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Oct 31, 2026Concern

Microneedling for Hair Loss: Does It Work?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kate Healy, MB BCh BAO, MICGP, CFPC – 2026-10-23

Microneedling may help some people with pattern hair loss, particularly when it is combined with topical minoxidil. The evidence for microneedling on its own is less clear, and it is not a treatment for every type of hair loss. The realistic aim is a gradual improvement in density and hair quality over several months, not full regrowth.

If you are considering microneedling for hair loss, you are likely asking whether the research supports it, whether it suits your kind of thinning, and whether it is worth the commitment. The answer depends first on the type of hair loss. Merrion's page on hair loss and thinning hair treatment sets out the main types and how each is assessed; this article focuses on what microneedling can and cannot do.

How microneedling may support hair growth

Microneedling uses fine needles to create many small, controlled injuries in the scalp. The skin's healing response releases growth factors, which are thought to stimulate the cells and signalling pathways around the hair follicle.

A second effect is practical. The tiny channels left by the needles may help topical treatments, such as minoxidil, penetrate the scalp. This may partly explain why combined treatment has performed better in studies than either approach alone.^[1]

These mechanisms are still being studied. They explain why microneedling is used for hair, but they do not predict how any one person will respond.

What the research shows

Microneedling combined with minoxidil

A small randomised study of men with pattern hair loss compared minoxidil alone with minoxidil plus weekly in-clinic microneedling. After 12 weeks, the combined group had a greater increase in hair count.^[2]

A 2023 network meta-analysis pooled 27 trials with 1,110 adults with pattern hair loss. Minoxidil plus microneedling was associated with the greatest improvement in hair density at six months, ahead of minoxidil alone, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) alone and microneedling alone.^[1]

Microneedling on its own

In the same analysis, microneedling alone ranked lower and its effect was smaller.^[1] It may still be considered for some people, for example those who cannot use minoxidil, but expectations should be adjusted accordingly.

The limits of the evidence

Most trials are small, follow patients for months rather than years, and use different needle depths, intervals and add-on treatments. More of them include men than women. Studies have mainly used clinic-depth needling, so the results should not be assumed to apply to low-depth rollers used at home. Our guide to using a derma roller for hair explains that difference.

Who microneedling for hair loss may suit

Situation	Is microneedling likely to be considered?
Gradual pattern thinning with a healthy scalp	Yes, after assessment. This is where the evidence sits
Heavy shedding after illness, childbirth or stress	Usually not first. Addressing the trigger comes first; shedding often settles with time
Round, patchy bald areas	Not the starting point. Needs medical assessment
Scalp redness, scaling, pain or shiny areas	No. Needs medical assessment; treatment is deferred
Thinning from tight hairstyles or breakage	Unlikely to help until styling habits change

Mixed patterns are common, so more than one row may apply. Our guide to why hair thins explains these causes, and this table is a starting point for discussion rather than a self-assessment.

When assessing whether microneedling may suit you, Dr. Kate considers the pattern and extent of thinning, how long it has been present, your general health and medicines, scalp condition, healing history and how much time you can commit to a course and home care.

Microneedling and minoxidil together

Because the strongest evidence is for the combination, it is reasonable to ask whether minoxidil should be part of your plan. Topical minoxidil is the most established treatment for pattern hair loss^[3] and is available without a prescription in Canada. It needs consistent long-term use, can cause temporary shedding at first, and is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

The scalp may absorb more after needling, so timing matters. Follow individual advice on when to restart any topical treatment after a session rather than applying it straight away.

Merrion's Hair Growth Microneedling Program uses XcellarisPro scalp products rather than minoxidil. If minoxidil may suit you alongside the course, Dr. Kate can discuss this at your assessment.

Can microneedling make hair loss worse?

When it is performed on a healthy scalp with appropriate technique, microneedling is not expected to damage hair follicles. A little pinpoint bleeding during treatment, then redness, tenderness and mild flaking for one to three days, are common.

Shedding that starts or worsens during a course should be reviewed, because it may reflect a separate trigger rather than the treatment.

Microneedling for hair loss at Merrion

At Merrion, scalp microneedling is offered as part of the Hair Growth Microneedling Program: a complete course of eight in-office treatments, each combined with Healite LED and an XcellarisPro scalp serum, with a home-care routine between visits. Our guide to scalp microneedling sessions, results and aftercare explains what each visit involves.

The published trials used different protocols, and Merrion's course has not been studied as a whole, so the research guides the discussion rather than predicting your result. Results vary, and they are not guaranteed. A course is recommended only after an assessment has confirmed the type of hair loss and that the scalp is suitable.

When an assessment is worthwhile

An assessment is worthwhile if your hair has been thinning gradually for several months, if you are unsure whether you are dealing with shedding or pattern thinning, or if you want to know whether microneedling is likely to help you specifically. During an assessment, Dr. Kate considers the history and the scalp together before discussing whether microneedling, minoxidil, another option or a medical work-up is the most appropriate next step.

Take the skin assessment quiz

Organise your concerns before a visit. The quiz helps you describe what you notice; it does not replace an examination.

To find out whether microneedling suits the type of hair loss you have, book a complimentary consultation with Dr. Kate.

Frequently asked questions

Can microneedling regrow hair?

Microneedling may improve density in pattern hair loss, mainly by supporting existing follicles. It does not create new follicles, and it is unlikely to restore hair to areas that have been bald for a long time.

Does microneedling alone regrow hair?

Studies of microneedling on its own show a smaller effect than microneedling combined with minoxidil. It may be considered when minoxidil is not suitable, with more modest expectations.

Can microneedling cause hair loss?

It is not expected to when performed appropriately on a healthy scalp. New or increased shedding during a course should be reviewed, because another trigger may be responsible.

How often is microneedling done for hair loss?

Studies have used clinic sessions repeated weekly to monthly. At Merrion, the eight Program sessions are usually about two weeks apart; see what to expect from scalp microneedling.

Does microneedling work for women's hair loss?

Women have been included in fewer studies than men, so the evidence in women is more limited. Hormonal factors and pregnancy plans shape which combinations are appropriate.

Is microneedling better than PRP for hair loss?

Neither is universally more appropriate. Pooled evidence favours microneedling combined with minoxidil; see our comparison of hair loss treatments.

Sources

This information is educational and does not replace personalised medical assessment.

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