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.
For beginners or those with a sensitive scalp, a 0.5 mm is auggested and for the more advanced user and to create more growth, a 1.5mm derma roller is appropriate; however, the 1.5 has longer needles that can create deeper micro-injuries, which potentially can lead to more significant hair growth and stimulation.
Doctors also recommend derma roller for hair growth which have needles between 0.5-1.5 millimeters. To tackle hair loss, you can use a derma roller 0.5 mm. Derma roller 1.5 mm helps with stimulating hair growth as it can cause punctures that allow hair oil to penetrate through the scalp better.
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.
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.
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.
You must prefer a size range between 1.0 to 1.5 mm as these microneedles perfectly puncture the scalp and increase hair growth. You must always go for a derma roller with a curved handle that will facilitate a proper grip to massage the scalp properly.
For the important long-term benefits of microneedling to be achieved it's vital that the dermis is affected. Some beauty therapists offer microneedling but they aren't allowed to needle beyond 1.5mm deep. In some areas a 1.5mm needle will not reach the dermis and so will have no effect on it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Needles measuring 0.6mm may be the most effective size for treating hair loss [4]. While 0.6mm isn't a common commercial size, 0.5mm derma rollers are widely available. So this is a good place to start if you haven't used a home derma roller or derma stamp before.
Use a light, even pressure. If you have some loose skin, you may need to hold this area taut also.
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.
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.
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 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.
A size of 0.5mm can enhance the absorption of topical treatments if you are doing some regular hair growth serum treatment. In comparison, 1.0mm to 1.5mm can be used if you intend to stimulate more deep scalp layers, promoting hair growth with the microneedling treatment.
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.
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.
The pain from microneedling treatment depends on the size of the needle that is being used. The following needling sizes will not hurt: 0.25mm, 0.50mm and 1mm. The sizes where you may experience discomfort are 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm or 3mm. The bigger you go, the more chance of some pain.