Hair loss is a common concern for men, especially as they age. While some accept it as a natural part of life, others look for ways to slow it down or reverse it. One treatment that has gained attention is microneedling, a procedure where tiny needles create small punctures in the skin to stimulate hair growth. Some believe it works by improving blood circulation, while others say it helps topical treatments absorb better. But does it actually regrow hair?
To understand the effectiveness of microneedling, we will look at how it stimulates hair growth, what research has found, and whether at-home devices can deliver the same results as professional treatments.
How Microneedling Wakes Up Dormant Hair Follicles
Hair loss happens when hair follicles shrink and stop producing new strands. In male pattern baldness, this process usually happens slowly over time, leading to thinning and bald spots. Scientists believe that microneedling wakes up dormant follicles by triggering the body’s natural healing response.
Dr. Taylor Bullock, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic, explains that microneedling creates small injuries in the scalp, increasing blood flow to the area. This allows more oxygen and nutrients to reach the hair follicles, giving them what they need to grow hair again​.
In addition to improving circulation, microneedling helps stimulate collagen production, which strengthens the skin and supports healthier hair growth. This process may also activate stem cells in the follicles, encouraging them to start producing hair again​.
Another major benefit of microneedling is that it helps topical treatments like minoxidil absorb better. Minoxidil works by improving blood flow to the scalp and lengthening the hair growth phase. However, some of it stays on the surface of the skin and does not penetrate deeply enough to be fully effective. When used after microneedling, the medication reaches the hair follicles more effectively, leading to better results​.
What Research Says About Microneedling for Hair Loss
Several studies have tested microneedling’s ability to restore hair, and most have found that it works best when combined with other treatments.
What Research Says About Microneedling for Hair Loss
One of the earliest studies on microneedling and hair growth was conducted by Dr. Rachita Dhurat in 2013. The study included 100 men with mild to moderate male pattern baldness. Half of the participants used minoxidil twice a day, while the other half combined minoxidil with weekly microneedling sessions.
After 12 weeks, the results showed a huge difference between the two groups. The men who used minoxidil alone saw an average increase of 22 hairs per square centimeter, while those who combined minoxidil with microneedling saw an increase of 91 hairs per square centimeter​.
Dr. Dhurat noted that microneedling seemed to speed up hair regrowth as well. In the microneedling group, new hair appeared by the sixth week, while those using only minoxidil did not see new growth until week ten.
Microneedling for Men Who Did Not Respond to Treatment
In 2015, Dr. Dhurat conducted another study, this time focusing on men who did not see results from finasteride or minoxidil. Four men with stubborn bald spots received 15 microneedling sessions over six months while continuing their usual treatments.
By the end of the study, three of the four men had regrown over 75% of their lost hair, and the fourth saw over 50% regrowth. Even more impressive, their results lasted for at least 18 months after the treatment ended​.
Microneedling vs. PRP Therapy
Some dermatologists have also tested microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, a treatment where a patient’s own blood is processed to extract growth factors and injected into the scalp.
In 2016, Dr. Amr Farid studied 40 women with female pattern baldness. Half of them received microneedling with PRP injections once a month, while the other half used 5% minoxidil twice a day.
Both groups experienced significant hair regrowth, but the minoxidil group saw results much faster. Hair started to grow within 12 weeks for minoxidil users, while those using PRP with microneedling had to wait 28 weeks to see the same level of improvement.
These studies suggest that microneedling is not a miracle cure, but it can be a powerful tool for men struggling with hair loss, especially those who have not seen results from minoxidil or finasteride alone.
Is Microneedling Right for You?
Not everyone experiencing hair loss will benefit from microneedling. Dr. Vincent, a leading expert in dermatology, says that the best candidates are men with bald spots at least the size of a quarter where no hair is growing. If hair is still present, microneedling may not be as effective since it works by reactivating completely dormant follicles.
Microneedling will not work for hair loss caused by medical conditions like iron deficiency, autoimmune diseases, or severe scarring alopecia. In these cases, treating the underlying health issue is more important than microneedling​.
Should You Try Microneedling at Home?
Many companies sell at-home microneedling rollers, but dermatologists warn that they are much less effective than professional treatments.
Why Professional Microneedling Works Better
- Doctors use longer needles (0.5 mm to 2.5 mm) that reach deep enough to stimulate the hair follicles.
- Professional treatments are sterile, reducing the risk of infection.
- Microneedling can be combined with PRP therapy or prescription medications for better results.
The Risks of DIY Microneedling
- At-home devices use shorter needles that do not penetrate deeply enough to trigger real hair regrowth.
- If the roller is not properly cleaned, it can cause infections.
- Many people apply too much pressure, leading to scalp irritation and scarring​​.
Take the Next Step With Zeam Health & Wellness
Microneedling has shown real potential for treating male pattern baldness, especially in men who struggle to see results with minoxidil or finasteride alone. Research confirms that it can reactivate dormant follicles and boost the effectiveness of other treatments.
However, it is not a quick fix. Hair growth takes time, and professional guidance is key to seeing the best results.
At Zeam Health & Wellness, we offer expert microneedling treatments as part of our aesthetics services. Contact us today to book a consultation and take the first step toward restoring your hair and confidence.
