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Derma Roller Scalp Treatment

Derma Roller Scalp Treatment

The derma roller with it's tiny micro needles triggers the body's wound healing response. Research studies have shown that wound healing can stimulate the production of collagen and proteins that are responsible for the development of new hair follicles. The derma roller also stimulates blood circulation and increases nutrients to the hair follicles assisting with hair growth.

The Derma Roller Activates New Growth

Hair growth relies on genes that promote the development of new hair cells. This takes place within the hair follicles, the small openings that cover the scalp as well as the rest of the body. A number of chemicals are needed to trigger the production of hair cells, and one of the most important of these is the human growth factor.

The derma roller works by triggering the production of human growth factors. When the needles are rolled along the skin, they cause minor surface wounds to the tissue. The body then must work to produce new skin in the area of the wound and it releases the human growth hormone as well as other chemicals to assist with this process. When these chemicals are released they also stimulate the growth of hair in the affected area, which can help begin hair regrowth in areas of thinning hair.

Derma Roller for Hair Loss Study - Men

In a male study, the effect of minoxidil was compared with the effect of minoxidil in combination with the use of the derma roller. The study was conducted in 100 men with androgenetic alopecia over a period of 12 weeks.

Key Results

  • A significant increase of the number of hairs per cm2 in the group that was also using the derma roller. In the group that was using the derma roller, the increase was more than 91 hairs, compared to an increase of 22 hairs with just minoxidil.

  • Independent experts assessed in 40% of the users of the derma roller that the hair situation was improved drastically.

  • 82% of the users of the derma roller indicated an improvement of the hair situation of at least 50% or more.

Derma Roller for Hair Loss Study - Women

In a female study conducted in women with varying types of hair loss, amongst which telogen effluvium and alopecia areata. In all women, one side of the scalp was treated with microneedling in combination with a topical lotion containing hair growth stimulating ingredients. The other side was treated with microneedling in combination with a salt solution placebo.

Key Results

  • The number of hairs per cm2 in the side treated with the derma roller and a topical lotion was increased by 12.7.

  • In the side treated with the derma roller and a salt solution there was a decrease of 4.2 hairs on average.

Conclusion to the Derma Roller Studies

Three mechanisms of action through which microneedling leads to improved hair growth are:

  • Release of platelet derived growth factor, epidermal growth factors are increased through platelet activation and skin wound regeneration mechanism.

  • Activation of stem cells in the hair bulb area under wound healing conditions which is caused by a derma roller.

  • Over expression of hair growth related genes and vascular endothelial growth factors.

Hair loss is caused by a broad range of molecular signals. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the main hormone believed to be responsible for hair loss is believed to interfere with these signals, causing hair to miniaturise and eventually fall out.

DHT is believed to inhibit many growth stimulating pathways in the hair follicle. The studies prove that these pathways are activated in response to microneedling. Growth factor activation and stem cell stimulation are also proposed to play a role in improved hair growth.