Once you've decided to try scalp microneedling, the practical questions come thick and fast. How deep should I go? How often? What should I put on my scalp afterwards? This guide answers them clearly, so you can build a routine with confidence.
The short answer: start at 0.6mm every 2 weeks with a 24-pin, 36-pin or 42-pin cartridge. You can move to 0.8mm every 3 weeks or 1.0mm every 4 weeks once your scalp is comfortable, but many people stay at 0.6mm. Use plain hyaluronic acid as a glide, wait 24 hours before washing, and ask your pharmacist how long to wait before applying minoxidil.
How deep should you go?
| Depth | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.6mm | Every 2 weeks | Where everyone should start. Comfortable, quick recovery. |
| 0.8mm | Every 3 weeks | An option after several comfortable sessions. |
| 1.0mm | Every 4 weeks | The maximum we recommend at home. |
Deeper isn't automatically better. Many of the encouraging results in scalp research came from relatively shallow, regular sessions. Going deeper means more redness, longer recovery and longer gaps between sessions.
Depth by area
- Hairline and temples: 0.6mm. Skin can be thinner here.
- Top and crown: 0.6mm to start, up to 1.0mm.
- Sides and back: rarely needed, as these areas usually thin less.
Which cartridge?
- 24-pin: precise enough for partings and the hairline
- 36-pin: a good all-round choice for the top of the head
- 42-pin: the fastest coverage for wider areas like the crown
See our cartridge guide for more.
How often, and why spacing matters
Your scalp needs time to recover and respond between sessions. Microneedling more often won't speed things up and may irritate the scalp. Stick to the schedule for your depth, and if your scalp still feels sore or looks red when your next session is due, wait a few more days.
What to apply before
- Clean, dry hair and scalp, with no styling products or oils.
- Alcohol wipes along the partings, allowed to dry fully.
- Plain hyaluronic acid serum as a glide, applied along each parting as you go.
Don't use minoxidil, essential oils, fragranced hair tonics or anything containing alcohol as a glide.
What to apply after
| Product | When |
|---|---|
| Hyaluronic acid | Straight after, to soothe and hydrate |
| Minoxidil | Ask your pharmacist how long to wait |
| Gentle shampoo | After 24 hours |
| Styling products | After 24 to 48 hours |
| Hair dye and chemical treatments | After at least a week |
A simple scalp routine
- Wash and dry your hair.
- Disinfect your hands, pen and partings.
- Attach a new, sealed cartridge and set your depth and a low speed.
- Section your hair into partings about 1 to 2cm apart.
- Apply hyaluronic acid and glide slowly along each parting at 90 degrees.
- Finish with a little more hyaluronic acid.
- Wait 24 hours before washing.
Signs to adjust
- Redness lasting more than 2 days: reduce depth or space sessions further apart.
- Soreness or tenderness: check you're not pressing too hard.
- Itching, flaking or spots: pause and let your scalp settle. Speak to a pharmacist if it continues.
Scalp care with Olapen
Olapen adjusts from 0.6mm to 2.0mm, so you can set exactly the depth you need for the scalp, and our 24-pin, 36-pin and 42-pin cartridges are made for scalp work. Every cartridge is sterile, individually sealed and single use. For the full hair guide, read Microneedling for Thinning Hair.
Frequently asked questions
What depth is best for scalp microneedling?
Start at 0.6mm. Many people stay there.
Is 1.5mm better for hair?
We don't recommend going beyond 1.0mm at home.
How often should I microneedle my scalp at 0.6mm?
Every 2 weeks.
Can I use rosemary oil after scalp microneedling?
Essential oils can irritate freshly needled skin. Avoid them for at least 48 to 72 hours.
When can I wash my hair?
After 24 hours.
The bottom line
Scalp microneedling works best when it's gentle and consistent. Start at 0.6mm every two weeks, use a scalp cartridge and plain hyaluronic acid, keep aftercare simple, and check timings for minoxidil with your pharmacist.
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.