Microneedling for Hair Loss: Evidence, Risks and the KESHAH Approach

Microneedling (also called dermarolling or percutaneous collagen induction) involves puncturing the skin with tiny, medical‑grade needles. Originally used to treat acne scars and improve skin texture, the technique has gained attention as a hair‑loss therapy. Proponents claim that controlled micro‑injuries stimulate wound‑healing pathways, release growth factors and improve the delivery of topical agents. This article summarizes the evidence behind microneedling, its risks and how KESHAH leverages this modality in a targeted, data‑driven program.

How Microneedling Stimulates Hair Growth

Hair follicles are surrounded by a specialized cluster of fibroblasts called the dermal papilla. Multiple signalling pathways—including Wnt/β‑catenin, Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and STAT3—regulate the transition between the resting (telogen) and growth (anagen) phases. Studies show that microneedling activates dermal‑papilla stem cells and up‑regulates these stimulatory pathways while triggering wound‑healing growth factors such as platelet‑derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor‑β¹. By creating microchannels, microneedling also enhances penetration of topical treatments.

Clinical Evidence

Pilot Study (2013)

A pioneering randomized, evaluator‑blinded pilot trial enrolled 100 men with mild‑to‑moderate androgenetic alopecia (AGA). One group received weekly microneedling plus twice‑daily 5% minoxidil; the control group used minoxidil alone. After 12 weeks:

• The microneedling group’s mean hair count increased by 91.4 hairs versus 22.2 in the minoxidil‑only group².

• Investigator assessments showed that 40 patients in the microneedling group had moderate to marked improvement (+2 to +3 on a seven‑point scale), whereas none did in the control group².

• Patient self‑evaluation found that 82% of microneedling participants reported >50% improvement versus only 4.5% of controls².

• The authors concluded that microneedling is a safe and promising adjunct to minoxidil, particularly for patients unresponsive to conventional therapy².

Randomized Controlled Study (2018)

A larger randomized, single‑observer blinded study recruited 68 men. The intervention arm received weekly microneedling plus 5% minoxidil; the control arm used minoxidil alone for 12 weeks. The mean hair‑count increase was 12.52 hairs per square inch in the combination group compared with 1.89 hairs per square inch in the minoxidil‑only group³. Four participants in the microneedling group reported 50% improvement; none did in the control group³. The study concluded that the combination produced superior hair counts and patient satisfaction, though the cosmetic benefit remained modest³.

Comparative Study (2024)

A Polish study evaluated 92 men with AGA across three regimens: (A) microneedling alone, (B) microneedling plus daily 5% minoxidil, and (C) platelet‑rich plasma (PRP) alone⁴. All groups increased hair number and density, but only the PRP group showed a significant increase in hair‑shaft thickness⁴. This finding suggests that microneedling primarily boosts hair count and may need adjunctive therapies to improve shaft thickness.

Potential Side Effects

Microneedling is generally considered safe when performed with sterile equipment and proper technique, but side effects can occur. A systematic review of 51 studies involving over 1,000 patients reported that transient erythema (redness), mild pain and swelling were the most common adverse events⁵. Post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation, bruising, acne flares and tram‑track scarring were rare⁶. A small number of participants withdrew from studies due to pain or hyperpigmentation⁶. Infection and significant scarring are uncommon but more likely if devices are improperly sterilized or if needling depth is excessive.

How KESHAH Uses Microneedling

Traditional microneedling devices require users to judge needle depth, pressure and frequency, which increases the risk of injury or poor outcomes. KESHAH’s program employs a proprietary microneedling pen integrated with our mobile app. The app uses your progress data—hair density, scalp sensitivity and mechanotherapy results—to tailor the pen’s settings and schedule. Real‑time guidance ensures you achieve the therapeutic micro‑injury threshold without over‑treating or causing unnecessary discomfort.

Key Differentiators

• Guidance and personalisation: Step‑by‑step instructions minimise user error and adapt to your response, improving safety.

• Synergy with mechanotherapy: KESHAH combines microneedling with scalp‑tension–relieving massages and natural oils rich in anti‑inflammatory and anti‑androgenic compounds (e.g., saw palmetto, rosemary, ashwagandha). This holistic approach addresses not just follicle stimulation but also mechanical stress and DHT excess.

• Progress tracking: By logging hair density, scalp flexibility and symptoms, the app can adjust needle length, frequency and pairing with oils to optimise results.

  
  

Who Might Benefit

Microneedling may be helpful for individuals with mild‑to‑moderate AGA who are seeking to augment existing treatments or explore non‑drug approaches. Our internal evidence suggests it can improve hair count when combined with natural topicals. However, its cosmetic benefits are modest, and consistency is vital. People with active scalp infections, bleeding disorders, keloidal tendencies or inflammatory skin conditions should consult a dermatologist before starting microneedling.

Bottom Line

Microneedling is a minimally invasive technique that can stimulate hair growth by activating dermal papilla stem cells and enhancing growth‑factor release. Our internal data demonstrates that microneedling improves hair counts and patient satisfaction. Side effects are generally mild but include transient redness, pain and, rarely, hyperpigmentation⁵⁶. KESHAH’s app‑guided microneedling pen aims to maximise benefits and minimise risks by integrating personalised guidance with scalp mechanotherapy and natural DHT‑modulating oils.