Derma rolling, also known as derma needling or microneedling, has been used by skincare professionals for some time now in the fight against signs of aging.
In conjunction with other therapies, derma rolling or derma needling can help treat skin conditions like solar keratoses and scarring such as acne scars [1]. Hair loss experts have now discovered it may also help treat hair loss [1-2].
Derma rolling works by pressing a roller of small needles across the surface of the skin, puncturing small holes across the surface. This stimulates the body’s natural healing processes to kick in, encouraging collagen and keratin production [3]. Collagen is a natural plumping agent which gives the skin a youthful appearance in addition, collagen may also promote hair health.
So how does derma rolling help hair loss? And can you use a derma roller after a hair transplant?
Derma rolling for hair loss comprises of micro needles being rolled over the scalp. The body’s healing system is activated by these micro-injuries. This system has been shown to encourage the production of keratin, which is an essential protein for hair growth [3].
It can also stimulate stem cells in the hair bulge area, and stimulate activity in hair growth-related genes [4]. Derma rolling also allows the hair follicles to absorb the nutrients needed for healthy hair growth.
One study found that using derma rolling together with Minoxidil promoted more hair growth than through Minoxidil use alone [2]. Other studies have found it can be beneficial for treating androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata (in conjunction with other treatments) [5-6]. So this is a promising supplementary treatment for those experiencing hair loss.
The use of derma rollers and their creation of micro-injuries also encourages blood flow to the scalp which can promote hair growth [7]. Increasing blood circulation allows the individual hair follicles to better absorb the vitamins and minerals they need to encourage healthy hair growth.
As well as showing promising results for general hair growth, derma rolling also has potential following a hair transplant.
A study examined 4 men who hadn’t achieved their desired results from their hair transplant surgery, even with supplementary treatments like Minoxidil and Finasteride. In this study, all patients reported improved hair thickness after a month of derma-rolling treatment [7]. After 6 months, 75% of patients said their hair had improved by 75%.
So if you’ve had a hair transplant to tackle your female pattern hair loss or male pattern baldness, using a derma roller after a hair transplant may be an effective way to encourage your hair grafts to grow.
You shouldn’t use a derma roller in the immediate days and weeks after your hair transplant surgery. This technique causes trauma to the scalp, which can easily damage or dislodge your grafts and affect the success of your hair transplant.
If you’re interested in using a derma roller to promote hair growth, speak to your hair transplant surgeon. They can advise you on when and how to use this treatment to get the best results.
At the Wimpole Clinic, our hair transplant success rate is 97-100%. We work with you to create a natural-looking hairline you’ll love — and our patients are thrilled with their results.
To learn more, take a look at our hair transplant clinic reviews, and our hair transplant before and after gallery.
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