Microneedling For Hair Loss – New Insights! (Our Study)

Summary

This video delves into the effectiveness of microneedling for treating hair loss, exploring its potential as a standalone therapy and its role in enhancing other treatments like minoxidil, PRP, and oral medications. The analysis covers microneedling's ability to improve hair growth through various mechanisms, including boosting drug absorption and activating key biological pathways. The video discusses optimal needle depths, treatment frequencies, and the impact of different devices. Despite promising results, the research on microneedling is still in its early stages, with many questions left unanswered and ongoing studies being explored.

Takeaways

• 😀 Microneedling alone has shown promising results for hair regrowth, with some studies reporting significant increases in hair count, hair diameter, and density.
• 😀 Microneedling may be more effective than 5% minoxidil as a standalone therapy, though caution is needed when interpreting the data, due to varying study methods and devices.
• 😀 Microneedling appears to enhance the effectiveness of other treatments like PRP, finasteride, spironolactone, and especially minoxidil.
• 😀 Microneedling can improve minoxidil's absorption and activation, boosting its effects on the Wnt signaling pathway, which is essential for hair growth regulation.
• 😀 Combining microneedling with minoxidil may also help maintain hair gains for a longer period after discontinuing both treatments, compared to using minoxidil alone.
• 😀 Device choice for microneedling (rollers, stamps, automated pens) may not be as important as needle depth and the number of passes during treatment.
• 😀 The most effective needle depth for microneedling seems to be around 0.6 to 0.8 mm, which can be achieved using both automated pens and manual rollers.
• 😀 Microneedling sessions performed once every 7 to 14 days are generally considered the most effective and safe frequency for hair regrowth.
• 😀 There is evidence suggesting that shorter, more frequent microneedling sessions may also yield excellent results, but further research is needed.
• 😀 Research on microneedling for hair loss is still in its early stages, and best practices and methods may evolve as more studies are conducted.

Q & A

What is the effectiveness of microneedling as a stand-alone treatment for hair loss?

Microneedling can be effective for hair regrowth, with some studies showing a 15% increase in terminal hair counts over a 3-6 month period. However, the results can vary depending on the method used, such as needle length, device, and frequency of treatment.

How does microneedling enhance the effectiveness of other hair loss treatments?

Microneedling can enhance treatments like minoxidil by improving transdermal absorption, activating key enzymes (such as sulfa transferase), and amplifying the effects on hair growth pathways like the Wnt signaling pathway. This makes microneedling an effective addition for those using minoxidil or other treatments.

Can microneedling work better than minoxidil alone for hair regrowth?

Some studies suggest that microneedling may be more effective than minoxidil alone as a monotherapy. However, this conclusion is based on subgroups with differing study methods, so it's important to interpret the data cautiously.

What is the impact of microneedling on the long-term effectiveness of treatments like minoxidil?

Microneedling may increase the longevity of hair gains from treatments like minoxidil. Studies have shown that hair regrowth maintained longer after microneedling compared to using minoxidil alone, though this was based on a small subgroup analysis.

Do different microneedling devices yield different results?

The device used for microneedling (whether it's a roller, stamp, or automated pen) might not matter as much as the depth of needle penetration. The optimal needle depth seems to be between 0.6 to 0.8 mm for hair regrowth.

What needle depth is most effective for microneedling in hair loss treatments?

The most effective needle depth for hair regrowth appears to be between 0.6 to 0.8 mm. Automated pens set to this depth or manual rollers with a needle length of 1-1.5 mm can achieve similar results.

How does microneedling impact the Wnt signaling pathway in relation to hair growth?

Microneedling enhances the Wnt signaling pathway, which is crucial for hair follicle development and regeneration. This effect can help promote hair growth, even in the absence of DHT-reducing drugs like finasteride.

What is the optimal frequency for microneedling treatments for hair loss?

The optimal frequency for microneedling treatments seems to be once every 7 to 14 days, based on clinical data. However, some users have reported success with more frequent treatments, such as daily use with longer needle lengths.

Are there any differences in results between using a manual roller and an automated pen for microneedling?

While both manual rollers and automated pens can be effective, the needle depth and number of passes matter more than the device itself. However, automated pens provide more consistent depth and coverage, while rollers are subject to user variability.

Is microneedling safe for long-term use in hair regrowth treatments?

Microneedling is generally considered safe for long-term use when applied at proper intervals (every 7-14 days) and with appropriate needle depths. However, overuse or improper technique could lead to potential damage to the scalp or follicles.