Clinical Scalp Microneedling For Hair Growth
Scalp microneedling utilises the body’s own healing mechanism to promote a positive hair growth action. It is the process of creating a controlled injury using a device similar to a tattoo pen containing 12 needles.
The technique is also used on the face to promote collagen formation or any part of the body to reduce scarring. More importantly (for us) clinical microneedling of the scalp can promote hair growth.
We use the DermaPro scalp microneedling machine. The powerful motor pushes the needles in and out of the skin cleanly at a depth of between 0.5mm to 1.5mm depending on the area. Some scalp areas are thicker and some people have thicker skin than others. Therefore the depth of the needle is constantly being adjusted.
We use a stamping action on the treatment area, passing over the same area 2-3 times until slight redness is achieved and a very occasional pin prick of blood can be seen. This indicates the needles have hit the correct skin depth for the treatment to be successful.
What’s the difference between clinical micro needling and home derma-rollering?
Whilst Dermarollers are widely available (wheels with pins in) and used in conjunction with hair stimulants, they largely promote improved product delivery to the hair follicle. The roller pins are not long enough to have the same action as a clinical treatment. At the same time, the pins of the roller penetrate the skin at a slight angle which can cause micro-tears
How does scalp microneedling work?
Skin cells close to the pricking channel release a signal that skin damage has occurred which stimulates growth factors and the proliferation of new cells. In turn endothelial cells stimulate the formation of new blood capillaries which is highly beneficial to the hair follicle and hair growth.
Who is scalp microneedling for?
Scalp microneedling is a stand alone or combination therapy, for anyone wishing to stimulate more hair growth. It can be combined with Minoxidil or other topical treatments as a boost. Microneedling can be used alongside Low Level Light Therapy such as the Theradome PRO LH80, this combination is particularly good for those who do not want to take medications or apply topical treatments to their scalp.
Our most common use for clinical scalp micro-needling is for Alopecia Areata. In some people, A.Areata will regrow on its own without any treatment. However, in many cases, growth can be painfully slow or not grow back at all. In A Areata the hair follicles atrophy (shrink!) if they are without active hair growth for some time. The growth factor and capillary stimulating action can be successful in giving hair growth a kickstart.
The scalp microneedling treatment process
- Wash your hair on the morning of the treatment or at least the night before. Do not apply any scalp treatments, hair stimulants or steroid lotion.
- If treating the temples or front hairline or behind the ears, apply numbing cream around 30 minutes before you arrive (which we will give you).
- Your skin is prepared by wiping the treatment area with an antiseptic cleansing lotion.
- The Dermapro needle length and machine speed are selected dependent on the area being treated.
- The treatment area is lightly stamped in a grid pattern, horizontally and vertically. This may be repeated two or three times until slight redness occurs.
- A mesotherapy cocktail is applied to further facilitate stimulation of growth factors. We use 2 different hair beneficial treatments from Hikari. One is more suited to aiding the control of hereditary hair loss but with benefits to other types of hair loss such as Alopecia Areata. The other contains higher levels of growth factor stimulating peptides and is more suitable for stimulating hair growth in Alopecia Areata or Alopecia Totalis. Sometimes we use both treatments together.
How long does it take to see results after scalp microneedling?
We normally recommend trying 4 sessions, one a month for four months. An increase in hair growth should be seen after the second treatment. As with any treatment, particularly when used on people suffering from stubborn or extensive Alopecia Areata, the results vary. Some people will see dramatic levels of hair growth after two treatments, some will only see a little after four.
Can you Use other Hair Loss Treatments at the same time as scalp microneedling?
Yes, if you are already using another treatment, we would advise adding scalp micro needling as an extra. The best hair growth results are often seen by stacking different types of treatment together. Laser (not LED) light therapy such as the Theradome PRO LH80 works well with scalp microneedling. You can combine Minoxidil or other topical treatments as well. We recommend not applying anything within 48 hours of your scalp microneedling treatment to allow full benefit of the mesotherapy treatment.
Can you treat beard or eyebrow Alopecia?
Yes we have had particular success with eyebrow and moustache alopecia. It is slow but we have seen full regrowth as a direct result of mironeedling treatment.
Are there any specific Mesotherapy treatments for in-between visits.
Yes we have a treatment called Hair-Tox used with a microneedle stamp bottle that can be used in between treatments. A stamper and bottle of Hair-Tox costs £30.
How much does scalp microneedling cost and how long is an appointment?
We allocate either a 30 or 60 minute appointment depending on the size of the area treated. A 30 minute appointment costs £100 and is suitable for under 30% scalp coverage or a few patches of Alopecia. A 60 minute appointment is for over 30% scalp coverage, this costs £150. If you need a review appointment to discuss bloods, examine hair microscopically or digitally, you need to book a review appointment at an additional charge. If you haven’t been before, you need to book a First Consultation.
