By now, we’re well-versed in the art of microneedling for our skin’s sake. No matter if we’re talking about the professional or the at-home kind, we’ve graduated from microneedling 101 to earn a symbolic degree in the collagen-boosting skin treatment. We know it’s an effective way to diminish acne scars, disguise dark circles, and plump up lips. We even know the best serums to pair it with. What we didn’t know, however, was that the potential perks of microneedling extend past our skin to include our hair.

Allegedly, microneedling can boost scalp health in such a way as to treat and prevent hair loss, keeping hair full and healthy for longer. To find out more, we tapped experts Veronica Joseph and Morgan Rabach to let us in on everything there is to know about microneedling for hair growth.

Benefits of Microneedling

To fully grasp the benefits of microneedling for the hair and scalp, we first need to understand the science behind microneedling. “Microneedling works by mechanical controlled injury into the dermis,” Rabach tells us. (The word injury has a negative connotation. In this case, each “injury” is minuscule, nowhere near large enough to cause pain or scarring. In most cases, the only physical change in the skin you should see after using a derma roller is a little redness). “Specifically, we use tiny needles that get pushed perpendicularly into the dermis which causes a healing reaction in the skin. Growth factors that promote healing are released and these same growth factors may promote hair growth. The trauma of the microneedling may also stimulate stem cells to grow which are helpful to grow new hair,” she continues.

What to Expect During a Microneedling Treatment

A typical microneedling session may last 45 minutes to an hour—give or take. First, your derm or trichologist will cleanse your scalp or the exact area where you would like to stimulate hair growth. Then, using a topical serum they will numb said area so that the treatment is not painful. Finally, they will begin microneedling by puncturing the skin using an electric skin needling pen. Following the procedure, you can expect to see new hair growth in three to six months, confirms Rabach.

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