Microneedling is generally performed in a medical provider's office, but some people also try the procedure at home. However, home treatments can be risky and may not be as effective as treatments performed by a professional.
Microneedling of the scalp to promote hair growth is a procedure that is increasing in popularity and could prove particularly beneficial for those suffering from progressive types of hair loss such as androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness) which affects both men and women.
The answer is YES! Derma rollers have been proven to be both a safe and effective solution for hair loss. This natural hair growth treatment has been known to produce hair growth results on the scalp when used consistently.
The Microneedling on the Scalp Process
A session should last 10-20 minutes, depending on the scalp area you're treating. In this treatment, you can also apply either hyaluronic acid or hair restoration serum to enhance the effectiveness of the microneedling treatment.
1. Can microneedling regrow hair? The answer to this is no. However what microneedling can do is a couple of things: 1. It makes tiny divots/holes in the skin that allow for better absorption of topical solutions through the skin so they get into your blood supply and therefore to the hair follicles.
Microneedling is generally performed in a medical provider's office, but some people also try the procedure at home. However, home treatments can be risky and may not be as effective as treatments performed by a professional.
Professional microneedling is more expensive than its at-home counterpart, yet it also offers greater results in terms of safety, efficacy and longevity. At-home microneedling can still provide excellent results if done correctly; however, it may need to be repeated more often than a professional treatment would.
Myth: sun is the enemy of microneedling!
This is why we'd never recommend microneedling during the day. To keep your skin happy and healthy, always microneedle in the evening – this means your skin has the whole night to restore itself, and you can wake up to sensational skin.
Moisturizers to Use: Use lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers or serums designed for sensitive or healing scalps. Your hair clinic may provide or recommend products specifically formulated for post-microneedling care.
Despite its many advantages, there are some risks associated with microneedling such as infection, inflammation and discoloration. Long-term effects may include scarring or changes in pigmentation so caution should be taken when undergoing this treatment.
Yes, it can cause shedding. One way it does that is if the needle goes through the hair follicle itself.
The overall result of the study provided evidence that rosemary oil may be effective for certain hair growth. A study from 2022 also found evidence that rosemary oil can aid in hair growth. The study stated that rosemary oil had the same effect as Minoxidil, a hair growth medication, after 6 weeks of use.
Dermatologists may recommend microneedling in a clinical setting. However, they may also recommend microneedling using dermarollers at home. People should only purchase a dermaroller at the recommendation of a dermatologist or another healthcare professional.
Hygiene and Cleanliness. Applying a derma roller to wet hair can introduce moisture and bacteria into the micro-channels created by the needles, increasing the risk of infection or irritation. Using the device on dry hair minimizes this risk and keeps the area clean during the treatment.
The most common side effects of topical minoxidil application are redness and irritation of the skin. Rarely, patients have reported headaches, palpitations, and dizziness. Oral minoxidil side effects include palpitations, dizziness, low blood pressure, chest pain, headaches, and swelling of the legs.
Starting with the first section, either roll your dermaroller vertically over your scalp, continuing to apply mild pressure, or glide your dermapen over the section of skin. Roll or glide horizontally, then diagonally in both directions as well, creating a criss-cross pattern.
A treatment session itself only lasts between 20 and 30 minutes depending on how many areas need to be treated. However, you must wait for the numbing cream to take effect and have your treatment area disinfected. Expect to spend at least an hour or two from start to finish.
Lidocaine, Prilocaine & Epinephrine Numbing Cream
Once the anesthetic is applied on clean and dry skin it can provide effective anesthesia for microneedling as early as 15 minutes after application.
Like all cosmetic treatments, microneedling is a medical procedure. To protect your health and safety, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends seeing a medical doctor who has expertise in treating the skin and performing cosmetic treatments, such as a board-certified dermatologist. This session is essential.
The average cost of microneedling in the US is about $640 per session, according to over 300 patient experiences on RealSelf. This can vary between $300 to $700, however, depending on: Your location: Prices may be higher in major cities or upscale clinics.
Like other hair loss treatments, microneedling takes time to work. Most studies last a few months and report positive changes in hair regrowth and hair density after 3-6 months.