Scalp Microneedling: The New Go-To Treatment for Postpartum Hair Thinning

In a world where every day brings a new hair and skin care treatment, Microneedling is one of the latest additions to the list. Also known as dermarolling, scalp microneedling promises to work on a kind of similar pattern to the laser treatment and has recently gained popularity among women in the postpartum phase to combat hair thinning, a common and distressing problem in many new mothers.

Scalp microneedling is believed to stimulate overall scalp health and hair growth by causing controlled injuries to the scalp, stimulating its natural healing process. To gain more insight about this trending hair treatment and understand how effective it is, we spoke to Dr Veena Praveen, Head Medical Advisor (South) and Consultant Dermatologist at Kaya Limited.  Continue Reading.

What Is Scalp Microneedling?

As reported by the Cleveland Clinic, scalp microneedling is basically a procedure that is conceptually similar to laser treatment. However, the procedure and results are completely different. The process involves using micro-needled hand tools to create micropunctures on your scalp, which trigger the body’s natural healing process, improving blood flow, collagen production, and hair follicles to promote hair regrowth. It also promotes the absorption of topical treatments on the scalp, such as Minoxidil.

“As the name suggests, the procedure makes use of a device with tiny needles that causes small injuries to your skin. Your skin responds by providing additional blood flow to the area and rebuilding its collagen to repair the wounds,” Dr Veena Praveen explained.

She further added that your scalp also experiences this wound-healing reaction, which in turn may help with hair growth. "The needles used in the procedure are long enough to affect the hair follicle, where your hair starts to grow. The extra blood flow, collagen, and wound-healing process can assist your follicles in generating thicker hair,” Dr Veena stated.

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Scalp Microneedling in Postpartum Hair Thinning

Postpartum hair loss, or hair thinning, is not a surprising occurrence, but it may result in severe hair loss and permanent baldness in mothers. Explaining postpartum hair thinning, Dr Praveen said, “Women who breastfeed could observe a longer time of hair shedding compared to those who do not, as hormonal changes occur throughout the breastfeeding period. Basically, individual hormone levels and genetic factors determine how severe the hair loss is,” Dr Praveen stated. The dermatologist further explained how this method is a suitable treatment for postpartum hair loss and thinning:

• Microneedling stimulates hair follicles and improves blood flow, which is a crucial requirement for hair growth in all phases of life.
• Scalp Microneedling promotes the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which are vital proteins for keeping hair healthy and significantly decrease after childbirth.
• A greater rate of hair growth can result from the process's creation of microchannels, which can stimulate dormant follicles.
• According to research published in the International Journal of Trichology, topical therapies paired with microneedling showed a 50% increase in absorption, eventually improving the result of hair growth in the postpartum phase.
• The skin becomes more responsive to treatments like growth serums and stimulants following microneedling. This significantly increases the effectiveness of scalp microneedling because the active substances enter the skin more deeply and reach the hair follicles.

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Dr Praveen shared, "The efficacy of scalp microneedling as an adjuvant to conventional hair growth therapies is supported by user reports that medications such as Minoxidil and natural oils produce faster and more obvious results after treatment." According to a few clinical trial reports, participants receiving frequent microneedling treatments often report noticeably thicker hair in previously thinning areas.

Risk Factors with Scalp Microneedling

While the treatment is gaining attention for its benefits, experts also underlined the importance of medical supervision. Dr Veena stated that the procedure strictly requires trained hands; otherwise, this can also result in infection or damage to the follicles.

“Microneedling is not recommended for women with active scalp infections or conditions like severe dandruff, psoriasis flare-ups, or bleeding disorders. Mild redness and sensitivity immediately after the session are considered normal and typically subside within 48 hours,” the Dermatologist explained.

With rising awareness and technological advancements in hair-restorative dermatology, microneedling is increasingly recognised as a safe, minimally invasive option for mothers seeking to reclaim their hair confidence after childbirth.

Microneedling At Home

There is a group of people who advocate that scalp microneedling can be done at home and is safe to perform. There are tools on the market, such as the dermaroller and dermapen, using which one can easily perform this process at home. However, it is essential to be cautious and follow a simple technique to maintain hygiene and control the needle length, which is what determines the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.

It is recommended that the length of the needle be between 0.5 to 2 millimetres, as anything longer than this can harm the dermis. However, Dr Praveen recommended performing the task only under the supervision of an expert to avoid any possible complications or damage.

Bottomline

Scalp microneedling has become a go-to treatment with substantial results for women facing hair issues in the postpartum phase. From increased blood circulation and stimulation of hair follicles to improved absorption of topical medications, the treatment shows potential for new mothers experiencing hair loss. However, it is also important to speak with a certified dermatologist or practitioner to discuss individual needs and select the best approach.