Should I use 12 or 36 needles for microneedling scalp?

Author: Ruthie Effertz  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 8, 2025

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.

What needle length for microneedling scalp?

For scalp microneedling, you often see needle lengths of 0.5mm to 1.5mm, although you should leave the longer lengths to the professionals. 0.5mm is a good starting point for scalp microneedling at home when done carefully. Try to find a microneedler that is made for the scalp, instead of for the face.

Is 36 needles better for microneedling?

36 needles are best suited for the gentle stimulation of Cosmetic Needling. Nano cartridges are designed to use for nano infusion. Made of pyramid tipped filaments that push ingredients into the epidermis without puncturing the skin. Infusing active ingredients into the skin up to 97% better.

What is the difference between 12 pin and 36 pin microneedling?

12-Needle Cartridges: Often denser and thicker needles to penetrate deeper into the skin and trigger more collagen production, but then they are likely to be slightly painful. 36-Needle Cartridges: They are finer needles to reduce pain and swelling and facilitate treatment for sensitive skin patients.

What number of needles is best for microneedling?

As a general rule, nano pins are best for increasing product absorption, 11-16 pins are best for targeted applications and 36-42 pins are best for larger and more sensitive areas (such as your neck, upper/inner thighs and underarm).

Microneedling: 5 Tips You MUST Know BEFORE & AFTER | Doctorly + Esthetician

What is the 12 needle microneedling used for?

The 12-pin Microneedle Cartridge needles improve the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, and overall skin texture by stimulating collagen production.

What is the best depth for microneedling for hair growth?

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.

What is the best pin size for microneedling?

The needle size is crucial for a microneedling facial. I usually recommend 0.5mm to 1mm needles for the face, as this range effectively stimulates collagen production without causing too much discomfort. Shorter 0.25mm needles enhance product absorption but don't reach the dermis to induce collagen.

Can I use 36 pin microneedling on my face at home?

We recommend the 12 pin and 16 pin (16 pin cartridges only available with the M8 device) for face. The 36 pin is recommended for the body (For stretch marks, for example). Which body parts can you microneedle? You can use the Dr Pen microneedle on your whole body.

How often should I microneedling hair loss?

Behnam: In my opinion, I think anyone with male or female pattern hair loss should use a derma roller. Most patients use the derma roller once a week or twice a week, and it depends on the depth of the microneedling. We typically recommend using a 0.5 mm depth and doing it every night.

How many pins for scalp microneedling?

There are options from 11-pin to 48-pin to choose from. 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.

Can I microneedle my armpits?

This treatment can be used for acne scarring, aging skin, hyperpigmentation, skin tightening. This can be used on the face, neck, décolletage and now the underarm area. Radiofrequency micro needling is also used to destroy sweat glands that contribute to excessive sweating.

How to properly microneedle scalp?

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.

How deep should microneedling be for head?

Suitable depth varies depending on the site.
  • Forehead: 0.25 to 1.0 mm.
  • Around the eyes: 0.25 to 1.0 mm.
  • Cheek: 0.25 to 1.5 mm, up to 2.5 mm possible.
  • Nose: 0.25-0.5 mm, up to 2.5 mm possible.
  • Jaw: 0.25 to 1.0 mm, up to 2.5 mm possible.
  • Body: 0.25 to 3.0 mm.

How much should I microneedle my scalp?

To start with, we suggest microneedling your scalp once a week for the first month, then twice a week in the second month. After that, you can move back down to microneedling your scalp once a month to maintain your results.

Which is better 16 or 36 pin microneedling?

Cartridges with 11-16 pins are best suited for targeted applications. Size 36-42 pins are best for larger surface areas and more sensitive skin.

How often do I apply hyaluronic acid after microneedling?

We recommend our Hyaluronic Acid Serum or Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar, available for purchase. It is important to apply every 3 hours for the first 24 hours after the microneedling. These can also be continued twice a day for the first week.

What depth of microneedling is needed for hair growth?

Long-story short: we likely need to microneedle at depths of 1.5mm to 2.5mm if we're to expect appreciable stimulation of the hair follicle stem cell bulge, and thereby appreciable hair follicle proliferation (i.e., hair regrowth).

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.

What is 12 pin microneedling?

The 12-pin Microneedle Cartridge is specially designed to be effective in reducing the appearance of texture from acne scarring. The 12-pin Microneedle Cartridge creates microscopic punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production and help reduce acne scarring concerns.

What size needle is best for hair regrowth?

An older study found that a dermaroller with 1.5 mm needles effectively promoted hair growth in combination with triamcinolone acetonide . However, most dermarollers available online have 0.25-0.5 mm needles. A person should contact a dermatologist to find the best needle length for their requirements.

Can you microneedle your scalp at home?

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.

How deep is the epidermis of the scalp?

The epidermis acts as a protective barrier to an expansive network of blood vessels, tissue, nerves and bone beneath. While the thickness of this layer varies at different points across the body, it is only about 1.5mm thick at the scalp.

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