The science behind derma rolling

Due to its scientifically proven success rate, Derma Rolling has recently gained favour in the hair loss community. Several studies have examined and contrasted the efficacy of derma rolling with and without other traditional hair loss therapies.

The top 6 studies on the topic are: [click to go  through to the study]

1. A Randomized Evaluator Blinded Study of Effect of Microneedling in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Pilot Study

2. Microneedling in androgenetic alopecia; comparing two different depths of microneedles

3. A randomized controlled, single-observer blinded study to determine the efficacy of topical minoxidil plus microneedling versus topical minoxidil alone in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia

4. Response to Microneedling Treatment in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Who Failed to Respond to Conventional Therapy

5. Microneedling for the treatment of hair loss?

6. Repeated Microneedle Stimulation Induces Enhanced Hair Growth in a Murine Model

A Randomized Evaluator Blinded Study of Effect of Microneedling in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Pilot Study

Reference 1 is the most often cited and popular study. The goal of the study was to examine if there was a difference between persons who derma rolled and used Minoxidil vs. people who only used Minoxidil. The research demonstrates derma rolling's true potential (also called microneedling)."The mean change in hair count at week 12 was significantly greater for the Microneedling group compared to the Minoxidil group". 

According to the study's graph [also shown below], the group that solely used Minoxidil had an average of 17 new hairs develop in 12 weeks. Within 12 weeks, the group who did both derma rolling and using Minoxidil had an average of 91 new hairs. That's a 5x increase in hair growth for the group that used both derma rolling and minoxidil.

Response to Microneedling Treatment in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Who Failed to Respond to Conventional Therapy

Reference 3 set out to find the impact of derma rolling on people who had unsuccessful results with conventional therapy. These subjects were on Finasteride and Minoxidil for 2 to 5 years with no new hair growth.

The results from the study were extremely exciting for everyone struggling with hair loss. " All patients showed a response of + 2 to + 3 on standardized 7-point evaluation scale. The response in the form of new hair growth started after 8-10 sessions. The patients’ satisfaction was more than 75% in three patients and more 50% in one patient, on patients’ subjective hair growth assessment scale."

(a, b, c) Hair regrowth at the end of 1^st month, 3^rd month and at the end of 6 months (+3 response) noted in patient 4

 
Although it is early days for derma rolling research these initial studies provide promising results for future studies and derma roller users.