Micro needling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure that has gained popularity for its potential to promote hair growth. Here's a breakdown of how it works and its effects:
How Micro Needling Works
Procedure:
- Tool: A micro needling device, such as a derma roller or derma pen, is used. This device has fine needles that puncture the skin.
- Application: The device is rolled or pressed over the scalp, creating tiny punctures in the skin.
Biological Response:
- Wound Healing: The tiny punctures trigger the body's natural wound healing process.
- Collagen Production: During the healing process, collagen production is stimulated. Collagen is a protein that is crucial for skin and hair health.
- Increased Blood Flow: Micro needling improves blood circulation in the scalp, ensuring that hair follicles receive more nutrients and oxygen.
- Growth Factor Release: The procedure encourages the release of growth factors and other beneficial proteins that promote hair growth.
Enhanced Product Absorption:
- The micro channels created by the needles can enhance the absorption of topical treatments (like minoxidil or platelet-rich plasma), making them more effective.
Benefits for Hair Growth
Stimulation of Hair Follicles:
- The process can reactivate dormant hair follicles, encouraging new hair growth.
Thicker and Healthier Hair:
- Regular micro needling sessions can result in thicker, stronger, and healthier hair strands.
Reduction of Hair Loss:
- By promoting a healthier scalp environment, micro needling can help reduce hair shedding and improve overall hair density.
Scientific Evidence
Several studies have indicated that micro needling can be effective in treating hair loss conditions like androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness). For instance, a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that participants who received micro needling in conjunction with minoxidil saw a significant improvement in hair growth compared to those who used minoxidil alone.
Procedure and Aftercare
Professional vs. Home Use:
- Micro needling can be performed by dermatologists or trained professionals. Home-use devices are also available, but they generally have shorter needles and may not be as effective.
Frequency:
- Treatment frequency can vary, but typically, professional treatments are done every 4 to 6 weeks. Home treatments might be done more frequently but with caution.
Aftercare:
- Proper scalp hygiene should be maintained post-treatment to prevent infection.
- Avoid harsh chemicals or hair treatments for a few days post-procedure.
Potential Side Effects
- Irritation and Redness: Temporary redness and irritation of the scalp.
- Infection: Risk of infection if the scalp is not kept clean.
- Pain and Discomfort: Some discomfort during and after the procedure, usually managed with topical anaesthetics.
Hair Loss Treatments Can Be Combined with Micro Needling
Combining micro needling with other hair loss treatments can enhance overall effectiveness. Here are several treatments commonly combined with micro needling:
1. Topical Minoxidil
- Mechanism: Minoxidil is a vasodilator that helps stimulate hair follicles and increase blood flow to the scalp.
- Combination Benefits: Micro needling can enhance the absorption of minoxidil, making it more effective. The tiny punctures in the skin created by micro needling allow for deeper penetration of the topical solution.
2. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
- Mechanism: PRP involves drawing a patient's blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting it into the scalp. Platelets contain growth factors that promote healing and hair growth.
- Combination Benefits: Micro needling can be used before PRP injections to increase the effectiveness of the treatment. The micro injuries caused by micro needling can stimulate a stronger healing response when combined with PRP.
3. Topical Steroids or Anti-Inflammatories
- Mechanism: These medications reduce inflammation and can be particularly useful in conditions like alopecia areata.
- Combination Benefits: Micro needling can help these topical treatments penetrate deeper into the scalp, potentially increasing their effectiveness in reducing inflammation and promoting hair growth.
4. Hair Growth Serums and Peptides
- Mechanism: Hair growth serums often contain various ingredients such as peptides, vitamins, and botanical extracts that promote hair health.
- Combination Benefits: Micro needling can enhance the absorption and efficacy of these serums, allowing active ingredients to reach deeper layers of the scalp.
5. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
- Mechanism: LLLT uses red light or near-infrared light to stimulate hair follicles, increase blood flow, and reduce inflammation.
- Combination Benefits: Micro needling and LLLT can complement each other by addressing hair loss through different mechanisms, potentially leading to better results.
6. Finasteride (Oral or Topical)
- Mechanism: Finasteride is a medication that reduces levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to hair loss.
- Combination Benefits: While micro needling enhances scalp health and hair follicle stimulation, finasteride helps address the hormonal aspect of hair loss, making for a comprehensive approach.
7. Stem Cell Therapy
- Mechanism: Stem cell therapy involves using stem cells to promote hair growth and regeneration.
- Combination Benefits: Micro needling can be used to create a favourable environment for stem cells to work more effectively, potentially enhancing hair regeneration.
8. Amino Acid Supplements
- Mechanism: Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, essential for hair growth.
- Combination Benefits: While supplements are taken orally, micro needling can improve scalp health, creating a better foundation for hair growth facilitated by the nutrients from the supplements.
9. Essential Oils
- Mechanism: Essential oils like rosemary, peppermint, and lavender have properties that promote hair growth and scalp health.
- Combination Benefits: Micro needling can enhance the absorption of these oils, making them more effective in promoting hair growth.
10. HR23+® Hair Restoration Supplement
- Mechanism: HR23+ is a leading specialist hair supplement that is designed to help prevent hair loss, and promote the function of healthy hair growth in men and women. This non-medical capsule has shown to be effective in 9 out of 10 users.
- Combination Benefits: While HR23+ is taken orally, micro needling can improve scalp health, creating a better foundation for hair growth facilitated by the nutrients from the supplements.
Conclusion
Micro needling is a promising technique for promoting hair growth through its stimulation of collagen production, improved blood flow, and enhanced absorption of hair growth products.
While more research is ongoing to fully understand its efficacy and long-term benefits, many individuals have reported positive results. Consulting with a dermatologist or hair specialist can help determine if micro needling is a suitable option for your hair growth needs.
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