Micro-needling is often done by women to promote skin health, as it's proven to increase collagen production in the skin. They do this with a product called the Derma Roller.
Recently, a study has suggested that a Derma Roller can also stimulate stem-cell growth factors in scalp-hair and possibly even in facial hair if men use it on the beard area.
This has caused Derma Rollers to be renamed and sold for men under the name beard roller.
But Does the Beard Roller Work to Grow Facial Hair?
What is a Beard Roller
Like said, the beard roller is exactly the same product as a Derma Roller, a small handle with a wheel that has hundreds of tiny needles.
The idea is to roll the Derma Roller on your beard area to cause tiny puncture wounds, which the body then heals by increasing circulation and collagen production on the area.
Most commonly the Beard Roller versions of the device come in a needle-size of 0,25 to 0,75mm which is enough to cause small unnoticeable micro-punctures, but not cause any pain or scarring.
Derma Roller for Beard Growth: The Evidence
In a study conducted in 2013, researchers found that the Derma papilla (DP) which is the site for multiple hair and beard growth related genes, was stimulated by the use of a Derma Roller device.
In other words, microneedling the scalp resulted in activation of growth factors. When the Derma Roller use was combined with minoxidil (a vasodilating hair growth drug) the results were even more effective.
This poses the question; if it works on scalp-hair, could it also stimulate the growth factors in the beard hair?
The answer is likely yes.
As the Derma papilla of the beard hairs is virtually identical to that of scalp-hairs, plus, we also know that minoxidil can be used to beard hair too.
How to Use a Beard Roller
Since all Derma Rollers, no matter what the needle-size, cause small micro-punctures, it's best to not use it daily.
To get the most out of your Beard Rolling device, I'd recommend using it 2 times per week at max. This way you will get the benefits of collagen increase and circulation improvement, while also maximizing the healing process and preventing any possible scar tissue formation.
In the study mentioned above, a Derma Roller with 1,25mm needles was used. Since the beard area has significantly thinner skin, a needle-size of 0,75mm would likely fare much better.