Microneedling for Hair Loss

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that has gained popularity as a potential treatment for hair loss. This procedure involves using a device with tiny needles to create small punctures in the scalp, stimulating the healing response and promoting hair growth.

History of Microneedling for Hair Loss

Microneedling has been used for various skin conditions, such as acne scars and wrinkles, for many years. Its potential benefits for hair loss were discovered when researchers observed improved hair growth in patients undergoing microneedling for skin rejuvenation.

Mode of Action of Microneedling

The microscopic punctures created by the needles stimulate the production of collagen and other growth factors in the scalp. This stimulates hair follicles and promotes hair growth. Additionally, microneedling also enhances the absorption of topical medications applied to the scalp, such as minoxidil, commonly used for hair loss.

Potential Risks of Long-Term Microneedling on the Scalp

While some users see short-term improvements, the long-term, consistent use of microneedling techniques like derma rolling or stamping on the scalp as a hair loss treatment has raised concerns. Clinical observations and emerging studies suggest that repetitive trauma from microneedling can lead to low-grade inflammation and micro-scarring. Over time, this may actually hinder hair growth rather than promote it. In certain cases, repeated use has been linked to peri-follicular fibrosis—a condition where scarring occurs around the hair follicles, further obstructing healthy hair growth.

Disrupting the body’s natural collagen synthesis regularly can have unintended consequences on both scalp and hair health, as the body’s capacity for collagen production is finite. Regular manipulation of this process may lead to an imbalance, impairing scalp health over the long term.

Furthermore, any topical medication or serum containing SD alcohol should not be applied to freshly abraded skin. Alcohol, especially in high concentrations, can dehydrate the skin and disrupt cellular integrity. Studies have shown that alcohol can lead to cellular apoptosis (programmed cell death) and damage to the epidermal barrier, causing delayed wound healing and increased irritation. The cytotoxic nature of alcohol has been demonstrated to impair the skin’s lipid barrier, furthering inflammation and irritation, particularly on abraded or compromised skin . Additionally, alcohol’s dehydrating effects create a hostile environment for cellular regeneration, hindering wound healing by damaging keratinocytes and fibroblasts, which are essential for skin recovery and health.

These issues are increasingly observed in clinical practice, though they are often underreported in the literature.

Reference Studies

There is limited scientific evidence on the efficacy of microneedling for hair loss, with only a few studies showing promising results. A study published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery in 2013 reported that microneedling combined with minoxidil was more effective in promoting hair growth compared to minoxidil alone in patients with common male and female pattern hair loss¹. Another study published in the International Journal of Trichology in 2019 found that microneedling with or without topical minoxidil improved hair growth in patients with hair loss due to alopecia areata².

Safety and Recommendations for At-Home Microneedling

Microneedling for hair loss is recommended to be performed by a qualified healthcare professional, though some individuals attempt at-home microneedling with a dermaroller or dermapen. It is important to approach at-home microneedling with caution, as improper use—such as rolling too aggressively or using an unsterile roller—can lead to complications, including infections, scarring, and even worsening of hair loss.

References

1. Dhurat R, Sukesh M, Avhad G, et al. A randomized evaluator blinded study of effect of microneedling in androgenetic alopecia: a pilot study. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2013;6(4): 185–188. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.123450

2. Dhurat R, Mathapati S. Response to Microneedling Treatment in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Who Failed to Respond to Conventional Therapy. Int J Trichology. 2019;11(4): 153–157. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_78_18

Used for: Male Pattern Baldness