If you've looked into ways to improve the look of thinning hair, you've almost certainly come across two words: microneedling and minoxidil. Increasingly, people are using them together. This guide explains why, what the research actually found, and how to combine them sensibly at home.
The short answer: several studies have found that people who added regular scalp microneedling to their minoxidil routine saw better results than people using minoxidil alone. Researchers think microneedling may help minoxidil absorb more effectively and also prompt the scalp's own renewal processes. Because minoxidil is a medicine, timing matters, so speak to a pharmacist about how to fit the two together.
What is minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a medicine applied to the scalp as a foam or solution. In the UK, it's available from pharmacies without a prescription and is widely used for gradual, pattern-type thinning in both men and women. It's usually applied once or twice a day, and you should always follow the instructions in the product leaflet.
Minoxidil isn't right for everyone, and it can have side effects. If you're unsure whether it's suitable for you, ask your pharmacist or GP.
What is scalp microneedling?
Scalp microneedling uses a pen or roller with fine needles to create tiny, controlled channels in the scalp. Just as on the face, this prompts the skin's natural renewal response. On the scalp, it's used to improve the look of thinning hair, and it can help products applied to the scalp absorb more effectively.
For a full guide to technique, see microneedling for hair thinning.
What the research shows
The 2013 study that started it all
The most widely cited research is a 2013 randomised study published in the International Journal of Trichology. One hundred men with pattern thinning were split into two groups for 12 weeks. One group used 5% minoxidil twice a day on its own. The other used the same minoxidil plus a weekly microneedling session with a roller, carried out in a clinic.
The results were striking. On average, the microneedling group gained around 91 hairs in a small marked area of the scalp, compared with around 22 in the minoxidil-only group. In the microneedling group, 82% of participants rated their improvement at more than 50%, compared with under 5% of those using minoxidil alone.
What later studies found
Since then, many smaller studies have looked at the same combination. A 2022 review in Dermatology and Therapy brought together 17 studies involving 911 participants and found generally favourable results when microneedling was combined with minoxidil or other scalp products.
To be balanced, not every study has been as positive. A later randomised trial in 68 men also found the combination worked better than minoxidil alone, but the difference was much smaller and the researchers didn't consider it cosmetically significant. Reviewers have also pointed out that many studies were small, and that more high-quality research is needed.
What this means for you
- The evidence for combining microneedling with minoxidil is promising and growing.
- Most studies were carried out in clinics, often at deeper settings than are used at home.
- Results vary from person to person, and they take months, not weeks.
Why might they work well together?
Researchers have suggested two main reasons:
- Better absorption. The tiny channels created by microneedling may help more of a scalp product reach where it's needed.
- Natural renewal. Microneedling prompts the scalp's own repair processes, which may support the hair growth cycle in its own right.
That increased absorption is also why timing matters. Applying a medicine to freshly microneedled skin can mean more of it is absorbed than usual, which may increase the chance of irritation or side effects.
How to combine microneedling and minoxidil safely
- Check with a pharmacist first. Ask how long to wait after a microneedling session before applying minoxidil. Follow their advice and the product leaflet.
- Skip minoxidil around your session. Don't use minoxidil as a glide during microneedling, and don't apply it straight afterwards. Use a plain hyaluronic acid serum to help the pen glide instead.
- Start gently. Begin at 0.6mm with a 24-pin, 36-pin or 42-pin cartridge. Only increase towards 1.0mm if your scalp tolerates it well.
- Work along partings. Section your hair and glide slowly along each parting, holding the pen at 90 degrees. Don't press.
- Space your sessions. Every 2 weeks at 0.6mm is a sensible starting point. Allow longer gaps at deeper settings.
- Look after your scalp. Wait 24 hours before washing your hair, and avoid dye, bleach and chemical treatments for at least a week.
- Keep going with your daily routine. On non-microneedling days, continue to use minoxidil as directed.
Setting realistic expectations
Hair grows in slow cycles, so patience is essential:
- Give it at least 3 to 6 months of consistent sessions before judging results.
- Take monthly photos in the same light and position to track progress.
- Some people notice temporary shedding when starting minoxidil. This is mentioned in many product leaflets; ask your pharmacist if you're concerned.
When to see a GP first
Scalp microneedling is best suited to gradual thinning, such as a widening parting or receding hairline. See your GP or a dermatologist before starting if your thinning:
- is sudden or happens in patches
- comes with itching, pain, redness, scaling or sores
- started after an illness, a new medication or a major life event
Microneedling your scalp with Olapen
We designed Olapen For Hair for exactly this kind of routine. Its adjustable depth lets you start gently at 0.6mm, and our larger 24-pin, 36-pin and 42-pin cartridges cover the scalp quickly and evenly. Every cartridge is sterile, individually sealed and single use. Not sure which to choose? See our cartridge guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply minoxidil straight after microneedling?
It's generally best not to, because freshly microneedled skin absorbs more than usual. Ask your pharmacist how long to wait, and follow their advice.
Can I use minoxidil as a glide serum?
No. Use a plain hyaluronic acid serum during microneedling instead.
How often should I microneedle my scalp?
Every 2 weeks at 0.6mm is a good starting point. Allow longer between sessions if you increase the depth.
Does microneedling work without minoxidil?
Some people use scalp microneedling on its own, but most of the published research looked at microneedling combined with minoxidil or other scalp products.
Can women combine microneedling and minoxidil?
Yes, minoxidil is used by women as well as men, though product strengths and instructions can differ. Ask your pharmacist which product is suitable.
How long until I see results?
Allow at least 3 to 6 months of consistent use before judging results.
The bottom line
The research on combining microneedling with minoxidil is some of the most encouraging in the hair space. Used carefully, with the right depth, good spacing between sessions and a pharmacist's advice on timing, it's a combination worth considering if you want fuller-looking hair. Above all, be consistent and give it time.
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. Minoxidil is a medicine; always read the leaflet and speak to a pharmacist or GP if you have questions.