Microneedling is a beauty technique that involves rolling small needles across the skin to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Does derma roller work for beard growth? Yes! We have great success stories from our readers who have used their DIY Microneedling Roller for beard growth, or to even fix patchy beards.
In this guide, we find out: Does Microneedling Rollers Work, do derma rollers work for beard growth, does derma roller work for hair regrowth, and do at home microneedling rollers work.
Does Microneedling Rollers Work
Microneedling is a skin care treatment that’s been gaining popularity over the last few years. But, what exactly is microneedling? Microneedling is a process that involves using a roller to puncture the top layer of skin and then using hyaluronic acid to plump up your face. It sounds like some kind of futuristic torture device, but it’s actually very safe—and it works! There are many different kinds of microneedles that you can use at home or in your dermatologist’s office. While some people swear by them (and others think they’re just silly), we’ll let you decide if this treatment method is right for you by answering these questions:
How Microneedling Works
Microneedling is a type of skin needling that uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. This helps stimulate collagen production, which can help reduce wrinkles and acne scars. The procedure is also known as dermarolling or collagen induction therapy (CIT).
In order to understand how microneedling works, it’s helpful to know what happens when you get a tattoo: The needle punctures the top layer of skin and allows ink from below to settle into your tissue before being absorbed by your body over time. Similarly, when you use a roller with microfocused tips instead of traditional needles (which are about 1/10th as long), those tiny punctures allow for greater absorption of topical ingredients meant for improving your complexion–and they do so without leaving any noticeable damage behind!
The Science Behind Microneedling Rollers
Microneedling rollers are used to create tiny punctures in the skin. These tiny holes allow for products to penetrate the skin more effectively, which can lead to faster results and improved absorption of ingredients. At the same time, these micro-injuries stimulate collagen production and cell regeneration.
When you use a microneedling roller on your face or other parts of your body (such as arms), it creates tiny perforations in your epidermis–the top layer of skin–which allows for better absorption of ingredients into deeper layers as well as greater stimulation of collagen production by fibroblasts (connective tissue cells).
Does Microneedling Really Work?
Microneedling rollers are a great way to get rid of acne scars and stretch marks, as well as improve the overall health of your skin. They work by creating microscopic wounds in the upper layer of your skin, which stimulates collagen production in that area. This causes new tissue to grow over time, repairing damage and giving you smoother, healthier-looking skin!
The best part is that microneedling rollers are safe for all ages (including pregnant women), so anyone can try them out if they’re looking for a way to improve their appearance without surgery or other treatments like lasers or IPLs (intense pulsed light). It’s also relatively inexpensive compared with those other options–you can buy one online for around $30 USD per roller set! But before we talk about how much money it costs…
Who Should Try Microneedling Rollers?
If you’re looking for a way to improve your complexion, microneedling rollers can help. These devices use tiny needles that penetrate the skin and break up any scarring or damage that’s accumulated over time. This causes new collagen production, which helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles while improving overall skin tone.
If you have acne scars on your face, microneedling rollers may be able to help with those as well–especially if they’re not too deep! The tiny needles will stimulate new collagen growth in areas where scarring has occurred, resulting in smoother-looking skin without having surgery or taking prescription medications like Accutane (although both of these options still work better than using only microneedling rollers).
While microneedling rollers seem like a miracle, they really do work.
So what is microneedling?
Microneedling is a medical treatment that uses tiny needles to create tiny wounds in the skin. The idea behind it is that these wounds will stimulate collagen production and increase cell regeneration, making your skin look younger. The needles used in this procedure are so small they’re barely visible to the naked eye (they’re usually between 0.5mm and 2mm long), but they can still cause some discomfort as they penetrate into your face or body surface area being treated.
The science behind microneedling rollers:
While this sounds like a miracle cure for wrinkles and other signs of aging skin, there’s no guarantee that it will work for everyone–and even if results are positive at first, those results may not last forever! That said, many people have seen positive results from using these rollers on various parts of their bodies (including their face). There are also plenty of ways to use these devices safely so that you won’t hurt yourself while trying them out either; make sure you follow all instructions carefully before proceeding with any treatment plan involving these tools!
do derma rollers work for beard growth
If your beard isn’t growing as full and thick as you always imagined, and you’ve tried the best beard grooming products to help, in your frustration you may be tempted to turn to alternative ideas… like a derma roller.
But does a derma roller work for beard growth?
Let’s get straight to the bottom line… A derma roller for a beard may improve its growth and thickness, or it may not. The jury is still out on it being a guaranteed tool. But it shouldn’t hurt. Well, the roller’s microneedles may feel a tad uncomfortable on your face, but the device itself shouldn’t hurt the health of your beloved face forest.
Did you say “microneedles”!?
Uh, yep. A derma roller is a cylindrical roller spiked with hundreds of tiny needles. When you roll it over your face, those needles create tiny punctures in your skin in a technique called microneedling.
Why would somebody do that to themselves?
Many reasons, actually! Derma rollers and microneedling have been around for some time as a legit method for tackling issues like acne scarring, rosacea scarring, hyper-pigmentation (dark patches), enlarged pores, and even wrinkles.
How might this work for beard growth?
Good blood circulation and healthy skin are essential for good beard growth. So is collagen, a collection of amino acids that nourishes hair follicles as well as skin.
When facial skin is punctured with microneedling, the body begins healing the damage by increasing blood flow under the skin (bringing a better flow of hair health nutrients like iron and hemoglobin) and by boosting the skin’s production of collagen.
Therefore, it makes sense to many guys that using the derma roller on their beard will increase the thickness and speed of hair growth.
However, it has to be said, the evidence is anecdotal only. There’s no scientific trend or consensus saying that it really works.
So, what does science say?
To our knowledge, there’s no reputable study saying a derma roller really benefits beard growth. Most of the studies on rollers and microneedling involve using the techniques on scalps for hair loss – and scalp hair is significantly different from beard hair. It also has to be said that these studies used rollers with needles that were significantly longer than the needles in a beard roller.
In the end, it comes down to what seems to work for you. Some dudes say their beards have grown better with regular derma roller use, but again, that isn’t scientific.
Some also speculate that a roller combined with Minoxidil (Rogaine) helped them. Here’s a blog with more info about Minoxidil for beards.
Is a beard roller safe for a beard?
In a word, yes. As long as you don’t overdo it. More is not better. Going overboard can cause damage.
Yes, there are some risks – you’re literally piercing your skin. Some guys report red, inflamed irritation from using a beard roller. For most, this problem will ease after a few days. But some find it recurs every time.
How to use a derma roller for beard growth
If you’ve tried everything else to get your patchy beard to grow thicker – especially time, because longer hairs fill out a beard better – then you may be tempted to reach for the roller to awaken those sluggish follicles.
First, choose one with needles that are either 0.25mm or 0.5mm long. No more than 0.5mm.
A 0.5mm roller can be used once, maybe twice, each week, no more. A 0.25mm can be used two to three times in a week. You need to allow your skin some time to repair before microneedling it again.
Before each use, clean your beard and face with a beard wash of impeccable quality.
Clean the roller with rubbing alcohol, then wash it and rinse it. Don’t use rubbing alcohol last because that could sting when you use the roller. Cleanliness is vital because when you’re creating micro-punctures, you don’t want to be injecting unhygienic stuff.
Roll it back and forth across your beard area in multiple directions. Don’t press too hard. When covering one area, roll up and down 5 to 10 times, then sideways, then diagonally one way, then diagonally the other way.
Don’t press too hard. Use just enough pressure for the needles to touch your skin surface, not stab deeply. On your cheeks where hair can be a bit thinner, use less pressure and maybe press your tongue against the inside of your cheeks to help contact with the roller.
When changing direction, lift the roller away. If you twist it, you risk ripping skin.
If you’re bleeding or it hurts, stop immediately.
Afterwards, apply a nourishing beard oil packed with natural ingredients. Never use an alcohol-based product, for obvious (stinging) reasons. Ouch!
Remember to wash and dip/roll the roller in rubbing alcohol after use.
does derma roller work for hair regrowth
If you’re a skincare enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of or even tried dermarolling, which is an at-home skincare treatment that utilizes a device with tiny needles to puncture the skin to boost collagen, improve product absorption, and even fade dark spots.
But as it turns out, the benefits of using a dermaroller extend beyond basic skincare — it can also be beneficial for scalp health. According to Helen Reavey, celebrity hairstylist and founder of the haircare brand Act+Acre, scalp dermarolling can help promote healthy hair growth.
So after seeing a video of Reavey dermarolling, we were curious to find out how exactly it helps as well as the right way to do it, considering dermarolling admittedly isn’t the most relaxing skincare experience for many of us. Ahead, we spoke with Reavey and other trichologists to answer our questions and learn more about the benefits of scalp derma rolling.
What Are the Benefits of Scalp Dermarolling?
According to our experts, there are plenty of benefits of dermarolling the scalp — both as a DIY at-home treatment or in tandem with other hair growth therapies.
“Dermarolling the scalp is essentially the process of causing controlled superficial trauma to the skin to trigger increased blood flow and growth factors as part of the healing process,” says Afope Atoyebi, a certified trichologist. “When used correctly, the increased blood flow and release of growth factors can stimulate hair growth as well as increase the thickness and density of the hair.”
Reavey explains that the micro-tears caused in the skin cause the body to produce stem cells, which speed up the production of natural growth hormones that promote hair growth. “Hair grows at half an inch per month, maximum and slower sometimes if you aren’t getting enough nutrients in your diet, stress, or have some scalp concerns,” says Reavey. “Dermarolling and using scalp treatments is the only way to speed up hair growth.”
Similar to skincare, the tiny punctures in the skin also help with product absorption, which is why dermarolling the scalp is proven beneficial when combined with haircare products and other treatments.
“When rolled over the scalp or hairline, a dermaroller makes it easier for the active ingredients of topicals and oils to reach the hair follicles,” says Gretchen Friese, a certified trichologist of BosleyMD.
Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, a board-certified dermatologist, agrees and says, on its own, dermarolling brings blood flow and nutrients to the scalp and stimulates growth factors. When combined with other treatments, the results are also promising.
A recent study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that combining micro-needling (the professional version of dermarolling) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) increased hair growth. Over 75 percent of the patients in the study also said they were satisfied with their results after the first session. “The study showed an increase in the number of new and total hairs and an increase in the hair shaft diameter,” says Dr. Shirazi.
In addition to increased hair growth, density, and thickness, a dermaroller can also encourage collagen production, stimulate cell turnover, and improve scalp circulation, which provides a healthier environment for hair to grow, says Friese.
Can All Hair and Scalp Types Use a Dermaroller?
“Dermarolling (when used with the correct methods and in the correct context) can be beneficial to most people,” says Atoyebi. More specifically, those with fine, thin hair or even a healthy scalp will see the benefits of dermarolling the scalp. However, Atoyebi explains that it’s most effective for those in the early stages of hair loss and less for those experiencing late stages of hair loss or total baldness.
Similarly, dermarolling could be problematic for those who have seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis. “Given that scalp conditions like these are already inflammatory responses, the added inflammation caused as part of the dermarolling process could worsen the condition or result in an infection,” Atoyebi tells InStyle.
“If you have inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis, dandruff, eczema, scalp acne, it’s best to see your dermatologist and treat these conditions before dermarolling,” advises Dr. Shirazi.
How Do You Use a Dermaroller on the Scalp?
The first step in scalp dermarolling is choosing the right tool. “Dermarolling with needles between 0.8 to 1.5 millimeters is generally quite safe to use,” says Atoyebi. “Using needles that exceed this length can go too deep into the dermis and damage the hair follicle and worsen the condition the dermarolling intended to remedy.”
Next, Reavey says it’s best to use a dermaroller on a clean, wet scalp. “First, part the hair and then roll front to back once, and then side to side without applying too much pressure.” Repeat this process all over your head in sections. “Parting the hair will help to ensure the needles can puncture the scalp adequately without getting caught in the hair and potentially damaging it,” adds Atoyebi. You can roll over the same area about four to five times, recommends Friese.
Once you’ve finished, following up with the proper scalp and haircare is necessary because the scalp will now easily absorb whatever you put on it. Opt for a product that targets any of your hair concerns. For example, if you experience androgenetic alopecia, Friese says you’ll want to follow up with a product formulated with minoxidil like the BosleyMD Hair Regrowth Treatment ($40, ulta.com).
To maintain hair health and growth, you can also opt for a hydrating serum. We recommend the Act+Acre Cold Processed Stem Cell Serum, which is a lightweight formula that feels refreshing on the scalp and also helps reduce hair thinning, dryness, and fallout, and protects against sun damage and pollution.
How Often Should You Use a Dermaroller on the Scalp?
“It depends on the length of the needles on your dermaroller,” says Friese. “The shorter the needles, like 0.25 millimeters, the more often you can use it.” She recommends every two to three days. For longer needles, like 1.5 millimeters, she recommends every couple of weeks since it punctures more deeply.
Regardless of your hair type or particular scalp condition, be careful not to overdo it because it can cause more harm than good. “Dermarolling more often doesn’t mean improved or quicker results,” says Atoyebi. “If one isn’t careful, doing so too frequently can cause short-term shedding as part of the inflammatory reaction to excessive trauma and increase the risk of infection as the skin’s barrier will be in a constant state of trauma and never get to heal properly.”
And finally, once you’ve finished dermarolling your scalp, always make sure to clean and properly store your tools. “Clean your device with rubbing alcohol after each use and be sure it’s dry before you place it back in the case,” says Dr. Shirazi. Once back in the case, store it in a cool and dry area.
Do At Home Microneedling Rollers Work
So, what is microneedling? It’s a treatment, performed either at home or in the dermatologist’s office, that includes using a tool outfitted with hundreds of teeny-tiny needles to penetrate your outermost layer of skin. Performing the treatment is said to boost collagen production, minimize the appearance of pores, fade dark spots, and enhance the effectiveness of the products you apply afterward.
“As we age, the body produces less collagen, and skin begins to lose its youthful firmness and elasticity,” says Dr. Corey L. Hartman, Birmingham-based board-certified dermatologist. “Microneedling is designed to kick the body’s natural healing process into gear to rejuvenate your skin.”
How Does Microneedling Work?
By creating hundreds of micro-injuries, the tool spurs your skin to immediately start “repairing” itself, which is what improves your overall complexion over time.
Unsurprisingly, microneedling with a lesser-grade device at home will not be as effective as an in-office treatment. A dermatologist-provided treatment uses a numbing cream and more penetrative needles to garner noticeable long-term results like scar reduction and wrinkle smoothing, especially after three to five sessions.
“If you do try it at home, choose a pen with short needles, do not apply enough pressure to break the skin and cause bleeding, and be sure to sanitize the instrument properly between uses,” Dr. Hartman recommends.
What Results Can You Expect From Microneedling?
At home, you can expect encouraging but more minimal results. After a month of testing, my skin looks decidedly smoother and more even-toned, and there’s always an instant glow behind the temporary flush. But my favorite thing about at-home microneedling, or dermarolling, is how it makes my skin feel the following day—it’s baby soft.
I also like to think I’m preventatively staving off wrinkles and fine lines, but the perfectly exfoliated softness has me going back for more. (Spoiler alert: It doesn’t hurt that bad—just tiny pinches.) My ultimate goal is to make those pores disappear into thin air, but that might take a miracle and a trip to the doctor’s office.