Microneedling For Hair Loss. Does It Really Stimulate Growth?

It’s been three years since at-home derma rollers hit the market and there seems to be no damping down the interest skincare enthusiast have shown this simple gadget. It is a versatile beauty accessory which aestheticians use in a procedure known as microneedling. Popular as a treatment for anything from acne scars to skin dullness and wrinkles, microneedling stimulates increased synthesis of collagen as the skin begins to repair itself.

This article looks at the effectiveness of microneedling at stimulating hair regrowth. The medical term for microneedling is Collagen Induction Therapy. Read the rest of the article to learn more about collagen induction therapy and how it may help hair loss sufferers.

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling involves the use of a dermaroller or other device equipped with an arrangement of very fine needles (typically between 0.2 mm – 0.5 mm in diameter). A scalp-specific microneedling device has many needles, each needle typically 1.5mm long to allow it to penetrate the hair and scalp buildup.

During the procedure, the technician will roll the device across the scalp, creating tiny punctures in the skin’s surface. These small punctures in the skin stimulate the body natural healing process, which includes collagen production.

How Scalp Rolling Helps With Hair Loss

When done correctly, microneedling should not cause bleeding. Instead, it causes pin-prick sized wounds which only go as deep as the length of the pins. The wounding initiates the body’s natural healing process, which stimulates the production of collagen and generates new skin cells. The scalp undergoes the three healing stages, which are:

• Inflammation
• Proliferation
• Maturation

Microneedling causes enough trauma to initiate the inflammation-proliferation-maturation cycle, which contributes to the formation of more collagen, increases blood flow and nutrients, induces new stem cells and help strengthen hair follicles.

Benefits Of Microneedling

Studies show that collagen induction therapy is useful for both alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia. In a famous experiment in 2013, researchers split a group of men with androgenetic alopecia in two for a randomised trial. Treatment in the first group consisted of 5% minoxidil and once a week microneedling session. The control group was on 5% minoxidil solution for the duration of the study.

Study results revealed the group using minoxidil and microneedling experienced significantly more hair growth. This was both in terms of hair coverage and mean hair count.

Patients suffering from alopecia areata also see positive hair growth following microneedling sessions, and so it is an effective treatment for the autoimmune condition.

In summary, the benefits of microneedling are as follows:

• Thickens hair by stimulating collagen production.
• Works as a standalone treatment or in combination with PRP or minoxidil solution.
• Reduces follicle inflammation in alopecia areata sufferers and promotes hair growth.
• Enhances and supports hair transplant surgery and improves results.

After reading this article, you’ll see there are many benefits to microneedling when it comes to improving your scalp and promoting hair growth.

Clinic Versus At-Home Microneedling

You can have collagen induction therapy at a clinic or use at-home devices to perform microneedling in the comfort of your home. So which option is better?

When you choose the in-clinic treatment, you’re getting more than just the treatment itself. You will undergo an in-depth consultation, access to expert knowledge and experience plus the use of high-quality surgical tools.

It is highly recommended you visit a trichologist/dermatologist or hair restoration specialist for your first microneedling procedure. They can help ensure the use of correct needles for the best results. Some clinics even offer surgical grade dermarollers for use in the home.

Of course, there are immense benefits to having access to microneedling at home. Firstly, you don’t have to pay a qualified professional for the scalp rolling treatment. Secondly, with the correct tools and following the right procedures, you can achieve excellent results for your hair. 

Final Words About Microneedling And Your Hair

Microneedling is a proven technique for dealing with skin problems, and it has many benefits for your hair. Visiting a certified clinic for your first microneedling experience is the best way to start if you are not familiar with the technique.

• Firstly, you will have a qualified professional helping to assess the extent of your hair loss problem.
• Secondly, they can help determine if microneedling will work for you.
• Finally, you will gain more insight on how you can maintain the results by continuing the practice at home. Some hair clinics even offer dermal rollers for sale so that you continue to benefit from the treatment months after your clinic session.

Do you have any questions about microneedling or hair loss in general? The experts at Vinci Hair Clinic are waiting to answer your questions and help with your hair loss. Get in touch with our clinic and book your consultation today.