What Is Scalp Microneedling, And Can It Help Your Hair Grow?
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Touted as a treatment that can blast away scarring and leave you with fresh-looking skin, microneedling has soared in popularity over recent years. And all signs point to it remaining a popular procedure as Grand View Research estimates that each year the market will grow by roughly 8% for the foreseeable future.
Even though it is a more invasive procedure, this hasn't stopped people from taking the plunge and getting microneedling treatments done. And while it is primarily known to be a facial treatment, it can also treat other areas of your body. For example, there are several benefits of microneedling your lips. But that's not all.
Despite the fact that it may seem unusual, microneedling can also be used on your scalp. Yes, your scalp. In fact, it is believed that the treatment can majorly benefit your hair by promoting growth. Let's take a deeper dive to see if this really is the case.
What is scalp microneedling?
Scalp microneedling is a procedure often used to treat individuals with concerns about their hair growth. Using a roller with small needles, the skin on the scalp is punctured to help the health of the hair follicles regenerate, thus stimulating blood flow and promoting new growth. While it may sound like a new innovation, microneedling has actually been around for quite some time. The first instance of the procedure, as we know it today, happened in the mid-nineties in Philadelphia.
"The principles for scalp microneedling are identical to that of the face," William Gaunitz, a certified trichologist and founder of Advanced Trichology, says to NewBeauty. He further describes that the only way the procedures differ is that "the scalp requires longer needles to penetrate more deeply and pass through the existing hair." This makes the two treatments incredibly similar, just for different areas of the body.
How can microneedling help hair grow?
Scalp microneedling can benefit your scalp in many ways, but can it help your hair to grow? The answer is yes, scalp microneedling can, in fact, help lengthen your locks. But just how effective is it? Speaking to Byrdie, board-certified dermatologist Morgan Rabach explains how the treatment can help promote growth, saying, "The trauma of the microneedling may also stimulate stem cells to grow which are helpful to grow new hair." She also adds that the effects of the treatment could be enhanced for those individuals with alopecia if it is used in combination with oral or topical medications. Of course, this is great news if you're looking for a way to revitalize your locks after dealing with hair loss, whether due to a medical condition or otherwise.
In addition to scalp microneedling procedures, there are medications that may help optimize your results. According to Healthline, common ones that doctors prescribe to encourage hair growth include minoxidil — the active ingredient in Rogaine — and finasteride. If you want to avoid the prescription route, you can try other foolproof ways to stimulate hair growth. It is important to keep in mind, though, that what works for one person may not work for another.
Will using serums enhance the effects?
Now you know that scalp microneedling can encourage hair growth, you may be wondering what else you can do in order to encourage the effect further. Speaking to VEGAMOUR, esthetician Essie Button explains that "the punctures [from microneedling] facilitate the absorption of creams and serums to the scalp, so any anti-hair loss serums or creams that the patient may be using will be more effective."
If you have your favorite hair growth serums, it may be worth trying them out in combination with your microneedling treatments. Of course, it is important to remember that this may not necessarily work, and it is best to seek advice from a professional who will base recommendations on your hair's current state and take into consideration any conditions you may have. You may still achieve good results without serums, as results will vary based on many factors, including the current health of your hair.
Now that you know more about the treatment, all that's left to do is decide whether or not scalp microneedling is right for you.