Dermarolling for hair growth — does It work, or will it just hurt?
Dermatologists weigh in.
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Highly rated dermarollers
With our experts’ guidance in mind, I rounded up five highly rated dermarollers worth your consideration.
This dermaroller has 0.5mm needles, which experts told me are ideal for helping products absorb better. The needles are made from titanium and are resistant to rust, according to the brand. The device also has an ergonomic handle and comes with a case to keep it clean between uses.
On a budget? This dermaroller is under $10. It has titanium-plated needles that are 0.50mm long and reviewers say it feels like a high-quality item despite the low cost. You can also get this dermaroller with shorter (0.25mm) or longer (1mm) needles.
This dermaroller has 540 titanium-coated microneedles that are each 0.25mm long. It can be used on your scalp, face or beard area and should be used twice a week for maximum effectiveness, according to the brand. It is also available in four different colors and can be purchased in a set that comes with beard oil.
This sleekly designed dermaroller comes in a travel case and has an extra wide roller to cover more surface area. The head also easily twists on and off so you can replace it once the needles get dull. The roller has 1,200 needles that are all 0.25mm long.
Longer needles tend to be best suited for stimulating hair growth, says Collins. This dermaroller has 192 needles that are each 1mm long, making it the option with the longest needles on this list. The roller has a long handle and comes with a cover to protect the needles in between uses. Some reviewers do say they find the longer needles to cause some discomfort, while others say they barely notice them gliding over skin.
Risks of dermarolling for hair growth
Certain people may want to avoid dermarolling altogether. “Those with scalp conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or active infections should avoid dermarolling, because it can worsen these conditions and cause further irritation,” says Bowles. “Those with clotting disorders or who are on blood thinning medications should also avoid it since the procedure can increase the risk of bleeding.”
According to our experts, if you don’t have any of the above conditions, using an at-home dermaroller for hair growth is generally safe if you have a healthy scalp. That said, there are potential risks:
- Infection: “The primary risk of dermarolling the scalp is an infection if the roller isn’t properly sanitized or if the skin is broken,” says Bowles.
- Irritation: If you dermaroll your scalp too often or use excessive pressure, it can lead to irritation, redness or inflammation, says Collins. As a reminder, the maximum you should dermaroll is twice a week and it’s important only to use gentle pressure.
- Hair breakage: “If the dermaroller is used incorrectly or with too long a needle, it could potentially damage existing hair, causing breakage.” says Collins.
Related
Other ways to encourage hair growth
Demarolling isn’t the only thing you can do to encourage healthy hair growth. Our experts said there are several other proven ways to get hair to grow. Here are their suggestions:
- Minoxidil: This FDA-approved topical is one of the most widely used treatments for hair thinning and pattern baldness, says Collins. It’s the active ingredient in Rogaine, along with many other hair loss treatments, and can be purchased over the counter.
- A healthy diet: “Eating a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly biotin, vitamin D, and iron, can also support healthy hair growth,” says Bowles.
- Low-level laser therapy (LLLT): If you go to your dermatologist, they may suggest low-level laser therapy. This involves using a device like a laser comb or helmet that emits low-level light to stimulate hair follicles and encourage growth, says Collins.
- Scalp massage: Similar to how a dermaroller brings blood flow to your scalp, regularly massaging the scalp can also increase blood flow to hair follicles, supporting healthier hair growth, says Collins.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Kristina Collins is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in Mohs micrographic surgery, as well as surgical and cosmetic dermatology in Texas
- Dr. Alexandra Bowles is board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati.
Why trust NBC Select?
I am a commerce editor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. I’ve also recently reported on vibration plates, wrinkles patches and AHAs. For this story, I interviewed dermatologists about dermarolling for hair growth.
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