Noticing more hair in the brush, a wider parting or a scalp that shows through under bright light is unsettling, and it is one of the most common reasons people contact us. It is also one of the areas where we are most careful. Thinning hair has many possible causes, and some of them need a doctor, not a scalp treatment. This article explains how we approach it, what scalp microneedling involves, and how to tell whether it is a conversation worth having.
Why we talk about the cause before the treatment
Hair thinning can be related to genetics, hormonal change, pregnancy and the months after it, thyroid function, iron and other nutritional levels, stress, certain medications, scalp conditions, autoimmune conditions, and the way hair is styled and treated over time. Several of these can look similar from the outside and feel identical from the inside.
That matters because a scalp treatment is not the right first step for all of them. If the underlying cause is medical, it needs to be identified and managed by your GP, and treating the scalp alone would not address it. For that reason, your consultation with us begins with questions about your health, your history and the pattern of thinning, and in some cases the first thing we will recommend is a GP visit, often with a blood test, before any treatment is considered.
We would rather send you to your doctor and see you afterwards than start a course that is not addressing the real issue.
What scalp microneedling is
Scalp microneedling uses the same principle as microneedling on the face. A professional device fitted with a sterile, single-use cartridge of very fine needles is passed across the scalp, creating thousands of tiny, controlled channels in the skin. These channels close within hours.
The skin responds to each one with its natural repair process, which involves increased circulation and renewal in the treated area. While the channels are open, a professional cosmetic serum is applied so that it can reach beyond the surface of the scalp.
The aim is to support the health of the scalp around the hair follicles. We do not describe it as a cure for hair loss, and we will not promise regrowth. Individual outcomes vary, and what is realistic for you is something we discuss openly at consultation.
Who it may suit
Scalp microneedling may be a conversation worth having if:
- You have noticed gradual thinning and want to understand your options
- Your GP has reviewed you and found no medical cause that needs treatment first, or the cause is being managed
- Your scalp is otherwise healthy, with no active infection, inflammation or open wounds
- You are able to commit to a course rather than a single session
It may not be appropriate during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with an active scalp condition, or with some medications. Your full health history is reviewed before anything is booked.
Why it is done as a course
Hair grows slowly. The growth cycle of a single hair is measured in months and years, not days, and any change to the scalp environment takes time to show in the hair itself. A single session is unlikely to produce a visible difference.
For that reason we recommend scalp microneedling as a course, usually three to six sessions, four weeks apart, depending on your scalp and your goals. We offer a three session course at a reduced price, and if a longer plan is recommended for you, a further course can be purchased. Courses are only recommended after a consultation confirms the treatment suits you, and their full terms are on our Treatment Packages page.
It is worth being clear about this from the start. If you are hoping for a quick result from one appointment, this is not that treatment, and we would rather say so now.
What the appointment is like
The appointment takes around one hour. Your scalp is cleansed and the treatment area is prepared. The device is passed across the scalp in sections, and the serum is applied as we go. Most people describe the sensation as a vibrating, scratchy feeling rather than pain, with some areas, such as the crown and the hairline, feeling more sensitive than others.
You do not need to cut or shave your hair. Longer hair is sectioned and worked around.
Recovery and what to expect afterwards
Mild redness and tenderness of the scalp are common for one to two days. Some people notice a little dryness or light flaking as the scalp settles.
For the first 24 hours, do not wash your hair or apply any products, including dry shampoo, oils and styling sprays. Avoid exercise, saunas, swimming, alcohol and tight hats. We will tell you when you can wash your hair, and when you do, use lukewarm water and a mild shampoo. Avoid colouring, bleaching or chemical treatments until we confirm it is safe, and keep the scalp out of direct sun. Our full guidance is on the Aftercare page.
Most people return to their normal day straight after the appointment.
What we will tell you at consultation
We will look at the pattern of thinning, ask about your health and your history, and tell you one of three things.
The first is that we recommend you see your GP before anything else, and why. The second is that scalp microneedling may be an appropriate option, and what a realistic course would look like for you, including the price. The third is that we do not think it is the right treatment for you, and what we would suggest instead.
All three are useful outcomes. The consultation is free and there is no obligation to book anything.
A few common questions
Will my hair grow back?
We cannot promise that, and you should be cautious of anyone who does. Scalp microneedling aims to support the health of the scalp. Whether and how your hair responds depends on the cause of the thinning and many individual factors. We will be honest with you about what is realistic.
Do I need to see a doctor first?
Not always, but often. If you have not had the cause of your thinning assessed, we will usually recommend a GP review before starting a course, and we will tell you what to ask about.
Can I still colour my hair?
Yes, but not in the days around each session. We will give you a timeline that works with your course.
Can I have scalp microneedling at the same time as facial microneedling?
Sometimes. Whether treatments can be combined, and when, depends on your skin and scalp and is discussed in consultation.
Can I add LED?
LED light therapy can be added to a scalp microneedling appointment at the add on rate. Whether it is useful for you is something we will discuss.