Microneedling and Its Use in Hair Loss Disorders: A Systematic Review

December 2021 in “ Dermatology and therapy ”

Robert S. English, Sophia Ruiz, Pedro DoAmaral

microneedling hair loss 5% minoxidil clinical studies adverse events study designs procedures MN Rogaine

TLDR Microneedling helps with hair loss, especially with 5% minoxidil, but more high-quality research is needed.

This systematic review of 22 clinical studies involving 1,127 subjects found that microneedling (MN) is effective in improving hair loss parameters across various hair loss types, particularly when combined with 5% minoxidil. Despite positive outcomes and no serious adverse events, the quality of the data is relatively low due to significant heterogeneity in study designs and procedures. The review calls for more standardized, high-quality research to better understand MN's efficacy and establish best practices.

View this study on link.springer.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

37 / 37 results

research Platelet Rich Plasma Application by Dermapen Microneedling and Intradermal Point-by-Point Injection Methods, and Their Comparison with Clinical Findings and Trichoscan in Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia

3 citations , October 2021 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

PRP with microneedling improves hair growth and patient satisfaction more than injections for androgenetic alopecia.

research Microneedling for Hair Loss

9 citations , October 2021 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Microneedling is an effective and minimally invasive treatment for hair loss.

Evaluation of Efficacy of Intradermal Injection Therapy vs Derma Roller Application for Administration of QR678 Neo Hair Regrowth Formulation for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia—A Prospective Study

research Evaluation of Efficacy of Intradermal Injection Therapy vs Derma Roller Application for Administration of QR678 Neo Hair Regrowth Formulation for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia—A Prospective Study

4 citations , April 2021 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Intradermal injections improve hair density and thickness better, while derma roller is more convenient.

research Conflicting Reports Regarding the Histopathological Features of Androgenic Alopecia: Are Biopsy Location, Hair Diameter Diversity, and Relative Hair Follicle Miniaturization Partly to Blame?

1 citations , April 2021 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

Conflicting findings in androgenic alopecia are likely due to biopsy location, hair diameter diversity, and hair follicle miniaturization.

research Comparative Study of Efficacy of Minoxidil Versus Minoxidil with Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Minoxidil with Dermaroller in Androgenetic Alopecia

2 citations , February 2021 in “International Journal of Research in Dermatology”

Minoxidil with PRP is the best treatment for hair loss.

research Evaluation of Adding Platelet-Rich Plasma to Combined Medical Therapy in Androgenetic Alopecia

5 citations , January 2021 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Adding platelet-rich plasma improves hair density and thickness in androgenetic alopecia.

research A Pilot Evaluation of Scalp Skin Wounding to Promote Hair Growth in Female Pattern Hair Loss

3 citations , December 2020 in “International Journal of Women's Dermatology”

Scalp micro-wounding helps promote hair growth in female pattern hair loss.

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

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

Deeper microneedling boosts hair growth, with 0.6mm needles and minoxidil being most effective.

research Efficacy of Intradermal Minoxidil 5% Injections for Treatment of Patchy Non-Severe Alopecia Areata

4 citations , July 2020 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

Minoxidil injections can speed up hair regrowth in non-severe patchy hair loss, but combining it with steroids doesn't improve results.

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

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

Home-use microneedle devices might safely boost 5% minoxidil's effectiveness for hair growth.

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”

Microneedling with 5% minoxidil improves hair loss in Chinese men by activating Wnt/ß-catenin pathway.

research Microneedling Improves Minoxidil Response in Androgenetic Alopecia Patients by Upregulating Follicular Sulfotransferase Enzymes

2 citations , April 2020 in “PubMed”

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”

Microneedling alone is as effective as microneedling with platelet-rich plasma for male pattern baldness.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma in Alopecia Areata: Intradermal Injection Versus Topical Application with Transepidermal Delivery via Either Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser or Microneedling

5 citations , January 2020 in “Acta dermatovenerologica Alpina, Pannonica et Adriatica (Tiskana izd.)”

Injecting platelet-rich plasma or applying it with a laser or microneedling can treat hair loss effectively. The laser and microneedling methods cause less pain.

Combination of Photodynamic Therapy with 5-Aminolaevulinic Acid and Microneedling in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata Resistant to Conventional Therapies: Our Experience with 41 Patients

research Combination of Photodynamic Therapy with 5-Aminolaevulinic Acid and Microneedling in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata Resistant to Conventional Therapies: Our Experience with 41 Patients

14 citations , August 2019 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

Combining light therapy, acid, and microneedling improves hair regrowth in stubborn hair loss cases.

research Preliminary Results of the Use of Scalp Microneedling in Different Types of Alopecia

24 citations , June 2019 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Scalp microneedling may improve hair density and thickness for various alopecia types.

A Pilot Split-Scalp Study of Combined Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedling and 5% Topical Minoxidil in Treating Male Pattern Hair Loss

research A Pilot Split-Scalp Study of Combined Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedling and 5% Topical Minoxidil in Treating Male Pattern Hair Loss

25 citations , June 2018 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

Combined microneedling and minoxidil improves hair growth more than minoxidil alone.

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”

Combining microneedling with minoxidil is more effective for hair growth than using minoxidil alone.

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”

Combining electrodynamic microneedle with 5% minoxidil improves hair growth and reduces hair loss in Chinese men.

research Review of Applications of Microneedling in Dermatology

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

Microneedling is promising for treating various skin issues but needs more research to confirm its effectiveness and safety.

research Alopecia Areata: A Comprehensive Review of Pathogenesis and Management

99 citations , July 2017 in “Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology”

New treatments for Alopecia Areata show promise but need to be more effective and affordable.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review

153 citations , March 2017 in “Endocrine”

Male pattern baldness involves genetics, hormones, and needs better treatments.

A Comparative Study of Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma Plus Topical Minoxidil (5%) and Topical Minoxidil (5%) Alone in Androgenetic Alopecia

research A Comparative Study of Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma Plus Topical Minoxidil (5%) and Topical Minoxidil (5%) Alone in Androgenetic Alopecia

48 citations , January 2017 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma and minoxidil improves hair growth more than just minoxidil in men with hair loss.

Micro-Needling Depth Penetration, Presence of Pigment Particles, and Fluorescein-Stained Platelets: Clinical Usage for Aesthetic Concerns

research Micro-Needling Depth Penetration, Presence of Pigment Particles, and Fluorescein-Stained Platelets: Clinical Usage for Aesthetic Concerns

49 citations , August 2016 in “Aesthetic Surgery Journal”

Micro-needling effectively improves wrinkles, scars, and hair growth, but proper technique and safety are important.

research Telogen Effluvium: Is There a Need for a New Classification

18 citations , January 2016 in “Skin appendage disorders”

The paper suggests improving diagnosis and treatment of telogen effluvium but does not recommend a new classification system.

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

55 citations , January 2016 in “Annals of Dermatology”

Microneedle stimulation can increase hair growth in mice.

research Novel Enzymatic Assay Predicts Minoxidil Response in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

27 citations , November 2013 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

New test predicts if hair loss treatment will work.

research A Randomized Evaluator Blinded Study of Effect of Microneedling in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Pilot Study

136 citations , January 2013 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Effects of Topical Application of Growth Factors Followed by Microneedle Therapy in Women with Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Pilot Study

research Effects of Topical Application of Growth Factors Followed by Microneedle Therapy in Women with Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Pilot Study

34 citations , October 2012 in “Journal of Dermatology”

Growth factors and microneedle therapy increase hair density in women with hair loss.

Morphometric Analysis of the Human Scalp Hair Follicle: Practical Implications for the Hair Transplant Surgeon and Hair Regeneration Studies

research Morphometric Analysis of the Human Scalp Hair Follicle: Practical Implications for the Hair Transplant Surgeon and Hair Regeneration Studies

51 citations , November 2010 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

The research provides specific measurements for hair follicles that can improve hair transplant and regeneration techniques.

Photodynamic Therapy with Methyl 5-Aminolevulinate Acid Might Be Ineffective in Recalcitrant Alopecia Totalis Regardless of Using a Microneedle Roller to Increase Skin Penetration

research Photodynamic Therapy with Methyl 5-Aminolevulinate Acid Might Be Ineffective in Recalcitrant Alopecia Totalis Regardless of Using a Microneedle Roller to Increase Skin Penetration

27 citations , May 2010 in “Dermatologic surgery”

Photodynamic therapy with methyl 5-aminolevulinic acid is ineffective for treating alopecia totalis.

Long-Term Treatment with Finasteride 1 mg Decreases the Likelihood of Developing Further Visible Hair Loss in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

research Long-Term Treatment with Finasteride 1 mg Decreases the Likelihood of Developing Further Visible Hair Loss in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

20 citations , June 2008 in “PubMed”

Finasteride 1 mg helps prevent more hair loss in men with male pattern baldness.

research Wnt-Dependent De Novo Hair Follicle Regeneration in Adult Mouse Skin After Wounding

829 citations , May 2007 in “Nature”

Hair follicles can regrow in wounded adult mouse skin using a process like embryo development.

research Effect of 5α-Dihydrotestosterone and Testosterone on Apoptosis in Human Dermal Papilla Cells

58 citations , January 2006 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

High levels of testosterone and 5α-DHT can lead to cell death in cells important for hair growth.

research Prevalence of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss in Maryborough

193 citations , August 2005 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

Hair loss common in Australia; men affected earlier, more often than Asians; women less concerned.

research Identification of Androgen-Inducible TGF-β1 Derived from Dermal Papilla Cells as a Key Mediator in Androgenetic Alopecia

78 citations , June 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

TGF-β1 from dermal papilla cells suppresses hair growth, and targeting it may help treat androgenetic alopecia.

Androgen-Inducible TGF-β1 from Balding Dermal Papilla Cells Inhibits Epithelial Cell Growth: A Clue to Understanding Paradoxical Effects of Androgen on Human Hair Growth

research Androgen-Inducible TGF-β1 from Balding Dermal Papilla Cells Inhibits Epithelial Cell Growth: A Clue to Understanding Paradoxical Effects of Androgen on Human Hair Growth

190 citations , October 2002 in “The FASEB journal”

Androgens may cause hair loss by increasing TGF-beta1 from scalp cells, which inhibits hair cell growth.

Related Research

4 / 4 results

research Microneedling and Its Use in Hair Loss Disorders: A Systematic Review

2 citations , December 2021 in “Dermatology and therapy”

Microneedling helps with hair loss, especially with 5% minoxidil, but more high-quality research is needed.

research Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Treating Alopecia: Focusing on Efficacy, Safety, and Therapeutic Durability

24 citations , January 2021 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a safe and potentially effective way to treat hair loss, especially when combined with minoxidil.

research Efficacy of Activated 3X Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

3 citations , January 2016 in “PubMed”

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a cheap and promising treatment for hair loss, improving hair count, thickness, and strength without major side effects.

research Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

74 citations , January 2015 in “Asian Journal of Transfusion Science”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can effectively increase hair density and thickness in people with androgenic alopecia, without major side effects.