Do I need to wash my hair before microneedling?

Author: Bette McGlynn  |  Last update: Thursday, August 14, 2025

Washing your hair before the treatment helps remove any product buildup, ensuring the needles can reach the scalp without obstruction.

Should hair be clean before microneedling?

Microneedling Preparation

Before starting the procedure, cleaning the scalp thoroughly is crucial to avoid infection. Numbing cream can be applied before microneedling if you have concerns about how it might be painful.

How do I prepare my scalp for microneedling?

Wash your scalp and hair with a mild shampoo to remove oils and dirt. Pat your hair and scalp dry with a clean towel. If you have hair longer than a few inches, use a comb to divide your scalp into sections for easier microneedling.

Do I need to shower before microneedling?

On the day of your treatment, do not apply any makeup, lotion or sunscreen to the treatment area. If you're targeting your face, wash your face with a gentle facial cleanser before you come in for your appointment. If you are targeting your body, wash with a gentle soap that will not irritate your skin.

Should you microneedle your hair wet or dry?

For optimal results and safety, it is generally recommended to use a derma roller on dry hair. Applying the derma roller to dry hair ensures better absorption and penetration of the needles into the scalp, allowing for more efficient stimulation of the hair follicles and increased blood flow to the area.

The Dermaroller: Watch This BEFORE Microneedling! (What I wish I knew Before I Started Dermarolling)

What should you not do before microneedle?

Before beginning your microneedling (or dermarolling) regimen, you should avoid hair removal products and techniques. This includes shaving or waxing yourself, using chemical creams for hair removal, and even electrolysis. All of these things will irritate the skin and cause inflammation.

Can you derma roll on dirty hair?

Only dermaroll when your hair is clean and dry, and can be safely brushed neatly in one direction before dermarolling.

Should I wash my hair before or after dermarolling?

Washing helps create a clean environment for your skin to heal without risk of infection or foreign bodies obstructing repair. In general, it's best to wash the hair within a few hours after dermarolling to allow any residues to be thoroughly removed.

How to maximize microneedling results?

Microneedling Aftercare Tips
  1. Boosting progress with supplements.
  2. Avoiding intense activities.
  3. Staying out of hot showers and baths.
  4. Letting the skin rest before further treatments.
  5. Not wearing makeup.
  6. Protecting your skin from the sun.
  7. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol.

What is the average price of a microneedling session?

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.

How do you wash your hair after microneedling?

It's recommended to wait at least 24-48 hours after the microneedling treatment before washing your hair. When you do wash, use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. Avoid using harsh shampoos or products with strong fragrances, as these can further irritate the scalp.

How painful is microneedling scalp?

Microneedling procedures aren't painful, but they can be uncomfortable, especially for patients who may be afraid of needles. Microneedling uses tiny needlepoints to create punctures within the dermis; doing so helps encourage the body's collagen and elastin production, leading to younger and smoother-looking skin.

How do you prep for microneedling?

Prepping before your microneedling

In general, we want you to wash your skin with a gentle skin cleanser and remove all makeup and dirt. We also request you not use any lotions or creams on your skin.

What alcohol is best for microneedling?

There's only one correct way to clean a derma roller: an isopropyl alcohol solution of 70% or more. If it's less than 70%, it will not sterilise the roller properly, and you will risk a short-term skin irritation or infection.

Do I wash my face before microneedling?

Please wash your face with a gentle cleanser and do not wear any lotion, perfume, or serums when you go to your appointment. If you are wearing make-up that day, please remove make-up before your appointment.

Does microneedling regrow hair?

In short, a microneedling session looks to increase hair growth by stimulating blood flow to the scalp. When doing so, microneedling is effective at treating hair loss and thinning hair. In some cases, it can even promote hair regrowth. Creating tiny wounds, the micro needles stimulate blood flow on the scalp.

What should I not do before microneedling?

Avoid Hair Removal Treatments

Shaving, waxing, hair removal creams, and electrolysis can all irritate the skin. Avoid all forms of hair removal in the areas you plan to have treated with the DermaPro dermal pen in the week leading up to your appointment.

Can you see results from microneedling after 1 session?

Yes, you'll notice results after just one microneedling session. Your skin will appear smoother and more radiant, although individual outcomes can vary. Continuous improvements occur over the following weeks, enhancing texture and tone.

How to clean scalp before microneedling?

To ensure a clean scalp and roller, jump in the shower and give yourself a good lather, rinse and repeat. You might also find that using an exfoliating shampoo brush or treating your head to a little in-shower scalp massage can help lift away excess dirt and debris, including dead skin cells on the scalp's surface.

What cream to use after microneedling?

When used after microneedling, hyaluronic acid is even more effective as it can dive even deeper to plump and hydrate, complementing the hard work your microneedle has already started to help give you firmer, better quality skin.

Is it better to derma roll wet or dry hair?

Ensure your scalp is completely dry before using the derma roller.

What should I put on my scalp after microneedling?

Do not use any harsh chemical or even hair styling products at least during the next 24 hours after treatment; just employ mild shampoo. Moisturize your scalp: Stop dryness on your scalp through moisturizing it all times. Apply a light non-clogging moisturizer that will provide hydration on your scalp instead.

How often should I microneedle my scalp?

The cost of microneedling is an investment of both time and money. Treatments are usually every four weeks and, on average, 5 treatments are required. After the series is complete, maintenance is suggested to maintain and continue to promote hair growth and scalp health.

How to microneedle a hairline?

Microneedle your scalp 5-7 times vertically. Lift roller and microneedle 5-7 times horizontally. Apply light pressure. Combine with hair growth serum for more effective results.

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