Microneedling and minoxidil are widely popular and highly effective treatments for hair loss. And studies have shown that using the two treatments together further improves their effects. This combination is a promising treatment for those experiencing thinning hair and baldness.
The most prominent studies to date have found dermarolling to be of use -- particularly in hair loss cases. A 2021 review actually found that microneedling may be more effective at increasing hair growth than 5% topical minoxidil, which is the leading medication used for the treatment of pattern hair loss.
Applying tretinoin can enhance this conversion and improve minoxidil absorption. Enter: Retinol, but specifically Tretinoin, which is only offered as a prescription. This form of retinol can used topically on the scalp (before minoxidil) and helps raise sulfotransferase levels to boost the efficacy of minoxidil.
1. **Increased Irritation**: Combining microneedling with minoxidil can increase skin irritation, redness, and inflammation. This is because both treatments can cause mild irritation individually, and their combination might exacerbate these effects(9†source).
Tretinoin is known to increase the percutaneous absorption of minoxidil and, therefore, to enhance the response of AGA to minoxidil.
Be consistent with your application
As is the case with any type of medication, you need to be consistent and routine with your application of Minoxidil. You are required to apply 1ml of Minoxidil solution to the areas of your scalp affected by male pattern hair loss, and you need to do this twice a day.
The most effective way to use minoxidil with a dermaroller is to first roll the dermaroller on the scalp, and then apply minoxidil to the area.
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.
The use of microneedling in combination with topical minoxidil in the treatment of AGA demonstrated superior regrowth compared to minoxidil monotherapy. In this pilot study, following 3 weekly sessions of microneedling, 66% of subjects presented an increased follicular sulfotransferase enzymatic activity.
2% minoxidil is recommended for people with minor hair loss or who are sensitive to the medication. It has a decreased chance of negative effects and is frequently advised for women due to its milder nature. 5% minoxidil improves outcomes for more severe hair loss and may work faster or more efficiently.
Minoxidil has other effects that could be bothersome for some patients. These include increased hair growth, weight gain, fast heartbeat, and chest pain. Before you take this medicine, be sure that you have discussed the use of it with your doctor.
When used in combination with minoxidil, Retin A can help increase minoxidil absorption into the scalp. Retin A works by increasing the turnover of skin cells and promoting the growth of new skin cells.
Dhurat et al. [3] observed more than 50% improvement in 41 (82%) patients of microneedling group versus only 2 (4.5%) in the minoxidil group on patient self-assessment of hair growth at week 12, whereas only 4 (12.9%) of our patients in the combination treatment group reported 50% improvement.
Why Do I Look Older After Microneedling? You might look older after microneedling because your skin is temporarily inflamed and shedding older layers.
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.
Even though microneedling benefits the skin, overdoing it can cause serious risks, including skin irritation, redness, and inflammation, leading to discomfort. Overdoing treatments or not allowing ample time between sessions can lead to scarring and even hyperpigmentation.
It's important not to roll over the target area too often, as this can cause irritation. Pressure should be firm but not hard enough to cause pain. Once the micro-needling is complete, you can apply minoxidil.
The randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study showcased minoxidil's ability to enhance facial hair count in a cohort of 48 men aged 20–60. Application of 0.5 mL of 3% minoxidil liquid solution twice daily led to a statistically significant increase in hair count within the 16-week trial.
Initiation of new hair growth was noticeable by around 6 weeks in Microneedling group and by 10 weeks in Minoxidil group. Rapid growth in the existing hair was seen at week 1 in the Microneedling group than Minoxidil group [Figure 8].
Minoxidil solution is even more effective when combined with the oral medication finasteride (Propecia®), and is also compatible with hair restoration surgery.
Remember: minoxidil is a treatment for male pattern baldness (MPB). If you're losing hair for another reason (e.g. because of a hair loss condition other than MPB, chemotherapy, tight hairstyling, etc.) then minoxidil is unlikely to be effective for you.
Rosemary oil is preferred by people who prefer a natural approach and have modest hair thinning, but minoxidil is preferred by users looking for a more potent, clinically confirmed therapy for advanced hair loss. Many consumers find success with one product over another, and some even combine them to maximize benefits.