regrowth. Nonetheless, it is crucial to state that some possible side effects can occur, and it works only as long as the treatment continues.
Hair Transplant Surgery
Hair transplant surgery involves transferring living hair follicles from a donor site, typically the back or sides of the scalp, to the balding or thinning areas. This procedure is relatively painless and designed to increase hair fullness and a proper hairline. However, depending on the doctor's competency, it could prove costly.
PRP Therapy
PRP therapy activates and utilizes the body’s ability to heal, known as platelet-rich plasma therapy. The doctor draws blood from the patient and spreads the concentrated platelets on the patient’s head. Consequently, these focused platelets, which have high growth factors, may clot and stimulate hair growth in areas that have started to bald.
Next-Gen Needles
All the needles of the newest microneedling rollers are the same length as the latest generation. But needles of different lengths and shapes may be on the way soon. Imagine a microneedling device that can “target” specific scalp areas important for hair growth penetration depths. This level of customization could enhance the results and fulfill the individual needs of the scalp.
Drug Delivery Microneedling
Imagine tiny needles that create minuscule channels where the hair grows and inject specific drugs into the scalp. It may reduce side effects and improve the medication's efficiency.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Applying low-intensity lasers in treatment is non-invasive and promotes hair growth with increased blood and cell supply. It may have an additive effect when used together with microneedling.
In summary
Microneedling is a relatively affordable treatment for hair loss issues. It could enhance hair density and regrowth rate by activating the body’s reparative processes and improving the uptake of topical application treatments. Given that more research is needed to understand this approach’s effectiveness and opportunities more comprehensively, microneedling may be a good fit. It is proving to be a great tool in treating hair loss and might become one of the top medicines as research develops.
Although hair loss might be upsetting, there are solutions! We at Diaminy are committed to giving you the information and resources you need to reach your hair goals. Visit our website to find out more about microneedling, explore alternative hair growth options, and select the ideal items to help you on your path to healthy hair.
