Hair loss is an increasingly common health problem that affects not only the appearance but also the psychology of the sufferer. More than 50% of adults experience thinning or balding hair, especially in men. Traditional treatments are often ineffective or have unwanted side effects.
With the development of technology and medical research, derma rolling has become a potential solution, bringing unexpected effects in stimulating hair growth and improving scalp health.
What is Derma Roller?
Derma Roller is a skincare tool that uses tiny needles to stimulate cell regeneration and improve the skin. Widely used in the cosmetic industry, this device is used for facial treatments and other areas, such as the scalp, to promote hair growth.
Structure and operating principle
A derma roller has a roller head containing thousands of tiny needles, usually ranging in size from 0.25mm to 2mm. When rolled on the skin surface, these needles create micro-wounds, stimulating the body to produce collagen and elastin, two important factors that help firm and rejuvenate the skin. At the same time, derma rolling also improves the absorption of nutrients from serums or treatment creams.
Application in treatment
Not only helping to fade dark spots and acne scars, derma rollers are also used to treat hair loss and improve the condition of thin hair. These physical effects help restore hair follicles, restoring healthy new hair growth.
How does microneedling promote hair growth?
Microneedling, a prominent method in cosmetic treatment, has proven extremely effective in promoting hair growth. The mechanism of this method is based on the principle of stimulating the body to self-heal by creating micro-wounds on the scalp, thereby enhancing the cell regeneration process.
Stimulates collagen and elastin production
The small needles on the roller head create micro-injuries, helping to stimulate the growth of scalp stem cells and increase the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen is important in nourishing and strengthening hair follicles, while elastin keeps the scalp healthy and flexible, creating ideal conditions for hair regrowth.
Enhances blood circulation
The microneedling process helps improve scalp blood circulation, providing nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. This allows weak or dormant hair follicles to recover and grow healthily.
Combined with treatment products
When combined with serum or minoxidil, microneedling increases the absorption of nutrients, helping to promote the effectiveness of hair loss treatment and bringing clear results in a short time.
Benefits of Using Derma Rollers for Hair Growth
Dermatological rollers, also known as derma rolling, are increasingly used to treat hair loss and stimulate growth. This method creates micro-injuries on the scalp, stimulating important physiological processes that help improve new hair growth.
Stimulate hair follicle regeneration
When the derma roller comes into contact with the scalp, the tiny needles cause micro-injuries, increasing collagen and elastin production. These proteins help regenerate hair follicles, providing an ideal environment for growth, especially in areas with thinning hair.
Improve circulation and nutrient supply
Dermatological rollers increase blood circulation under the skin, allowing nutrients and oxygen to easily reach the hair follicles. This helps improve hair growth, nourish the hair from the roots, and promote a healthy scalp.
Increase the effectiveness of treatment products
Using a derma roller combined with products such as minoxidil or hair serum will help increase the absorption of nutrients, thereby increasing the effectiveness of hair loss treatment and regrowth.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Derma Roller for Hair Growth
Using a derma roller to stimulate hair growth is effective, but it requires precision and persistence. To maximize effectiveness and avoid damaging the scalp, here are detailed instructions on the necessary steps when using a derma roller.
Step 1: Prepare the tools and scalp
Before use, clean the derma roller with 70% alcohol or a disinfectant solution to ensure safety. Next, wash your hair and scalp to remove dirt and excess oil, making the rolling more effective.
Step 2: Apply the rolling technique
Move the derma roller to the areas of the scalp with thinning hair in horizontal, vertical, and diagonal directions. Roll gently to create micro-injuries without causing pain or bleeding. Repeat this process for 5 to 10 minutes in each area.
Step 3: After Rolling
Once finished, you can apply serum or hair loss medication (like minoxidil) to enhance the effect, as the roller helps increase the absorption of nutrients. Avoid washing your hair for at least 24 hours after rolling for optimal results.
Step 4: Clean the roller again
Finally, clean the derma roller with alcohol to avoid bacteria causing infection before the next use.
Choosing the right derma roller for hair growth
Choosing the right derma roller is crucial to treating hair loss and stimulating growth. A quality, suitable derma roller will help optimize effectiveness and ensure scalp safety, while an unsuitable device can cause damage or not deliver the desired results.
The right needle size
Choosing the needle length is key. Rollers with needles ranging from 0.25mm to 1.5mm are commonly used for the scalp. For beginners, needles of 0.25mm to 0.5mm are ideal, helping to stimulate blood circulation and collagen production without causing deep damage. Longer needles (0.75mm - 1.5mm) are suitable for those with severely thinning hair or who need deeper penetration.
Roller material and design
Choose a derma roller with needles made from stainless steel, as it ensures durability and is easy to clean. The roller head design must also be sturdy and easy to use to avoid causing damage to the scalp when moving.
Brand and origin
When choosing a roller, prioritize products from reputable brands with quality and safety certifications. This helps minimize the risk of infection or scalp irritation, providing optimal treatment results.
How often should you use a derma roller?
The frequency of using a derma roller plays an important role in optimizing hair loss treatment results without damaging the scalp. Overuse can lead to irritation, while proper use will promote effective hair regeneration.
The frequency of use depends on the needle size
With a roller with short needles (0.25mm - 0.5mm), you can use it 2 to 3 times a week. These short needles help stimulate blood circulation and increase nutrient absorption without causing deep damage to the scalp. However, if using longer needles (0.75mm - 1.5mm), reduce the frequency to once a week to avoid inflammation or irritation.
Listen to your body and scalp
Monitoring the scalp's reaction after each rolling session is especially important. Suppose you experience redness or sensitivity; space out the use and allow your scalp time to recover. Being patient and following the instructions will help you achieve optimal results without experiencing any side effects.
Combining Derma Rollers with Hair Growth Treatments
When combining derma rollers with hair growth treatments, you can achieve superior results in improving hair loss and promoting new hair growth. This method enhances the absorption of treatment products and optimizes the stimulating effects from within.
Enhance the effectiveness of minoxidil
When using minoxidil, combining derma rollers will increase the absorption of the drug, helping nutrients penetrate deep into the hair follicles. Stimulating blood circulation and creating micro-wounds on the scalp will make minoxidil more effective, promoting hair growth quickly and effectively.
Use herbal oils and peptides
Herbal oils such as castor oil, grapefruit oil, coconut oil, and peptide serum will help nourish hair follicles and strengthen new hair growth. When using a derma roller, the nutrients from these products will penetrate the scalp optimally, helping the treatment process achieve outstanding results.
Restore and regenerate hair follicles
In addition to using treatment products, combining a derma roller with additional therapies, such as a diet rich in biotin, vitamin D, and essential minerals, will support hair follicle regeneration, providing long-term and sustainable results.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Derma Rollers for Hair Growth
Many scientific studies have shown that a derma roller can effectively promote hair growth, especially in treating hair loss and baldness. These studies show that derma rolling effectively stimulates hair follicles and improves scalp health.
Research on the effects of micro-needling
A prominent study published in the International Journal of Trichology found that combining microneedling with minoxidil was twice as effective in treating hair loss as using minoxidil alone. The micro-injuries caused by derma rolling help increase blood circulation and create a favorable environment for hair growth.
Stimulate collagen and regenerate hair follicles
Studies have also shown that derma rolling promotes collagen and elastin production, two important factors in the regeneration and maintenance of healthy hair follicles. The stem cells in the scalp are stimulated, helping to restore weakened hair follicles and support new hair growth.
Results from clinical trials
Clinical trials conducted on patients with androgenetic alopecia (genetic baldness) showed positive results after several months of treatment with microneedling. These patients showed a significant improvement in hair density and reduced hair thinning.
Potential Risks and Precautions
While derma rolling effectively promotes hair growth, improper use can pose some potential risks. It is important to understand these risks to apply the method safely and effectively.
Scalp irritation and inflammation
One of the common risks of using a derma roller is scalp irritation or inflammation. The microscopic damage can cause sensitivity, redness, or itching if not done properly. To prevent this, always thoroughly clean the roller and your scalp before use, and avoid rolling too hard or too long on your skin.
Infection and bacterial contamination
A derma roller that is not properly sterilized can be a source of bacterial contamination, leading to serious infections. To prevent this, always use 70% alcohol or disinfectant to clean the roller before and after each use. Also, avoid rolling the needles on your scalp if you have an existing wound or infection.
Side Effects and Overuse
Overuse of the derma roller can lead to deep damage or inflammation, causing pain and itching. To avoid this, follow the instructions on frequency of use, only doing it one to three times a week, depending on the size of the needles, and always listen to how your body reacts.
Conclusion
Dermatology has proven highly effective in stimulating hair growth, especially with specialized treatments. It works by stimulating the hair follicles and increasing blood circulation, thereby supporting new hair growth.
However, to achieve optimal results, proper technique and hygiene are essential. Long-term benefits can be achieved if the procedure is correctly combined with the right hair care products.
Despite its great potential, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take the necessary precautions to ensure scalp safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Does derma rolling hurt? – Derma rolling causes a slight tingling or discomfort, but it is not always painful. Depending on the needle size and technique used, this sensation can vary from person to person.
- How long does it take to see results from using a derma roller? – Results can be seen after 2-3 months of regular use. However, the rate of hair growth depends on many factors, such as the initial condition of the hair and the combination with other treatments.
- Can derma rolling be used for all hair types? – Derma rolling can be used for most hair types, but the effectiveness will depend on the cause of hair loss. Consult a doctor for those with severe hair loss or a medical condition.
- Can derma rolling cause more hair loss? – In the early stages, there may be temporary hair loss due to stimulation of the hair follicles. However, this usually subsides after a few weeks as new hair begins to grow.
- Should you combine a derma roller with other hair growth treatments? – Combining a derma roller with minoxidil or herbal oils can enhance its effectiveness. Derma rollers help improve the absorption of nutrients, promoting faster and healthier hair growth.