How to use a derma roller for beard according to a dermatologist

Table of Content:
Why are derma rollers used for beard? | Does a derma roller work for beard? | What derma roller size is best? | Should I shave before? | How to use a derma roller for beard? | Derma roller and minoxidil | Topical and oral minoxidil | How to get a prescription? | | How often to use it?

What is a derma roller?

A derma roller (also known as skin roller) is a small handheld device that consists of a small, cylindrical roller head covered with 192 tiny needles arranged in eight rows and a handle. The needles are typically very small, ranging from 0.25 millimeters to 2.5 millimeters in length.

Does a derma roller work for beard growth?

Studies show that repeated microneedle stimulation promotes hair growth. Derma rollers are devices designed for home use to stimulate beard and hair growth¹. 

The practice of derma rolling is based on the concept of micro-needling, where the tiny needles on the derma roller create micro-injuries in the skin stimulating stem cells and inducing activation of growth factors².

It is important to know that there is limited clinical evidence regarding the effectiveness of beard rollers for hair growth.

Stimulates beard growth

By stimulating collagen production and increasing blood flow to the hair follicles³, derma rolling can potentially lead to improved beard growth in areas with sparse or patchy facial hair.

Boosts growth factors

When you use a derma roller on your beard, it creates micro-injuries, which in turn activates growth factors. These growth factors are like special messengers that tell your facial hair follicles to repair themselves, making your hair grow⁴.

Stimulates stem cells

Stem cells can turn into any type of cell needed for hair growth and repair. The tiny injuries caused by a derma roller make the stem cells jump into action to heal them encouraging your beard to grow.

Turns on beard growth genes

The healing of these micro-injuries increases the activity of genes that are important for growing hair. 

Improves blood circulation

The use of a beard roller involves needle penetration, creating minor skin injuries that trigger the body’s natural healing response, leading to increased blood circulation in the treated area. This improved blood flow supports the healthy growth of hair.

Promotes skin renewal

Microneedling also serves to exfoliate the skin and accelerate the turnover of skin cells, revealing a smoother and more radiant complexion. This can be beneficial in reducing the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, and other skin imperfections.

Boosts the efficacy of topical hair growth treatment

Studies show that using a derma roller in combination with topical minoxidil improves the absorption and effectiveness, as the micro-channels created by the needles allow for better penetration of these products into the skin.

Convenient and budget-friendly

Using a beard roller is a straightforward process that can be carried out in the comfort of your own home. The device can be rolled across the skin in various directions to ensure even coverage, and it is recommended to use it once a week for optimal results.

Best derma roller for beard

What size of derma roller for beard should I use?

Dr. Shende recommends you consult with a dermatologist or healthcare professional before starting a derma rolling routine for your beard to ensure it is suitable for your skin type and specific needs. 

However, as a general rule, he says that when using a derma roller for your beard,choose a needle length ranging from 0.25mm to 0.5mm. These shorter needle lengths are suitable for facial use and can help stimulate hair growth and improve beard health without causing excessive discomfort or skin damage. 

Derma roller 0.25mm

This is a good starting point for beginners and can be used for general beard maintenance. It helps enhance the absorption of beard oils and products while stimulating the hair follicles.

Derma roller 0.5mm

If you are looking for significant results, such as promoting beard growth in areas with sparse hair, a 0.5mm derma roller may be a better choice. It can penetrate slightly deeper into the skin and may provide more noticeable improvements.

Should I shave before using a derma roller?

Dr. Aditi Shende, board-certified dermatologist says that it is generally a good idea to shave before using a derma roller, especially if you plan to roll it over areas with a lot of facial hair. Shaving ensures that the derma roller can make direct contact with the skin, allowing the needles to penetrate evenly and create the micro-channels necessary for the procedure. If you have a full beard or significant facial hair growth, it may be challenging to use the derma roller effectively without shaving the area first. 

However, if you are specifically targeting areas with sparse or patchy facial hair and prefer not to shave, you can carefully work around the hair or use the derma roller in those areas as long as the needles can reach the skin. 

How to use a derma roller for beard growth?

Shave or trim your beard

For better results, shave or trim your beard so the derma roller can be in contact with your skin evenly.

Wash your beard/face

Wash your beard and the surrounding skin thoroughly with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or debris. Pat it dry with a clean towel.

Disinfect the derma roller

Before every use, disinfect your derma roller by soaking it in rubbing alcohol for at least 10 minutes. Rinse it with hot water afterward and let it air dry. Learn how to clean your derma roller.

Start derma rolling with a light pressure

Use a light, steady hand while derma rolling. You do not need to press down forcefully. The weight of the derma roller itself should be sufficient to allow the needles to penetrate the skin. Exerting too much pressure can lead to skin damage and discomfort.

Roll evenly

Make sure to roll the derma roller evenly in all directions (horizontal, vertical, and diagonal) over the treatment area. This ensures that the micro-needles create uniform channels in the skin for better results.

Avoid overlapping

Do not overlap the same area multiple times during a single session. This can increase the risk of irritation and damage. Each pass should cover a different part of your beard.

Be extra gentle on sensitive areas

Be extra cautious when derma rolling around sensitive areas such as the lips and use less pressure in these areas.

Use common sense

If you experience excessive pain, bleeding, or significant discomfort, stop immediately and consult a healthcare professional.

Avoid use if you have acne

Avoid using derma roller if you have active acne, infection or have a tendency to develop keloids. 

Replace often

In order to reap the full benefits, replace your derma roller every few months.

Side effects of using derma rollers

The use of derma rollers has minimal side effects but you may experience skin irritation, bleeding, itching, discomfort and infection.

Can you use minoxidil and a derma roller for beard growth?

Dr. Shende says that you indeed use topical minoxidil 24 hours after you have used your  derma roller as part of a hair growth or beard growth regimen. This combination is often referred to as “microneedling with minoxidil.” 

The micro-channels created by the derma roller allow minoxidil to penetrate deeper into the skin, potentially increasing its effectiveness. Besides, microneedling stimulates blood flow to the treated area, promoting hair follicle health.

Studies show derma rolling with minoxidil can help address concerns like hair loss, thinning hair, or patchy beard growth more effectively than using minoxidil alone. 5

Can I use oral and topical minoxidil for a fuller beard?

Yes, absolutely! You can combine oral and topical minoxidil to get a fuller beard and the good news is that not only will your beard grow better and fuller, your hair will also grow!

How to get a prescription for minoxidil for beard growth?

You can get an oral minoxidil prescription for beard and hair growth by having a photo-consultation with an online dermatologist. This takes less than 5 minutes and you will get your answer in less than 2 business days. 

How often to use a derma roller for beard?

The frequency and duration of derma roller use for your beard can vary based on individual preferences and skin sensitivity, but here are some general guidelines:

Using a derma roller for your beard is typically done once a week or twice per week. Avoid using the derma roller daily or too frequently, as it can lead to skin irritation.

A typical derma rolling session for your beard should last about 5 minutes. This should give you enough time to cover the entire beard area while keeping the overall duration manageable. Avoid prolonged rolling sessions to prevent overstimulation and potential skin issues.

Stick to a regular schedule and be patient with the process. It may take several weeks to months before you start seeing noticeable improvements in beard growth and texture.

After each derma rolling session, follow a proper aftercare routine. Apply a soothing and hydrating serum or moisturizer to your beard area to help with recovery and minimize any potential irritation.

The use of derma rollers at home has been gaining popularity due to their accessibility and affordability. dermarollers used at home have shorter and blunt needles as compared to the ones used by dermatologists. While they can temporarily stimulate blood circulation and increase hair growth, they won’t give you the same results as micro needling done at a dermatologist’s office.

Also, it is important to sterilize this equipments carefully at home as they carry risks of spreading infection

Can you use a derma roller for hair loss?

Yes, you can absolutely use a derma roller for hair loss as it will work similarly to your beard.

Article References
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309740004_Repeated_Microneedle_Stimulation_Induces_Enhanced_Hair_Growth_in_a_Murine_Model
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3746236/