Microneedling for Hair Loss: What the Research Shows

Microneedling is a medical-style procedure where fine needles make tiny punctures in the scalp. In a randomized pilot of 100 men with androgenetic alopecia, adding weekly microneedling to minoxidil gave much larger hair-count gains than minoxidil alone, and a systematic review found generally favorable but low-quality results.

Here's what the studies found, what "before and after" photos can and can't tell you, and what the safety research says.

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Key Takeaways

• In a 12-week randomized pilot, men using weekly microneedling plus 5% minoxidil gained 91.4 hairs per cm² on average versus 22.2 with minoxidil alone.
• A systematic review of 22 clinical studies (1,127 subjects) found microneedling improved hair parameters as an adjunct therapy, but the data were of low quality.
• Microneedling is generally considered relatively safe, with expected redness, pain, swelling and temporary irritation.
• Results are for a procedure done with a medical-grade device. Talk to a dermatologist before trying it.

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that creates percutaneous wounds with fine needles. It's also called dermarolling when a roller device is used.

What Do Before And After Photos Show?

Before-and-after photos show one person's result at one time. They can't show how much was due to microneedling versus the other treatment used with it, and trials typically combined microneedling with a topical like minoxidil. The studies below give you a better picture than photos.

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Practical Points

• Ask a dermatologist first. Microneedling is usually studied as an add-on to another treatment, not on its own.
• Be patient. The pilot trial ran for 12 weeks.
• Don't treat open or irritated skin.

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What The Research Shows

A Randomized Pilot

100 men with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia were randomized to weekly microneedling plus twice-daily 5% minoxidil, or minoxidil alone. At week 12, the mean change in hair count was significantly greater with microneedling (91.4 vs 22.2). Blinded investigators rated forty microneedling patients at +2 to +3 on a 7-point scale versus none in the minoxidil group, and 82% of microneedling patients reported more than 50% improvement versus 4.5% (Dhurat et al., 2013). It was a pilot study.

A Systematic Review

A review of 22 clinical studies (1,127 subjects) found that as an adjunct therapy, microneedling improved hair parameters across genders and types of hair loss. Across 17 androgenic alopecia studies, it helped when paired with 5% minoxidil, growth factor solutions or PRP, and in people whose hair counts had plateaued. No serious adverse events were reported among 657 people receiving microneedling. The reviewers rated the data as relatively low quality and recommended large randomized trials (English et al., 2022).

Safety

A systematic review of 51 articles (1,029 patients) found microneedling to be a relatively safe procedure with minimal adverse effects, including expected redness, pain, swelling and temporary irritation, and noted growing use both in clinics and at home (Gowda et al., 2021).

For what the trials say about the hairline specifically, see microneedling for the hairline.

For how the tool is used step by step, see how to use a derma roller for hair.

See also: Derma Roller for Hair Growth: What the Research Shows & Safety

For the bigger picture on what helps with thinning and shedding, see our guide to how to stop hair loss.

For the ingredients with real evidence and how to choose one, see our guide to the best hair growth serums.

For how minoxidil and finasteride work, their results and side effects, see our guide to minoxidil and finasteride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does microneedling work for hair loss?

Studies show favorable results as an add-on, for example with minoxidil, but the evidence is low quality and larger trials are needed.

Is microneedling safe?

Reviews describe it as relatively safe, with mostly temporary redness, pain and swelling. Talk to a doctor first.

How long until I see results?

In the pilot trial, differences were measured at 12 weeks.

References

1. Dhurat R, Sukesh M, Avhad G, et al. A randomized evaluator blinded study of effect of microneedling in androgenetic alopecia: a pilot study. Int J Trichology. 2013. PubMed
2. English RS Jr, Ruiz S, DoAmaral P. Microneedling and Its Use in Hair Loss Disorders: A Systematic Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2022. PubMed
3. Gowda A, Healey B, Ezaldein H, et al. A Systematic Review Examining the Potential Adverse Effects of Microneedling. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2021. PubMed