How hard should you microneedle your scalp?

Author: Deron Monahan  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Roll or glide horizontally, then diagonally in both directions as well, creating a criss-cross pattern. Avoid pressing too hard or going over the same spot too many times. The goal is to create micro-injuries, not cause damage or discomfort. Repeat this process for each section of your scalp.

How hard to press microneedling scalp?

How Hard Should I Press the Dermaroller? Apply enough pressure to feel the needles against your scalp but not so much that it causes pain.

How deep should you microneedle your scalp?

Clinical studies have indicated that the optimal needle depth for microneedling is typically 1.5mm. This depth allows the needles to penetrate the dermis, accessing a greater supply of blood capillaries, which triggers a potent inflammatory response.

How deep should microneedling be for head?

When microneedling, we use different depths depending on the skin type, and the part of the face we are treating. For example, the skin on your forehead is much thinner than the skin on your cheeks---thus we would start at about . 5 mm and maybe go as deep as 2.5 mm over the cheeks or deep scars.

Can you microneedle too hard?

But yeah, there are a few things you need to take into account otherwise... yes, you will have ``regrets.'' If you go too deep or do sessions too often, it can lead to scarring or even enlarge your pores, doing the opposite of what you're looking for. Also, the quality of the pen plays a huge role.

10 Do's And Don'ts Of Using The Dermaroller For Hair Loss And Growth

How hard do you press when microneedling?

Use a light, even pressure. If you have some loose skin, you may need to hold this area taut also.

What happens if you microneedle too deep?

Improper Technique: Applying excessive pressure or using incorrect needle depth can lead to skin trauma, scarring, and permanent damage. Infection Risks: Poor hygiene practices, unsterile equipment, or microneedling over active lesions increase the chances of bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.

Should I use 12 or 36 needles for microneedling scalp?

For microneedling on the scalp, it is advised to use a cartridge with more needles: the 24-pin or the 36-pin cartridge. This is to suit the skin of the scalp. For the needle length, it should ideally be between 0.5mm to 1.5mm for scalp treatment.

Can I microneedle my lips?

In lip microneedling, hyaluronic acid is applied to the lips and is followed by microneedling, supposedly to help HA penetrate the dermal layer. In reality, because of the thinness of lip tissue, micro-wounds must be kept shallow, too shallow to elicit collagen formation or deliver HA to deep lip tissue.

How do you use microneedling on your scalp?

Roll or glide horizontally, then diagonally in both directions as well, creating a criss-cross pattern. Avoid pressing too hard or going over the same spot too many times. The goal is to create micro-injuries, not cause damage or discomfort. Repeat this process for each section of your scalp.

How deep are hair follicles in the scalp?

Results: The mean length of a scalp hair follicle is 4.16 mm. The infundibulum measures 0.76 mm, the isthmus 0.89 mm, and the inferior portion 2.5 mm. The insertion of the arrector pili muscle is located 1.65 mm deep.

Is 2mm too deep for microneedling?

For treating acne and other scars as a routine, a needle length of 1.5–2 mm is usually used. When microneedling is used as a procedure to treat ageing skin and wrinkles, the needle length of 0.5 mm or 1.0 mm is usually recommended.

What happens if you press too hard with derma roller?

Pressing too hard or repeatedly targeting the same areas can create deeper pathways or tears in the skin, which will not only take longer to heal, but will also leave the skin open to infection or reaction to any products that are applied.

What are the cons of microneedling scalp?

And unless you're experienced with this technique, microneedling at home can also increase your risk of a skin infection.

Should I put anything on my scalp after microneedling?

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.

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.

Can I microneedle my neck?

Most people get microneedling on their face, but you can also get it on your legs, back, neck or other areas where you notice damaged or aging skin. You'll probably need multiple treatments to achieve your desired results.

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.

Should I apply minoxidil after microneedling?

Once the micro-needling is complete, you can apply minoxidil. When using a derma roller at home, it's important to thoroughly clean the device afterwards using 70% isopropyl alcohol to reduce the risk of infection.

Do I need numbing cream for microneedling?

We recommend using a numbing cream for every session for the most comfortable experience. Can I get microneedling if I am Pregnant? It is not generally recommended, not because it is not safe, but because there is limited research on the procedure during pregnancy.

Can you overdo microneedling?

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.

How deep can estheticians do microneedling?

In California, aestheticians cannot penetrate the skin and should not perform microneedling. This can also be done at home, but products available likely do not go as deep into the skin's surface as those done by a professional.

Does at home microneedling really work?

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.

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