Update: June 2020 — A new study found the microneedling (via a dermaroller) and Minoxidil combination to be very effective in treating a 70-year old man’s hair loss. Also make sure to read my post on at-home microneedling for hair loss.
Update: March 2020 — A new study finds that microneedling improves minoxidil response in androgenetic alopecia patients by upregulating follicular sulfotransferase enzymes. One of the co-authors is Dr. Rachita Dhurat.
September 2013
There is increasing evidence that dermarolling benefits hair growth. Microneedling via the use of a dermaroller is often being conducted to enhance the absorption of topical hair loss products such as Minoxidil (Rogaine).
Creative and intelligent hair loss forum members are also experimenting with the addition of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) inhibitors and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) to this mix. The logic behind these experiments is related to the wounding and resulting hair regrowth that a company named Follica is attempting.
Microneedling via Dermaroller Enhances Effectiveness of Minoxidil
Moreover, a recent study from India concluded an enhanced positive effect of Minoxidil when used in combination with microneedling. The wounding was conducted via the use of a dermaroller device. The lead author is Dr. Rachita Dhurat.
The dermaroller had 1.5 mm sized needles and was rolled over scalps. Before and after microneedling photos are shown on the right and below.
This study provides further impetus towards the excitement surrounding this unique concept of wounding and hair growth.
I myself have seen decent results from applying Minoxidil to my scalp for a number of years. I may try dermarolling in the future, although I will have to conduct significant research regarding needle depth and equipment recommendations.
Dermarolling for Hair Growth Experiments
A number of blog readers are experimenting with dermarolling their scalps for hair growth. I will elaborate on this subject in more detail in future posts.
Dermarolling and Minoxidil Threads
For now, I encourage readers to go through the following massive threads on some of the main hair loss forums out there in order to gauge the excitement around this issue.
Wounding and Hair Regeneration
Over the years, wounding has garnered a solid reputation in both medical and cosmetic fields. Research on wounding and hair regeneration is progressing rapidly.
For example, a 2018 study found wounding induced hair follicle neogenesis in an elderly patient. Hopefully this can be replicated on a larger scale across balding scalps.
Hii i have a question about derma rolling efficiency.
Can the healing process be depleted or in any way, be exhausted if used for long as if now im 18 and i start rolling today, so is their any chance that the whole reservoir of healing be empty due to regular use??
I have decided after doing a week of research that I’m giving derma rolling a go. I started last friday.
I don’t have access to the research drugs other people are using in some online records. Nor do I want to use drugs that haven’t yet passed through known saftey efficacy tests.
So my regime will continue as follows.
Topical finasteride and minoxidil, twice a day.
Stemoxidine, around 3 ml, once or twice a day. I know the jury is out on stemoxidine, but it’s cheap and available and lots of people have used it for a long time with mixed reviews. I’ll give it a whirl.
Nitzoral 2% twice a week
Alpecin shampoo e/d.
Maybe I’ll chuck in some rosemary oil before bed time. Any advice on something to go with the rosemary would be good. Might search for some pumpkin seed oils and some seaweed extracts.
Finally. I’ll dermaroll with a 1.5 192 needles roller, once a week.
I’m considering logging my progress somewhere with photos. If anyone is interested then let me know.
Hi if you create a link with your progress, I would be interested in looking at it.
I would be extremely interested too
So if I basically create a thread on any particular hair loss forum, I can link it here?
I’ve just taken some base line pics. Albeit 2.5 months on fin and minox topically. I’ve noticed a general, slight thickening all over and have had lots of miniature hair growth. So I thought I best take it now.
Not that I want to muddy the waters as im sure I am going to respond pretty well to the fin and minox. But I’ve been down this road before, a few years back, taking fin and min. So I know what to expect. I’m hoping that the dermarolling will show better results. Gradually I will steer more towards the protocol of swiss temples. Bar the fact I will continue with the topical fin and min. O have way more research to do before I head down that path. So for at least 3 months I am just sticking with the fin, min, Nitzoral, stemox and derma rolling.
Maybe add in some rosemary and castor oil.
So for people familiar with swiss temples regime, you’ll see I’m only a couple of compounds off the full protocol.
I’m in for the long haul on this one. I have nothing to lose!
Yes any link is ok. Best of luck!
Hi admin.
Link is here.
Greak skin! I will add this in my next brief items of interest post in 3 days or so.
Thanks admin. Appreciate it. Great blog!