Poking holes into hair loss: A review of microneedling to treat alopecia.
Hair loss, medically termed alopecia, is more than just a condition, it can take a serious toll on an individuals self esteem and mental health. From medications like minoxidil to in-clinic approaches like Platelet-Rich Plasma or even hair transplants, many people are trying to combat hair loss. One treatment in particular is gaining popularity and its microneedling!
You’ve probably heard of microneedling for skin, but did you know it’s being used to treat hair loss too? The procedure involves using small, sterile and medical grade needles to create micro injuries in the scalp. Often times hair growth serums will be needled in at the same time. Sounds intense, but it's really all about stimulating the body’s natural healing process to give the hair follicles a boost.
So, what makes this approach so exciting? Well, microneedling for alopecia is non invasive, generally affordable, and a seemingly quick treatment, making it a great alternative to pricier treatments. However, while it’s gaining popularity, there’s still a need for more research to confirm just how effective it is and the best protocol to apply. Right now, many studies have been of a small scale, with mixed results. So, we’re still determining the perfect treatment depth, frequency, and long term outcomes.
With these microneedling devices becoming so popular and easily accessible, it’s important to highlight how this treatment should not be done at home. Without proper training or guidance, there’s a real risk of scarring or infections. That’s why it's so important to follow evidence-based practices (EBP) in the clinical aesthetic world and leave the tricky treatments to the professionals!
What Is Evidence-Based Practice, Anyway?
EBP sounds fancy, but really it’s just about making decisions based on solid research. In the case of treating alopecia, it means clinicians should be using treatments supported by science, professional experience, and patient preferences.
Why is this so important? Well, when it comes to microneedling, we need a clear, science backed approach. Sure, there’s a lot of excitement surrounding this treatment, but we still need a solid standardised protocol to ensure everyone’s on the same page when it comes to safety and efficacy.
So, What’s the Hold-Up?
Here’s the tough part - there isn’t enough large scale research yet. We need bigger studies (think hundreds of people, not just a handful) to really understand the best needle depth, frequency of treatment, and potential side effects over a long term period. The lack of studies to support this approach can make some clinicians hesitant to recommending microneedling for alopecia, leaving patients unsure if it’s worth trying. EBP is all about avoiding risks like scarring or infection while delivering the best possible results. Plus, when you know the treatment is backed by science, it just feels better, right?
The Bottom Line
Microneedling for alopecia is a growing treatment approach, and for good reason—it’s non-invasive, generally affordable, and shows promise. I have personally seen some incredible results utilising this approach. But we’re not quite there yet in terms of solid evidence. To truly capture the power of microneedling, we need more studies, standard protocols, and more education for therapists to ensure patients are getting safe and effective outcomes.
In the meantime, if you’re looking to try microneedling for hair loss, make sure you’re seeing a trained professional who uses evidence-based practices. After all, your scalp deserves the best!
References
Aboud, A. M. A., Syed, H. A., & Zito, P. M. (2024, February 26). Alopecia. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538178/
Litchman, G., Nair, P. A., Badri, T., & Kelly, S. E. (2022, September 26). Microneedling. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459344/
Fertig, R., Gamret, A., Cervantes, J., & Tosti, A. (2017). Microneedling for the treatment of hair loss? JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 32(4), 564–569. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.14722