Having a beard may look super fun, but growing it as thick and full as you like can be quite a challenge. Some products can help, but they can only take you so far. If you’re looking to enhance your beard growth, you will need a more targeted approach.
Microneedling, for one, can help.
It involves using derma rollers and pen-like tools with lots of tiny, sterile needles to create micro-wounds in the upper layer of your skin. These micro-wounds are treated as actual wounds by the body, which results in the production of collagen and elastin. This improves skin structure and strength, and also boosts blood circulation to keep your skin in its prime.
How Can Microneedling Improve Beard Growth?
A 2013 study and 2017 study found the use of microneedling to be promising in stimulating healthy hair growth - especially when combined with other modes of treatment, such as minoxidil - one of the most commonly used medications for the treatment of hair loss.
It brings us back to our first question: Can microneedling improve beard growth? And if it does, how will it give you a thicker, fuller beard?
The thing is, the effectiveness of microneedling in treating alopecia (hair loss) is backed by some research, but quantifiable data is still required to understand its efficiency in improving hair growth in other parts of the body, such as the face. So, until significant research is carried out to test the growth-inducing effect of microneedling on the beard, we’ll never know for certain.
That said, because microneedling stimulates collagen and elastin production, it should give you a fuller, thicker beard, too.
How does that work out?
Well, collagen consists of a collection of amino acids, an organic compound referred to as the building block of life. Our hair follicles use this compound, among many others, to produce keratin, which is associated with hair growth and strength.
Hence, microneedling may help improve beard growth. It does that by healing damaged skin, improving nutrient-rich blood flow to the area, and activating stem-cell factors. Because the procedure is done with needles, there will likely be some bleeding, irritation, redness, and inflammation, but these effects will disappear once your skin starts to heal.
How To Use Microneedling For Beard Growth
Microneedling is a procedure that requires a certain level of care, caution, and expertise, so we would recommend that you book an appointment with a reputable medspa to get the desired results. If that isn’t possible, you can carry out microneedling with the use of derma rollers right from the comfort of your home.
To do that, simply wash your face, beard, and hands thoroughly, then roll the derma roller on the area of your beard a couple of times every week. It’s pretty simple, but there are certain factors you will need to consider before starting the process.
- Derma rollers come with different needle sizes, and they determine the frequency with which you will carry out the procedure. The larger needles are more intrusive than the smaller ones, so they should not be used more than once a week.
- Apply light pressure when derma rolling, or you could pull your skin. Make sure to avoid rolling the tool on areas with active acne as that could cause an infection.
- Microneedle in all directions, yes, that includes horizontally, vertically, and diagonally in both directions to facilitate even growth.
- Apply a hydrating serum or oil afterward to hydrate and plump up the area of your beard to support healthy skin and minimize the risk of inflammation and irritation.
- Clean the derma roller by dipping it in rubbing alcohol after every use, then wash and rinse it to prevent infections. You should also replace it every few months.
Combine Microneedling with Tried and Tested Beard Growth Strategies
Microneedling can help you fill in the patchy areas of your beard, but it can take its sweet time to show promising results - mainly because it depends on the collagen and elastin cycles. If you’re looking to speed up this process, you can make certain lifestyle changes and incorporate tried and tested beard growth strategies into your everyday routine. These include:
- Exercising more often to stimulate better blood circulation to your face.
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet to give your body and hair the nutrients they need to thrive. You can also use beard growth supplements for a targeted approach to enhance your results.
- Using products like minoxidil solution to optimize beard growth.
- Getting proper sleep to facilitate your body’s repair processes and ensure optimal mental and physical health.
These changes can spell well for your beard growth, but they will not work if genetics and other factors are playing a role in the type of beard you grow. So, make sure to see a doctor first to rule out any potential causes.
Wrapping Up
Microneedling with derma rollers can help you improve hair growth by stimulating collagen and keratin production, and boosting blood circulation. It's a tried and tested technique that has helped thousands of men to reach their maximum beard potential.
Bear in mind that its efficacy for beard growth is not backed by substantial research. Hence, you must first talk with your doctor to understand the treatment options available before using microneedling to improve beard growth.