Does Microneedling Help Hair Loss? What the Evidence Says
Microneedling is gaining serious attention as a hair loss treatment. But does it actually work? We break down the clinical evidence and explain how scalp microneedling stimulates regrowth.
If you're researching hair loss treatments, you've probably come across microneedling. Originally developed for skin rejuvenation, microneedling has become one of the most promising non-surgical options for hair restoration. But does the science support the hype?
How Microneedling Works for Hair Loss
Microneedling uses tiny, controlled punctures to trigger the body's wound-healing response. When applied to the scalp, this process:
- Stimulates stem cells in the hair follicle bulge area, reactivating dormant follicles
- Increases blood flow to the scalp, delivering more nutrients and oxygen to follicles
- Boosts growth factor production (PDGF, VEGF, Wnt signalling) that are critical for the hair growth cycle
- Enhances absorption of topical treatments like minoxidil by up to 8x when combined
What Does the Research Say?
Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated statistically significant results:
- A 2013 study in the International Journal of Trichology found that microneedling combined with minoxidil produced significantly more hair regrowth than minoxidil alone after 12 weeks
- A 2018 systematic review confirmed that microneedling as an adjunct therapy consistently outperformed standalone treatments
- Newer research into exosome-enhanced microneedling shows even more promising results, with growth factors delivered directly to the follicle
Who Is It Best For?
Scalp microneedling tends to work best for:
- Androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) in both men and women
- Early to moderate thinning — the earlier you start, the better the response
- Clients who want a non-surgical, drug-free option or want to enhance existing treatments
- Those experiencing diffuse thinning rather than complete baldness in an area
It's less effective for complete baldness where follicles have been permanently lost, or for hair loss caused by autoimmune conditions (alopecia areata) without specialist guidance.
What to Expect from Treatment
At AURA, we use medical-grade SkinPen devices for scalp microneedling. A typical protocol involves:
- Sessions: 4-6 sessions, spaced 4 weeks apart
- Duration: 30-60 minutes per session
- Downtime: Mild redness for 24-48 hours. Most clients return to normal activities the same day
- Results timeline: Initial changes at 8-12 weeks, with progressive improvement over 6-12 months
Scalp Microneedling at AURA
We offer three scalp treatment tiers at AURA by Lara Aesthetics:
- Scalp Maintenance (from £100) — Boost and maintain existing results
- Scalp Infusion (from £175) — Stimulating microneedling with growth factors
- Scalp Renewal (from £300) — Premium exosome microneedling for advanced rejuvenation
Every treatment begins with a thorough scalp assessment to determine the right approach for your specific pattern of thinning.
Ready to Start?
If you're experiencing hair thinning and want to explore microneedling, book a consultation at AURA. We'll assess your scalp, discuss your goals, and create a personalised treatment plan.
