Microneedling for Hair Loss

October 2021 in “ Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology ”

Anik Gupta, Emma M Quinlan, Maanasa Venkataraman, Mary A Bamimore

microneedling androgenetic alopecia minoxidil platelet-rich plasma hair follicle stem cells Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway follicular sulfotransferase enzymes Rogaine PRP

From the encyclopedia

Microneedling →

technique to create small wounds in skin to activate collagen production and hair growth

Minoxidil →

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Platelet-Rich Plasma →

growth factors taken from your blood and injected into your scalp to stimulate hair

Studysummary This study found that microneedling monotherapy significantly increased hair count more than topical minoxidil in androgenetic alopecia, with combination therapy of microneedling and minoxidil being even more effective. Further research is needed to evaluate microneedling's safety and efficacy as a monotherapy.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

Microneedling is reviewed as a promising treatment for androgenetic alopecia, showing significant hair regrowth in various studies, especially when combined with treatments like minoxidil and platelet-rich plasma. It works by stimulating hair follicle stem cells and activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and enhances the response to minoxidil by upregulating follicular sulfotransferase enzymes. Overall, microneedling is a minimally invasive and effective option for hair loss.

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Research cited in this study

16 / 16 results

research Radiofrequency Microneedling: A Comprehensive and Critical Review

28 citations , February 2021 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This review found radiofrequency microneedling effective and safe for various dermatologic conditions, including skin rejuvenation and acne scars, especially in individuals with darker skin types, with progressive improvements for up to six months after treatment.

research Combination Therapy with Topical Minoxidil and Nano-Microneedle-Assisted Fibroblast Growth Factor for Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Chinese Patients

6 citations , November 2020 in “Chinese Medical Journal”

This study found that among Chinese males with male androgenic alopecia, combination therapy using topical minoxidil and nano-microneedle-assisted fibroblast growth factor significantly improved hair density, diameter, and follicular unit density over 16 weeks, outperforming individual treatments.

research Microneedling in Androgenetic Alopecia: Comparing Two Different Depths of Microneedles

10 citations , September 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

In this study, microneedling with a depth of 0.6 mm, alongside minoxidil, significantly improved hair count and thickness in patients with androgenetic alopecia compared to minoxidil alone, and was more beneficial than a 1.2 mm depth.

research Usefulness of Home-Use Microneedle Devices in the Treatment of Pattern Hair Loss

11 citations , June 2020 in “Journal of cosmetic dermatology”

In this study, a home-use microneedle device combined with 5% minoxidil showed potential for enhancing hair growth in pattern hair loss over six months, although the observed improvements in hair count and patient assessments were not statistically significant compared to other treatments.

Randomized Trial of Electrodynamic Microneedling Combined with 5% Minoxidil Topical Solution for Treating Androgenetic Alopecia in Chinese Males and Molecular Mechanistic Study of the Involvement of the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

research Randomized Trial of Electrodynamic Microneedling Combined with 5% Minoxidil Topical Solution for Treating Androgenetic Alopecia in Chinese Males and Molecular Mechanistic Study of the Involvement of the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

10 citations , May 2020 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

This study found that combining microneedling with 5% minoxidil improved hair growth in Chinese men with androgenetic alopecia, possibly through activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Efficacy of Non-Surgical Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia in Men and Women: A Systematic Review with Network Meta-Analyses and an Assessment of Evidence Quality

research Efficacy of Non-Surgical Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia in Men and Women: A Systematic Review with Network Meta-Analyses and an Assessment of Evidence Quality

15 citations , April 2020 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

This study suggests platelet-rich plasma may be more effective than other non-surgical treatments for male androgenetic alopecia, while low-level laser therapy ranks highest for women; however, the evidence quality was low.

research Dermoscopic Assessment of Microneedling Alone Versus Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma in Cases of Male Pattern Alopecia: A Split-Head Comparative Study

5 citations , January 2020 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study found that both microneedling and microneedling with platelet-rich plasma improved hair thickness and density in male pattern alopecia, but no additional benefit was observed with the addition of platelet-rich plasma.

research 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

24 citations , January 2018 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

This study found that combining microneedling with topical minoxidil was more effective than minoxidil alone in increasing hair count and improving patient satisfaction for men with androgenetic alopecia, though the cosmetic impact was not significant.

research Microneedling for the Treatment of Hair Loss

58 citations , December 2017 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This review highlights that microneedling shows some promise for improving hair growth in alopecia, particularly when used with other treatments, though more research is needed to establish its efficacy and protocols.

Randomized Trial of Electrodynamic Microneedle Combined with 5% Minoxidil Topical Solution for the Treatment of Chinese Male Androgenetic Alopecia

research Randomized Trial of Electrodynamic Microneedle Combined with 5% Minoxidil Topical Solution for the Treatment of Chinese Male Androgenetic Alopecia

28 citations , October 2017 in “Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy”

This study found that combining microneedle treatments with 5% minoxidil topical solution led to the greatest increase in hair density among Chinese men with androgenetic alopecia.

research Review of Applications of Microneedling in Dermatology

108 citations , August 2017 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

This review highlights microneedling's promise as an adjuvant therapy for enhanced drug delivery in dermatology, especially for conditions like atrophic scars and pigmentation disorders, though its efficacy for vitiligo is limited.

research Repeated Microneedle Stimulation Induces Enhanced Hair Growth in a Murine Model

55 citations , January 2016 in “Annals of Dermatology”

This study found that repeated microneedle stimulation in mice promoted hair growth and increased the expression of hair-growth-related genes, suggesting potential therapeutic uses for alopecia.

research Drug Discovery for Alopecia: Gone Today, Hair Tomorrow

70 citations , February 2015 in “Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery”

This review discusses current knowledge on the biological mechanisms of different types of alopecia but reports no new clinical findings; the authors highlight future research directions, especially regarding epidermal stem cells and immune pathways.

Dermal β-Catenin Activity in Response to Epidermal Wnt Ligands Is Required for Fibroblast Proliferation and Hair Follicle Initiation

research Dermal β-Catenin Activity in Response to Epidermal Wnt Ligands Is Required for Fibroblast Proliferation and Hair Follicle Initiation

207 citations , March 2012 in “Development”

In this mouse study, researchers found that dermal Wnt signaling/β-catenin activity is essential for fibroblast proliferation and initiating hair follicle formation by interacting with epidermal Wnt ligands.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Clinical Features, Classification, and Treatments

103 citations , June 2007 in “Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America”

This article discusses treatment options for androgenetic alopecia, noting that medical interventions like finasteride and minoxidil can halt and partially reverse hair loss in mild to moderate cases, especially when combined with surgery.

research Balding Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells Contain Higher Levels of Androgen Receptors Than Those From Non-Balding Scalp

227 citations , January 1998 in “Journal of Endocrinology”

This study found that dermal papilla cells from balding scalp hair follicles have significantly higher levels of androgen receptors than those from non-balding follicles, supporting their in vivo androgen response.