The Benefits of Using a Derma Roller for Hair Loss
Loosing around 50 to 100 hair strands on a daily basis? You already know that much is normal right?
So when do you approach a dermatologist ?
When it’s sudden drastic more then 100-500 hair per day. Or you have significant thinning and loss in certain areas of scalp.
Hair fall is a surprisingly common problem, and can happen due to a myriad of causes. Lack of awareness about effective, non-invasive treatment options among people compounds this problem further.
In what follows, we will explain the benefits of using derma roller for treating hair loss and stimulating hair growth. Given the many advantages of this method (which can be done as a DIY treatment or under the guidance of a qualified dermatologist), it’s hardly surprising that derma rolling has become a popular method for hair loss treatment in Bangalore.
The Logic Behind Using Derma-Roller for Hair Growth
A derma roller, as its name suggests, is a handheld device with small-sized needles on the roller.
The length of these needles vary in the 0.2mm and 1.5mm range. Using derma roller speeds up collagen production and circulation, while improving cellular turnover rates.
The treatment is a type of microneedling, and involves rolling the derma roller on the scalp. It is generally a painless procedure – and discomforts, if any, are temporary and easily manageable. Derma rollers can also be used along with other topical hair growth products (e.g., serums).
How do Derma-Rollers Work?
When a derma roller for hair is used (i.e. rolled) on the skin, it causes small skin injuries, called ‘micro-injuries’. Now, these ‘micro-injuries’ cause collagen and blood to circulate and flow to the affected areas, to initiate the healing process. The skin/scalp surface also becomes better due to the production of elastin fibre.
Note: Apart from scalp, derma rollers can be used on beard or skin as well
Why Use Derma-Rollers for Hair Growth?
1. Bolsters Production of Collagen; Stimulates Stem Cells
The rate of collagen production is directly proportional to hair health. Right from strengthening hair roots and surrounding skin, to supplying the essential amino acids for hair proteins – the benefits of collagen are many and varied.
Derma roller usage accelerates the skin’s collagen production, and as a result, hair fall problems are significantly reduced.
Did you know a Derma roller can also lead to growth of hair ? In addition, correctly using a derma roller is also likely to improve stem cell production within the hair follicles.. As overall hair health improves, persistent hair fall issues go down.
2. Significantly Reduces Hair Thinning Problems
Broadly speaking, the hair growth cycle has 3 phases:
- The anagen (or, growth) phase,
- The catagen (or, transition) phase and
- The telogen (or, resting) phase
Derma rolling typically induces healthy hair growth during the anagen phase. Since the process causes thicker accumulation at and near the hair follicles, the regrown hair is stronger. Since hair loss during the catagen phase is significantly reduced as well, hair thinning becomes a lot less noticeable too.
Put in another way, derma rollers slow down the natural progression of hair to the catagen phase.
3. Facilitates Absorption of Hair Products in Dermal Layer
Dermal roller improves the capability of the skin to absorb other hair products. The needles in the roller enter the scalp skin, facilitating the passage of these products into the dermal layer.
Hence, for effective hair loss treatment in Bangalore, derma rollers are often prescribed, along with other therapies (for instance, minoxidil or plasma). When the hair products can properly enter the skin, their effectiveness goes up manifold.
4. Accelerated Production of Natural Growth factors
There are multiple factors that can slow down normal hair growth. These range from scalp problems/ irritations, heightened stress levels, and nutrient deficiency in diet.
Application of derma roller for hair results in the production of stem cells, which are essential for the growth factors that ensure better and quicker hair growth. The ‘superficial skin trauma’ induced by derma roller increases blood & collagen flow and makes the overall environment more conducive for improved growth, and increased hair density & thickness.
5. More Oxygen to the Hair Roots; The Benefits of Scalp Massage
Derma rollers are highly useful for increasing hair growth capacity. This is mainly due to the improved blood flow around the hair root area, following the micro-needling process. With the hair roots now getting better oxygen supply, their strength is boosted.
Our body has its own capability to produce elastin and collagen. This capability is triggered by the application of derma roller for hair growth. Studies have shown that this treatment method stops hair loss to a large extent, and makes the skin clearer & healthier too.
Using Derma-Rollers for Hair: Best Practices and Side Effects
There are certain things one needs to be careful about. For instance, it is important to sanitise the roller after every usage, to get rid of oil residues, bacteria, and other build-ups.
Hair oil should never be used directly on the roller. Also, the condition of the derma roller needs to be monitored – and, if damage(s) are found, it should be replaced. The size of the needles should not increase more then 0.5 to 1 mm when it’s self administered.
The side-effects of using derma roller for hair growth are generally mild. Common symptoms include small bruises, swelling & inflammation, and skin redness. In case these do not go away on their own within a week or so, it is advisable to consult a professional dermatologist.
Is Derma Rolling Suitable For Everyone?
The procedure is not likely to be as effective if tried at an advanced stage of hair loss (near-baldness). Since derma rollers may cause temporary inflammation, they are not likely to be suitable for people with scalp conditions like eczema, acne, psoriasis, and others. These conditions need to be treated first, before using derma roller.
Tips To Find The Right Derma-Roller
There is no dearth of derma rollers currently available in the market. For best results, you need to understand what features of these products you need to check before buying (the advice of a hair & skin care expert can come in really handy in this regard).
Generally, it is better to go for rollers with curved handles – while the size and material (titanium alloy is commonly used) also have to be considered. The size of the roller needles, in most cases, should be in the 0.225mm – 0.5mm range.
Opting for derma roller for hair growth ensures ready availability of nutrients for the hair as well, arresting hair loss and stimulating healthy growth. The procedure is quick and pretty much simple, and the key lies in understanding how to use derma rollers for the best results (wrong usage can, however, be counterproductive).
It is also advisable to consult a dermatologist first, for guidance in selecting the ‘right’ derma roller (e.g., with needles of the correct size). The method is non-invasive, easily accessible and affordable – and as long as expectations are realistic – its benefits can be almost at par with in-clinic treatment options.
Continue Reading : 5 Reasons Why Platelet Plasma Therapy is Suitable for Hair Loss Treatment in Young Adults
Dr.Tina Ramachander is one of the best dermatologist in Bangalore and Medical Director at Dr.Tina’s Skin Solutionz, a skin care clinic in Bangalore. She completed her master’s in dermatology from the well acclaimed JJM Medical college in Karnataka and is now a practicising dermatosurgeon and Medical Cosmetologist in Bangalore.