Hair loss can occur due to a variety of factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, medications, stress, and age. The most common type of hair loss is male or female pattern baldness, which is characterized by a receding hairline and thinning hair on the crown of the head in men, and thinning hair on the top of the scalp in women. 

While hair loss with age is a natural process, it is understandable that rapid or early hair loss can have an impact on your confidence, self-esteem, and day-to-day life. If you wish to slow or stop hair loss you can explore treatment options with an expert or healthcare professional.

Derma rollers are a handy tool that can be used at home to promote hair growth through the process of micro needling. A derma roller stimulates your body’s natural healing response when rolled over the skin creating micro-punctures with it’s tiny needles. The increased blood flow, and production of collagen and other growth factors may be beneficial for hair regrowth as well. When using a derma roller you should press down enough so that you feel pressure – but it should not cause pain. Derma roller are also often used to rejuvenate the skin improving it’s appearance.

Minoxidil is a popular topical medication for treating hair loss. It is available over the counter in pharmacies as a liquid or foam. You may recognise this medication by the brand name Rogaine (or Regaine). This treatment can be used by both men and women. How minoxidil promotes hair regrowth is not fully understood, however over the last few decades there have been numerous studies that have found it effective at stimulating hair growth in people with male/female pattern hair loss.

While both derma rollers and minoxidil are popular treatments on their own, there is growing evidence that using them together may be a more effective treatment regimen for pattern hair loss. It is thought that the tiny punctures created through derma rolling aids with the absorption of topical hair-growth medication like minoxidil. This mechanism is why it may be more effective to use minoxidil in combination with a derma roller, than minoxidil alone.

After following the instructions of your derma roller it’s important to rinse your scalp with warm water. You can then apply minoxidil to the target areas of your scalp following the medicine instructions carefully.

Minoxidil is often used twice per day, however derma rollers should not be used this frequently. Read your derma rollers instructions carefully. It is worth noting that studies on minoxidil and derma rollers being used together mostly have participants using a derma roller once per week.