More men than ever are adding a step or two to their grooming routine, and microneedling has become one of the most popular. It's quick, done once every few weeks, and works on the things many men care about: texture, fine lines, old acne marks and thinning hair. Here's a straightforward guide, including how to work around shaving and facial hair.
The short answer: microneedling encourages your skin's natural renewal, which can help improve the look of rough texture, enlarged-looking pores, fine lines and acne marks, and support fuller-looking hair on the scalp. Microneedle your face at 0.6mm about every four weeks, don't shave for 24 hours before or after, and keep aftercare simple with a fragrance-free moisturiser and daily SPF.
Why microneedling suits men's skin
- It's low maintenance. One session every four weeks on the face.
- It works on common concerns, like texture, pores, old acne marks and lines on the forehead and around the eyes.
- It covers face and scalp with one pen.
- Little downtime. Usually just a day or two of pinkness.
Men's skin tends to be thicker and oilier, with larger pores, which is one reason texture and pores respond well. See microneedling for large pores.
Working around shaving
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| The day before | Shave or trim, so skin has time to settle |
| Session day | Don't shave. Avoid razor burn, cuts and irritation. |
| 24 to 48 hours after | Don't shave, and skip aftershave and alcohol-based products |
| After 48 hours | Shave gently with a fresh blade and fragrance-free shave gel |
A weekend session works well for many men, as it gives skin a couple of days off from shaving.
If you have a beard
Microneedle the skin around your beard as normal. On the beard area itself, trim short the day before so the pen can glide. If you're interested in working on a patchy beard, see microneedling for beard growth.
Your monthly routine
Face
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.
- Wipe your skin, hands and pen with alcohol wipes and let them dry.
- Attach a new, sealed 12-pin cartridge and set 0.6mm and a low speed.
- Apply a thin layer of hyaluronic acid serum.
- Glide over the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin in small, overlapping strokes. Don't press.
- Finish with more hyaluronic acid and a fragrance-free moisturiser.
Around the eyes, use a Nano cartridge only. Repeat about every four weeks.
Scalp (if you're working on your hair)
Use a 24-pin cartridge at 0.6mm along the hairline and partings every two weeks. See microneedling for a receding hairline.
A simple daily routine to go with it
- Morning: gentle cleanser, light moisturiser, SPF 30 or higher
- Evening: cleanser and moisturiser
- A few nights a week (optional): retinol, paused for a few days before and 72 hours after each session
Common mistakes men make
- Going too deep. 0.6mm is plenty on the face.
- Shaving straight after. Wait at least 24 hours, ideally 48.
- Splashing on aftershave. Alcohol and fragrance sting freshly needled skin.
- Heading to the gym. Avoid heavy exercise for 48 hours.
- Skipping SPF. It protects your results.
One pen for face and hair: Olapen
Olapen is cordless, light and quick to use, with adjustable depth and cartridges for the face, eyes and scalp. One session a month for your face, every two weeks for your scalp if you need it, and you're done. Not sure where to start? Get your personalised routine.
Frequently asked questions
Is microneedling good for men?
Yes. It helps with common concerns like texture, pores, acne marks, fine lines and thinning hair.
Can I shave after microneedling?
Wait at least 24 hours, ideally 48.
Can I microneedle with a beard?
Yes. Trim the beard area short the day before so the pen can glide.
How long does a session take?
About 10 minutes for the face, plus a few minutes to prepare.
Can I use aftershave after microneedling?
Not for at least 72 hours.
The bottom line
Microneedling is an easy, low-maintenance addition to a man's routine. Once a month at 0.6mm, no shaving for a day or two, a simple moisturiser and daily SPF, and you'll see steady improvements in texture, pores and lines.
Microneedling and nanoneedling are cosmetic procedures. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. If you have a skin condition or any concerns, speak to a healthcare professional.