Overview
What is it?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin, promoting wound healing and releasing growth factors. Minoxidil is a topical medication approved by the FDA for treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA), a common form of hair loss. It works as a vasodilator, improving blood flow to hair follicles.
How does it work?
Microneedling stimulates the release of growth factors that promote angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) and reverse fibrosis, which can help rejuvenate hair follicles. Minoxidil, when applied topically, is converted into its active form, minoxidil sulfate, which prolongs the growth phase of hair (anagen) and increases vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), enhancing blood supply to the scalp .
What are the benefits?
Microneedling, when combined with minoxidil or other treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP), has been shown to improve hair density and thickness. Minoxidil is effective in promoting hair growth in both men and women with AGA, with studies showing significant improvements in hair counts when used alongside microneedling .
Effectiveness
What does the research say?
Research indicates that combining microneedling with minoxidil significantly enhances hair growth compared to using minoxidil alone. A randomized controlled trial found that participants with AGA experienced improved hair density when microneedling was paired with minoxidil . Additionally, microneedling has been shown to enhance the absorption and effectiveness of topical treatments like minoxidil .
Side Effects
Pain and bruising
Microneedling can cause mild pain and bruising at the treatment site due to the tiny punctures created in the skin .
Folliculitis
Folliculitis, or inflammation of hair follicles, may occur after microneedling, leading to redness and discomfort .
Contact dermatitis
Minoxidil can cause contact dermatitis, resulting in itching, redness, or irritation at the application site .
Headaches
Some users of minoxidil report headaches as a side effect, though this is less common .
Hypertrichosis
Hypertrichosis, or excessive hair growth in unintended areas, can occur with minoxidil use, especially at higher concentrations .
Evidence
Clinical Studies & Trials
[1] Androgenetic Alopecia: Therapy Update.
This review discusses microneedling and minoxidil as treatments for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Microneedling promotes angiogenesis and wound healing, while minoxidil prolongs the anagen phase of hair growth. Combining the two treatments has shown significant improvements in hair density.
View study[2] Comparison of oral minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride for treating androgenetic alopecia.
This paper compares oral minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride for treating AGA. While oral minoxidil is not FDA-approved for hair loss, it is increasingly used off-label.
View study[3] Treatment options for androgenetic alopecia: Efficacy, side effects, compliance, financial considerations, and ethics.
This review discusses PRP as an alternative treatment for AGA, highlighting its ability to stimulate hair growth and improve hair density.
View study[4] Oral minoxidil treatment for hair loss: A review of efficacy and safety.
This paper reviews the efficacy and safety of oral minoxidil for hair loss, noting that while it is effective, patient compliance with topical minoxidil can be low due to side effects like scalp irritation.
View study[5] Minoxidil: a comprehensive review.
This review provides a comprehensive overview of minoxidil, including its FDA-approved formulations for AGA in men and women.
View study[6] Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review.
This review explores the use of minoxidil in treating hair disorders, though it does not provide specific details on microneedling.
View study[7] Female-pattern hair loss: therapeutic update.
This paper discusses the use of topical minoxidil and finasteride for female-pattern hair loss, highlighting their mechanisms of action and efficacy.
View study[8] Microneedling for Hair Loss.
This review explores microneedling as a treatment for AGA, emphasizing its ability to enhance the absorption of topical treatments like minoxidil.
View study[9] Natural Compounds Used for Treating Hair Loss.
This review discusses natural compounds as alternatives to synthetic drugs like minoxidil for treating hair loss, focusing on their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
View study[10] Systematic review of mesotherapy: a novel avenue for the treatment of hair loss.
This systematic review evaluates mesotherapy, a technique involving intradermal injections of therapeutic agents like minoxidil, for treating hair loss.
View study[11] The effectiveness of treatments for androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
This meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of treatments for AGA, including minoxidil and finasteride, which are FDA-approved for this condition.
View study[12] Minoxidil: mechanisms of action on hair growth.
This paper reviews the mechanisms by which minoxidil promotes hair growth, including its effects on potassium channels and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
View study[13] Androgenetic alopecia.
This review discusses the causes and treatments of AGA, including the use of minoxidil and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.
View study