Microneedling for the Hairline: What the Research Shows

Microneedling is a procedure that uses fine needles to make tiny wounds in the skin, and in hair research it has been studied almost entirely for androgenetic alopecia on the scalp, usually together with minoxidil. We found no study specific to the hairline.

Here's what the trials and a systematic review report, and what they leave open.

I LOVE MY HAIR NOW

FullyVital hair serum and hair vitamins made tremendous improvements in my hair. I truly love my hair now.

Dorit S.,

Shop Hair Products

Key Takeaways

• A systematic review of 22 clinical studies (1,127 people) found microneedling improved hair measures as an add-on in androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata, with no serious adverse events among 657 people. The authors rated the data as low quality.
• In a pilot of 100 people with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia, weekly microneedling plus 5% minoxidil gave a bigger hair count increase at 12 weeks than minoxidil alone (91.4 against 22.2).
• In 60 people, 0.6 mm needles with minoxidil did better than minoxidil alone on hair count and thickness, and appeared more beneficial than 1.2 mm.
• Studies used microneedling as an add-on. We found no study specific to hairlines.

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling uses a device with fine needles, such as a dermaroller, to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. In hair research it is done on the scalp at needle depths from about 0.5 to 2.5 mm.

Does It Help The Hairline?

Not shown for the hairline specifically. The trials treated the scalp in pattern hair loss, and results were as an add-on to minoxidil.

Our Best Sellers

3-Month Growth Bundle

$269.00

Shop Hair System

Hair Revival Supplements

$47.20

Shop Vitamins

Using Microneedling Sensibly

• Get a diagnosis first. Hairline recession has several causes, and a doctor can tell them apart.
• Choose a qualified practitioner for any procedure, and ask about hygiene and depth.
• Talk to your doctor before combining it with medicines such as minoxidil.

Our Best Sellers

3-Month Growth Bundle

$269.00

Shop Hair System

Hair Revival Serum

$47.20

Shop Hair Serum

What The Research Shows

Pilot Randomized Study

In a randomized, evaluator-blinded pilot, 100 people with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia received either weekly microneedling with twice-daily 5% minoxidil or minoxidil alone for 12 weeks. The mean change in hair count was 91.4 with microneedling and minoxidil against 22.2 with minoxidil, and 82% of patients in the microneedling group reported more than 50% improvement against 4.5% with minoxidil alone (Dhurat et al., 2013).

Systematic Review

A systematic review found 22 clinical studies with 1,127 participants. Microneedling improved hair parameters as an adjunct across genders, hair loss types, needle depths of 0.50 to 2.50 mm and session frequencies from weekly to monthly. No serious adverse events were reported across 657 people receiving it. The authors described the data as relatively low quality, with large differences between studies, and recommended large randomized trials (English et al., 2022).

Needle Depth

Sixty people with moderate to severe androgenetic alopecia were allocated to minoxidil alone, or minoxidil with biweekly microneedling at 1.2 mm or 0.6 mm for 12 weeks. All groups improved, and the 0.6 mm group had a greater rise in hair count and thickness than the minoxidil-only group. The authors said that depth tended to be more beneficial than 1.2 mm (Faghihi et al., 2021).

For what people report seeing from the procedure, see microneedling before and after.

See also: How to Use a Derma Roller for Hair: What the Research Says About Technique & Safety · 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 causes in men and women and what can slow it, see our guide to receding hairlines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Does microneedling regrow a receding hairline?

We found no hairline-specific study. Trials were in androgenetic alopecia of the scalp, as an add-on to minoxidil.

Is microneedling safe?

The systematic review found no serious adverse events, but data were low quality. Ask a qualified practitioner.

How often should I do it?

Studies used weekly to monthly sessions, with different depths. A doctor can advise.

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. Faghihi G, Nabavinejad S, Mokhtari F, et al. Microneedling in androgenetic alopecia; comparing two different depths of microneedles. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021. PubMed