Microneedling for Hair Loss: Does This Treatment Really Work
If you’re seeking effective solutions for hair loss, you’re not alone. In the United States, approximately 80 million men and women experience hair loss, with androgenetic alopecia being the most common type.
Not only can these hair growth changes impact one’s confidence and self-esteem, but the lack of science-backed treatments can exacerbate the emotional weight, leading to feelings of hopelessness. Fortunately, there are modern therapies that hold tremendous promise.
One treatment that is rapidly gaining attention is microneedling. In this blog, we will explain what microneedling is and how it works to help you decide if the procedure is right for you.
What Is Microneedling for Hair Loss?
Commonly used for both hair loss and skin rejuvenation, microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that involves stamping or rolling a device with fine needles on the skin to create tiny punctures.
These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s natural healing response, leading to increased production of collagen and elastin. This process promotes tissue repair, encourages the regrowth of hair follicles, and enhances the absorption of topical products.
Microneedling is typically done in a clinic, but there are at-home options available, too. In order to minimize the risk of complications, it’s best to seek professional guidance when performing microneedling treatments at home.
How Does Microneedling for Hair Loss Work?
Microneedling triggers two important growth factors: stimulating the body’s repair processes to create optimal conditions for hair regrowth and enhancing the absorption of hair restoration products into the hair follicles, making them more effective.
When the skin’s repair response is activated by the micro-injuries, the body produces more collagen and elastin, which are the building blocks of keratin. Keratin is the main protein in hair.
Collagen and elastin also work in conjunction to improve existing hair’s texture, elasticity, and resilience. Furthermore, they can improve blood circulation to the scalp, ensuring that hair follicles receive enough oxygen and nutrients.
Microneedling for hair loss can also enhance the absorption of topical hair restoration treatments like minoxidil, allowing them to work more effectively.
Is Microneedling an Effective Solution for Hair Loss?
There have been numerous clinical studies to evaluate the effectiveness of microneedling when implemented independently or alongside other treatments. Research shows that microneedling can have a significant impact, especially when used in conjunction with other hair restoration treatments.
Let’s take a quick look at two of those studies and their findings.
Minoxidil and Microneedling: A Winning Combination
In an evaluator-blinded pilot study published by the International Journal of Trichology, scientists studied the combination of microneedling and minoxidil as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia. One control group received twice-daily 5% minoxidil lotion, while the other received minoxidil and weekly microneedling treatments.
Does microneedling work for hair loss? Yes, according to the findings of this study. Following 12 weeks of treatment, the group that received microneedling and minoxidil had an increase of 91.4 hairs/cm² compared to 22.2 hairs/cm² in the group that used minoxidil alone.
Among microneedling participants, 41 out of 50 (82%) reported at least a 50% improvement in hair growth, whereas only 2 patients (4.5%) in the minoxidil group achieved comparable results.
A Promising Approach to Reversing Alopecia Areata
Another study published by the Frontiers in Immunology journal focused on a three-year-old girl who had severe alopecia areata that was unresponsive to traditional treatments. The patient was treated with an innovative combination of microneedling and compound betamethasone.
Following six months of weekly treatments, the girl’s hair had regrown almost entirely. Dermoscopy confirmed that alopecia markers had completely vanished.
This research highlights the high potential of novel microneedling treatments in providing hope for even the most severe cases of hair loss.
Advantages of Microneedling for Hair Loss
There are many reasons to consider microneedling. First and foremost, it’s a scientifically proven treatment that has delivered tangible results among many patients. It’s also a minimally invasive procedure with a relatively short recovery period, mitigating risk and discomfort.
Microneedling promotes the production of collagen and elastin, contributing to a healthier scalp and creating conditions that support hair regrowth. With regular sessions, many patients are able to see gradual improvements over time.
Furthermore, combining microneedling with other synergistic treatments like minoxidil or low-level laser therapy may enhance the efficacy of conventional hair loss therapies.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
Does microneedling work for hair loss? Although research strongly suggests that microneedling is an excellent solution, there are potential side effects and risks to consider, such as mild redness, irritation, and swelling. Minor bruising and/or bleeding can occur immediately following the treatment.
The good news is that these side effects typically resolve themselves within a few days after the treatment. It’s important to consult with healthcare professionals and follow proper aftercare procedures to minimize side effects.
Ultimately, microneedling is widely viewed as safe, as long as it’s performed by qualified professionals. Before getting the procedure, patients should mention any pre-existing conditions that could cause a negative interaction.
What to Expect During and After Microneedling
When you undergo microneedling for hair loss, you can expect the session to last between 20 and 45 minutes. A specialist will use a device with fine, sterilized needles to create tiny punctures in the scalp by either stamping or rolling it across the area.
Immediately after the procedure, you may experience slight discomfort and mild redness. Some patients also experience a mild tingling sensation and increased sensitivity after the session. These side effects are normal and indicate that the skin is healing.
The specialist will recommend aftercare procedures to follow, such as avoiding products with harsh chemicals. The majority of patients are able to get back to their normal lifestyle shortly after the procedure.
Is Microneedling Painful?
Microneedling can be an uncomfortable procedure, and the level of discomfort will depend on the individual’s pain threshold and the depth of the needles used.
Many specialists use topical anesthesia to keep pain at bay, which is especially helpful for patients who have a low threshold for pain tolerance. The feeling of microneedling is often described as resembling a light scratching or tingling.
Overall, the procedure is generally well tolerated by most patients, even those that have sensitive scalps. Most patients report that the discomfort goes away after a few hours. Following proper aftercare instructions can minimize any irritation experienced after the procedure.
Frequency and Duration of Microneedling Sessions
In order for microneedling for hair loss to be most effective and provide cumulative benefits, most experts recommend multiple sessions over the course of several months.
Many patients get one treatment weekly or bi-weekly. Consistency is crucial for supporting ongoing regrowth. The duration of the sessions can vary depending on the severity of the hair loss and the patient’s response to the treatment.
Results may not be noticeable at first, so most experts recommend continuing treatments for at least three to six months before determining whether or not they’re effective.
Alternative Hair Loss Treatments
Microneedling is an effective treatment for hair loss, but it is not the only option available. Several other hair restoration solutions can be used alone or in combination with microneedling to help you restore your hair.
Here are some of the most popular treatments that are supported by scientific research and clinical studies.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a popular topical medication used as a first-line therapy for hair loss. It works by improving blood flow to hair follicles, which can promote regrowth. Typically, patients can expect to see visible improvements after 4 to 6 months of consistent use.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive treatment that has been cleared by the FDA. It uses low-intensity light energy to boost cellular activity and stimulate hair follicles. Many patients achieve noticeable results within 12 to 26 weeks of consistent use.
This treatment is especially popular because it’s easy, convenient, and painless. The Original LaserCap is a wearable LLLT device that can be used alone or in combination with microneedling for reversing hair loss.
“LLLT applies low-intensity light to the scalp to increase cellular energy in follicles, improve circulation, and decrease scalp inflammation,” explained Dr. Michael Rabin, the inventor of The Original LaserCap. “Combined with microneedling, it boosts growth-factor release and accelerates healing, leading to stronger, thicker hair shafts and more uniform coverage.”
Check out before and after photos to see real transformations!
Surgery
If non-invasive treatments don’t produce the desired results, hair transplant surgery can offer more significant improvements. This procedure involves redistributing active hair follicles to thinning areas of the scalp.
Results can vary widely by individual. But most patients typically notice improvements between 6 to 12 months following the procedure, with final results often being visible within 12 to 18 months.
Restore Your Natural Hair With The Original LaserCap
Research strongly suggests that microneedling can be an effective solution for hair loss, especially when combined with other science-backed treatments like medications and low-level laser therapy.
The Original LaserCap is a convenient, FDA-cleared LLLT device that can be used alone or in combination with microneedling to promote thicker, fuller hair. Our innovative wearable devices deliver clinical-strength laser therapy within the comfort of your home.
Get your LaserCap today to restore your natural hair with the regenerative power of light!
