Tag Archive for: Dermaroller

Get Healthier, Fuller, Thicker Hair. Your Fall Hair Care Guide.

Mature mother and daughter embrace outside in front of bright flowering tree. It is summer, they are both wearing trendy sunglasses and smiling.

Long, hot summer days are about to make way for crisp fall air. It’s time to transition from bathing suits and vacations to back-to-school shopping, football season, and hayrides. Here’s something that may not be on your radar, though. The transition from warmer weather to cooler temps can affect your hair’s growth cycle. Is it time to switch up your hair care routine? Need to give your hair some extra TLC? Find out how your hair changes during the transition from summer to fall and what you can do to get healthier, fuller, thicker hair. Your fall hair care guide is here!

What Happens to Your Hair in the Fall?

Do you know how people say your hair grows faster in the summer? It’s not just an old wives’ tale. It’s true! A small sample of men was tracked for a year. During that time, researchers found that the number of hair follicles in the growth cycle peaked in March. In August and September, the least amount of hair follicles were in the growth stage. Not only that, the amount of hair shed more than doubled that of the previous winter. (01) So how can you offset the natural loss and keep your hair on top of its game? Here are some things you can do.

Moisturize

As summer’s heat and humidity are replaced by cooler air, you may find that your hair gets dry and frizzy. That means it’s time to swap your summer hair care products for more moisturizing and hydrating ones. Check the ingredients on your shampoo and conditioner bottles. You’ll want products that are sulfate-free and enriched with natural oils to keep your hair looking shiny and healthy. Fall is also the perfect time for deep conditioning treatments. Hair masks or natural oils, including coconut oil, argan oil, and olive oil bases, can help bring the shine back to damaged hair. 

Keep It Cool

Sure, nothing feels better than a hot shower on a chilly day but think twice before using steamy hot water. Hot water can strip your hair’s natural oils, causing dryness and breakage. Use warm or cool water instead, especially when rinsing your hair. Cooler water helps maintain your hair’s natural moisture levels and promotes a healthier scalp. Think twice about heat styling, too. Excessive heat from hair dryers, flat irons, and curlers can lead to breakage and split ends. Consider embracing your hair’s natural texture instead. Is heat styling unavoidable? Use a heat protectant so there’s a barrier between your hair and your heat tool. 

Get Regular Trims

Haircuts don’t affect your hair’s growth cycle but can help your hair’s overall health and make it look healthier. Trimming your hair every six to eight weeks can help prevent split ends from moving down the hair shaft and creating further damage. You may even have fun experimenting with a few new looks along the way. 

Protect Your Hair from the Elements

Weather can be unpredictable in the fall. You never know when winds will blow through or if rain will dampen your day. Stylish hats, scarves, and hair-friendly accessories can save the day by protecting your tresses from environmental damage. Careful not to use anything tight, though. Tight ponytail holders, barrettes, and headbands can cause breakage, which is what you’re trying to avoid.   

Nourish from the Inside Out

Did you know that your diet can affect your hair’s appearance? Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet with plenty of protein. Protein feeds keratin, which is your hair’s main building block. Foods like free-range eggs and poultry, fish, nuts, fruit, and leafy greens provide essential nutrients for thick, silky locks. Hair growth supplements may help if your hair is thinning or seems lackluster. Look for ingredients like biotin, collagen, and saw palmetto that help your hair grow stronger and faster. 

Consider Scalp Massages

Ever had your hair washed at a salon or barber shop and gotten a bonus scalp massage? If so, you know how relaxing scalp massages can be. Even better, scalp massages may support hair health and growth too. Almost 70 percent of over 300 people who did scalp massages for 11 to 20 minutes daily for almost six months reported less hair loss or growth. (02) Researchers believe the improvement may be due to improved circulation. Not only that, massages reduce stress which can contribute to hair loss. So, why not give it a try? Simply use your fingertips to gently massage in circular motions. Free and easy to do!

Check Out the Latest Gadgets

Curious about the latest tools available to help your hair grow faster and thicker this fall? You’ve come to the right place. Let’s start with the dermaroller. Dermarollers are small, hand-held rollers with a bunch of tiny needles embedded in the roller. The needles create microscopic divots that stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Like scalp massages, dermarollers also increase the blood supply to your hair follicles. That enlarges the follicles so new growth can emerge. The Gua Sha combs you may have seen on TikTok have a similar effect. The combs, made out of natural elements such as jade, look like other combs, but have extra thick, wide teeth. Rather than making small wounds on the scalp, Gua Sha massages the scalp to increase circulation. Want to give it a try? Use a little oil and very gently massage the oil into your scalp with the comb.  

Keep Tabs On Your Hair Loss

Is your hair loss seasonal or due to a factor that needs more attention? If you’re not sure, there’s never a downside to consulting with a licensed dermatologist. You’ll get peace of mind if they don’t find anything significant. If it turns out that you’re experiencing male or female pattern baldness or another type of alopecia, the earlier you get treated, the more likely you’ll have a successful outcome. Don’t have a dermatologist on speed dial? Feeling insecure about asking questions in person? We’ve got you covered. Reach out to one of Happy Head’s board-certified dermatologists and hair specialists. We can help you discern between a typical amount of hair loss for the time of year and what’s not. If you need hair growth treatments, we can help with that too. 

Fall Into Fuller, Thicker Hair

Sure, we tend to lose more hair in autumn than during other times of the year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t fight mother nature… and win. Switching up your hair care products with volumizing and moisturizing formulas, eating well, and seeking professional help if you have specific hair loss concerns are just a few of the things that you can do to keep your hair in top condition this fall. Now, pumpkin spice latte, anyone?

Want more tips and tricks for healthy hair growth and home maintenance? Follow us @hihappyhead to get the latest. 

 

Resources:

(01) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2003996/

(02) https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13555-019-0281-6

Do Scalp Dermarollers Really Stimulate Hair Growth?

Health and beauty enthusiasts are always looking for innovative solutions for flawless skin and luscious locks. Enter the game-changing dermaroller! This revolutionary device has taken the skincare world by storm by stimulating collagen production and boosting the absorption of skincare products. These tools can revitalize skin, but do scalp dermarollers really stimulate hair growth?  

What is a Scalp Dermaroller? 

Scalp Dermarollers, also known as microneedle rollers or microneedling devices, have gained popularity as a potential tool for obtaining softer, more radiant skin. However, Scalp Dermarollers also show promising results for stimulating hair growth and improving overall hair health. 

When rolled over the affected area, these convenient handheld devices create microscopic wounds (micro-injuries) on the scalp using hundreds of tiny needles. This process is called microneedling. And while it may sound counter-intuitive, causing little injuries on the scalp results in healthier hair through the following ways. 

Reducing Inflammation

Many hair loss conditions are associated with inflammation of the scalp, which can contribute to hair shedding. For example, scalp psoriasis, folliculitis, and alopecia areata are three conditions that result in hair loss due to inflamed hair follicles. Microneedling helps inflammation-induced hair loss by triggering the body’s anti-inflammatory response. (01)

As the skin heals, the inflammatory cells that cause scalp inflammation are cleared away, and the healing process encourages a healthier environment for hair growth. Furthermore, microneedling can reinforce the absorption of anti-inflammatory topical products. After the procedure, the microchannels created by the needles allow for better penetration of these products into the scalp. This means that anti-inflammatory serums or medications can reach deeper layers of the skin and offer more effective outcomes. 

Encouraging Blood Circulation

The small microchannels caused by dermarollers on the scalp trigger the body’s natural healing response. This process stimulates blood flow to the scalp, bringing in essential nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles. In turn, the increased circulation nourishes the hair follicles, promoting scalp vitality and stronger hair growth. 

This enhanced circulation also helps in the removal of waste products and toxins from the scalp, leading to a more stable and healthier environment for hair growth. Moreover, the maximized circulation can awaken dormant hair follicles, encouraging them to enter the active growth phase and promoting the regrowth of thinning or lost hair. Additionally, increased blood flow may help in delivering topical hair growth products more effectively to the hair follicles, amplifying their benefits.

Increasing Collagen and Growth Factors

Microneedling using dermarollers stimulates the production of collagen and various growth factors in the scalp. Collagen and keratin are crucial proteins that help maintain the structural integrity of hair follicles.  With increased collagen and keratin levels, the hair follicles become stronger and more resilient, reducing hair breakage and promoting healthier hair growth. 

Growth factors also play a role in signaling cellular activities, including hair growth. Dermarollers boost growth factors, and the presence of these substances aids in creating a favorable environment for hair follicle regeneration.  Growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF).  These growth factors play pivotal roles in the proliferation and regeneration of cells, which can lead to the rejuvenation of hair follicles and the promotion of new hair growth.

For example, a 12-week study found that 82% of people who use microneedling along with hair growth topicals found a 50% improvement in hair growth. In comparison, only 4.5% of participants who solely used topicals saw hair growth within 12 weeks. This result indicates that microneedling using dermarollers helps to produce hair growth results faster. (02)

Better Absorption of Topical Products

The microchannels created by a dermaroller deepen the absorption of topical hair growth products, such as minoxidil or hair growth serums. These products can penetrate deeper into the scalp, reaching the hair follicles more effectively, thus increasing their efficacy. The scalp’s natural barrier, known as the stratum corneum, can limit the absorption of some topicals. However, the microneedling process temporarily disrupts this barrier, facilitating greater absorption of the active ingredients. 

A study of participants with treatment-resistant androgenetic alopecia found that treatment satisfaction was higher when combined with microneedling procedures. (03) When hair growth serums, minoxidil, or other hair care solutions are applied immediately after using the dermaroller, these products can reach deeper layers of the skin through the microchannels. This intensified penetration allows the active ingredients in the topical products to directly reach the hair follicles and the underlying scalp tissue, maximizing their effectiveness. 

Activation of Dormant Hair Follicles 

As stated earlier, dermarollers may also help activate dormant or inactive hair follicles, leading to new hair growth in areas with hair thinning or hair loss. Dermarollers have shown promise in activating dormant hair follicles, leading to renewed hair growth in areas where hair thinning or hair loss has occurred. The micro-injuries caused by a dermaroller stimulate the body’s natural wound-healing response, which can also awaken inactive hair follicles.

When hair follicles become dormant, they enter an extended resting phase, leading to hair thinning and reduced hair growth. Microneedling with dermarollers induces a series of cellular responses, including increased blood flow, the release of growth factors, and the activation of stem cells. These factors collectively create an environment conducive to hair follicle reawakening.

Which Dermaroller Should I Buy?

Happy Head is proud to launch a scalp dermaroller developed by our world-renowned hair loss pioneers: Dr. Ben Behnam and Dr. Sean Behnam. Dr. Sean & Ben Behnam recommend scalp dermarollers at a length of 0.25mm. This is the optimal length to help stimulate hair growth and boost the effects of prescription topical hair growth treatment.

According to Dr. Ben Benham, “When dermarolling, you don’t have to go very deep to get results. I recommend just 0.25, which is very shallow. Many people read online that a 1.5 depth is recommended, but in my opinion, that’s too deep. Nobody needs a roller that strong. Rollers with needles that are too long hurt, and they can damage the hair follicle. You certainly don’t want to damage areas where your hair is thinning or balding.” Happy Head’s dermarollers incorporate this needle length into their design, as well as: 

  • Medical-grade 0.25mm microneedles
  • A sleek, minimalist matte style
  • A case to keep the product clean (after sanitizing) when stored 
  • No-slip grip and sturdy design for safe application

Unlike dermarollers you may find at a drugstore or beauty shop, Happy Head’s scalp dermarollers are medical-grade and meant to last. With Happy Head’s dermaroller, you know you’re getting a quality and effective dermaroller that’s developed with hair growth in mind. 

Are Scalp Dermarollers Safe to Use? 

If you’re wondering if a scalp dermaroller is safe, the answer is a resounding “yes.” A 2022 study published in the journal Dermatology and Therapy found that out of 657 subjects who underwent microneedling for hair loss, none reported any adverse effects. Although the microneedling process causes microscopic injuries to the skin, these wounds are small, superficial, and temporary. (04) 

Scalp dermarollers are so safe they can be used in the comfort of your own home! The key is to keep the dermaroller moving, never keeping the roller in one place for too long. In addition, using a dermatologist-recommended dermaroller can also reduce any risk for complications and ensure effective results.

How to Use Dermarollers

When using a scalp dermaroller, the words to remember are “gentle” and “clean.” Because you’re working with hundreds of microscopic needles, it’s best to use the product with a gentle touch, never staying in one spot too long. 

Use your dermaroller once or twice a week or as directed by your hair specialist. 

  1. Always start with a clean scalp and hair to avoid infection.
  2. Roll very gently over areas you’re experiencing hair loss in alternating directions for 2 to 5 minutes. Never remain in one area for a prolonged period.
  3. Afterward, apply your Happy Head custom topical solution and gently massage the product into your scalp.

Easy cleaning instructions are included within the packaging of each Happy Head dermaroller. To clean the device, soak it in a solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol between uses. Then dry thoroughly and store in the carrying case.

Add Happy Head’s Scalp Dermaroller to Your Hair Loss Arsenal

When combatting hair loss, you need all the help you can get. Happy Head’s scalp dermaroller is an evidence-based scalp enhancement tool that improves your scalp and boosts the effectiveness of any hair growth topicals. Whether you’re dealing with hair shedding from androgenetic alopecia or inflammation-induced hair loss from folliculitis, start using Happy Head’s dermaroller along with your prescribed hair loss treatment to revitalize your scalp and start regrowing your hair faster. 

 

Resources: 

(01) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31254437/

(02) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3746236/

(03) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4458936/

(04) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34854067/

Scalp Dermaroller: The Most Helpful Hair Growth Tool You Didn’t Know You Needed

Happy Head's new scalp dermaroller helps regrow collagen and hair.

If you’re up-to-date on the latest skincare tools, you’ve probably heard about dermarollers designed to pump up your skin’s collagen. You may have even tried one. But did you know that scalp dermarollers can help rejuvenate your hair too? Although relatively new to the hair care scene, scalp dermarollers have quickly become a tool of choice, recommended by leading dermatologists and hair specialists. What makes scalp dermarollers so popular for treating hair loss? Will the trend last? We’re here to fill you in.  

What Is a Scalp Dermaroller & What Does It Do?

A Scalp Dermaroller is a small hand-held roller with about 540 tiny needles on it. When rolled over your skin or scalp, the dermaroller’s needles create microscopic wounds that stimulate collagen and elastin production. Collagen keeps your skin firm, elastic, and hydrated.  It’s also needed to build keratin which keeps your hair strong, shiny, and thick. In addition to building collagen, scalp dermarollers increase blood supply to the hair follicles, enlarging the follicles to allow new growth to emerge.

Why Are We Just Now Learning About Scalp Dermarolling?  Is it New?

Although dermarolling, also known as microneedling, has been around since the 1900s to treat birthmarks, hyperpigmentation, and scars, we started hearing more about the treatment in the late 1990s. Since then, dermarolling has been studied and found to be effective among patients with alopecia areata (01) and androgenic alopecia.  Patients with alopecia areata have seen positive results when applying triamcinolone after using a dermaroller. Patients with androgenic alopecia have seen positive results when applying Minoxidil after using a dermaroller. (02)

Are Scalp Dermarollers Safe?

Scalp dermarolling is quite safe and easy to do. Simply wet your hair and then gently roll back and forth with your Scalp Dermaroller, left and right, for just a few minutes.  Make sure that you keep the dermaroller moving.  Holding a dermaroller in one place in one area could cause scarring.

Can I Do Microneedling at Home?

The microneedling that’s referenced in this article can be done at home. All you need is a Scalp Dermaroller. The number of times that you use your dermaroller each week will depend on the length of the needles you are using and whether you are using your dermaroller to apply medication. Patients should always consult with their dermatologists to develop a treatment protocol since alopecia type, medications, hair density and other factors vary from person to person.

Other types of microneedling are performed in a dermatologist’s office. You may have heard of Protein Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments which are often done in conjunction with microneedling. During a PRP treatment, a patient’s blood is drawn and placed into a centrifuge machine. The blood is spun at a high rate so the components are separated. The platelets are then extracted and injected into the scalp. When PRP is combined with microneedling, topical anesthetic is applied first, medical-grade dermarollers are used, and then PRP is applied last. PRP treatments can only be done in a doctor’s office.

Which Scalp Dermaroller Should I Buy?

According to Dr. Ben Behnam, board-certified dermatologist, hair specialist, Happy Head co-founder and co-owner of Los Angeles-based Dermatology and Hair Restoration, the key to selecting a Scalp Dermaroller is to get the correct needle size. “When dermarolling, you don’t have to go very deep to get results,” said Behnam. “I recommend just 0.25, which is very shallow. Many people read online that a 1.5 depth is recommended, but in my opinion, that’s too deep. Nobody needs a roller that strong. Rollers with needles that are too long hurt, and they can damage the hair follicle. You certainly don’t want to damage areas where your hair is thinning or balding.” At Happy Head, we’ve designed a Scalp Dermaroller specifically for use alongside your usual topical hair growth solutions. 

Using a Scalp Dermaroller to Apply Minoxidil (Rogaine), Finasteride, and Other Topical Medications Gives Better Results

A study conducted in 2013 compared patients with androgenic alopecia who used a dermaroller to apply Minoxidil to patients who did not use the roller. Not surprisingly, patients who used the roller achieved more growth. The dermaroller creates tiny holes in the scalp that allows the Minoxidil, Finasteride and other topical medications to penetrate deeper than they otherwise would. The medicine works more effectively.

If you’re using Minoxidil or any other topical hair loss treatment on your frontal hairline, Dr Behnam recommends using the topical about two inches behind the hairline to prevent getting the medicine on your face.

Can a Scalp Dermaroller Be Used On Facial Hair?

Although no research studies have been conducted on patients using dermarollers on their mustaches or beards, there’s enough evidence to indicate it’s worth a try. We know that Minoxidil is effective for hair growth and that dermarolling increases absorption. In addition to boosting collagen and keratin production, scalp dermarolling may help improve blood flow to the area.

Keep in mind that you may notice some redness after using the Scalp Dermaroller on your mustache or beard area. This irritation should disappear after a few days. If you experience bleeding, you may be using too much pressure. See if using less pressure helps.

Here are some other tips for facial dermarolling:

  • Start with clean skin and facial hair
  • Wait until acne has cleared up before dermarolling to prevent irritation or infection
  • Use the least amount of pressure needed
  • FIll-in each cheek with air as you do when shaving to get a flatter surface for dermarolling
  • Get a consistent pattern by moving the dermaroller back and forth in horizontal, vertical and diagonal lines

How Much Do Scalp Dermarollers Cost?

Microneedling sessions at a dermatologist’s office can be very expensive, costing anywhere from $200 to $700 per session or more. Using a Scalp Dermaroller at home, however, saves time, money and gas. Scalp dermarollers designed for home use are similar to the ones dermatologists use, but have smaller needles. As we’ve discussed though, smaller needles can still pack quite a punch. Dermarollers used at home are very budget-friendly. The average price of a good stationary unit ranges anywhere from $30 to $50. A good quality electric unit costs $100 – $200 depending upon the features included.

 

Happy Head customer using his scalp dermaroller alongside his topical hair growth treatment.

Should You Test out a Dermaroller On Your Scalp?

So, here’s the takeaway. A dermaroller is an inexpensive hair growth tool that increases the effectiveness of topical treatments among patients with androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata. As with any medical treatment, you should always check with your dermatologist before buying or using a dermaroller. Although dermarolling is an easy, low-risk at-home treatment, it is not recommended for scarring alopecias.   

Always make sure that you buy your dermroller from a trusted source. As with any other hair tool, make sure that you keep your dermaroller clean according to the package instructions. Finally, use your Scalp Dermaroller as recommended, usually a couple times a week, and be careful not to overuse it. More won’t give you better or faster results.

Resources:

(01) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3996798/

(02) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3746236/