Microneedling for Hair Loss: The Complete Guide

Microneedling for hair loss is one of the most underrated treatments available. It’s cheap, it’s backed by solid clinical evidence, and when combined with minoxidil it produces results that neither treatment achieves alone.

This isn’t a gimmick. The science is real. Here’s everything you need to know to do it properly.

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What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling (also called derma rolling or percutaneous collagen induction) involves rolling or stamping a device covered in tiny needles across the scalp. These microneedles create controlled micro-injuries in the skin — tiny punctures that trigger the body’s wound healing response.

That healing response involves:

• Growth factor release — particularly platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), both of which stimulate hair follicle activity
• Increased blood flow to the treated area
• Stem cell activation around hair follicles
• Enhanced drug absorption — the micro-channels allow minoxidil to penetrate much deeper than it otherwise would

The key mechanism for hair loss is that combination of direct follicle stimulation and dramatically improved minoxidil absorption.

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The Clinical Evidence

This isn’t speculative. Several strong studies have been published:

The landmark 2013 study (International Journal of Trichology) randomised 100 men with male pattern baldness to either minoxidil alone or minoxidil + weekly microneedling. After 12 weeks, the microneedling group showed a mean hair count increase of 91.4 new hairs per cm² vs 22.2 new hairs in the minoxidil-only group. That’s roughly 4x the regrowth.

A 2020 systematic review of 7 trials confirmed that microneedling combined with minoxidil consistently outperformed minoxidil alone, with significant improvements in hair density and thickness.

Microneedling alone has also shown results. A 2014 pilot study showed meaningful hair regrowth in men using only microneedling — though the combination with minoxidil is clearly superior.

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Derma Roller vs Derma Pen

Two main device types exist:

Derma Roller

A cylinder covered in needles that you roll across the scalp. Cheaper, simpler, no power required.

• Pros: Inexpensive (£10–30), widely available, easy to use
• Cons: Needles enter skin at an angle rather than straight down, causing more drag and tearing than a pen; needles blunt faster and need replacing

Derma Pen (Electric)

A motorised device where needles oscillate up and down, stamping into the skin vertically.

• Pros: More controlled, needles enter at 90°, adjustable depth, more comfortable on curved scalp areas, gentler on skin
• Cons: More expensive (£30–80+), requires charging

Our recommendation: If you’re starting out or on a budget, a quality roller is fine. If you’re committed to long-term use, a derma pen is worth the upgrade — it’s more effective and more comfortable.

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Needle Length: What to Use

0.5mm — Mild stimulation, safe for frequent use (every 1–2 weeks). Good for beginners and for enhancing minoxidil absorption.

1.0mm — Standard recommendation for hair loss. Strong wound healing response, enhanced absorption. Use once per week.

1.5mm — More aggressive stimulation, greater growth factor release. Use every 10–14 days maximum. Requires a period of scalp healing.

The sweet spot for most men: 1.0mm, once per week. This is what the landmark 2013 study used.

Don’t go above 1.5mm without professional guidance. Deeper isn’t always better and can cause unnecessary trauma.

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Recommended Products

Budget Entry-Level Roller

Mid-Range Roller Kit

Premium Electric Derma Pen

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The Protocol: Step by Step

Before Microneedling

1. Wash your scalp with a gentle shampoo to remove oils and product buildup.
2. Sanitise your device — soak the roller/pen tip in 70% isopropyl alcohol for 5 minutes, rinse with clean water, allow to dry.
3. Optional: apply numbing cream — EMLA cream (lidocaine/prilocaine) can make the process more comfortable at 1.5mm. Apply 45 minutes before, wash off before rolling.

The Microneedling Session

1. Divide your scalp into sections — front, mid-scalp, crown.
2. Apply light pressure and roll in multiple directions — 4 passes in each of 3 directions (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) per section. Don’t press so hard that it’s painful; a light prickling is the target sensation.
3. You should see mild redness — this is normal and indicates adequate stimulation. Bleeding should be minimal to none with proper technique.
4. Total session time: 10–15 minutes.

After Microneedling

1. Rinse with saline or clean water to remove any blood or debris.
2. Wait 24 hours before applying minoxidil. Applying minoxidil immediately after microneedling dramatically increases systemic absorption — don’t do it. The micro-channels close within 24 hours.
3. Skip minoxidil on the day of microneedling — use it the day before and resume the day after.
4. Avoid harsh products, swimming, or sweating for 24 hours.

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Combining Microneedling With Minoxidil

This is where the real gains are. Once you’ve established a routine:

• Day 1: Apply minoxidil morning and evening as normal
• Day 2: Microneedle in the evening. Skip minoxidil that day.
• Day 3: Resume minoxidil morning and evening

Repeat weekly. Your minoxidil absorption on the days around microneedling will be significantly enhanced, and the growth factor response builds cumulatively over months.

If you want to optimise further: apply minoxidil 24 hours before microneedling (allowing enhanced absorption of the stored minoxidil from the previous day’s application), then microneedle, then wait 24 hours before the next application.

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Minoxidil Products to Use Alongside Microneedling

For a full comparison of these two products, see our Rogaine vs Kirkland article.

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Device Maintenance

• Clean after every use: Rinse needles with clean water, then soak in 70% isopropyl alcohol for 5 minutes. Allow to air dry completely.
• Replace roller heads: Every 10–15 sessions (approximately every 2–4 months with weekly use). Blunt needles tear rather than pierce.
• Store properly: In the sterile case provided, away from moisture.

Never share your device. This creates infection risk.

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Expected Timeline

• Weeks 1–4: Scalp feels more sensitive; no visible results yet
• Months 2–3: Reduction in shedding; some men notice early fuzz in thinning areas
• Months 4–6: Clearest improvements — hair appears thicker and denser in treated areas
• Months 9–12: Full results picture; significant density improvement for good responders

Consistency is everything. Skipping sessions disrupts the cumulative stimulus.

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Who Microneedling Works Best For

• Norwood 2–4 with active, miniaturising follicles that haven’t fully died
• Men already on minoxidil who want to boost results
• Men who have plateaued on minoxidil alone
• Men looking for an adjunct to finasteride treatment

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Who Should Avoid It

• Active scalp infections or dermatitis
• Psoriasis on the scalp
• History of keloid scarring
• Blood thinning medications (consult your GP)
• Open wounds or active irritation on the scalp

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Does It Hurt?

Honestly — at 1.0mm, it’s uncomfortable but manageable. A scraping/prickling sensation across the scalp that most men describe as 6/10 discomfort at most. The crown tends to be more sensitive than the hairline.

1.5mm with no numbing cream will have some men gritting their teeth. Use EMLA cream if you’re sensitive or building up to the higher needle length.

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Bottom Line

Microneedling is one of the highest-leverage additions you can make to your hair loss treatment routine. It’s inexpensive, backed by solid clinical trials, and the combination with minoxidil has been shown in studies to produce roughly 4x the regrowth vs minoxidil alone.

A good derma roller costs £15–30. A quality derma pen costs £40–70. For that one-time cost, you’re getting a tool that — used consistently for 12+ months — has the potential to meaningfully change your results.

It’s not a standalone solution. Pair it with minoxidil, and ideally finasteride if you’re on it, and you’ve got one of the strongest non-surgical protocols available.