Dermaroller for hair growth: Does it work?

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Dermarollers are devices that may stimulate hair growth. These products have microneedles that prick the skin and may help hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp.

This article describes what dermarollers are, how they work, and where to purchase these products online.

Microneedling is a type of treatment that uses hundreds of small needles that cause micro-injuries to the skin and scalp.

Some people may use this treatment to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes that it may also help encourage hair growth.

However, the AAD warns that microneedling may worsen some conditions, and a person should contact a dermatologist for advice before purchasing any products.

Learn more about microneedling here.

Dermarollers work by causing micro-injuries to the skin without significantly damaging the skin barrier. These micro-injuries heal quickly, leading to stimulation of collagen and elastin fiber production, which can improve the appearance of the skin.

These products may also help improve how medication reaches the skin, as micro-injuries allow medications to penetrate the skin barrier more easily.

People should always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using a dermaroller. However, some general tips include:

Learn more about how to use a dermaroller here.

There is some evidence that dermarollers can benefit hair growth. Most studies investigate the effects of microneedling alongside another therapy, such as minoxidil, and there is not enough research evaluating the use of dermarollers on their own for hair loss.

A 2021 review found that microneedling may be more effective at increasing hair growth than minoxidil. However, using minoxidil and microneedling together was more effective than microneedling alone.

Another review suggests that some healthcare professionals may recommend using dermarollers alongside minoxidil or other hair loss treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or topical triamcinolone acetonide.Learn more about microneedling with PRP here.

When choosing a dermaroller, consider the following factors, such as:

Learn more about dermatologists here.

Below are some dermarollers a person may purchase. However, people should only purchase one if their dermatologist recommends it.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

This dermaroller has 540 titanium needles that measure 0.25 millimeters (mm).

The company claims that this product can help promote new hair growth and rejuvenate dead skin cells.

People should sterilize this product in an 80% alcohol solution, clean the area they will use the dermaroller on, and roll the product up to 10 times over the skin or scalp.

This device comes with 600 titanium microneedles that measure 0.3 mm. It also features an ergonomic handle with a non-slip grip.

Each product comes with four replacement heads, a storage case, and an instruction manual.

The company claims that this product can help hair regrow and rejuvenate the skin.

This product is two dermarollers with 540 0.25 mm titanium microneedles each.

The company recommends sterilizing the device in an alcohol solution for 20-30 minutes before and after using the dermaroller. The company also claims that this product can help rejuvenate skin and improve the appearance of hair.

This device has 540 titanium microneedles that measure 0.25 mm. The company states that this product is suitable for males and females.

The company also states that this product can help remove buildup on the scalp, stimulate hair growth, and remove dead skin. People should use this device no more than once a day, three times a week.

This device has 540 titanium microneedles that measure 0.25 mm. The company states that this product is suitable for use on the skin, beard, and hair.

Additional features of this product include an ergonomic handle, an anti-slip grip, and three e-book instructions.

This device has 540 titanium microneedles that measure 0.5 mm.

The company claims that this product can help regrow new hair and is suitable for those with hair thinning and hair loss.

Additionally, the company includes e-books that provide instructions and tips on how to use dermarollers.

The following table compares the dermarollers in this article.

Dermatologists may recommend microneedling in a clinical setting. However, they may also recommend microneedling using dermarollers at home.

People should only purchase a dermaroller at the recommendation of a dermatologist or another healthcare professional.

People should also avoid using dermarollers or undergoing microneedling therapy if they have any of the following:

People may also wish to avoid dermarollers if they currently have sunburn or sensitive skin.

People concerned about hair thinning or hair loss might consider contacting a board certified dermatologist.

The AAD states that dermatologists will ask questions about hair loss or hair thinning, test the strength of the remaining hair, and look at the scalp and nails to determine the cause of the hair loss. Dermatologists may also order tests that may help diagnose why a person's hair is thinning.

Dermatologists can work with a person to determine which treatments are necessary. They may recommend at-home treatments, prescription medications, or procedures that require healthcare professionals, such as corticosteroid injections or hair transplants.

Learn more about hair loss treatments here.

The following are some frequently asked questions about dermarollers.

An older study found that a dermaroller with 1.5 mm needles effectively promoted hair growth in combination with triamcinolone acetonide.

However, most dermarollers available online have 0.25-0.5 mm needles. A person should contact a dermatologist to find the best needle length for their requirements.

Most manufacturers recommend using a dermaroller one or two times a week.

However, a person should decide how often to use a dermaroller with the help of a dermatologist.

The cost of a dermaroller can vary depending on the length of the needle and any additional features the device has, such as additional heads and instruction manuals.

However, most dermarollers cost around $10–20.

Dermarollers are devices with hundreds of tiny needles that cause micro-injuries, which may help encourage hair growth.

People should always only use dermarollers with the advice of a dermatologist. Dermatologists may recommend treating hair loss and hair thinning with a combination of therapies, including dermarollers and corticosteroid injections.