Can microneedling regrow hair? Dermatologists explain

Microneedling — often performed with a dermaroller or powered device — is widely used to improve skin texture. In recent years it’s also been promoted as a treatment for hair loss. Dermatologists say the procedure can stimulate scalp healing and may support hair growth in some cases, but it’s not a standalone cure. This guide explains how microneedling works, what the evidence shows, safety considerations and whether it’s right for you.

How microneedling is thought to help hair grow

Microneedling creates tiny, controlled punctures in the scalp. The immediate response is a wound-healing cascade: platelet activation, growth factor release and increased blood flow — all processes that can help revive dormant hair follicles. In practice, clinicians use microneedling to:

• Encourage growth-factor signalling that may reactivate miniaturised follicles.
• Improve topical product delivery by increasing scalp permeability.
• Stimulate collagen production and scalp health which can create a more favourable environment for hair growth.

Importantly, microneedling is typically an adjunctive treatment — it appears most effective when combined with established therapies such as topical minoxidil or prescription medications for androgenetic (pattern) hair loss.

What the clinical evidence says

Clinical data on microneedling for hair growth is growing but still limited. Several small trials and dermatology reports have found improvements in hair density and thickness when microneedling was used alongside topical treatments versus topical treatment alone. However, many studies are modest in size, vary in technique, and differ in needle length and frequency — which makes direct comparison difficult.

What experts stress is that microneedling isn’t a universal fix. Evidence is strongest for androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss), where miniaturised follicles may benefit from the wound-healing response and better drug penetration. Less is known about its effect on scarring alopecias, inflammatory hair loss or hair loss caused by systemic illness.

At-home devices vs clinic treatments

There’s a wide range of microneedling tools: consumer dermarollers available online, home microneedling pens, and professional devices used in clinics. The differences matter.

• Needle length: Home rollers usually have shorter needles (0.2–0.5 mm) that mainly assist topical absorption and offer modest stimulation. Professional treatments commonly use 0.75–1.5 mm (or longer for specialised protocols) and penetrate deeper to trigger a stronger healing response.
• Precision and safety: Clinic devices are medical-grade, used by trained practitioners who follow sterile technique and tailor depth by area. At-home devices raise a higher risk of infection, uneven treatment and skin injury if used incorrectly.
• Complementary treatments: Clinics can combine microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), prescription therapies or laser treatments — combinations that some studies suggest may improve outcomes.

Dermatologists generally advise that at-home microneedling should be approached cautiously. Short-needle devices may be safe for enhancing topical treatments but can’t replicate the deeper, controlled stimulation delivered by professionals.

Risks, side effects and who should avoid it

Microneedling is usually well tolerated, but potential side effects include redness, pinpoint bleeding, temporary scalp tenderness, crusting and, rarely, infection or scarring. People taking blood-thinning medications, those with active scalp infections (including eczema or fungal infections), or with keloid-prone skin should avoid the procedure or consult a dermatologist first.

• Infection risk increases with non-sterile equipment or poor aftercare.
• Improper needle length or technique can worsen inflammation or cause permanent damage.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding people should check with clinicians before starting new treatments.

Practical guidance: what to expect and questions to ask

If you’re considering microneedling for hair loss, use this checklist when consulting a specialist or choosing a clinic:

• Confirm the diagnosis of your hair loss — androgenetic alopecia responds differently from telogen effluvium or autoimmune hair loss.
• Ask about needle lengths, device type and the clinician’s experience treating hair loss specifically.
• Discuss how microneedling will be combined with other therapies (topical or systemic) and the evidence supporting that combination.
• Understand the expected timeline: most people require multiple sessions spaced weeks apart, with results evaluated after several months.
• Clarify aftercare instructions, signs of infection, and costs including any combined procedures like PRP.

Key Takeaways

• Microneedling stimulates a wound-healing response that may help reactivate dormant hair follicles and improve topical drug absorption.
• The strongest evidence supports use in androgenetic (pattern) hair loss, usually as an adjunct to established treatments like topical minoxidil.
• Professional treatments use longer needles and sterile technique; at-home rollers are less powerful and carry hygiene risks if misused.
• Side effects are generally mild but can include redness, pinpoint bleeding and infection — proper aftercare and medical oversight reduce risks.
• Discuss your hair-loss diagnosis, treatment plan and realistic expectations with a dermatologist before starting microneedling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is microneedling effective for regrowing hair?
Evidence suggests microneedling can support hair regrowth, especially for pattern hair loss, but it tends to work best when combined with established treatments rather than as a standalone cure.

How many sessions will I need?
Most protocols involve multiple sessions — often every 4–8 weeks — with improvements assessed after several months. A clinician will tailor frequency to your condition and needle depth used.

Are at-home dermarollers safe?
Short-needle home devices may be safe if used correctly and hygienically, but they deliver less therapeutic depth than professional treatments. They also carry infection and injury risks if misused.

What needle length should be used?
Needle length depends on the treatment goal. Short lengths (0.2–0.5 mm) mainly improve product absorption; clinic lengths (0.75–1.5 mm) trigger deeper healing. A dermatologist can recommend the appropriate depth.

Can anyone have microneedling?
People with active scalp infections, inflammatory skin conditions, bleeding disorders, or those prone to keloids should avoid microneedling or seek specialist advice. Always consult a dermatologist first.