Scalp Microneedling: What a Clinic Session Involves

Before the session

• A diagnosis. Hair loss has many causes. A dermatologist can tell you what is behind yours and whether microneedling fits at all.
• A health history. The FDA says microneedling may not suit people with bleeding or clotting problems, people who take blood thinners, people with a weakened immune system or certain skin conditions, or people with diabetes. Tell the provider about all of these.
• Baseline photos. Same light, same parting, same hair length. You will want them at the review.

The device

Powered microneedle pens are class II devices in the FDA database under product code QAI. The public summary for one of them, a pen cleared for facial acne scars and neck wrinkles, describes a sterile, single-use cartridge with 14 needles and needle protrusion settings from 0 to 2.5 mm. That is a facial device. We cite it only to show what a clinic pen looks like on paper.

The FDA advises asking whether a new needle cartridge is used for each patient and for each session, because re-using cartridges can cause or spread infection.

Numbing and sensation

Topical numbing medication is typically applied first, the FDA says. After that, sensations vary. The FDA lists discomfort, burning, redness, tightness, itching, peeling, bruising, bleeding and crusting among the common effects of microneedling devices.

Right after

Ask the provider how to care for the scalp. The FDA notes that treated skin can be more sensitive to the sun and to products such as sunscreen, makeup and moisturizers. Most effects pass within a few days or weeks, but the FDA also says some side effects can last a long time.

The hairline

People use the word for two things: thinning at the front or the temples, and the line left after a hair transplant. The studies we cite do not test the hairline as a separate target, so a clinic's hairline-specific claims should come with their own study.

• The edge of the scalp is exposed to sun and to styling products. Ask your clinician when and how to use both near treated skin.
• After a transplant, ask the surgeon before any microneedling. We give no timing for that.
• Treat the same checks as for the rest of the scalp: no inflamed, broken or infected skin.

Questions to ask the clinic

• Who performs the procedure, and what is their license?
• Which device is it, and what is it cleared for? (Check the FDA 510(k) database.)
• Is a new sterile cartridge opened for me?
• What will you measure, and when do we review the result?
• What happens if there is no change?
• Are the before and after photos on your site real patients, with written consent? See how to read them.

When not to do it

Skip scalp microneedling if the skin is inflamed, broken or infected, and ask a clinician first if any item in the history list above applies to you. For any medical condition, talk to a doctor. This site covers cosmetic uses only.

Common questions