Is micro needling (microneedling) effective for improving facial hair growth?

Microneedling for Facial Hair Growth: Effectiveness and Guidelines

Microneedling is effective for improving facial hair growth, especially when combined with other treatments like minoxidil or platelet-rich plasma (PRP), with studies showing significantly increased hair count and thickness compared to standard treatments alone. 1, 2

Mechanism and Efficacy

Microneedling works through several mechanisms to promote facial hair growth:

• Creates controlled microtrauma that stimulates the wound-healing cascade
• Induces collagen formation and neovascularization
• Enhances penetration and absorption of topical hair growth treatments by 5-10 times
• Stimulates release of growth factors that promote hair follicle development 3, 4

Research evidence demonstrates:

• Microneedling monotherapy significantly increases total hair count more than topical minoxidil 5% alone 1
• Combination therapy of microneedling with 5% minoxidil shows superior results compared to either treatment alone 2
• At 12 weeks, combination therapy resulted in significantly higher hair density (95.6 vs 52.4 hair/cm²) and diameter (18 vs 6 μm) compared to minoxidil alone 2

Optimal Treatment Protocol

Based on the most recent evidence, the recommended protocol for facial hair growth is:

Needle Depth

• 0.6mm depth is more effective than 1.2mm for androgenetic alopecia when combined with minoxidil 5
• For facial regions specifically:
  • Forehead areas: 0.25-0.5mm depth
  • Cheeks and perioral areas: 0.5-1.5mm depth
  • Problem areas requiring more stimulation: 1.5-2.5mm depth 6

Treatment Frequency and Duration

• 3-4 sessions at 2-4 week intervals for initial treatment 6
• Biweekly treatments show significant improvement when combined with minoxidil 5
• Maintenance treatments every 6-12 months to sustain results 6

Combination Approach

For optimal results:

1. Microneedling + 5% minoxidil (most studied and effective combination) 2
2. Microneedling + PRP/PRF (shows superior outcomes for skin rejuvenation and may benefit hair growth) 3, 6

Procedure Technique

For best results, follow these guidelines:

1. Pre-procedure preparation:

   • Cleanse face thoroughly to remove oils and debris
   • Apply topical anesthetic 30 minutes before if needed (though most patients tolerate well without) 6

2. During procedure:

   • Ensure skin is well lubricated with PRP/PRF or appropriate serum
   • Hold skin taut with one hand
   • Use directional strokes following facial contours
   • Work systematically across facial regions 6

3. Post-procedure care:

   • Apply soothing products like hyaluronic acid serums
   • Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen
   • Avoid direct sun exposure for 24-48 hours
   • Avoid heavily scented facial products for 24 hours 6

Important Considerations and Contraindications

Microneedling should be avoided in patients with:

• Active skin infections or inflammatory conditions
• Open wounds or sunburned areas
• Over tattoos or permanent makeup 6

Common side effects are generally mild and transient:

• Temporary erythema (redness)
• Itching
• Potential post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (especially in darker skin types) 7, 2

Clinical Pearls

• Needle depth matters: Studies show 0.6mm depth is more effective than deeper 1.2mm penetration for hair growth 5
• Consistency is key: Regular treatments at appropriate intervals produce better results than sporadic sessions
• Combination therapy works best: Adding microneedling to minoxidil treatment significantly enhances results compared to either treatment alone 1, 2
• Treatment duration affects outcomes: Longer overall treatment duration with reduced frequency of sessions may positively influence total hair count 1

While microneedling shows promising results for facial hair growth, it works best as part of a combination approach rather than as a standalone treatment for significant hair growth enhancement.