Will Microneedling Damage my Hair Follicles?

Fact checked by Mark Johnson
Last Updated: May 30, 2022

Microneedling is a popular beauty treatment that involves using a device to create tiny punctures in the skin. The minor injuries prompt the body to produce new collagen and elastin, which can improve the skin’s appearance.

While this skin treatment is most well known as a way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and scars, it can also be used to stimulate hair growth.

However, some people might wonder if microneedling can damage hair follicles due to the puncturing of the skin.

In this article, we’ll discuss:

Keep reading to learn more about microneedling and how it affects hair follicles.

Microneedling alone will not damage hair follicles. In fact, the treatment may actually help to stimulate hair growth.

Can Microneedling Damage Hair Follicles?

Microneedling alone will not damage hair follicles. In fact, the treatment may actually help to stimulate hair growth.

The tiny punctures made by the needles stimulate the release of cytokines and growth factors that promote healing. These substances also play a role in hair growth. The increase in blood flow also helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth. For this reason, microneedling can be used as an effective treatment for hair loss.

However, improper microneedling done with needles that are too long can damage hair follicles underneath the scalp. This can lead to inflammation and scarring, which can eventually damage the hair follicles and cause them to stop growing.

To avoid this, it’s essential to be careful when choosing a provider. Make sure to select a licensed professional who has experience with the treatment.

Dermaplaning vs Microneedling

Microneedling and dermaplaning are both popular skin treatments that can be used to improve the appearance of the skin.

Dermaplaning involves using a sharp blade to remove dead skin cells and vellus hair from the skin’s surface. This can leave the skin feeling smooth and can help to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars.

Unlike dermaplaning, microneedling involves using a device to create tiny punctures in the skin. The small injuries left by this process prompt the body to produce new collagen and elastin. Both treatments can be used to improve the appearance of the skin. However, dermaplaning is more of a superficial treatment, while microneedling can be used to target deeper layers of the skin.

Both treatments can be done at a dermatologist’s office or spa. Dermaplaning is typically more expensive than microneedling and requires more frequent treatments.

And unlike microneedling, dermaplaning can’t be used to stimulate hair growth.

Microneedling vs Botox

Like microneedling, Botox is a common treatment that can be used as an anti-aging measure and improve the appearance of the skin.

Botox is a minimally invasive treatment that involves injecting a small amount of botulinum toxin into the muscles around the eyes or forehead. This can help to improve the appearance of crow’s feet and other fine lines and wrinkles.

And as mentioned before, microneedling uses tiny punctures to stimulate collagen and elastin production. This can help to improve the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and other skin imperfections.

Both treatments can be used to improve the appearance of the skin. However, they work in different ways. Botox temporarily paralyzes the muscles around the eyes, while microneedling works by stimulating collagen and elastin production that helps plump up the skin and fill in wrinkles.

FAQs

How do you use microneedling for hair loss?

Microneedling can be used to help stimulate hair growth. The tiny punctures made by the needles stimulate the release of cytokines and growth factors that promote healing. These substances also play a role in hair growth. The increase in blood flow also helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth.

How often should you microneedle for hair loss?

For best results, it’s recommended to microneedle once a week for six to eight weeks. After that, you can reduce the frequency to once a month.

Stop the treatment and consult a licensed professional if you notice any redness, swelling, or other side effects.

What are the risks of microneedling?

Microneedling is a safe and effective treatment when performed by a licensed professional. However, there is a risk of side effects, such as redness, swelling, and bruising. There is also a risk of infection if the needles are not sterile.

Further, microneedling can damage hair follicles if the needles are too long. For this reason, it’s crucial to choose a licensed professional who has experience with the treatment.

Is the hair regrowth from microneedling permanent?

Yes, the hair regrowth from microneedling is permanent. However, it’s essential to continue the treatment to maintain the results. If the treatment is stopped, the hair follicles will go back to their resting phase, and the hair will stop growing and may even fall out.

How long does it take for hair to grow back after microneedling?

It typically takes four to six weeks for the hair to start growing back after your first microneedling treatment. However, it can take up to 12 weeks for the full effects of the treatment to be seen.

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Jason Hughes
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