Derma Roller for Hair Growth: Unlock the Secrets

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Hair loss is a problem that affects both men and women and can be triggered by factors such as age, nutritional deficiencies, and genetics.

From supplements to cosmetic treatments, with so many hair growth remedies on the market, it can be difficult to know which ones really work. But is a derma roller one of them?

We explore the benefits of using this at-home tool and whether it really is an effective solution for hair growth.

As a form of at-home microneedling, derma rolling may, therefore, help hair to grow. However, derma rollers will not be effective for people with a history of conditions such as:

• Blood clots 
• Eczema 
• Psoriasis
• Rosacea
• Acne
• Warts 

This is because they can irritate the skin and cause these conditions to flare up rather than help hair to grow. If you are unsure, you should consult your doctor or dermatologist before using the tool.

What Is a Derma Roller?

As a handheld tool that is used on the scalp to stimulate new hair growth, derma rollers are a cheaper alternative to the professional cosmetic treatment of microneedling.

The tool has a handle and a roller that is covered in tiny needles, which are typically between 0.2–1.5mm in length.

It can be used on the skin, beard, and scalp to stimulate the production of collagen, a protein made up of amino acids that are essential for healthy hair. These amino acids help to build keratin, another protein that makes up hair strands.

Derma rollers are considered to be medical devices, meaning that they need to be registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

How to Use a Derma Roller for Hair Growth?

To use a derma roller to promote hair regrowth, you should press down on the scalp with some pressure, but not hard enough to feel any pain. Although the needles may cause some discomfort, the process should not be painful.

Move the roller across the scalp in a specific order, beginning horizontally, vertically, and then diagonally.

When used on the scalp, the tool pricks the skin and creates tiny tears. The brain then increases the flow of blood to send collagen to the scalp, which triggers the healing process and, in turn, encourages hair to grow.

To prevent skin breakage and infection, avoid rolling over the same area again and again. You should also clean, sterilize, and leave your derma roller to dry after each use. It should then be placed back into its container to reduce the risk of infection.

How often should a derma roller be used for hair growth?

As mentioned, putting too much pressure on the scalp can cause irritation and skin breakage.

Therefore, to see effective hair growth results without experiencing these side effects, it is recommended to use a derma roller once or twice per week. This ensures that the skin has plenty of time to heal before you put pressure on it again.

How Long Will It Take to See Results From the Derma Roller for Hair?

You should expect to see hair growth results within 2–3 months. However, this can take up to 6 months for some people, depending on other factors such as genetics, whether you consume enough nutrients through your diet and the current condition of your hair.

It’s also important to be patient, as the growth process can take time, no matter how good your tool is.

To ensure that you do begin to see results, use your derma roller consistently and regularly, once or twice per week. 

If after 3 months you do not see an improvement, then you should consult a dermatologist, who can advise you on alternative treatment options. For instance, they may recommend using minoxidil, a treatment for severe hair loss, alongside the derma roller.

From Thicker Locks to a Healthier Scalp: 3 Derma Roller Benefits for Hair

Although more research is needed, derma rolling may have some advantages for scalp and facial hair growth, loss, and thickness. 

Here are 3 possible benefits:

#1 May stimulate hair growth

Derma rollers can help stimulate the scalp and facial hair growth by increasing collagen production. This creates keratin, which is essential for building new and healthier hair strands. 

They also encourage the production of elastin, a protein that adds thickness to hair and ensures that follicles remain anchored to the scalp. This helps prevent hair thinning and breakage.

Although there is limited research on at-home derma rolling, there is evidence to suggest that the process can have similar effects to professional microneedling when done correctly.

A study has shown how using a derma roller alongside minoxidil, a medication for pattern hair loss, is more effective than using minoxidil alone. This is because derma rollers create small tears, which allow hair growth products such as minoxidil to absorb more effectively into the dermal layer of the scalp.

#2 Could reduce hair loss

As derma rolling stimulates collagen production to the scalp, using the tool may help to reduce hair loss.

This is because collagen is an antioxidant that fights free radicals in the body. Free radicals can develop due to environmental factors, such as stress, smoking, or poor diet, and damage hair follicles. This damage causes hair thinning.

The micro-tears created by the tiny needles also increase blood flow to the scalp, which ensures that it receives the nutrients it needs to prevent hair loss.

You can combine derma rolling with PRP injections or red light therapy. This way, the results will be quicker and long-lasting.

#3 Can help to thicken hair

The process of derma rolling encourages follicles to grow during the anagen, or active, phase of hair growth. This is when root cells of the hair are rapidly dividing, causing new strands to grow.

This encourages collagen to thicken around the follicles, which not only helps to promote hair growth but also ensures that each strand is thicker than before.

How to Choose the Right Derma Roller?

With so many different derma rollers on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is best for you. However, a general rule to follow is that rollers with smaller needles are safer for at-home use.

If you are worried about side effects, such as broken and sensitive skin, irritation, or infection, it is, therefore, recommended to use a derma roller with tiny needles that are 0.2mm in length.

You should also check that your chosen device is suitable for the scalp, as some are only safe for use on facial skin.

Also, some devices may have an anti-slip design, which makes it easier to control the scalp. We would recommend choosing a tool with this feature.

FAQs

Conclusion

Despite limited evidence on its use as a hair growth tool, derma rolling may be a cheap and effective alternative treatment to professional microneedling.

However, you should be aware that the device can cause scalp and hair health to worsen if used incorrectly or too frequently. You may also experience some side effects, such as irritation and stinging, which should fade within 5 days of treatment.

To begin seeing results within 2–3 months, use a derma roller once or twice per week, and don’t go over the same area too many times. To boost your hair growth even more, try taking hair growth supplements such as Nutrafol or Moérie.