A less invasive cosmetic technique called microneedling is
commonly used to enhance hair growth, minimize wrinkles and scars, and
rejuvenate skin. Using this method, regulated micro-injuries are made to the
scalp to promote natural healing processes that benefit the skin and hair
follicles.
Most people have microneedling treatments done at a clinic
by a physician or aesthetician. These experts have access to top-notch
microneedling equipment that can emit radiofrequency or have programmable
needle lengths.
How Hair Loss Microneedling Operates?
By using tools like a dermaroller or dermapen to make tiny,
precise punctures on the scalp, microneedling produces microwounds. The body's
innate ability to heal wounds is triggered by these little damage. This facilitates
the loss of hair by:
Boosting the Blood Supply to the Scalp
The microscopic punctures made during the microneedling
process result in improved blood circulation, which helps supply the hair
follicles with more nutrients and oxygen. Thus, healthy hair growth is
encouraged.
Turning on Stem Cells
It is thought that microneedling activates the stem cells
that are present in hair follicles and are essential for hair growth and
repair.
Encouraging Growth Factor Release
Growth factors that aid in skin repair and new hair growth,
such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF),
and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), are released in response to
microwounds created by microneedling.
Using Microneedling At Home To Treat Hair Loss
You can do microneedling for hair loss at home, but in order to get the most out of it and reduce the risks, you must approach cautiously and use the right techniques. To securely microneedle at home, you'll need the following:
- A microneedling tool, such as a dermapen or dermaroller. The
needle length (usually 0.5 to 2 millimeters) should be adjusted for hair loss.
- Solution of disinfectant (like isopropyl alcohol)
- A tiny container or dish for your disinfectant
- A mild shampoo
- A comb or other hair-parting tool (if the hair is longer
than a few inches)
- Pristine towels
- Gloves with protection, such as nitrile (optional)
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
- Verify that you have everything you need.
- Make sure the workspace and your hands are clean.
- Allow the comb and any other parts of the microneedling
device that will come into direct contact with your skin to sit in alcohol for
around 20 minutes to ensure they are well-cleaned. Before using the comb and
gadget, let them air dry.
Step 2: Get Your Scalp Ready
- Use a light shampoo to wash your hair and scalp to get rid
of debris and oils.
- Using a fresh towel, pat dry your hair and scalp.
- If your hair is longer than a few inches, separate your
scalp with a comb to make microneedling easier.
Step 3: Utilize The Needling Instrument
- Hold the microneedling tool while using very light pressure.
- Starting with the initial portion of skin, either glide your
dermapen over the area of skin or roll your dermaroller vertically over your
scalp while maintaining light pressure.
- To create a crisscross pattern, roll or glide horizontally,
then diagonally in both directions.
- Refrain from applying excessive pressure or repeatedly
touching the same area. The idea is not to inflict harm or discomfort, but
rather to induce micro-injuries.
- Proceed with this procedure on every area of your scalp.
Step 4: Scrubbing And Sanitizing The Equipment
- After every usage, give the microneedling device a thorough
cleaning by wiping it off with a sterile wipe and running soapy water over any
parts that come into direct contact with skin.
- Should you plan to reuse any parts of the device that come
into close touch with flesh, sanitize them by immersing them in alcohol for
approximately 20 minutes.
- Before storing, let the gadget air dry entirely.
After-Microneedling Hair And Scalp Maintenance
Following microneedling, it's typical for the treated area
of your scalp to experience some redness, swelling, and discomfort. But, you
must take special care of your scalp during this period, shield it from the sun
and heat, and take preventative measures to avoid infection.
Anticipate Inflammation And Irritation
After microneedling, the majority of people have at least
minor redness and edema. Thankfully, symptoms normally go away in a day or two.
Hold Off On Applying Topical
It is advisable to wait 24 to 48 hours following microneedling before reapplying a topical hair loss product to your scalp. You can still achieve a synergistic effect between your topical hair loss product and microneedling, so don't panic. All it does is lessen your chance of experiencing adverse effects. Applying a topical right before or after microneedling may make you more susceptible to adverse consequences, such as irritation. If more of the medication enters your body, you could potentially raise the risk of systemic side effects.
Steer Clear Of Direct Sunlight
It's advisable to stay out of the sun on the day of the
microneedling procedure. Wear a head covering or use sunscreen with an SPF of
30 or higher in the days after your microneedling treatments to help protect
your skin.
Stop The Infection
For the first two days following microneedling, you should refrain from intense perspiration (whether from exercise or a sauna) and swimming in pools, hot tubs, and the ocean to prevent infection on your skin. Sweating can block pores, which can lead to infection and inflammation. In a similar vein, germs can more easily infect your skin after microneedling and are found in bodies of water. Additionally, you should know that open wounds, diseased skin, or active acne are not good candidates for microneedling. It could exacerbate acne and lead to the spread of skin infections.
How Successful Is At-Home Microneedling For Hair Loss?
The efficacy of microneedling in addressing hair loss varies
greatly from patient to patient. The underlying reason of the person's hair
loss and the length of time they have been suffering symptoms are usually
determining factors in effectiveness. As of right now, there are no medications
that can reverse the genetic component of androgenetic alopecia or cure the
disorder. Nonetheless, a number of hormonal treatments for hair loss are
available, including topical and oral dutasteride, finasteride, and investigational
therapies like pyrilutamide, which is presently undergoing clinical studies.
The constancy of treatment is another element that can
impact the efficacy of microneedling. Microneedling must be used often on the
scalp, just like all other hair loss therapies, in order to stop androgenetic
alopecia from progressing. On the other hand, microneedling can be used as
little as once per few weeks, in contrast to other hair loss therapies that
require daily application.
Microneedling is a potentially effective treatment for hair loss, especially when combined with other oral and topical therapies. To treat
your hair loss with microneedling at home, be sure to set reasonable
expectations. Hair renewal occurs gradually and is controlled by the hair growth
cycle. Since your hair can only grow at a specific rate, it may take several
months before hair loss treatments start to show results.
In Summary
Recent research has demonstrated that the minimally invasive cosmetic procedure known as microneedling can enhance hair growth. It works especially well when paired with other therapies for hair loss, like minoxidil and platelet-rich plasma therapy.
Although microneedling is a possible treatment for hair loss, it is probably going to work best when carried out under the guidance of a dermatologist or other certified specialist. They can guarantee that the process is carried out securely, with the appropriate tools and methods, and they can create a thorough treatment plan that is customized to meet your individual requirements.
Please book an appointment with the best Dermatologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.