Why does my scalp hurt after microneedling?

Author: Rosie Beer  |  Last update: Sunday, June 15, 2025

Here are some common post-treatment effects and what to expect during the recovery period: Redness and Swelling: Directly after the treatment, you may notice that your scalp is red and slightly swollen. This is due to the tiny punctures created during microneedling, which temporarily inflame the skin.

What are the symptoms of bad microneedling?

Any type of redness, bruising, inflammation that doesn't go away. If you have any signs of infection, any signs of an allergic reaction, if your skin is really painful. for a long period of time, you're getting emerging discoloration of the skin. So contact your clinician. Don't just post on social media.

Can microneedling damage the scalp?

A derma roller with short needles probably won't have adverse side effects. However, repeated overuse of an at-home microneedling device that creates micro-wounds in the scalp can be harmful.

How hard should you microneedle your scalp?

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.

How long does microneedling pain last?

You may feel slight discomfort or a tingling sensation in the 24-48 hours following your microneedling procedure.

Pakistan Vs New Zealand 3rd T20 Match Full Highlights 2025

Why did my microneedling hurt so bad?

Essentially, some people are more sensitive to pain than others. For individuals with a lower pain tolerance, the sensation caused by the microneedling process may feel more intense. However, many describe it as a feeling of light sandpaper being moved across the skin.

How to speed up healing after microneedling?

Here are five essential tips to help speed up your microneedling healing process and get you back to your glowing self in no time.
  1. Keep Your Skin Hydrated. ...
  2. Protect Your Skin From the Sun. ...
  3. Follow a Gentle Skincare Routine. ...
  4. Avoid Strenuous Activities. ...
  5. Nourish Your Body From Within.

How long does scalp hurt after microneedling?

Microneedling at a hair clinic is generally not painful, thanks to the application of a topical numbing cream before the procedure. Patients may feel mild discomfort or tingling, but it's usually tolerable. After the treatment, there may be slight tenderness or redness, which typically subsides within a day or two.

What happens if you microneedle too hard?

This could lead to an infection or scarring. At-home microneedling can accidentally spread warts, herpes, and other viruses across the skin. Pressing too hard can damage your skin. This damage can cause scarring or changes to your skin's color or texture.

Should you microneedle your hair wet or dry?

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.

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.

Which at home microneedling is best?

  • Best Overall: Beauty Bio Glopro At Home Microneedling Tool.
  • Best for Beginners: Stacked Skincare Microneedling Tool.
  • Best for Hair Growth: Act & Acre . 25mm Scalp Dermaroller.
  • Best for Dry Skin: Skin Gym Hyaluronic Roller.

Does microneedling regrow hair?

In short, a microneedling session looks to increase hair growth by stimulating blood flow to the scalp. When doing so, microneedling is effective at treating hair loss and thinning hair. In some cases, it can even promote hair regrowth. Creating tiny wounds, the micro needles stimulate blood flow on the scalp.

What happens if microneedling is done incorrectly?

If you're considering this treatment, thorough research is essential—but one thing is sure: microneedling should never be attempted at home. When done incorrectly, the potential side effects can be severe, ranging from scarring, pockmarks, and infections to enlarged pores, track marks, and premature ageing.

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.

Why do I look older after microneedling?

Why Do I Look Older After Microneedling? You might look older after microneedling because your skin is temporarily inflamed and shedding older layers.

Why was my microneedling painful?

With microneedling, there will always be a certain level of pain because it involves needles piercing the skin. But how intense it is, is entirely subjective. Dr. Gohara says she would rate the procedure a four out of 10 on the pain scale and thinks a bikini wax is worse.

Does microneedling cause fat loss?

Regarding normal microneedling (without RF), no you can not lose fat with it, unless the fat loss is the result of an adverse reaction to a deep and injurious microneedling treatment.

How do I know if I have an infection from microneedling?

A sudden reappearance of redness or pain is a sign of infection, and you should notify our office immediately. PERSISTENT REDNESS, ITCHING, AND/OR SWELLING – Itching, redness, and swelling are normal parts of the healing process. These symptoms rarely persist longer than 24 hours.

How to maximize microneedling results?

Microneedling Aftercare Tips
  1. Boosting progress with supplements.
  2. Avoiding intense activities.
  3. Staying out of hot showers and baths.
  4. Letting the skin rest before further treatments.
  5. Not wearing makeup.
  6. Protecting your skin from the sun.
  7. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol.

What is the best thing to put on skin after microneedling?

What to Put On Your Skin After Microneedling
  • Avoid harsh scrubs or products.
  • Only clean your skin with a professionally formulated cleanser.
  • Apply targeted skincare serums that will penetrate deeply into your skin.
  • Keep your skin well-hydrated with a gentle moisturizer.
  • Apply medical-grade sun protection.

How soon can I drink coffee after microneedling?

Avoid alcohol, caffeine, Niacin supplement, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, refined carbohydrates, spicy foods, and cigarettes 24-48 hours before and after your treatment.

Can I sleep on my side after microneedling?

Can I sleep on my side after microneedling? It's best to sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated for the first night after microneedling. This minimizes the risk of irritation and ensures that your skin stays clean while it begins to heal.

What to do after microneedling the scalp?

Do not use any harsh chemical or even hair styling products at least during the next 24 hours after treatment; just employ mild shampoo. Moisturize your scalp: Stop dryness on your scalp through moisturizing it all times. Apply a light non-clogging moisturizer that will provide hydration on your scalp instead.

Previous article
What is the strongest toner for orange hair?
Next article
Why is my gray hair turning black again?