Scalp microneedling guides often assume straight, untreated hair. But many people colour their hair, have relaxers or perms, wear protective styles, or have curly and coily textures. All of these can work alongside scalp microneedling, with a little planning. Here's how.
The short answer: leave at least a week between scalp microneedling and colouring, bleaching, relaxing or perming, in either direction. Don't microneedle under tight braids, weaves or extensions; work on the scalp when it's accessible. For textured hair, part in small sections, work slowly so the pen doesn't catch, and keep the scalp moisturised.
Timing around chemical treatments
| Treatment | Before microneedling | After microneedling |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent colour or bleach | Wait at least 1 week | Wait at least 1 week |
| Semi-permanent colour | Wait several days | Wait at least 1 week |
| Relaxers and perms | Wait 1 to 2 weeks | Wait 1 to 2 weeks |
| Keratin or smoothing treatments | Wait 1 week | Wait 1 week |
A simple plan is to colour or treat your hair, wait a week, microneedle, then keep going on your usual schedule until a week before your next appointment. If your scalp is sore, itchy or flaking after a chemical treatment, wait until it has fully settled. Let your stylist know you're microneedling.
Braids, weaves, wigs and extensions
- Don't microneedle under tight braids, cornrows, weaves or bonded extensions. The scalp is hard to reach and clean properly, and styles can add tension.
- Microneedle between installs, when your scalp is fully accessible, then wait at least a week before your next protective style.
- Wigs: microneedle when you can leave your scalp uncovered for 24 hours, and keep wig caps and wigs clean.
- Hairline tension: if tight styles are thinning your hairline, try looser styles to give the area a rest.
Technique for curly, coily and thick hair
- Detangle first, so you can make clean partings.
- Part in small sections, about 1 to 2cm apart, using clips to hold hair back.
- Use a 24-pin cartridge, which is easier to guide along narrow partings.
- Work slowly so the pen doesn't catch on hair. Glide along each parting at 90 degrees.
- Use plain hyaluronic acid as a glide, not oils or butters.
Start at 0.6mm every two weeks. See our scalp microneedling guide for depth and frequency.
Aftercare
- Wait 24 hours before washing.
- Avoid scalp oils, butters and heavy styling products for 48 to 72 hours.
- Skip tight styles and heated tools for a day or two.
- Sleep on a clean satin or silk pillowcase or bonnet.
- If you use minoxidil, ask your pharmacist how long to wait before applying it.
Scalp care with Olapen
Olapen's slim, cordless design is easy to guide along narrow partings, and the 24-pin cartridge suits every hair type. For more, see Microneedling for Thinning Hair.
Frequently asked questions
Can I microneedle my scalp after dyeing my hair?
Wait at least a week after colouring.
Can I dye my hair after scalp microneedling?
Wait at least a week.
Can I microneedle with braids in?
Not under tight braids. Microneedle between installs.
Does scalp microneedling work on curly hair?
Yes. Part in small sections and work slowly.
Can I use oils after scalp microneedling?
Wait 48 to 72 hours.
The bottom line
Scalp microneedling works with coloured, treated and textured hair. Leave a week either side of chemical treatments, microneedle between protective styles, part in small sections, and keep aftercare simple.
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. If you have concerns about your hair or scalp, speak to a healthcare professional.