Is Microneedling Effective for Hair Loss?

Microneedling continues to gain popularity as a treatment for hair loss or thinning hair. This technique, which creates controlled micro-injuries on the scalp, is said to trigger the body’s natural healing response, as well as promote blood flow and nutrient delivery to the follicles, supporting hair growth. 

But how effective is microneedling for hair loss? What does the treatment involve? Can you do microneedling on your own or is it better left to professionals? Continue reading as we answer these questions and explore more on the topic of microneedling for hair loss or hair restoration.

What is microneedling?

Microneedling is a form of collagen induction therapy that stimulates the production of essential skin proteins to address different signs of aging. It involves the use of a device with small needles that create tiny skin injuries. These wounds in the skin are said to trigger the skin’s healing process, which can stimulate collagen and improve skin health. 

At Cutis, we perform microneedling via Dermapen 4. This has 16 microscopic needles that can create 1920 holes per second, with needle depths that can be adjusted depending on the concern to be treated. The micro-injuries created from Dermapen 4 trigger an immune response that ignites collagen and elastin. 

How does microneedling work for hair loss?

Microneedling for skin or anti-aging works the same way for hair loss. The device also creates controlled micro-injuries in the scalp that are believed to regenerate the health of the follicles and promote hair growth. The tiny punctures also help improve the delivery and absorption of topical medications or nutrients.

Microneedling has shown promising results in treating male and female pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia. It can be used on its own, but works better alongside other treatments such as minoxidil or exosomes. Results are generally seen a few months after the treatment. 

How effective is microneedling for hair loss? 

Studies suggest that microneedling can help treat androgenic alopecia, especially when paired with other treatments. A small 2022 study found that the combination of microneedling (1.5 mm) with 5% minoxidil showed efficacy with high safety in treating androgenic alopecia. 

Minoxidil is a medication used for treating hair-related conditions and high blood pressure. It is a vasodilator that stimulates hair growth by increasing blood flow to the follicles and lengthening the hair cycle’s growth phase. Studies suggest that pairing it with microneedling produces better results than using either treatment alone.

One study found that using microneedling with topical minoxidil works better compared to just topical minoxidil alone. This is with regard to patient satisfaction and an increase in hair count. It is, however, important to keep in mind that while minoxidil works for male or female pattern baldness, it is not effective for all types of hair loss. 

Microneedling can also be paired with exosomes, which are extracellular vesicles that help release growth factors and stimulate tissue repair.  This treatment delivers exosomes and other beneficial ingredients into the scalp to ensure proper absorption and penetration of regenerative ingredients. 

Microneedling at home vs in-clinic procedure

While some perform microneedling on their own using derma rollers, these devices cannot puncture the scalp skin as deeply and efficiently as medical-grade microneedles. An in-clinic procedure uses longer needles for powerful and transformative effects. Improper techniques like pushing the needles too hard can also lead to injury or infection.

To effectively address hair loss, the needle depth of the device needs to be between 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm. The optimal depth, according to clinical studies, is about 1.5mm, as it allows the needles to penetrate the dermis better. This can access more blood supply in the capillaries, triggering an inflammatory response and promoting hair growth.

It is important to keep in mind that using needles longer than 0.25 mm at home is not recommended. Improper technique increases the risk of complications, including infection, scarring, and damage to follicles. Longer needles, furthermore, can cause more bleeding and discomfort, which can be hard to manage at home. 

How Cutis can help

At Cutis, we offer professional microneedling paired with other medications and topical solutions like vasodilators and exosomes. We use Dermapen 4 with MG-EXO-GROW, which is specifically formulated to be used alongside microneedling treatments. It delivers concentrated exosomes directly into the scalp for optimal results.

MG-EXO-GROW helps rejuvenate and strengthen follicles through:

• Improving scalp health and follicle rejuvenation – promotes a healthier scalp environment and strengthens hair follicles. 
• Reducing inflammation – soothes and reduces inflammation and helps make the procedure more comfortable,
• Promoting thicker, fuller hair – stimulates follicles, which promotes the growth of thicker, fuller hair. 

Exosome technology using MG-EXO-GROW™ helps repair damaged follicles, renew the hair growth lifespan, and protect against hair loss. It promotes a more nourished scalp, stronger hair, and a visibly thicker mane.

Schedule a consultation with us

If hair thinning or hair loss is making you self-conscious, there are non-surgical treatments that can help. Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore to learn more about microneedling and exosomes or schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors.