Is There Any Evidence of the Effectiveness of Microneedling for Androgenic Alopecia?

A physician experienced hair thickening and new growth using microneedling and minoxidil, but stopped using topical finasteride due to side effects like reduced libido and erectile dysfunction. The physician plans to continue with microneedling and minoxidil, considering finasteride nonessential for cosmetic purposes.

Microneedling, when combined with finasteride and topical minoxidil, can enhance hair regrowth for male pattern baldness, especially at the temples. Users report varying success with needle depths between 0.5mm and 1.5mm, with stamps preferred over rollers to minimize scalp damage.

A 43-year-old male saw significant hair regrowth and increased density after three months using topical Minoxidil (5%), topical Finasteride (0.025%), and 0.75mm microneedling every two weeks, with no side effects. He plans to continue and may reduce Finasteride concentration if progress continues.

Microneedling with topical minoxidil is effective for hair regrowth, especially with finasteride. Users report fewer side effects compared to oral minoxidil.

Microneedling daily at 0.3mm combined with topical finasteride and minoxidil is effective for hair thickening, with added benefits from near-infrared therapy. The approach may not improve the front hairline, and deeper microneedling is done monthly for better results.

Minoxidil can stimulate hair growth but does not prevent long-term hair loss, while finasteride or dutasteride is necessary to address DHT and maintain hair. Family hair history may not predict individual outcomes, and combining treatments like microneedling can enhance results.