How To Improve Your Derma Roller Technique For More Hair Growth

By now, everyone has heard about derma rolling and its noteworthy benefits in promoting hair growth and skin rejuvenation. Over the past years, derma rollers have been the answer to numerous skin and hair problems. 

They’ve shown remarkable results for solving hair loss issues like androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. However, despite its popularity, not everyone knows exactly how to use derma roller for hair, and more importantly, how to prevent scars and injuries. 

The micro-needling technique is pretty easy to learn and apply. But if done wrong, it could do more harm than good. Don’t worry though, we’ll walk you through the right way to use a derma roller in a few steps. 

So without further ado, let’s talk about how to use derma roller for hair growth.   

How to Use a Derma Roller? 

Before using any micro-needling device, ensure that its needles are super sharp. If the needles are blunt, they’ll scar your scalp and damage your hair follicles. You’ll end up losing more hair than before. 

It’s best if you change your derma roller once every three months. That way, you’ll always have a set of fresh, sharp needles for best results, and you’ll get the most out of your derma roller. 

How to Prepare? 

First off, spray your derma roller with rubbing alcohol to disinfect it. Then rinse it with lukewarm water and leave it a few minutes to dry. You’ll need to prep your face by cleaning it with an antiseptic or saline wash—especially if you’re using needles longer than 0.5 mm. 

With needles 1.0 mm and longer, you’ll need to use numbing cream before you start micro-needling. Large needles will cause pinpoint bleeding, which might cause some discomfort. 

How to Use Derma Roller on Hair? 

Now that you’re ready and your derma roller is sterilized, let’s explain how to use derma roller on scalp. First, start sectioning your hair to expose the spots that need to be treated. Apply a few drops of oil or treatment serums to your scalp and massage them well. 

Next, pass your derma roller horizontally on your scalp in the same direction as your hair, then vertically, then diagonally. Repeat each direction four to five times before switching to the next. Apply medium pressure to avoid any injuries. 

When you finish your session, swish your derma roller in a bowl of water and unscented detergent to clean it from all the blood residue. It’s best to use a detergent that contains protease enzymes to break down any blood proteins. 

Finally, soak your derma roller in 70% isopropyl alcohol to disinfect it before putting it back into its case. That way, it’ll be clean, sterile, and ready for the next time you use it. 

How Many Times Should I Use Derma Roller for Hair? 

The other important aspect of derma rolling after mastering its technique is to properly space out your sessions. If you don’t allow your skin to fully heal between each session, you’ll harm your scalp and cause more hair loss. 

The healing time after a derma rolling session depends on the needle size. Each needle size works best in targeting a certain issue, depending on how deep it needs to go into the tissues. 

If your goal is to reduce hair loss, then a size of 0.5 mm would work best for you. Meanwhile, if you want to stimulate hair growth, you’ll need to use a size 1.5 mm needle to dig deeper into your tissues and allow the treatment to penetrate better. 

Smaller needles, like 0.5 mm, need just a few days for the scalp to fully heal. That way, you could use a derma roller up to two times per week. However, it’s preferred to limit it to only once per week until your scalp gets familiar with the process. 

Bigger needles, on the other hand, need more time to heal because they irritate the scalp and cause pinpoint bleeding. These micro punctures need gentle care to prevent any infection. So it’s best to only use a 1.5 mm needle size once every two to three months.

Once you get used to consistent derma rolling with 1.5 mm needles, your healing time will gradually decrease and you’ll be able to use it every few weeks. 

4 Tips to Remember When Using a Derma Roller 

Before you grab your derma roller and start micro-needling, there are a few things you need to remember to insure safe micro-needling and get the most out of the process. 

1. Don’t Overdo It

Make sure that your skin has healed completely before doing another session. It’s best to wait at least one week between each session, especially with the bigger needles. 

2. Gently Apply Oils 

Use a cotton ball to apply your oils and topical treatments. You need to be gentle with your scalp to avoid irritation. 

3. Don’t Apply Oils to Derma Roller 

Don’t pour any oils or treatments directly on your derma roller. Not only will it affect the quality of the needles, but it’s also hard to clean after every use. 

4. Keep It in a Safe Place 

If you drop your derma roller or it bumps into anything and its needles get bent, discard it right away. Bent needles will injure your scalp and increase your hair loss. 

In Conclusion

Derma rollers are a great way to rejuvenate your scalp, treat hair loss, and boost your hair growth. It helps oils and topical treatments penetrate the scalp better and maximize their benefits. 

With the right oils and treatments, you’ll begin noticing results within the first three months. Many people have seen remarkable results within a few months of consistent micro-needling, along with their hair treatments.

Just remember to follow the right instructions and clean your derma roller properly after each session. Store your derma roller in its case to keep its needles sharp and sterile, and switch it out every few months to prevent any injuries.