A derma roller - for those who don’t know - is a kind of microneedling tool that you can do at home, and evidence suggests that using it along with Minoxidil may be more effective than using Minoxidil alone.
If you’re already using our 5% Minoxidil Spray then, adding this simple step into your routine could take your hair regrowth to the next level. Here’s what you need to know.
What is a derma roller?
A derma roller is a handheld tool which uses small needles (typically between 0.2-1.5mm) to create tiny punctures in the skin of the scalp. While it might sound unusual, these micro-abrasions are thought to stimulate the hair follicle by triggering the body’s natural healing process.
This promotes the production of collagen, an important protein crucial for healthy hair, skin, and nails. Much like how Minoxidil works to halt hair loss and promote hair growth by improving blood flow to the scalp, the tiny tears are thought to increase blood circulation to the scalp and encourage cell turnover as they heal.
Derma rolling is also believed to improve the absorption of Minoxidil solution, by allowing it to penetrate the scalp skin more easily through the micropores created by the tiny puncture wounds, boosting the benefits of Minoxidil.
Does Derma Rolling Really Work?
While research on derma rolling is limited, the studies so far show promising results.
A study in 2013 on men with mild to moderate hair loss compared two groups: one group using 1ml of 5% Minoxidil solution twice daily, while the other group also followed this regimen plus a weekly microneedling procedure. After 12 weeks, the group using both treatments showed faster and earlier regrowth than the Minoxidil-only group.
A similar 2018 study on 60 men also concluded that a combination treatment was superior to using Minoxidil by itself, with the mean increase in hair count after 12 weeks being significantly greater for the group using both treatments in conjunction. The research suggests that derma rolling may target factors which contribute to hair growth that Finasteride and Minoxidil do not address, by stimulating stem cells and growth factors.
Another study looked at men with male pattern baldness who had seen little to no results from finasteride and/or minoxidil, and saw them undergo 15 sessions of microneedling alongside their usual treatment. At the end of six months, all those studied had experienced new growth. After being dissatisfied with the results achieved with their usual treatment, 3 out of 4 of the men reported a 75% improvement and 1 reported a 50% improvement with the combined treatment.
More studies on the benefits of derma rolling are needed, but existing research suggests that derma rolling and Minoxidil as a combined treatment is actually more effective at enhancing hair regrowth than using one or the other separately.
How to use a derma roller and Minoxidil for best results
Our derma roller uses a fine 0.25mm needle, which is gentle enough to be used every other day. You should always clean your derma roller before and after each use, with an alcohol-based cleaner like isopropyl alcohol, to avoid the risk of infection.
Using mild pressure, you should roll the device vertically and horizontally over your scalp 4-6 times, focusing mainly on the areas that are thinning the most. If it hurts, you might be pressing too hard. Afterwards, you can apply your topical Minoxidil as usual. Remember to replace your derma roller after 3 months of regular usage, as the needles blunt over time and become less effective.
When used as directed side effects are unlikely but stop using the roller if you notice any irritation or inflammation. Also, avoid derma rolling if you have sensitive skin or any scalp conditions.
Incorporating derma rolling into your hair regrowth routine is a simple yet powerful step that may help you achieve faster, better results when combined with Minoxidil.
By Erin Flanagan Heviken - Sons aftercare team
Source list
A Randomized Controlled, Single-Observer Blinded Study to Determine the Efficacy of Topical Minoxidil plus Microneedling versus Topical Minoxidil Alone in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia (2018)
Response to Microneedling Treatment in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Who Failed to Respond to Conventional Therapy (2015)
A Randomized Evaluator Blinded Study of Effect of Microneedling in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Pilot Study (2013)
American Academy of Dermatology - Hair loss: Diagnosis and treatment
All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.
