Microneedling for Androgenetic Alopecia

Q: Does Microneedling help with Androgenetic Alopecia?

Based on 62 studies with 8,574 participants, there is strong evidence from multiple clinical trials that Microneedling may support Androgenetic Alopecia management. Our evidence grade is A (Strong Evidence).

Q: How much Microneedling should I take for Androgenetic Alopecia?

Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 1.5 mm depth, weekly sessions. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Q: Are there side effects of Microneedling?

Reported side effects may include Scalp redness and inflammation (24-72 hours), Mild bleeding at treatment site, Scalp tenderness and soreness, Rare: infection if proper sterilization not maintained. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.

Q: How strong is the evidence for Microneedling and Androgenetic Alopecia?

We rate the evidence as Grade A (Strong Evidence). This rating is based on 62 peer-reviewed studies with 8,574 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.

Based on 62 studies (6 meta-analyses, 13 RCTs) with 8,574 total participants. 46/62 studies show positive effects.

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The Bottom Line

Microneedling has strong, well-established evidence for androgenetic alopecia, particularly when combined with topical minoxidil, and is one of the best-supported adjunct therapies for pattern hair loss.

44 out of 52 studies show positive effects, supported by 5 meta-analyses and 11 RCTs
Most effective when combined with topical minoxidil, significantly boosting its effectiveness
Stimulates growth factors and wound-healing pathways that support hair follicle regeneration
Both professional and at-home microneedling approaches have demonstrated benefits

Key Study Findings

non-randomized controlled trial n=60 16 weeks Open-label

Clinical Efficacy and Mechanisms of Microneedling Alone or Combined With Drugs in the Treatment of …

Dose: Mild group: microneedling alone (8 weeks); Moderate group: microneedling + 5% minoxidil (12 weeks); vs: Placebo Effect: All groups showed significant decrease in HLSS and increase in hair density post-treatment (p<0.001) p<0.001

Controlled Clinical Trial n=8 12 weeks Single-blind

Dutasteride Infusion in Male Androgenetic Alopecia Using a Novel Drug Delivery Technique: MMP®.

Dose: 3 sessions of dutasteride microinfusion (monthly) vs: Saline solution placebo via MMP Outcome: Clinical assessment and patient self-assessment Effect: None None

Population: Adult males with androgenetic alopecia

Review

Microneedling Combined With Drugs and Stem Cells for Treating Androgenetic Alopecia.

Dose: None vs: None Outcome: None Effect: None None

Population: None

review

The role of microtrauma in hair regrowth and regeneration in non-scarring alopecia.

Dose: Various microtrauma procedures: microneedling, fractional/non-fractional lasers, contact immunothera vs: Placebo Effect: Positive outcomes reported for hair density and thickness with microneedling, lasers, LLLT, and PRP None

Review

Technological Advances in Anti-hair Loss and Hair Regrowth Cosmeceuticals: Mechanistic Breakthroughs and Industrial Prospects Driven …

Dose: None vs: Placebo Effect: None None

scoping_review n=16

A Scoping Review of Exosome Delivery Applications in Hair Loss.

Dose: variable; exosomes predominantly from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) vs: Placebo Effect: None None

Key Statistics

Studies

8574

Participants

↑

Positive

Grade

Referenced Papers

Research Progress on Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. Systematic Review

Journal of cosmetic … 2026

Scalp Microinfusion with Dutasteride Using the MMP® Technique for Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A 12-Month Real-World Observational Case Series. Other

Skin appendage disorders 2026

Clinical Efficacy and Mechanisms of Microneedling Alone or Combined With Drugs in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. Other

Journal of cosmetic … 2026

When Microneedling Backfires: A Hidden Risk of Hair Shaft Fragility in AGA Patients. Other

Journal of cosmetic … 2026

A Prospective Study of Exosome Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia. Other

Aesthetic plastic surgery 2025 14 citations

A Scoping Review of Exosome Delivery Applications in Hair Loss. Review

Cureus 2025 7 citations

Evaluating the efficacy and safety of combined microneedling therapy versus topical Minoxidil in androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Meta-Analysis

Archives of dermatological … 2025 6 citations

Platelet-Rich Plasma Effectiveness in Treating Androgenetic Alopecia: A Comprehensive Evaluation. Review

Cureus 2025 4 citations

Enhanced hair regrowth with five monthly sessions of minoxidil-dutasteride-copper peptides tattooing for androgenetic alopecia assessed by artificial intelligence and blinded … Other

JAAD international 2025 3 citations

Technological Advances in Anti-hair Loss and Hair Regrowth Cosmeceuticals: Mechanistic Breakthroughs and Industrial Prospects Driven by Multidisciplinary Collaborative Innovation. Review

Aesthetic plastic surgery 2025 2 citations

A Canadian Consensus on Androgenetic Alopecia: Approach and Management. Other

Journal of cutaneous … 2025 2 citations

Analysis on the treatment compliance of patients with androgenetic alopecia and its influencing factors: based on the comparison between microneedle … Other

Archives of dermatological … 2025 2 citations

Phase I Clinical Trial: Evaluating the Efficacy, Safety, and Patient Satisfaction of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections and Microneedling for Androgenetic … RCT

Journal of cosmetic … 2025 2 citations

Therapeutic efficacy of platelet-rich plasma combining with microneedling and topical minoxidil in refractory severe androgenic alopecia. Other

Journal of the … 2025 1 citations

Dutasteride Infusion in Male Androgenetic Alopecia Using a Novel Drug Delivery Technique: MMP®. Other

Skin appendage disorders 2025 1 citations

Clinical efficacy of microneedle combined with 5% Minoxidil solution and finasteride in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in males. Other

Archives of dermatological … 2025

Response to Pavlović's "Response to Li et al.'s 'Therapeutic efficacy of platelet-rich plasma combining with microneedling and topical minoxidil in … Other

Journal of the … 2025

Response to Li et al's "Therapeutic efficacy of platelet-rich plasma combining with microneedling and topical minoxidil in refractory severe androgenic … Other

Journal of the … 2025

The role of microtrauma in hair regrowth and regeneration in non-scarring alopecia. Review

Italian journal of … 2025

A Comprehensive Review of Microneedling as a Potential Treatment Option for Androgenetic Alopecia. Other

Aesthetic plastic surgery 2025

Blood pressure changes in patients after Minoxidil microinfusion to treat female pattern alopecia: analysis of a randomized, single blinded, placebo … RCT

Archives of dermatological … 2025

Comparative Efficacy of Topical Chitosan and Minoxidil in Hair Loss: A Controlled Study With Microneedling. Other

The Journal of … 2025

Microinfusion of medications into the skin as a drug delivery technique: a narrative review. Other

Dermatology reports 2025

Local Injection versus Topical Microneedling of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review. Other

Archives of plastic … 2025

The efficacy of topical cetirizine using microneedling in androgenetic alopecia male patients. RCT

Archives of dermatological … 2025

A Comparative Clinical and Trichoscopic Study Between Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedling Versus Intralesional Steroids in Treatment of Alopecia Areata. RCT

Dermatologic surgery : … 2025

Microneedling Combined With Drugs and Stem Cells for Treating Androgenetic Alopecia. Other

Journal of drugs … 2025

Microneedling Combined With Drugs and Stem Cells for Treating Androgenetic Alopecia. Other

Journal of drugs … 2025

Who Tells the Story of the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia?-A Bibliometric Analysis From 2003 to 2023. Review

Journal of cosmetic … 2025

Dutasteride for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: An Updated Review. Review

Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) 2024 14 citations

Management of androgenic alopecia: a systematic review of the literature. Systematic Review

Journal of cosmetic … 2024 11 citations

Physical Treatments and Therapies for Androgenetic Alopecia. Review

Journal of clinical … 2024 10 citations

The role of laser and energy-assisted drug delivery in the treatment of alopecia. Review

Lasers in medical … 2024 10 citations

The impact of monotherapies for male androgenetic alopecia: A network meta-analysis study. Meta-Analysis

Journal of cosmetic … 2024 8 citations

Efficacy and safety of combined microneedling therapy for androgenic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Meta-Analysis

Journal of cosmetic … 2024 7 citations

The efficacy of light-guiding microneedle patch for stimulating hair growth in androgenetic alopecia. RCT

Archives of dermatological … 2024 5 citations

Comparison between melatonin versus melatonin and photobiomodulation versus photobiomodulation in the treatment of Alopecia X in German Spitz dogs: Clinical, … Other

PloS one 2024 4 citations

Efficacy and safety of microneedling radiofrequency in patterned hair loss. Other

Journal of cutaneous … 2024 3 citations

Effectiveness and safety of the combination therapy of micro-needling and minoxidil in androgenetic alopecia of Indonesian men: a randomized controlled … Other

Dermatology reports 2024 3 citations

Evaluation of the efficacy of microneedling without and with minoxidil 5% and autologous platelet-rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia in men. Other

Postepy dermatologii i … 2024 1 citations

Assessing the Efficacy of Automated Microneedling Monotherapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Comparison of 3 Different Depths. Other

Dermatologic surgery : … 2024

Topical Glycosaminoglycan Lotion and Microneedling Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia. Other

International journal of … 2024

Evaluating the efficacy of local anesthetic techniques during scalp microneedling. Other

Journal of cosmetic … 2024

Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: Current Guidance and Unmet Needs. Review

Clinical, cosmetic and … 2023 58 citations

Efficacy and safety of combinational therapy using topical minoxidil and microneedling for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review … Meta-Analysis

Archives of dermatological … 2023 14 citations

Relative Effects of Minoxidil 5%, Platelet-Rich Plasma, and Microneedling in Pattern Hair Loss: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. Review

Skin appendage disorders 2023 7 citations

Evaluation of hair regrowth after minoxidil and dutasteride tattooing in men with androgenetic alopecia. Other

JAAD international 2023 6 citations

Platelet Rich Plasma Combination Therapies for Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review. Review

Journal of cutaneous … 2023 5 citations

Efficacy and Safety of Scalp Microneedling in Male Pattern Hair Loss. Other

Skin appendage disorders 2023 4 citations

What Do We Know About Hair Growth Induced by Wounding and Its Therapeutic Applications? Other

Dermatologic surgery : … 2023 2 citations

Advances in microneedling for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Other

Asian journal of … 2023 2 citations

A Comprehensive Review of Microneedling as a Potential Treatment Option for Androgenetic Alopecia. Other

Aesthetic plastic surgery 2023 1 citations

Growth Factor Cocktail Including Fibroblast Growth Factor 9 (Cellcurin) in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men and Women: A … Other

International journal of … 2023

Advances in hair growth. Review

Faculty reviews 2022 44 citations

Microneedling and Its Use in Hair Loss Disorders: A Systematic Review. Review

Dermatology and therapy 2022 43 citations

Microneedling for Hair Loss. Review

Journal of cosmetic … 2022 35 citations

Randomized trial of electrodynamic microneedling combined with 5% minoxidil topical solution for treating androgenetic alopecia in Chinese males and molecular … RCT

The Journal of … 2022 35 citations

Effects of maternal folate and vitamin B12 on gestational diabetes mellitus: a dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies. Meta-Analysis

European journal of … 2022 20 citations

A Comprehensive Review of Microneedling as a Potential Treatment Option for Androgenetic Alopecia. Review

Aesthetic plastic surgery 2022 20 citations

Platelet rich plasma application by dermapen microneedling and intradermal point-by-point injection methods, and their comparison with clinical findings and trichoscan … RCT

Dermatologic therapy 2022 19 citations

Platelet-Rich Plasma in Melasma-A Systematic Review. Systematic Review

Dermatologic surgery : … 2022 15 citations

Efficacy and Safety of 5% Minoxidil Alone, Minoxidil Plus Oral Spironolactone, and Minoxidil Plus Microneedling on Female Pattern Hair Loss: … Case Report

Frontiers in medicine 2022 14 citations

Microneedling plus topical dutasteride solution for androgenetic alopecia: a randomized placebo-controlled study. RCT

Journal of the … 2022 11 citations

Comparison of Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) With PRP Microneedling in Androgenetic Alopecia. Other

Cureus 2022 11 citations

Minimally invasive procedures for the management of female pattern hair loss. Review

Journal of cosmetic … 2022 9 citations

Effects of microneedling with 5% minoxidil topical solution combination therapy in treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Other

Journal of cosmetic … 2022 1 citations

Reply to: Platelet-rich plasma application by dermapen microneedling and intradermal point-by-point injection methods, and their comparison with clinical findings and … Other

Dermatologic therapy 2022 1 citations

Radiofrequency Microneedling: A Comprehensive and Critical Review. Review

Dermatologic surgery : … 2021 58 citations

Microneedling in androgenetic alopecia; comparing two different depths of microneedles. Other

Journal of cosmetic … 2021 39 citations

Evaluation of adding platelet-rich plasma to combined medical therapy in androgenetic alopecia. RCT

Journal of cosmetic … 2021 23 citations

Platelet-Rich Plasma with Microneedling in Androgenetic Alopecia: Study of Efficacy of the Treatment and the Number of Sessions Required. Other

Journal of cutaneous … 2021 18 citations

Platelet Rich Plasma Hybridized Adipose Transplant (PHAT) for the Treatment of Hair Loss: A Case Series. Review

Aesthetic plastic surgery 2021 8 citations

Favorable effects of microneedling on long-standing androgenetic alopecia in an elderly man: A case report. Case Report

Journal of cosmetic … 2021 3 citations

Female pattern hair loss: A comprehensive review. Review

Dermatologic therapy 2020 48 citations

Preliminary results of the use of scalp microneedling in different types of alopecia. Other

Journal of cosmetic … 2020 45 citations

Micro needling: A novel therapeutic approach for androgenetic alopecia, A Review of Literature. Review

Dermatologic therapy 2020 42 citations

The effectiveness of combination therapies for androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Meta-Analysis

Dermatologic therapy 2020 30 citations

Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Concentrated Growth Factor in Treating Androgenetic Alopecia - A Retrospective Study. Other

Annals of maxillofacial … 2020 14 citations

Dermoscopic Assessment of Microneedling Alone versus Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma in Cases of Male Pattern Alopecia: A Split-Head Comparative Study. Other

International journal of … 2020 12 citations

Microneedling improves minoxidil response in androgenetic alopecia patients by upregulating follicular sulfotransferase enzymes. Other

Journal of biological … 2020 11 citations

Recurring transient lymphadenopathy after microneedling with platelet-rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia. Other

Journal of the … 2020 2 citations

Physiopathology and current treatments of androgenetic alopecia: Going beyond androgens and anti-androgens. Review

Dermatologic therapy 2019 124 citations

Platelet-rich plasma and microneedling improves hair growth in patients ofandrogenetic alopecia when used as an adjuvant to minoxidil. Other

Journal of cosmetic … 2019 36 citations

Comparative Study between Mesotherapy and Topical 5% Minoxidil by Dermoscopic Evaluation for Androgenic Alopecia in Male: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Other

International journal of … 2019 29 citations

The rise of transcutaneous drug delivery for the management of alopecia: a review of existing literature and an eye towards … Review

Journal of cosmetic … 2019 14 citations

Androgenetic alopecia and microneedling: Every needling is not microneedling. Other

Journal of the … 2019 13 citations

The role of photobiomodulation when associated with microneedling in female pattern hair loss: A randomized, double blind, parallel group, three … Other

Medicine 2019 13 citations

Self-Assessments of Standardized Scalp Massages for Androgenic Alopecia: Survey Results. Other

Dermatology and therapy 2019 7 citations

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Current Applications in Dermatology. Review

Skin therapy letter 2019

Microneedling: Where do we stand now? A systematic review of the literature. Systematic Review

Journal of plastic, … 2018 137 citations

Microneedling for the treatment of hair loss? Review

Journal of the … 2018 114 citations

A Randomized Controlled, Single-Observer Blinded Study to Determine the Efficacy of Topical Minoxidil plus Microneedling versus Topical Minoxidil Alone in … Other

Journal of cutaneous … 2018 46 citations

Original article: Platelet-rich plasma with microneedling in androgenetic alopecia along with dermoscopic pre- and post-treatment evaluation. Other

Journal of cosmetic … 2018

A Comparative Study of Microneedling with Platelet-rich Plasma Plus Topical Minoxidil (5%) and Topical Minoxidil (5%) Alone in Androgenetic Alopecia. Other

International journal of … 2017 71 citations

Response to Microneedling Treatment in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Who Failed to Respond to Conventional Therapy. Other

Indian journal of … 2015 111 citations

A randomized evaluator blinded study of effect of microneedling in androgenetic alopecia: a pilot study. Other

International journal of … 2013 241 citations

Dosage & Usage

mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units

Commonly Used Dosages

hairloss:: 1.5 mm depth, weekly sessions

Upper limit: Not applicable

Dosages Studied in Research

Dosage	Duration	Effect	N
Mild group: microneedling alone (8 weeks); Moderate group: microneedling + 5% minoxidil (12 weeks);	16 weeks	Positive	60
3 sessions of dutasteride microinfusion (monthly)	12 weeks	Positive	8
None	--	Mixed	--
Various microtrauma procedures: microneedling, fractional/non-fractional lasers, contact immunothera	--	Positive	--
None	--	Mixed	--
variable; exosomes predominantly from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)	--	Positive	16
None	--	Positive	631
None	--	Mixed	--

Best taken: Weekly sessions; avoid minoxidil for 24 hours post-treatment

Safety & Side Effects

Reported Side Effects

⚠ Scalp redness and inflammation (24-72 hours)
⚠ Mild bleeding at treatment site
⚠ Scalp tenderness and soreness
⚠ Rare: infection if proper sterilization not maintained

Known Interactions

● Topical minoxidil (enhanced absorption; wait 24 hours after microneedling to apply)
● Blood thinners (may increase bleeding during procedure)
● Topical retinoids (discontinue 3-5 days before treatment)

Tolerable upper intake: Not applicable

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Microneedling help with Androgenetic Alopecia?

Based on 62 studies with 8,574 participants, there is strong evidence from multiple clinical trials that Microneedling may support Androgenetic Alopecia management. Our evidence grade is A (Strong Evidence).

How much Microneedling should I take for Androgenetic Alopecia?

Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 1.5 mm depth, weekly sessions. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Are there side effects of Microneedling?

Reported side effects may include Scalp redness and inflammation (24-72 hours), Mild bleeding at treatment site, Scalp tenderness and soreness, Rare: infection if proper sterilization not maintained. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.

How strong is the evidence for Microneedling and Androgenetic Alopecia?

We rate the evidence as Grade A (Strong Evidence). This rating is based on 62 peer-reviewed studies with 8,574 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.

Related Evidence

Other ingredients for Androgenetic Alopecia

Minoxidil A Finasteride A PRP Therapy A Dutasteride A Omega-3 Fatty Acids A Low-Level Laser Therapy A

Microneedling for other conditions

Alopecia Areata A

Quick Verdict

Based on 62 studies (6 meta-analyses, 13 RCTs) with 8,574 total participants. 46/62 studies show positive effects.

Evidence Strength92%

High confidence

Study Breakdown

RCT (9)Meta (6)Other (47)

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FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.