This $9 Skin Care Tool Is Study-Proven to Help Hair Grow in Thicker and Lusher
The latest buzz in hair care? Taking a cue from skin care. From slathering the scalp with peptide serums to sloughing away dead scalp skin with scrubs, it seems what's great for the skin on the face is just as great for the skin on the scalp. So when posts and videos began to pop up online extolling the benefits of using a derma roller for hair growth, we had to investigate. And after reading through multiple testimonials of women who have used derma rollers to stimulate hair growth, it's clear they're on to something — and researchers agree! Keep reading to discover how using a derma roller can stimulate hair growth, the science behind derma rolling, our top product picks and more!
What is a derma roller?
A derma roller, also known as a microneedle roller, is a skin care device equipped with small, fine needles on a rolling barrel. It's used to create tiny punctures or micro-injuries in the skin's surface, explains Helen Reavey, board-certified trichologist and celebrity hairstylist who has worked with stars like Sarah Snook and Marisa Tomei. These needles come in various lengths, and the size often determines the depth of penetration into the skin.
"The process of rolling the device over the skin creates controlled micro-injuries, stimulating the body's natural wound healing response," she explains. "This stimulation can encourage collagen and elastin production, promoting skin rejuvenation and potentially improving the appearance of scars, wrinkles and fine lines. “They also stimulate blood flow." Plus, people often use derma rollers as part of their skincare routine to enhance the absorption of skincare products.
Related: Microneedling Before and Afters: See How It Can Tighten the Neck, Smooth Scars + Regrow Hair
How does using a derma roller help hair growth?
A derma roller works the same way for the skin on the scalp as it does for the skin on the body. It creates micro-injuries that trigger the body's natural wound healing response on the scalp, leading to increased blood circulation, the release of growth factors and stimulation of hair follicles, says Reavey. This can aid in the growth of thicker, stronger hair. In fact, derma rolling is actually the only over-the-counter tool that’s been proven to accelerate hair growth. And if you’re struggling with hair loss specifically tied to traction alopecia, postnatal hair loss, alopecia areata or androgenic alopecia, you’re an especially good candidate for using a derma roller for hair growth. One study found derma-rolling can help improve hair count in androgenetic alopecia in as short as 12 weeks.
Even better? Because derma rolling also helps enhance the absorption of topical serums, one study found that derma rolling could significantly improve the impact of minoxidil on hair growth: 82% of participants who used microneedling with Minoxidil reported hair improvements of more than 50%, compared with just 4.5% of those using Minoxidil alone.
Related: DIY Recipe Using Rosemary and Oil Can Reverse Hair Thinning as Effectively as Rogaine — For Pennies!
How to use a derma roller for hair growth
We asked Reavey for her tips on how to use a derma roller for hair growth. But before starting, she advises, "always, always, always use a derma roller on a clean scalp!” This isn’t to say your hair has to be freshly washed every single day, but the less product in your hair, the better.
Also, Reavey tells us that the correct needle size is vital to any derma rolling experience. “I would avoid using a personal derma roller with needles any longer than 0.25mm, as it could lead to potential misuse or even scarring on the scalp,” she shares.
To do: Using gentle pressure, roll the derma roller across the scalp, specifically focusing on areas where you see visible hair loss, “such as along your hairline, temples, crown and spots of balding,” she adds. Follow by rolling the derma roller in a crisscross motion over your hair part line.” Reavey says that one of the most important things to keep in mind when derma rolling is to roll the product in different directions. “Vertically, horizontally and diagonally,” she shares. “This ensures that you cover the entire targeted area.”
This TikTok from @kateholdenclinic shows an easy how to:
Plan to use a hair growth serum? Now is the time to apply it. The open micro-channels created by the derma roller allow the serum's active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin, potentially maximizing its effectiveness for hair growth or scalp health.
When you’re done using the tool, all you need to do is clean it with an alcohol-based sanitizer. “Once a month, soak the tool in soap and water for 5-10 minutes, and then let it air dry,” Reavey shares.
When will you see results?
When it comes to seeing results, a little patience goes a long way. “Consistency is truly key for hair growth treatments to work effectively, especially since there is no one-and-done solution when it comes to hair growth,” Reavey says. But results can be expected sooner than you might think. “When used weekly, you will typically see a shift in growth within six to eight weeks, including less visible thinning and hair shedding,” mentions Reavey. “After 12 weeks, you should expect to see stronger, fuller and visibly thicker-looking hair growth at the roots.
Best products for derma rolling for hair growth
1. Best derma roller splurge
Act+Acre 0.25mm Scalp Dermaroller (Buy from Act+Acre, $46)
The best derma roller for hair growth on the market comes from Act+Acre, and that’s all thanks to the unique design and tons of raving customer reviews. There are 540 microneedles (.25mm) that work to treat the scalp, allowing for hair growth and an improvement in thickness. “This is my go-to tool,” Reavey adds. “I use it once a week, in conjunction with our Stem Cell Scalp Serum to help improve the density of my hair and help it appear thicker and fuller.”
Top Customer Review: “This is a game changer y’all… I have long hair that seemed to be at a plateau growth-wise. I started using the dermaroller with my scalp serum and my length is taking off!!! I highly recommend if your growth feels stagnant!!!”
2. Best budget derma roller for less
Kitsch Derma Roller (Buy from Kitsch, $9)
If you’re not quite ready to commit to Act+Acre’s derma roller, you can give this one from Kitsch a try at a fraction of the price. It promises to deliver amazing results in regards to hair growth if used properly. Just make sure to stick with your routine so you can really notice a difference in your hair’s health!
Top Customer Review: “I’ve never used something like this, and I can say I definitely see results! I even use it on the thinning patches of hair on my scalp from postpartum and it’s helping new hair growth! So happy with the product, thank you!”
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For more hair growth tips, click through these stories:
Scalp Brush Benefits: How This Inexpensive Tool Can Help Regrow Thinning Hair
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Natural Hair Rinse Recipes: The DIY Remedy Study-Proven To Reverse Thinning + Up Shine
