Know the Truth: Does the Combination of Microneedling and Minoxidil Work?
Hair loss is a common problem in people nowadays.
According to the Hair Society, hair loss affects around 35 million men and 21 million women globally.
For individuals who experience it, loss of hair can have a negative psychological effect and lower their overall quality of life.
Minoxidil is one of the two FDA-approved treatments for hair fall.
Microneedling, a dermatological technique, is also gaining popularity in hair shredding due to its effectiveness in hair growth.
But can the two treatments be combined to decrease hair loss?
Continue reading the article to find out more about the effectiveness of microneedling and minoxidil together.
What is Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an FDA-approved topical hair loss treatment.
It is available in two forms – solution and foam and has two strengths: 2% and 5%.
Minoxidil widens the blood vessels in the scalp, which enhances blood flow to hair follicles and encourages hair growth.
It is typically safe and well tolerated by its users and is a very effective hair loss treatment.
What is Microneedling
Microneedling is a dermatological technique that involves piercing the skin with tiny needles, creating minor skin injuries.
It encourages the formation of elastin and collagen, resulting in skin remodeling.
It is a safe and minimally invasive technique mainly used to treat dermatological conditions, including Alopecia and Melasma.
Microneedling successfully promotes hair growth when paired with Platelet Rich Plasma, Topical steroids, and Minoxidil.
Can Microneedling and Minoxidil be used together for hair growth
Minoxidil and Microneedling can be great together to promote hair growth.
A study was conducted to differentiate the efficacy of microneedling with topical 5% minoxidil and minoxidil alone in treating Androgenic Alopecia among 68 men.
The results showed that the group that used Microneedling and Minoxidil together noticed a significant increase in hair growththan the group that only used Minoxidil.
But the researchers also concluded that more research was necessary to establish microneedling combined with Minoxidil as an effective therapy for Androgenetic alopecia.
Another recent study with sixty men with Androgenetic Alopecia was conducted to compare the benefits of Microneedling along with Minoxidil and Minoxidil alone.
The results again showed that Microneedling and Minoxidil showed significantly better hair growth results than those that only used Minoxidil.
As per the two studies, combining Microneedling and Minoxidil is a very effective way to decrease hair loss.
This happens because the Microneedling creates microscopic channels in the scalp, which helps better absorption of Minoxidil.
How to use Minoxidil and Microneedle together
It is essential to consult a dermatologist before using Minoxidil and Microneedling together.
If you are new to Microneedling, it is better to get the procedure done by an expert at a clinic.
But this can be expensive, so some people opt for microneedling at home.
You will need a Dermaroller for the microneedling process.
Here are a few steps to combine Minoxidil and Microneedling:
- Make sure that your scalp is clean and dry.
- Apply numbing cream if you find the Dermaroller uncomfortable
- Carefully roll them over your scalp in different directions
- Roll the Dermaroller slowly, and don’t push too hard, or it might cause irritation
- After using the Dermaroller, wash off the scalp using warm water
- When you’ve finished this procedure, apply Minoxidil to the regions of your scalp experiencing hair loss
It is recommended to use the Dermaroller once or twice a week.
More than this might irritate your scalp.
Minoxidil can be used twice a day.
It is essential to read and follow the instructions provided by the Dermaroller carefully.
Takeaway
Minoxidil and Microneedling are both effective ways of treating hair loss.
But according to studies, it has been found that Microneedling and Minoxidil together can give superior results on hair growth.
This happens because the dermaroller generates small channels in the top layer of the skin, which can aid in Minoxidil absorption.
Microneedling and Minoxidil can be used together, but one has to be cautious.
It is always recommended to consult an expert before using Microneedling and Minoxidil together.
