Reasons to Try Microneedling for Your Hair, Possible Risks, and Instructions

Read this if you’re interested in the possibility of regrowing lost hair or regrowing hair after balding. Hair loss and regrowth treatments with derma rollers are all the rage now, and for good reason. Microneedles are sharp medical implements that demand careful, clean handling.

In this post, we’ll define micro needles, describe their operation, and address some common concerns about them.

A Brief Explanation of Micro Needling as a Method for Treating Hair Loss

As a form of anti-aging cosmetic therapy, microneedling treats a wide range of signs of wear and tear. It’s also known as “skin needling” because of the stimulation it provides for collagen formation beneath the skin’s surface.

Microneedling involves using a skin roller equipped with very fine needles to puncture the skin superficially.

Although micro-needling is typically used to combat the signs of ageing skin, it may also be effective in reversing hair loss. Even alopecia areata, a form of hair loss, may benefit from it, according to the available data.

It is believed that hair follicles benefit from the same process that leads to skin wounds. Androgenic alopecia, also known as male baldness, is expected to be reversed or at least slowed down by this.

The Usefulness of Microneedling in Treating Hair Loss

In the 1990s, microneedling became widely used as a method of treating scars. Studies have since been conducted on its potential as a complementary or alternative treatment for both androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata.

Microneedling is known to trigger stem cells in hair follicles, which may contribute to hair growth as well as increasing collagen production in the skin (which may be useful for acne scars).

In addition, microneedling may improve the absorption of hair loss treatments like:

• minoxidil (Rogaine) (Rogaine)

• skin steroid cream

• plasma high in platelets

Microneedling in combination with topical corticosteroid for the treatment of alopecia areata was the subject of one investigation.

There is a lack of data on the effectiveness of derma rollers for hair loss, and most studies examine the effects of microneedling in conjunction with another medication, like minoxidil.

An analysis from 2021 suggests that microneedling may be even more effective than minoxidil at stimulating hair growth. However, when minoxidil was added to the microneedling process, results were far better than they were with either method used separately.

Using derma rollers in conjunction with minoxidil or another hair loss treatment, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or topical triamcinolone acetonid, may be recommended by some doctors, as shown in another study.

When Does It Activate?

During microneedling, your healthcare professional will run a roller full of tiny needles over your skin.

The needles might be as short as 1 mm or as long as several mm. Each one fits into a single portable gadget. The roller is rolled along the treatment region to inflict light trauma.

A minor damage, such as that created by microneedling, may trigger the release of growth factors or directly stimulate hair growth, as has been hypothesised by some.

Your doctor or nurse will apply a local anaesthetic to your scalp around 45 minutes before your procedure. The pain or distress you’re feeling should subside now.

Depending on the size of the affected area, the operation itself can take anywhere from less than 10 minutes to an hour. Depending on the desired outcome of the microneedling session, your doctor may apply a topical balm to the scalp or give you an injection.

Microneedling Can Have These Side Effects on the Head Microneedling may lead to:

• bruising

• bleeding profusely

• redness

• swelling

• pain

The puncture wounds may also scar over time.

Following the surgery, the affected area may be red and swollen for a few days. Most adverse effects disappear within 5 days of treatment, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

Make an appointment with your doctor first if any of the following apply to you:

previous experience with acne or eczema

have something like diabetes or another illness that hinders recovery

are taking medication for lowering blood pressure, etc.

If you use minoxidil right after getting microneedles put in your hair, you risk increasing the drug’s absorption and triggering even more severe scalp irritation, burning, and itching. Inquire about when it is safe to restart using topical minoxidil following therapy.

Your scalp may become more photosensitive after therapy. Sunscreen should be used on a daily basis. Wearing a hat can shield your head from the sun and keep your hair from fading.

Infection is another potential complication of receiving microneedling on the scalp. Small as they may be, the needles are nevertheless dangerous.

Make sure you take all the necessary precautions to avoid getting an infection by following your aftercare instructions to the letter. Antibiotics, either topically applied or orally taken, are often prescribed to prevent infection after surgery.

If you have a compromised immune system due to a preexisting disease or a history of chronic infections, you may be at increased risk of contracting a new infection.

Finding a Good Doctor or Nurse

Microneedling is performed by skin care experts who have received proper training and certification. They could include dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

Microneedling is not a surgical operation, hence it often carries less risk than those. Scarring and other difficulties can be avoided with the help of a competent specialist, who should be sought out.

Consultations with each of the providers you’ve shortlisted should be requested. Then you’ll have a better idea of what to expect and how much money you’ll need to pay for therapy.

An experienced microneedling service will be proud to display their previous clientele.

The DIY Method

Dermatologists may suggest microneedling in a clinical context. Nonetheless, derma roller microneedling to be done at home may be suggested.

Only after consulting with a dermatologist or other medical practitioner should you consider purchasing a dermaroller.

To Sum Up

For those who can afford it, microneedling is a potentially effective treatment for hair loss, especially androgenic alopecia, that can be used in conjunction with other treatments.

Talk to your doctor about your hair restoration choices.