How Often Should You Use a Derma Roller? - eMediHealth (2024)

If you’re wondering about the ideal frequency for derma rolling your scalp, you’re at the right place!

Like any good skin care routine, consistency is key, and dermatologists suggest rolling once a week to once every 3 weeks to stimulate the hair follicles and enhance hair product absorption.

The correct frequency for you will depend on your hair type and hair needs.

However, it’s crucial to listen to your hair too. There may be cases where you’d want to derma roll more or stop it altogether.

If you experience redness or irritation, give it a breather or a rest day before continuing to derma roll the scalp.

To learn more in detail about the benefits of derma rolling the scalp, the right frequency of doing it, and how to do it correctly, read on.

How Often Should You Use a Derma Roller?

The frequency of derma roller use depends on the needle length:

• For longer needles, such as those over 0.5 mm, it’s advisable to derma roll about once a month to allow for proper healing and prevent potential damage or scarring.
• If using 0.5 mm needles, rolling thinning or balding areas once a week is generally acceptable if well tolerated.
• For smaller needles, like 0.3 mm on the face, a frequency of around twice a week can be considered.

In any case, it’s important to start with less frequent sessions in the beginning and gradually increase based on individual tolerance, ensuring the skin has ample time to recover between treatments.

What Is a Derma Roller?

A derma roller is simply a hair tool resembling a small roller that has a lot of tiny needles ranging from 0.25 mm to 1.5 mm. When rolled over the scalp, these needles create micro punctures.

The magic happens when derma rolling is paired with the use of hair products such as oils. The micro punctures enhance product penetration, stimulate the scalp, and increase the effectiveness of the hair products.

Many experts deem derma rolling a holistic approach for fostering hair growth and controlling hair fall because of the massaging and microneedling effect. (1)(2)(3)

How to Use a Derma Roller Correctly?

Using a derma roller for hair growth is a straightforward process just like other tools for skin or hair care.

The first step is to clean and sanitize the roller preferably with a solution containing over 70% alcohol. This step removes hair stuck to the roller and oil residues.

If not sanitized properly, derma rollers may promote infections.

Next, using your fingertips, oil brushes, or cotton balls, apply oils, parting your hair into sections and massaging the oils in before using the derma roller.

Then, simply roll the derma roller across your scalp gently without too much pressure.

Lastly, replace your derma roller every few months or if you see any signs of wear or damage such as bent needles.

Are There Side Effects of Using a Derma Roller?

When using a derma roller, you can expect a mild, temporary reaction, which is also common following grooming activities such as threading.

The reaction, only in the beginning, resembles minor irritation that you can let pass because of the many long-term benefits.

However, for those with sensitive scalps, consulting a dermatologist is an important step before starting the derma roller journey.

Also, it is best to opt for a gentle, non-harsh hair oil with your derma roller for a more holistic hair care routine.

Why Should You Use a Derma Roller?

The needles of the derma roller act as nice scalp cleansers, efficiently removing any remaining product residue or dead cells when paired with cleansing agents. It’s a simple yet effective way to maintain hair cleanliness and overall health, which is everyone’s #1 priority. (4)(1)

Additionally, using a derma roller provides you with the experience of a head massage. Scientifically, this means you will have improved blood circulation and a healthy scalp. Plus, it reduces stress hormone levels such as cortisol, which can cause hair loss. (5)

Moreover, the derma roller may also tap into mechanobiology. This means leveraging mechanical forces to activate the hair follicles and dermal papilla cells. (3) (6)

In a study on androgenetic alopecia (AGA), derma rolling with 5% minoxidil showed better results than using minoxidil alone. Patients experienced a 91.4% increase in hair count, and 82% of the patients reported over 50% improvement. Thus, microneedling proves a promising solution for AGA.(2)

Final Word

Dermatologists recommend a frequency of once a week to once every 3 weeks of derma rolling. However, you should its use adjust based on your needs, and keep an eye out for any redness or irritation.

Generally, for longer needles, monthly use is best to prevent potential damage, while thinner needles can be used weekly on thinning areas.