Microneedling should not be performed too frequently, as it carries the risk of scarring and can limit blood circulation to the treated area, leading to hair shedding. A recommended frequency is once per month, using a 1.5mm depth needle.
The most common protocol is to microneedle once every 1 to 2 weeks at a 0.6-1.5mm depth. Yes, there are many different protocols out there that have different frequencies and needle depths. If you decide you want to perform microneedling at home, consult with your dermatologist or hair loss medical professional first.
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.
The recommended needle size for microneedling in hair loss treatment typically ranges from 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm. This depth helps stimulate collagen production and promotes better absorption of topical hair growth treatments like Minoxidil.
We also demonstrated that among various lengths and cycles of microneedle stimulation, 0.25 mm/10 cycles and 0.5 mm/10 cycles showed the best results. From our results, we suggested that microneedle stimulation itself could induce hair growth via Wnt/β-catenin signaling and VEGF.
For the needle length, it should ideally be between 0.5mm to 1.5mm for scalp treatment. A size of 0.5mm can enhance the absorption of topical treatments if you are doing some regular hair growth serum treatment.
(3) Patient evaluation – In the Microneedling group, 41 (82%) patients reported more than 50% improvement versus only 2 (4.5%) patients in the Minoxidil group. Unsatisfied patients to conventional therapy for AGA got good response with Microneedling treatment.
Microneedling the Scalp Once Every 1 to 3 Weeks
Studies have confirmed that undergoing microneedling sessions every 1–3 weeks can promote hair regrowth.
At 0.25mm, derma rollers are ideal for addressing early signs of aging, enlarged pores, acne scarring, and uneven texture. This length works well for delicate areas like around the eyes. Those with thin or reactive skin also do better with shorter needle sizes.
As a general rule, anything past the shoulders can make thin hair look thinner, which is why most experts would recommend shoulder-length and shorter.
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.
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.
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.
Hold the microneedling device, applying only gentle pressure. 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.
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.
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.
For most individuals seeking to promote hair growth through microneedling, a 0.5 mm needle length derma roller is generally considered more effective than a 0.25 mm option.
Consequently, there remains demand for novel and effective hair loss treatments. Microneedling (MN) is a minimally invasive procedure involving the induction of percutaneous wounds with 0.25–5.00 mm medical-grade needles.
Changes to hair regrowth and hair density are typically seen after a few months of treatments, but you might start seeing results in as little as 6-10 weeks. However, regardless of how many microneedling sessions you have, be aware that this treatment isn't a cure-all for pattern hair loss.
After your in clinic treatment your scalp will be red and may be itchy, however it is important not to touch nor wash the scalp for at least 24 hours.
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.
Longer needles cause more damage. That means they stimulate more growth factors, but it also increases your risk of injury. If you go with needles that are longer than 1.5 mm, you risk actually causing damage to the hair follicle itself, which could increase hair loss.
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.
At depths of 0.6mm to 2.5mm, microneedling is suspected to increase both topical absorption (with minoxidil) and hair follicle proliferation (as a standalone treatment).