Hair loss affects millions of people around the world, causing frustration and a search for effective treatments. While some turn to medications or surgery, others look for more natural, non-surgical options to help restore their hair.
Microneedling is a minimally invasive technique that has been used for years to help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of scars. Now, it is being explored as a way to stimulate hair growth and help people struggling with thinning hair.
This treatment is thought to work by triggering the body’s natural healing process, which increases blood flow, expression of growth factors, and collagen production in the scalp. Some experts believe it can also reactivate weak hair follicles, leading to new hair growth.
How Does Microneedling Work for Hair Loss?
The concept behind microneedling for hair loss is triggering the body’s natural healing response by creating tiny micro-injuries in the scalp. This healing process increases blood circulation, stimulates the production of collagen, and promotes growth factor expression, all of which are essential for healthy, growing hair follicles.
One reason that microneedling is gaining popularity is its regenerative potential. Via the healing cascade, interventions such as microneedling have the potential to activate weak or dormant hair follicles. When the scalp is injured, the body responds by sending more oxygen and nutrients to the area, which can help revive hair follicles that have stopped producing hair.
Another benefit is that microneedling seems to improve the absorption of topical hair growth treatments, such as minoxidil (Rogaine). It can be difficult to formulate topical agents such that they are able to penetrate deep enough to reach the bulge region of the hair follicle, which contains the hair follicle’s stem cells. The tiny punctures created by microneedling allow for enhanced absorption and can potentially make these treatments more effective.
Microneedling is believed to work best for early-stage hair loss and thinning hair, including receding hairlines. However, it may not be as effective for a completely bald scalp where follicles have been inactive for a long time. Studies suggest that it can help slow down hair loss and, in some cases, even regrow hair in balding areas, but results vary depending on the person and the combination of therapies used.
Does Microneedling Work for Treating Hair Loss?
Research suggests that microneedling can be an effective treatment option for hair loss, especially when combined with other hair growth therapies like minoxidil or platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
People using microneedling along with minoxidil experienced greater hair regrowth than those using minoxidil alone. It has also been reported that microneedling increased hair density and thickness in individuals with androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness).
One reason microneedling may be effective is because it has the ability to trigger the release of growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These proteins promote new blood vessel formation and follicle regeneration, which can help slow down hair thinning and even encourage new hair growth.
While microneedling shows promise, the regrowth process takes time. Most people need multiple sessions over several months to see noticeable results. And like any other hair growth treatment, the procedure will need to be continued indefinitely to maintain results. As previously mentioned, microneedling likely leads to the most clinical benefit when combined with a topical hair growth agent. As with all hair growth treatments, it usually takes around six months before improvement can be readily appreciated.
While microneedling can help reactivate weak or dormant hair follicles, it will not revive dead hair follicles that have completely stopped functioning. For individuals with advanced hair loss or completely bald areas, microneedling will not take the place of a hair transplant. However, for those in the early stages of balding or thinning hair, it can be a valuable option to slow down the process and encourage regrowth.
Microneedling Procedure for Hair Loss
A microneedling session is typically performed in the office of a board-certified dermatologist by the physician or a trained delegate using a specialized microneedling device. The procedure is designed to stimulate the scalp and encourage new hair growth through controlled creation of micro-injuries in the treatment area.
What Happens During the Procedure?
- Preparation: The scalp is cleansed thoroughly to remove oil, dirt, or product buildup. Depending on the depth of the needles, either a topical numbing cream is applied, or injections of anesthesia are used to minimize discomfort.
- Microneedling Process: A mechanical microneedling device is used to create tiny punctures in the scalp. There is much heterogeneity in the literature regarding the necessary needle depth for hair growth with microneedling. Studies have shown benefit at depths ranging from 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm.
- Topical Treatment Application: During or after the session, a topical agent such as minoxidil or PRP is usually applied to boost effectiveness. The micro-channels created are thought to allow deeper penetration of these treatments.
- Recovery: The scalp may appear red or feel slightly irritated for a few days, but this is normal. Patients are usually advised to avoid direct sunlight, sweating, or harsh shampoos for a few days.
What about At-Home Microneedling?
At-home microneedling can be risky! Many at-home microneedling tools, like derma rollers, are available online. However, these lack precision and often have shorter, less effective needles. Additionally, improper use can:
- Cause excessive irritation or damage to the scalp
- Lead to infection if not properly sanitized
- Fail to penetrate deeply enough to stimulate hair follicles
For safe and effective microneedling for hair loss, always consult a board-certified dermatologist who understands the science behind hair growth and scalp health.
What are the Downsides of Microneedling?
A common complaint with microneedling is the associated pain. As opposed to the 3-5 minutes of painful needlesticks patients endure when undergoing PRP injections, a typical microneedling session can last 10-20 minutes. Applying a topical numbing cream can help mitigate this tenderness but is not a perfect solution, as the scalp has many nerve endings. Additionally, it is important that these creams be wiped off thoroughly prior to the procedure so that they are not inadvertently introduced to the deeper layers of the skin by the needles. If injections of anesthetic are used, this adds additional needle sticks and increases the discomfort and time of the procedure.
Microneedling also causes bleeding and may require more downtime than other in-office procedures. It is important for patients to plan accordingly in the days following this procedure.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the evidence is not clear as to what, if any, technique is superior for microneedling of the scalp. For example, should needle depth vary based on degree of hair loss? Answering some of the questions surrounding microneedling for hair growth via higher quality scientific studies would allow clinics to recommend and patients to choose this procedure with more confidence.
Are there Alternatives to Microneedling?
We’re so glad you asked! Here at the Limmer Hair Transplant Center, we aim to offer our patients the most safe, effective, and innovative hair growth treatments currently available. Given the limitations associated with microneedling, our clinic is not currently offering this procedure. We do, however, have a new and exciting procedure for our hair loss patients: the FoLix laser hair loss treatment.
FoLix by Lumemis is the first FDA-cleared laser device for hair loss treatment. We like to conceptualize the mechanism of FoLix for our patients as “high-tech microneedling” – this laser uses heat to create micro-injuries in deeper layers of the scalp, thereby harnessing the body’s natural healing process. This treatment does not damage the top layer of the skin, so patients can expect minimal discomfort and no bleeding. FoLix requires no downtime.
How can I Learn More about FoLix?
For a deeper dive into the FoLix hair loss treatment, we recommend reading our previous blog post here.
Similar to the mechanism of microneedling, FoLix’s non-ablative fractional laser system asks the body to heal by creating micro-injuries. In doing so, FoLix treatments stimulate increased blood supply and growth factors to support hair growth.
FoLix is most effective for individuals experiencing thinning hair or early-stage hair loss. Many clinics, Limmer Hair Transplant Center included, choose to combine a topical medication with FoLix laser sessions to enhance penetration of the medicinal treatment.
Microneedling for Hair Loss: Our Verdict
Microneedling is a promising non-surgical option for hair loss. Additional studies are needed to investigate the ideal technique, including needle depth and frequency of use before we can recommend the best regimen.
At the Limmer Hair Transplant Center, we feel that the FoLix hair loss treatment is a better alternative for our patients seeking the benefits of a treatment that harnesses the body’s natural healing process to promote hair growth, as it avoids the pain, bleeding, and downtime associated with traditional microneedling.
For those in the early stages of thinning hair or pattern baldness looking for a safe, non-invasive way to address hair loss, FoLix offers a scientifically backed option that can complement other hair restoration treatments. Additionally, like microneedling, we can combine a FoLix laser session with a topical hair growth treatment to enhance delivery.
For more information regarding FoLix hair loss treatment, please contact us at the Limmer Hair Transplant Center to set up a consultation.
