Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is a common condition that affects millions of men worldwide. As someone who has been grappling with thinning hair and a receding hairline, I’ve tried countless treatments—from minoxidil to biotin supplements—with varying degrees of success.
I came across dermarolling as a potential solution for hair regrowth, combined with other mainstream and generally accepted treatments. Intrigued by the promising studies and anecdotal evidence, I decided to take the plunge and experiment with dermarolling twice a day. Here’s my story, the results, and what I learned along the way.
What is Dermarolling for Hair Loss?
Dermarolling, also known as microneedling, involves using a small device covered in tiny needles to create micro-injuries on the scalp. These micro-injuries stimulate blood flow, increase collagen production, and enhance the absorption of topical treatments like minoxidil. Studies have shown that dermarolling can be an effective complementary treatment for male pattern baldness, especially when combined with other therapies.
Typically, dermarolling is recommended once a week or every other week for hair loss, as the scalp needs time to heal between sessions. However, I wanted to see if increasing the frequency to twice a day would accelerate results. I tried a range of depths from 0.5mm to 0.75mm, with 0.5mm considered the most safe.
Why Twice a Day?
The idea behind dermarolling twice a day was to maximize the stimulation of hair follicles and improve the absorption of my minoxidil solution. I hypothesized that more frequent microneedling would lead to faster and more significant hair regrowth.
While this approach went against conventional advice, I was willing to take the risk in the name of experimentation.
Plus I just like seeing what happens.
As you may have already known, I started with your typical roller found all over Amazon then moved to a stamp style dermastamp. I like the stamping action much more, since it is less painful and I feel like I can better control the penetration depth.
The Experiment: Week 1
I began my experiment with a clean slate. Every morning and evening, I sanitized my stamp then did a quick 1-minute session, focusing on my hairline and crown. The process was slightly uncomfortable but not painful, I found the 0.5mm to be the most comfortable. After each session, I applied minoxidil to enhance absorption.
By the end of the first week, I noticed some redness and mild flaking on my scalp, which I expected. However, I also felt a slight tingling sensation in my scalp, which I interpreted as increased blood flow. I was optimistic but cautious, knowing that overuse could lead to irritation or damage.
The Experiment: Week 2
By the second week, my scalp had adjusted to the routine, and the redness had subsided. I continued with the twice-a-day stamp moving to a depth of 0.75mm, making sure to keep my tool clean and my scalp moisturized.
I figured, might as well start with the highest setting that I can comfortably use. The pain level shoots way up the deeper you go, plus I noticed a clear liquid coming out of my scalp. Which after a little Googling, I found to be lymph fluid. Or at least, I think so? It was shockingly hard finding relevant information.
And by this point, I noticed tiny vellus hairs (baby hairs) sprouting along my hairline. Much quicker than what I was getting with my previous routine. While they were barely visible, this was an encouraging sign that the treatment might be working. My scalp also felt healthier, with less oiliness and flakiness than before.
The Experiment: Week 3
By the third week, the tiny hairs along my hairline had become more noticeable, and my crown area seemed slightly thicker. However, I also began to experience some painful pimple-like bumps, likely due to the frequent needling. I realized that twice-a-day might be too aggressive for my scalp, so I decided to scale back to once a day.
The Results
After three weeks of stabbing my scalp twice a day, and moving back and forth between twice and once a day. Here’s what I learned:
1. Short-Term Gains: Doing it twice a day did yield some promising results, including the appearance of new baby hairs and improved scalp health. The increased frequency seemed to enhance the absorption of minoxidil, making it more effective. By the end of the period, my hairline moved down significantly. It was noticeable and quick, and I like quick.
2. Long-Term Risks: Overuse of dermarolling or dermastamping can lead to scalp irritation, dryness, and even scarring. It’s important to strike a balance between stimulating hair growth and allowing the scalp to heal. For me, I was most worried about building up scar tissue that would stop hairs from growing.
3. Consistency is Key: While I saw improvements with twice-a-day stamping, I realized that a more moderate approach might be the best long run approach. For your scalp and for the ease of staying consistent.
My experiment with needling twice a day for male pattern baldness was enlightening and humbling. While I saw some encouraging results, I also learned the importance of moderation and listening to my body (or in this case, my scalp). If you’re considering dermarolling for hair loss, I recommend starting with a once-weekly routine and gradually increasing the frequency if your scalp tolerates it. Always consult with a professional if you are unsure of what you are doing.
Hair loss can be a challenging journey, but with patience, consistency, and the right approach, it’s possible to see improvements.