Microneedling—also called Percutaneous Collagen Induction (PCI)—is a minimally invasive treatment that uses tiny needles to stimulate your skin’s natural healing process and promote hair growth.
How It Works
A small tool (like a roller or pen) equipped with fine needles is gently passed over the scalp. These needles create tiny, controlled micro-injuries that trigger your body’s natural healing response. Depending on the device, the needles can range in length from 0.25mm to 3mm.
As a result:
- Collagen production increases
- Growth factors are released
- New blood vessels form (called angiogenesis), bringing in more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles
These improvements help revive weakened hair follicles and create a healthier environment for stronger, thicker hair.
Why the “Hair Bulge” Matters
Microneedling also activates stem cells in the “bulge” area of the hair follicle—just above the root. This area acts like the command center for hair growth. Stimulating it can help restart the growth cycle and regenerate hair. 1,2
What Microneedling Helps Treat
While it’s commonly used for hair restoration, microneedling also improves various skin issues:
- Acne and surgical scars
- Stretch marks
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Enlarged pores
- Loose or uneven skin tone
It’s generally well-tolerated, with minimal downtime. Some people may experience mild redness, swelling, or flaking for 2–3 days.
Microneedling + Hair Medications = Better Results
Microneedling works even better when paired with topical treatments like:
By creating tiny channels in the scalp, microneedling allows these treatments to penetrate deeper, helping them reach the base of the hair follicle where they can be most effective.
Effectiveness for Androgenetic Alopecia
Microneedling has shown promising results for androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss). Since 2013, multiple studies have found that combining microneedling with topical treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, or dutasteride leads to better outcomes.
Here’s why:
- Microneedling creates microchannels in the scalp
- These channels help medications absorb more deeply and reach the base of the follicles
- This improves how well the treatments work
That said, microneedling works best when hair follicles are still active. It’s likely to be less effective for people with advanced hair loss or bald areas, where the follicles may no longer be capable of regrowth.
Minoxidil + Microneedling: A Powerful Combination for Hair Regrowth
Minoxidil is a widely used topical treatment for hair loss, but it doesn’t work equally well for everyone. That’s where microneedling can help—by improving how your body responds to minoxidil and boosting its overall effectiveness.
Why Some People Don’t Respond to Minoxidil
The way your body activates minoxidil depends on an enzyme in your hair follicles called sulfotransferase. If you have low levels of this enzyme, you may not see much benefit from minoxidil alone.
How Microneedling Enhances Minoxidil
A study by Sharma et al. showed that just 21 days of once-weekly microneedling boosted sulfotransferase activity by an average of 37.5%. This suggests microneedling can help “unlock” minoxidil’s full potential—especially in people who previously didn’t respond well.
Key Studies Supporting This Combo
- 2013 Durat Study
In a landmark study, people with androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) were divided into two groups:- One used 5% minoxidil twice a day
- The other used minoxidil plus weekly microneedling
- After 12 weeks:
- 82% of the microneedling group saw over 50% improvement in hair growth
- Only 4.5% of the minoxidil-only group saw similar results
- Hair counts increased significantly in the microneedling group
- 2015 Follow-Up Study by Dhurat
This study focused on patients who had been stable on finasteride and minoxidil for 2–5 years but weren’t seeing new growth. - After adding microneedling, many saw visible regrowth in 3 months
- At 6 months:
- 75% saw over 75% improvement
- 25% saw over 50% improvement based on personal evaluation
- 2021 Review by English Jr. et al.
Analyzed 17 studies with 911 patients: - Found that microneedling, when combined with treatments like PRP, minoxidil, or growth factors, led to significantly better hair growth than using those treatments alone
What Happens When You Use Microneedling Alone?
Not all studies show strong results with microneedling by itself:
- 2023 Kakizaki Study
- Participants with male-pattern hair loss received four microneedling treatments over 32 weeks
- Only some early improvement was seen
- By the end, only three participants kept their results
- No major increase in hair density was observed
- Why the difference? Researchers believe the weaker results may be due to:
- Participants being older
- Longer duration of hair loss
- Less frequent treatments (every 4 weeks instead of weekly)
What This Means for You
Microneedling can be a powerful tool—especially when paired with minoxidil or other treatments. But it’s not one-size-fits-all.
- Early-stage hair loss and younger age may respond better
- More frequent sessions (like weekly) tend to produce better results
- Combining microneedling with other treatments is more effective than using it alone
Finasteride and Microneedling: What We Know So Far
Right now, there aren’t any clinical studies directly comparing topical finasteride alone versus finasteride with microneedling for hair loss. However, research combining microneedling with other treatments like minoxidil and dutasteride shows that combination therapy tends to deliver better results.
More studies are needed to confirm if microneedling can boost the effects of finasteride and what the best protocol would look like.
Dutasteride and Microneedling: Promising Early Results
There’s growing interest in combining topical dutasteride with microneedling, but we still need more data. Early research is encouraging:
2022 Study Highlights:
- Compared microneedling + 0.01% dutasteride vs. microneedling + saline
- Used 2.5mm needle depth, 3 sessions over 16 weeks
- Results:
- 52.9% of men in the dutasteride group showed significant improvement in hair thickness and density
- Only 17.6% of the saline group saw similar results
- Conclusion: The combination worked well, but more long-term studies are needed
Another Study on 0.02% Dutasteride:
- Two groups:
- Dutasteride + microneedling
- Microneedling alone
- Weekly microneedling for 8 weeks → then biweekly for a month → then monthly for 3 months
- Results:
- Better hair thickness and density in the dutasteride group
- Higher patient satisfaction
- No systemic side effects (like sexual dysfunction)
Microneedling Depth: Why It Matters
Microneedling uses different needle lengths depending on the goal: 3
- 0.5–1.0mm = Good for fine lines, wrinkles, or superficial skin renewal
- 1.5–2.0mm = Used for deeper issues like acne scars—and hair restoration
2021 Study on Needle Depth for Hair Loss:
- Compared 0.6mm vs. 1.2mm dermarollers + 5% minoxidil (used 2x/day for 12 weeks)
- Both improved hair counts better than minoxidil alone
- No significant difference between needle lengths:
- 0.6mm: ~19% improvement
- 1.2mm: ~15% improvement
Why 1.5mm Is Often Preferred for Hair Loss:
While the above study showed that shorter depth can still be effective, most research points to 1.5mm as the ideal length for boosting hair growth.
- Reaches the dermis, where blood vessels support hair growth
- Stimulates the stem cell bulge area of the hair follicle
- Triggers a stronger healing and growth response
What This Means for You
Microneedling shows a lot of promise when used with topical treatments like minoxidil or dutasteride, and possibly finasteride. But:
- We still don’t have enough long-term studies
- There’s no universal protocol for needle length, frequency, or duration
- Results can vary based on your age, hair loss stage, and other treatments you’re using
Bottom Line
Microneedling is an exciting tool, especially when combined with other treatments—but it’s not a miracle fix on its own.
Microneedling shows promise for treating hair loss, especially when combined with other therapies like minoxidil, finasteride, or dutasteride. But research is still in its early stages. While some studies have reported good results, many have been small or short-term, and there’s no standard treatment protocol yet. That means results can vary, and more high-quality research is needed to fully understand how effective it is over the long run.
Microneedling: How Often, What to Expect, and Safety Tips
How Often Should You Microneedle?
According to 22 clinical studies, microneedling can be done once a week to once a month, depending on your scalp and treatment plan.
Just like a workout, your scalp needs rest days to recover—giving it time to heal between sessions helps prevent irritation or scarring and ensures you get the most benefit from the treatment.
When to Apply Hair Medications
Avoid putting on topical treatments like minoxidil right after microneedling. Many of these products contain alcohol, which can sting or irritate the skin after it’s been treated.
Tip: Wait until the next day to apply topicals. This gives your scalp time to heal and helps reduce burning or redness.
Side Effects: What’s Normal, What’s Not
After microneedling, you may notice:
- Redness
- Mild swelling
- Skin tightness
- Flaking or light bruising
These are normal and usually go away in a few days.
Less common but more serious side effects (especially with improper use or home devices) include:
- Significant bleeding
- Skin discoloration (dark or light patches)
- Scarring
- Cold sore flare-ups
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Infection
Important: If you have dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis, microneedling may not be right for you—it could worsen inflammation or lead to infection.
Tip: Your scalp will be more sensitive to the sun after treatment. Use sunscreen or wear a hat to protect it.
Professional vs. At-Home Microneedling
At-home dermarollers are small hand-held rollers with tiny needles (usually 0.5–1.5mm). While they’re convenient, they don’t penetrate the skin as deeply or evenly as professional devices used by trained providers.
- Home devices = shorter needles that don’t reach the deeper layers of the skin, less impact
- In-office microneedling = deeper, automated, evenly penetrate the skin, better results
What About Derma Stamps?
Some people choose derma stamps over rollers, because they don’t get tangled in your hair and are often more comfortable, especially if your hair is still thick in areas.
Bottom Line
At-home microneedling can be a helpful supplement, but professional treatment is safer and more effective.
If you’re thinking about microneedling for hair growth, consult with a hair restoration expert to find the safest and most effective approach for your scalp.
How to Choose a Safe Dermaroller for Hair Growth
As microneedling becomes more popular for treating hair loss, it’s important to choose a safe, high-quality dermaroller. Using the wrong tool can damage your scalp or even lead to infection.
Think of it like this: you wouldn’t use a rusty knife in the kitchen—same goes for your scalp. Here’s what to look for:
What Makes a Dermaroller Safe and Effective?
Material Matters
- Choose surgical-grade stainless steel needles
- They’re sharper, cleaner, and more precise—less risk of tugging or tearing your scalp, leading to permanent scarring
Needle Quality
- High-quality needles look clear/transparent and well-spaced
- Avoid rollers with blades, spikes, or needles packed too closely—they can scratch your skin or cause permanent damage
Needle Count
- Look for dermarollers with around 192 individual needles
- Avoid ones with 540+ needles—they’re often lower quality and less effective
- If it’s not sterile, you could push bacteria, oil, or dirt into your scalp
- This can lead to infections, inflammation, or worse—scarring
Sterility Is Key
- If it’s not sterile, you could push bacteria, oil, or dirt into your scalp.
- This can lead to infections, inflammation, or worse—scarring.
Play It Safe
Microneedling your scalp might sound simple, but without proper training or clean tools, it can do more harm than good.
That’s why it’s best to get microneedling done by a trained medical professional. You’ll get:
- The right needle length
- A sterile, medical-grade device
- Safe, effective technique for better results
How to Use a Dermaroller for Hair Growth
Using a dermaroller at home can help stimulate hair growth—but only if it’s done safely and correctly.
Follow these steps to keep your scalp healthy and get the best results:
Step 1: Clean the Roller
- Disinfect your dermaroller by soaking it in rubbing alcohol for a few minutes
- Let it air-dry before use
Step 2: Prep Your Scalp
- Wash your hair and scalp thoroughly
- A clean surface prevents bacteria from getting into the skin when microneedling
Step 3: Part Your Hair
- Divide your hair into sections the same width as the dermaroller
- This keeps the needles from getting tangled and helps them reach the scalp more easily
Step 4: Start Rolling
- Gently roll front to back over each section once
- Then roll side to side, 4–5 times in each direction
- Use just enough pressure to feel it, but don’t press too hard—it shouldn’t be painful or cause bleeding
Step 5: Aftercare
- Expect some redness or mild irritation—this is normal
- Apply a gentle Vitamin C serum to soothe your scalp
- Avoid alcohol-based topical treatments right after microneedling, as they can sting
Step 6: Clean It Again
- Disinfect your dermaroller with alcohol after each use
- Let it dry completely before storing it in a clean container
How Often to Use and Aftercare
- Once a week is usually enough
- Giving your scalp time to heal between sessions helps you get the most out of your treatment while avoiding irritation
- To soothe your scalp after microneedling, apply a hydrating Vitamin C serum
Long-Term Use of Scalp Microneedling: What to Know
Microneedling can be a powerful tool to support hair growth and improve how well topical treatments are absorbed. But like many good things, more isn’t always better.
So far, most studies on microneedling have only looked at short-term use. We still don’t fully understand what happens when it’s used for years.
Potential Risks of Overuse
- Doing microneedling too often or too aggressively can lead to chronic inflammation
- Over time, this can damage the scalp and even worsen hair loss
- In rare cases, it may cause scarring, which can permanently destroy hair follicles
That’s why it’s important to follow a proper treatment schedule and make sure the technique is safe and gentle. When in doubt, talk to a hair loss specialist.
Combining Microneedling with Other Treatments
Microneedling often works best when paired with other hair loss treatments.
Currently, minoxidil and finasteride are the only FDA-approved medications for androgenetic alopecia (AGA), and they remain the gold standard.
But research shows that combination therapy often delivers better results than using one treatment alone.
What the Research Shows
- Pairing microneedling with topical minoxidil can significantly boost hair growth
- Combining low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with minoxidil also helps
- One review of 15 clinical trials found that using microneedling and LLLT with minoxidil led to higher hair counts than using minoxidil alone
Think of it like a team approach—each treatment brings something to the table, and together they can make a bigger impact.
Want to know if microneedling is right for you?
Book a consultation with Dr. Yaker to find out if it’s the right fit for your hair loss type and treatment goals.
