Dermaroller with minoxidil: what needle length and how often? 7 steps

A derma roller can significantly enhance the effect of minoxidil, if you choose the right needle length and do not roll too often. For the scalp, 1.0 to 1.5 mm is usually used, once a week. For the beard, 0.5 to 1.0 mm is usual. Do not apply minoxidil on the day you roll, but wait at least 24 hours. In a study among 100 men, many more men saw clear improvement with weekly rolling plus minoxidil than with minoxidil alone.^[1] Below you can read how to do it safely in 7 steps.

In this article

• Does a derma roller work together with minoxidil?
• Which needle length do you choose?
• What do you need? you need?
• How to use a derma roller with minoxidil in 7 steps?
• Why wait to use minoxidil after rolling?
• What mistakes should you avoid?
• Frequently asked questions
• Sources

Does a derma roller work with minoxidil?

A dermaroller or dermastamp makes tiny holes in the skin with fine needles. The skin then responds with a recovery process, releasing growth factors that can also stimulate the hair follicles. This is called microneedling.

The best-known study is by Dhurat and colleagues (International Journal of Trichology, 2013). One hundred men with hereditary hair loss used minoxidil 5%. Half also rolled once a week with a 1.5 mm roller. In the microneedling group, 82% of men reported seeing more than 50% improvement, compared to 4.5% in the minoxidil-only group. The number of new hairs also increased much more in the microneedling group.^[1]

It was a small study, and more research is needed, for example into the best needle length and how often you roll.^[1] But the combination is now widely used and is considered one of the most promising additions to minoxidil.

Which needle length do you choose? minoxidil?

There is no official guideline, but these are the lengths most commonly used:

Get started just? Then start shorter, for example with 0.5 mm, and build up to 1.0 or 1.5 mm if your skin responds well. Longer needles mean more stimulation, but also more discomfort and longer recovery.

All needle lengths in one set

Dermaroller 10 in 1 Kit (0.5 to 1.5 mm)

Interchangeable heads, so you can easily build up from 0.5 to 1.5 mm.

€34,99 View the dermaroller kit →

What do you need?

• A derma roller (for larger areas such as the crown) or a derma stamp (for small areas such as indentations or holes in your beard).
• 70% alcohol to disinfect the roller and your skin.
• A mild shampoo or facial cleanser.
• Your minoxidil, for the day after rolling.

How to use a derma roller with minoxidil in 7 steps?

Step 1: Choose your rolling moment

Choose a fixed evening during the week. Skip your minoxidil that night, and the morning before if your skin is sensitive.

Step 2: Wash your hair or face

Always roll on clean, dry skin with no residue of minoxidil or styling products.

Step 3: Disinfect the roller

Soak the head of the roller in alcohol for a few minutes 70% and let it air dry. Also disinfect the skin you are going to treat.

Step 4: Roll in four directions

Roll over the area with light pressure approximately 4 to 6 times in each direction: vertically, horizontally and twice diagonally. Lift the roller before changing direction so you don't tear the skin. If you use a stamp, press it straight onto the skin and lift it again, a little further each time.

Step 5: Rinse and let the skin rest

A slight redness is normal, as are a few small blood spots at 1.5 mm. Rinse with lukewarm water and do not apply anything else to the treated skin.

Step 6: Clean the roller

Rinse the roller, disinfect it again with alcohol and store it dry in the box. Never share it with anyone else.

Step 7: Continue with minoxidil after 24 hours

The next day, apply your minoxidil again as you are used to, twice a day in the normal dosage.

For small spots

Dermastamp with 140 needles

Adjustable needle length. Ideal for indentations and empty spots in your beard.

€24,99 View the dermastamp →

Why do you wait with minoxidil after derma rolling?

After rolling, the skin is full of tiny openings. As a result, your body absorbs more minoxidil than normal. The official product information for minoxidil also warns about this: on damaged or irritated skin, absorption increases, and thus the risk of side effects.^[2] In addition, minoxidil stings considerably on freshly treated skin.

Wait at least 24 hours. The additional effect of microneedling comes from the recovery process in the skin, not from directly rubbing minoxidil on. So you don't miss anything by waiting.

The basis of your routine

Kirkland Minoxidil Lotion 5% (6 months)

Microneedling works as a supplement. Minoxidil remains the basis, twice a day.

€109,99 View Kirkland lotion →

What mistakes should you avoid with a dermaroller?

1. Rolling too often. With 1.0 to 1.5 mm, your skin needs a week to recover. Rolling more often does not give better results, but it does cause more irritation.
2. Press too hard. The weight of your hand is enough.
3. Minoxidil immediately after rolling. Wait at least 24 hours.
4. Roll over inflamed skin. Hit areas with pimples, wounds, eczema or an infection.
5. Using a dull or dirty roller. Replace your roller or head as soon as the needles feel bent or blunt, and disinfect it before and after each use.

Are you using the derma roller for your beard? Also read minoxidil for your beard in 6 steps.

Frequently asked questions

Does derma rolling hurt?

With 0.3 to 0.5 mm you won't feel much. At 1.0 to 1.5 mm it will sting, especially on the crown, but it is manageable for most people.

How long does a dermaroller last?

That depends on how often you use it. Replace it if the needles become bent or blunt, or if it moves less smoothly over your skin.

Can I use a dermaroller without minoxidil?

Yes, but the evidence is strongest for the combination. Microneedling alone has been less well researched.

When will I see results from derma rolling with minoxidil?

Expect at least 3 months. Hair growth is slow, even with microneedling.

Is a dermastamp better than a dermaroller?

Not better, but different. A stamp pierces straight into the skin and is useful for small areas. A roller is faster for larger areas such as the crown.

This article is general information and does not replace medical advice. Do not use a derma roller for skin conditions, blood thinners or impaired wound healing without consulting your doctor. Always read the package leaflet of your minoxidil. Prices are as of October 2026.

Sources

1. Dhurat R, et al. A randomized evaluator blinded study of effect of microneedling in androgenetic alopecia: a pilot study. International Journal of Trichology 2013. Summary via Donovan Medical (English).
2. Medicine Evaluation Board. Summary of product characteristics Minoxidil Linn (RVG 122547).