Does Derma Rolling Work For Beard Growth?

Whether you’re trying to grow out a beard for the first time or have a patchy beard that’s in need of more consistent beard hair growth, you’ve likely come across derma rolling in your search for answers. 

Scroll Reddit or TikTok and you’ll find that derma rolling is touted as one of the most effective ways to promote beard growth, but it’s also had its fair share of doubt and criticism. 

 

Do derma rollers promote beard growth?

Here’s the short answer: Yes. Derma rollers can promote beard growth, when used properly.

There’s real scientific evidence that the process of derma rolling does work — multiple medical studies and papers have covered its efficacy and contribution to beard growth (and overall hair growth too).

A study was carried out by the International Journal of Trichology involving 100 men to determine the effects of microneedling derma rollers alongside the application of minoxidil (a hair growth stimulant). 82% of men who used derma rollers and minoxidil reported a more than 50% improvement in hair growth. In contrast, only 4.5% of the group of men that only applied minoxidil saw a mild difference in their hair growth. 

The science behind derma rolling for beard growth

So, how exactly does derma rolling work for beard growth? The working principle of derma rolling is microneedling. 

A derma roller is equipped with tiny needles all along the surface of the roller. When these needles are placed and rolled against the skin, they prick the topmost layer of the skin and create a tiny, superficial wound. This sends a signal to the inner part of the skin (known as the dermis) to start the healing process for the pricked parts of skin. Blood, collagen, and elastin are delivered to these areas, which triggers cell production and consequently, beard hair growth. 

While this may sound painful, the actual sensation of using a derma roller is not supposed to hurt at all. The needles are kept short to avoid piercing the dermis, meaning that proper use will not result in bleeding. That being said, derma rolling is still opening up tiny wounds in the skin - it’s not something that should be done with any type of tool, or necessarily at home without proper research and care.

 

What size derma roller is most effective for beard growth?

Derma rollers come in varying needle sizes from 0.25mm to 1.5mm. The larger the needle size, the more effective they will be in creating deeper pricks, which applies to thicker parts of the skin such as the scalp. However, bigger needles should only be used in medical and clinical applications, not at home.

Face skin is naturally more sensitive and not as thick — using derma roller sizes of 0.25mm or 0.5mm will be sufficient to promote beard growth. 0.5mm derma rollers are the most effective for promoting beard growth, while 0.25mm derma rollers are ideal for those new to microneedling; the smaller size will help the skin absorb skincare products such as moisturisers and growth stimulants. 

Derma rolling risks and adverse side effects

Derma rolling is not usually painful, but it does come with some risks and limitations.  It’s worth noting that derma rolling should really be kept to a clinical setting to ensure that it does not damage the skin, or cause infection. 

 

Microneedling should only be applied to areas with healthy skin — when used on areas that feature dry, sensitive skin, or active acne breakouts, it can cause the skin to become more irritated, bleed, or even become infected.

Applying too much pressure with a derma roller can also cause pain and discomfort, as well as the side effects of mild bleeding and itching. 

It’s also possible for in-grown hairs to develop after using a derma roller. The tiny holes that are made in the skin can often cause budding beard hair to grow out incorrectly into the skin, causing moderate irritation and some redness. 

If you experience any pain or worsening of your skin as a result of derma rolling, it may not be the most appropriate hair growth treatment for your beard.

How long does it take for derma rolling to have an effect?

You may start noticing a significant improvement in your beard growth within 4-6 weeks. The extent of improvement in beard growth will vary from person to person, but you should have a thicker and less patchy beard with continued derma rolling.

For the best results, you should also practice good skincare habits for your beard skin to give it the best chance of sprouting healthy and luscious beard hair. These include:

• Incorporating quality beard care products such as moisturisers and beard oil in your daily grooming. 
• Washing your beard regularly with beard shampoo and conditioner.
• Keeping your beard well-trimmed and combed. 

 

Please note that if you’re not sure about derma rolling for beard growth, you should speak to your doctor or dermatologist about whether it is an appropriate treatment for you.