Most people are all too familiar with hair loss. It seems to affect everyone: our friends, colleagues, families, and of course, ourselves. Even though we don’t always talk about it, hair loss and hair thinning affect the vast majority of men and women over the age of 65 and nearly 40% of Canadian men will have noticeable hair loss by the age of 35. This is the reality of aging, hormonal changes and lack of nutrition: slowing hair growth, thinning and loss of hair. If you have begun to lose your hair, you are not alone in your feelings of isolation or reduced self-confidence. Losing your hair at anytime, especially earlier than expected, can take a major toll on your well-being. This is worsened by the fact that when you finally try to access treatment, most therapies range significantly in effectiveness, cost and side effects, leaving you feeling at a loss for the best course of action. The good news is that scientists and patients are excited about the prospects of a new treatment for hair loss, microneedling!
Microneedling is a minimally-invasive procedure which is becoming a popular and effective treatment option for most forms of hair loss. Also known as skin needling, mesoneedling or mesotherapy, recent research demonstrated that microneedling is able to improve blood circulation with lymphatic derange, and deliver necessary active ingredients such as growth factors, vitamins and minerals to the sites of treatment, helping activate the body’s ability to grow hair naturally. Although microneedling is used to treat a variety of dermatological conditions, it has shown explicit promise in the stimulation of hair follicle growth for treatment of most types of hair loss. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most frequently asked questions related to microneedling for hair loss and suggest how you can start the procedure yourself at IGBeauty Laser & Skin Clinic in Toronto.
Can microneedling help with hair loss? How does microneedling help with hair growth?
Rec
ently, scientists have demonstrated that microneedling is an effective treatment to stimulate hair growth. One clinical trial demonstrated that men using microneedling for hair loss experienced significantly increased hair growth over the span of several months, in comparison to treatment with one of the leading topical products. Although further research needs to be completed, scientists predict microneedling is able to facilitate hair growt. The micro punctures induce the body’s wound healing response, resulting in the recruitment of different proteins that stimulate cell growth. An added benefit of treatment is the improved absorption of topical products that may be used in addition to microneedling. Together, the combination of these two treatments has shown incredible promise in stimulating hair growth.
Is home care Dermaroller treatment effective for hair growth?
The short answer-yes! Several clinical trials determined that home care Dermaroller treatments with professional microneedling procedures by eDermaStamp and U225 meso gun successfully treated most types of hair loss. Recent work has demonstrated that microneedling stimulates the wound healing process, allowing increased collagen production and hair follicle stimulation. Remember, if you are using a topical treatment in addition to the microneedling procedure, you will want to massage the treatment into the scalp prior to using the derma roller. This will facilitate absorption and improve efficacy of the topical agent. Derma rollers of several sizes have been shown to efficiently induce hair growth.
Are there any side effects or risks of microneedling for hair loss?
One of the most common side effects of microneedling is slight redness and minor irritation of the skin or scalp immediately following treatment. This will disappear within 1-2 days; the average time it takes for the body to heal the micro wounds. Additionally, if microneedling treatment is combined with the application of a topical product for hair loss, another common side affect is both dryness and increased irritation. This is predominantly due to the alcohol present in many common topical treatments, so choosing a solution without alcohol can help reduce or even eliminate these side effects. Generally, microneedling for hair loss is not a painful process, but some individuals may experience a mild pricking sensation during the treatment.
How soon will I see results? How many treatments are needed?
As with many procedures, results can vary significantly depending on your genetics, health condition, stress level and diet. It is recommended that you start with professional treatments. Depending on severity of the case, you will need 4-8 professional microneedling sessions with eDermaStamp or U225 meso gun, 2-4 weeks apart. This would then be followed by home care treatments with a Dermaroller, 1-2 times per week, between each professional session. Most experts suggest that the average person will need between 2-6 months of professional and home care treatments.
Is DIY or professional microneedling more effective for hair loss? What is the difference between professional and DIY microneedling?
As with the majority of dermatology-based treatments, professional microneedling is an important consideration when beginning treatments. Professionals have access to more advanced equipment, including microneedling pens which allow for variation in the depth of needle and number of penetrations per second. These treatments are usually conducted every 2-4 weeks and on average 4-8 sessions are required to see significant hair growth. This professional equipment provides a more robust and consistent treatment and can produce results more rapidly.
Home care Dermarollers have a needle length of no more than 0.25-0.5mm. Dermarollers with a longer needle length are not recommended for home use.
Another important consideration for at-home versus professional microneedling is cleanliness. If an at-home Dermaroller has longer needles than recommended and is not disposable or properly sterilizes, there is an increased risk of side effects, including infection. Professionals are trained in completing the procedure using aseptic (sterile) technique and they provide detailed instructions for keeping the scalp clean and moisturized following treatment.
The rapid and clear results achieved through professional microneedling treatments are due to both access to more advanced microneedling technologies, and to professional training in application techniques. The right use and application of microneedling is very important for achieving optimal treatment, including full coverage of the affected area, and this is most easily accomplished by a professional. On the other hand, home Dermaroller treatment with appropriate needle size is very important for a complete hair loss treatment program.
Now, you may be wondering how you can access microneedling for hair loss treatment, or how you might be able to find out more information. At IGBeauty, we can provide you with any service related to microneedling for hair loss. This can include helping you access professional treatments and providing you with the best at-home equipment. Call 416-484-4884 or visit our website to book a consultation with IGBeauty Laser & Skin Clinic to discuss your treatment options. We can help determine the best course of action for treating your hair loss with microneedling, or you can also find out about our other microneedling treatment options for scar, stretch mark or aging reduction. No matter what you are looking for, our consultants can help you plan your skin care or hair growth journey today!
