Can Microneedling Help Your Scalp Regrow Hair?

For years, people worldwide have sought remedies that can make their hair healthy and full, from simple oils and ointments to professional medical treatments. Solutions such as hair transplantation, wigs, and the like can be expensive or require complicated treatments.

Microneedling has become one of the most modern approaches to treating hair loss. Nevertheless, can this technique restore thinning hair?

For those who are still unsure whether microneedling for hair is the ultimate solution in regrowing hair, keep reading. You’ll understand how well it promotes hair growth and what to consider before settling for it.

But first,

What is Microneedling?

I bet you haven't heard about Collagen Induction Therapy, right? Oh, it’s just micro-needling, a cosmetic procedure that involves using a roller with small needles not deep enough to pierce the skin. When light tension is applied and the tiny needles are scraped against the skin, they cause minor lesions.

Now, the injuries cause your body to begin the normal healing process. While the injuries happen, blood flow rises, generating more collagen and growth factors in the treatment area.

And it becomes even more fun! We are no longer only thinking of fine lines and rough skin, but there is more to skin care these days. This is not the end of microneedling related to hair, read on.

How Microneedling Works on Scalps

Is microneedling scalp for hair growth effective? Microneedling as an enhanced method of hair regrowth is not fully approved yet. Micro-injuries to the scalp cause blood vessels in the head to expand to feed nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. 

Circulation is powerful and when circulation is boosted, it can wake up dormant follicles and causes hair to grow. Therefore, when using microneedling, the hair follicles respond by producing hair development.

What do you know about alopecia? Alopecia areata is a worldwide disease. From the National Library of Medicine, alopecia areata is evidenced to have a prevalence rate of 1 in 1000 persons with a lifetime risk of approximately 2 percent. Still, we have another theory concerning specific varieties of hair loss – including alopecia areata. Well, alopecia results in formation of scar tissues around the hair follicles. Microneedling might just help 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, although there are other more effective methods. Some of the research has yielded positive results.

For example, Trichology’s International Journal provided a 2018 assessment of 10 trials on microneedling hair treatment. These brought the conclusion that microneedling could add thickness and density to hair together with the incorporation of PRP therapy.

PRP therapy takes platelets present in the patient’s blood, which consist of a good number of growth factors, and then injecting it to the scalp at a particular concentration. However, the review insisted on the need of more elaborate, systematic and designed studies to reach those conclusions.

Through the National Institutes of Health study, microneedling hairloss may be an answer. And an even better solution when combined with other therapies. Further research is needed for its optimal effectiveness to be understood and to establish the necessary approaches to the therapy.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Microneedling for Hair

Numerous benefits that microneedling provides could make it a desirable choice.

Minimally Invasive

A derma roller or derma pen with tiny needles is an efficient tool for microneedling. It makes microneedling less invasive. Therefore, a derma pen for hair loss is most effective rather than a hair transplant, which involves a scalpel and suture. These small needles help stimulate an accumulation of small injuries that the body naturally heals. Therefore, you will be less likely to feel the pain and get well faster.

Potentially Effective

Research indicates microneedling may enhance hair thickness and density, particularly when paired with other therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP). It also may help with alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that makes some of your hair fall out.

Enhanced Absorption

If you have had problems with your skin not being receptive to skin treatments, then consider microneedling. Microneedling for scalp ensures that it penetrates the scalp even further than other scalp treatments.

Drawbacks of Microneedling

Microneedling can be very restrictive. 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.

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 since there is an evident difference between microneedling for hair before and after. 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.

Telegon Efflux

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 for hair loss at our doctor's office or 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. It is called scalp needling for hair growth.

● 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, you need to be cautious when using this option:

● Choose a derma roller for microneedling with needles between 0.5 and 1.0 mm long and which is specifically designed for use on the scalp. It is often advised that households avoid the use of longer needles because they are dangerous.

● Clean the microneedle roller using a 70% rubbing alcohol solution before every use and ensure you do it properly.

● Lastly, wash your scalp gently using a mild cleaner, and make sure to thoroughly dry your scalp.

● The procedure is performed by lightly rolling the microneedling device on your scalp in vertical, horizontal, and diagonal motion. It also does not allow too much traversing across the same area and gives slightly pressing pressure.

● After-treatment Care: If the scalp is irritated, apply an after-shower lotion or serum that is non alcoholic. Refrain from engaging in rigorous activity or exposure to extended periods of sweating for a day.

Generally, at-home microneedling should be done once a week, but it’s critical to discuss it with a dermatologist or trichologist to make an appointment for a proper frequency.

Tips for Safe and Effective Microneedling at Home

If you want to be successful in your microneedling for balding procedure, keep in mind the following crucial 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.

As a disclaimer, this is not legal advice. This is something that you might be able to do at home, however, it is advised that when you are doing it for the first time, you should see a dermatologist.

Is Microneedling Right for You?

Whether you're searching for microneedling for hair loss near me or exploring at-home options, several factors will help you decide. Now, let me help you in making this choice:

If you attempt microneedling, you should seek the services of a dermatologist or trichologist, an expert in hair loss. They can encompass a detailed examination of your unique situation.

Microneedling benefits can vary from one person to another based on his or her skin’s response. First of all, it is important to notice that the roots of different types of alopecia are different. You should ask an expert to find out whether you can manage hair loss during the procedure of microneedling.

Also, not all individuals are candidates for microneedling, particularly individuals experiencing some health issues or those using particular medications. However, if microneedling is suitable for your skin, it will be perfectly safe to go ahead and schedule an appointment with a physician.

Microneedling vs. Other Hair Loss Treatments

Minoxidil

Microneedling has been found to enhance the results of the drug, minoxidil. Minoxidil is an over-the-counter preparation, which prolongs the anagen phase of the hair cycle and promotes hair growth.

It is relatively easily accessible and easy to conduct as well. Research has supported its effectiveness in initiating hair increase on many people with no side effects or even having to inconvenience themselves.

Oh, it does have its flaws. For example, it can retain its results if a person uses it endlessly or whenever he or she intend to get a particular result.

The possible side effects are rash on the scalp regions, and undesirable hair growth in the face. Furthermore, it is acknowledged that there could be variation in efficacy, and then there are patients who are likely to note slight changes.

Finasteride

One of the commonly known drugs for men is finasteride, which is a prescription medicine for the treatment of hair loss in men. In this way, it suppresses the transformation of testosterone into another hormone known as DHT that is associated with hair and baldness thinning.

Even though this condition is not a cure for baldness, Finasteride assists an individual to lose hair more slowly and helps in slight regrowth. However, again it is necessary to emphasize that some side effects may be possible, and it is effective only if the treatment continues

Hair Transplant Surgery

Hair transplant surgery concerns the removal of living hair follicles from one area of the scalp, normally the back and sides, and their subsequent transplantation into the balding or thinning zones. This process is least invasive and meant to increase hair density 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 hair 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 Diaminy 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.