Sons Dermaroller x 1

Sons Derma Roller

If you’re already treating hair loss and wondering what else you can do to support your results, you may have come across derma rolling. The Sons Derma Roller is a home-use tool designed to be used alongside evidence-based hair loss treatments, not instead of them. 

What is the Sons Derma Roller?

The Sons Derma Roller is a home-use handheld scalp tool for men concerned about hair thinning and shedding. It uses very fine 0.25mm titanium microneedles to create tiny holes (microabrasions) in the skin. The aim isn’t to damage the skin or “force” hair to grow, but to gently stimulate the scalp. 

Some people choose to use a derma roller when they’re already using a licensed medicine for male pattern baldness and want to support their results, particularly if progress has slowed. Importantly, the derma roller is not a standalone treatment, and it won’t stop hair loss on its own. 

Its real value is seen when it is used alongside evidence-based treatments for male pattern baldness, especially topical Minoxidil.

How does derma rolling work for hair loss?

Derma rolling (also known as microneedling when used in professional settings) creates tiny, superficial channels in the top layer of the skin. When performed on the scalp, it is thought to activate repair pathways that support follicles by (1):

• Increasing blood flow
• Boosting collagen production
• Stimulating hair growth

Does derma rolling work on its own?

Only a small number of studies have looked at microneedling as a standalone hair loss treatment. Most used clinical devices with needle lengths of up to 1.5mm. At-home rollers like Sons use much shorter needles, which means they don’t reach the same skin depth or produce the same effects.

So, while a handful of studies suggest microneedling alone may show promise in controlled settings (1), at-home derma rolling devices are unlikely to deliver the same results. Where derma rolling really seems to help is in combination with other hair loss treatments. 

Combining derma rolling with topical treatments 

More research is needed, but existing studies suggest that combining microneedling with 5% Minoxidil is more effective than using either separately (2). Researchers believe this may be because the microabrasions in the skin helps topical treatments like these penetrate the skin more easily. 

Interestingly, a recent metanalysis that looked at all studies in the area found that needle size didn’t significantly change results, making at-home derma rollers like Sons as effective as clinical microneedling devices at improving hair count when combined with topical Minoxidil (2).

What about using it with Finasteride?

You can safely use Sons Derma Roller alongside Finasteride. However, the benefit of derma rolling in a home-use setting is most likely linked to topical absorption. This means:

• It may support topical Minoxidil
• It is unlikely to enhance oral Finasteride

Think of derma rolling at home as a way to support what you apply to the scalp, rather than something that boosts tablet-based hair loss medicines.

Who can use the Sons Derma Roller?

Sons Derma Roller is typically used by men aged 18+ with male pattern baldness or early signs of thinning who are using topical hair loss medicines like 5% Minoxidil solution. It can also be used by women experiencing pattern hair thinning.

It’s not suitable if you have:

• Eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, or broken skin on the scalp
• Active infection, inflammation, or poor wound healing
• A bleeding disorder or are on blood-thinning medication

If you’re unsure, it’s always worth checking before starting, and our friendly team is here to help.

Building a complete hair loss routine

Evidence-based treatments like Finasteride and Minoxidil remain the only clinically proven treatments for male pattern baldness, and considering them should always be your first point of call. But tools and hair care products can support this foundation. 

By maintaining scalp health and, in the case of derma rolling, potentially improving how well topical treatments are absorbed, you might want to combine Sons Derma Roller with their DHT-Blocking Shampoo or Strengthening Conditioner for a complete routine that supports hair growth. 

If you’re unsure which combination makes sense, our team is here to help you create a routine that is realistic and right for you.