If you're considering using minoxidil with dermaroller to stimulate hair growth, you're probably also wondering if it's worth the investment.
In this post, we'll take a closer look at how minoxidil and dermaroller work and share some of the pros and cons of using one.
You will better understand whether you should use a dermaroller with minoxidil, and what other options are there?
What is dermarolling?
Dermarolling, also known as micro-needling, is a cosmetic procedure that involves using a device with tiny needles to puncture the skin. The goal of dermarolling is to promote collagen production, which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, acne scars, and stretch marks.
Another effect caused by this micro-needling is that it opens up microscopic channels so minoxidil can easily absorb into your scalp.
Dermarollers help treat receding hairlines, hair loss, and balding.
While dermarolling may sound like a painful process, the needles used are usually only about 0.5 mm long.
Most people report feeling only a mild prickling sensation. Dermarolling is typically done once every four to six weeks, and no downtime is required afterward. Some people may experience temporary redness or swelling. Still, these side effects will typically resolve within a day or two.
Dermarolling is considered a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of the skin, and it can be performed on almost any area of the body.
What is minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a popular hair loss treatment available over the counter and by prescription. The active ingredient in minoxidil is a vasodilator, which helps to widen blood vessels and increase blood flow to the scalp.
This increased blood flow from minoxidil is thought to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. Minoxidil is available in topical (foam and liquid) and oral forms and is typically used once or twice daily.
With those benefits, minoxidil is used extensively in the treatment of frontal baldness and other hair loss issues.
Minoxidil's most common side effects are mild scalp irritation and temporary hair shedding. However, in rare cases, minoxidil can cause more severe side effects, such as chest pain, rapid heart rate, fainting, erectile dysfunction, or swollen hands/feet.
If you experience these side effects, you should immediately stop using minoxidil and consult a doctor.
Can you use minoxidil with a dermaroller?
Minoxidil is a popular treatment for hair loss, but can you use it with a dermaroller? The answer is yes!
Minoxidil is a topical solution applied directly to the scalp, so there is no risk of it being absorbed into the skin.
Additionally, the dermaroller creates microscopic channels in the top layer of skin, which can help to improve the absorption of minoxidil.
So, if you are looking for an effective way to treat hair loss, using minoxidil with a dermaroller is an excellent option to speed up results.
How to choose the best dermaroller?
If there's anything that you should buy high-end, it's a dermaroller.
After all, the needles will penetrate your scalp, so you want something that's made out of good materials that won't cause any nasty infection.
The shape of the dermaroller is also important, as well-thought-out designs will allow you to easily and completely dermaroll your scalp, ensuring even hair growth.
Lastly, the material should be durable. Dermaroller isn't disposable, so opting for high-quality ones that last a lifetime is better for your wallet, your hair growth and the environment than cheap ones that snap in half or deteriorate.
You can of course spend hours on end researching for one that has all those features, or you can instantly get a luxurious-feeling dermaroller delivered to your doorsteps.
Enjoy a luxurious dermarolling experience
How to use a dermaroller with minoxidil?
Here are six steps you can take to ensure your minoxidil dermarolling experience:
- Make sure that your scalp is clean and dry.
- Take the dermaroller and carefully roll it over your scalp in different directions. Be sure to go slowly and not press too hard, as this irritates you. After you have rolled the dermaroller over your scalp, apply a generous amount of minoxidil (here's how much) to your head and massage it in. then, wash your hands thoroughly.
- Wait for the minoxidil to dry before applying it to your scalp.
- Once the minoxidil is dry, apply a generous amount of conditioner to your head and massage it.
- Rinse your head with cold water.
- Use a towel to dry your hair and style as usual.
- Repeat the dermaroller use once every two days for the best results.
How often should you use a dermaroller for hair loss?
A dermaroller is a popular tool for hair loss, but how often should you use it to see results? The answer may surprise you. dermarolling is most effective when performed every other day.
That's right - using the dermaroller daily can lead to less effective results. This is because the body needs time to recover between sessions.
When you use the dermaroller too frequently, you may end up damaging the skin and causing inflammation, which can lead to hair loss.
So if you're looking to dermaroll your way to a fuller head of hair, be sure to space your sessions accordingly. And who knows - you may even find that every other day is too often. Like with most things in life, moderation is key.
Side effects of dermarolling
And like anything else in life, dermarolling comes with a few potential side effects.
The most common is temporary redness, swelling, and skin bruising. This is usually nothing to worry about and will go away within a day or two.
Other possible side effects include infection, scarring, and hyperpigmentation.
However, these are relatively rare and can generally be avoided by taking proper skin care before and after dermarolling.
In short, dermarolling is safe for most people when done correctly.
If you're in doubt, be sure to consult with a doctor or dermatologist before getting started.
Alternative treatments to dermarolling
As an alternative to dermarolling, finasteride can be used to help improve the effectiveness of minoxidil. Finasteride is a prescription medication that is typically used to treat hair loss.
Studies have shown that combined use of minoxidil and finasteride are more effective when used together.
References
Read more:
- The 7 Best Natural and Drug Alternatives To Minoxidil
- Minoxidil Shedding: Is it Normal?
- Why You Should & Shouldn't Use Minoxidil After Hair Transplant?