Derma Roller for Hair Regrowth - The Answer to Men’s Hair Loss?

Hair thinning often called alopecia in men or male baldness, is more formally known as androgenetic alopecia.

Male androgenetic alopecia (MAA) is the most widespread type of hair thinning in men and affects 30-50% by age 50. It follows a pattern, mainly impacting the scalp's temples, crown, and front-central area.

Even though MAA is considered a minor skin condition, it can greatly influence self-esteem and lead to anxiety and depression for some men.

Breaking Down the Science of Men's Hair Loss

MAA is a risk factor for stiff arteries and heart disease. Scientific research shows that MAA runs in families and varies by race, with genetics accounting for about 80% of the risk. Even normal hormone levels can trigger hair loss in individuals with a genetic predisposition.

MAA causes changes in hair growth, shrinking hair follicles, and inflammation. The growth phase of hair shortens with each cycle, while the resting phase remains the same or lengthens. Eventually, the growth phase becomes so brief that new hair fails to reach the surface, leaving a small, empty follicle.

Symptoms of Androgenetic Alopecia

Symptoms of male pattern baldness include:

• Thinning/loss of hair on the crown.
• Thinning/loss of hair near the temples.
• Receding hairline.

Causes of Androgenetic Alopecia

Genetics

Scientists recognize a hereditary tendency and racial differences in the occurrence of male pattern hair loss.

An Australian study supports the concept of polygenic inheritance. The research looked at baldness in the fathers of balding men and found that 81.5% of balding sons had fathers with noticeable hair loss. This percentage is much higher than expected from a simple autosomal dominant inheritance model.

Genetic factors affect how hair follicles react to circulating androgens. People with a strong genetic susceptibility may experience hair loss as early as their teenage years. At the same time, those with a weaker predisposition may not see significant hair thinning until their 60s or 70s. Fewer than 15% of men avoid significant hair loss by age 70.

Hormones

One study found higher levels of cortisol and androstenedione in people with MAA compared to age-matched controls. The study proved that a wide range of hormones may influence androgenetic alopecia. Although scalp hair loss and excessive body hair are primary signs of hyperandrogenism in women, several studies have not found increased androgen levels in women.

American anatomist James Hamilton noticed that castrated men did not develop MAA unless they were given testosterone supplements.

Research measuring serum androgens, such as testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA), and free testosterone levels, have not shown differences between individuals with MAA and those without. As a result, normal androgen levels can trigger hair loss in genetically susceptible individuals.

Does Microneedling Really Work for Hair Regrowth?

Between 2011 - 2012, The Department of Dermatology at L.T.M. Medical College & General Hospital in Mumbai, India, conducted a randomized, evaluator-blinded pilot study on microneedling for androgenetic alopecia.

The research involved 100 men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Participants gave consent and randomly assigned to the Microneedling group (N = 50) or the Minoxidil group (N = 50) through a coin toss.

Before starting treatment, researchers shaved the scalps of all participants to ensure uniform hair length. The first group underwent weekly microneedling sessions and applied 1 ml of 5% Minoxidil lotion twice daily. The Minoxidil group applied only 1 ml of 5% Minoxidil lotion twice daily.

Researchers took baseline global photographs and shaved participants' hair to maintain consistent hair length. They measured hair counts in a fixed 1 cm² area at the beginning and end of the study (week 12).

The study assessed three primary efficacy parameters:

• Improve in hair count from the initial measurement at 12 weeks
• Patient evaluation of hair growth at 12 weeks
• Investigator evaluation of hair growth at 12 weeks. A blinded investigator-assessed global photographic results using a 7-point scale.

Results of the Study

Patients who were unhappy with conventional AGA treatments responded positively to Microneedling. The combination of Dermaroller and Minoxidil proved statistically more effective at increasing hair growth than Minoxidil alone. Microneedling offers a safe and promising solution for hair loss, especially when Minoxidil by itself does not work.

• Hair Counts: Saw an increase in hair count at week 12 (91.4) compared to the Minoxidil group (22.2)
• Investigator Evaluation: Forty patients in the Microneedling group had a +2 to +3 response on the 7-point scale, while none in the Minoxidil group showed this response.
• Patient Evaluation: In the Microneedling group, 41 patients (82%) reported more than 50% improvement, compared to only 2 patients (4.5%) in the Minoxidil group.

Derma Roller for Hair Regrowth - A Promising Solution

After interviewing patients eight months post-study, all those in the microneedling group reported a sustained response.

The results show that microneedling is a safe and promising tool for stimulating hair growth in male and female AGA and effectively treats hair loss that is resistant to Minoxidil therapy.

Experts recommend providing the procedure to patients with AGA in addition to existing treatments to promote faster hair regrowth and enhance patient compliance.

Issues related to derma roller needle sizes, frequency, duration, and procedure endpoints are still being investigated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many microneedling sessions for hair growth?

A study from the Department of Dermatology found that all patients scored +2 to +3 on a standardized 7-point evaluation scale. They began to see new hair growth after 8-10 sessions.

Patients reported over 75% satisfaction on a subjective hair growth assessment scale for three individuals and more than 50% satisfaction for one individual. The results remained stable throughout an 18-month follow-up period.

How to use derma roller for hair regrowth?

• Start by washing your scalp to remove any impurities and excess oil.
• Ensure your device is clean by disinfecting it before use.
• Apply a numbing cream to your scalp to reduce discomfort during the procedure.
• Roll the device across the targeted areas of your scalp, changing directions to cover all spots evenly.
• Use a hair growth serum or solution to help improve absorption and effectiveness.
• Rinse your scalp to remove any leftover treatment products.
• Steer clear of strong hair products and intense sun or heat right after the procedure.
• Follow a regular schedule, typically once weekly or as your specialist advises.

Which microneedling is best for hair growth?

The ideal length for scalp treatment ranges from 0.5mm to 1.5mm. A 0.5mm needle enhances the absorption of topical treatments, while needles between 1.0mm and 1.5mm stimulate deeper layers of the scalp. However, in a few studies, a 0.6mm needle may be the most effective for treating hair loss.

Author information:

A Randomized Evaluator Blinded Study of Effect of Microneedling in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Pilot Study

Department of Dermatology, L.T.M. Medical College and General Hospital, Sion, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India