A viewer wrote in with a worrying problem: "Sir, I have been using dermaroller every day. Now, it has led to hair fall. Now, I want to know if hair regrowth is possible where I lost my hair."
In this article based on his educational video, Dr. John Watts — dermatologist, trichologist and hair transplant surgeon in Hyderabad — answers this query and warns against a mistake he sees far too often: derma roller overuse.
Why daily derma roller use is dangerous
Dr. Watts warned strongly against using a derma roller too often, including daily use, as it may cause irreparable damage to the hair. Some hair loss patients are lured by wrong advice from friends or acquaintances into believing the derma roller can be used daily along with Minoxidil for "faster hair growth".
"I have been repeatedly warning patients not to use dermaroller regularly in all my health video advisories. If they are used daily there are definite chances of causing scalp injuries. This may lead to inflammation and pustules may be formed on the scalp wounds," warned Dr. John Watts.
What happens once pustules form
Once pustules form, the hair roots may get permanently damaged, or the wounded spots on the scalp may develop fibrosis — scar-like tissue with serious consequences. On fibrosed skin, no new hair can grow.
Even a hair transplant may not rescue such a scalp. Dr. Watts informed that if someone undergoes a transplant in this scenario, there is only a 50% chance of success.
The science: how a derma roller actually works
When a derma roller is used on the scalp, it causes mild injuries, leading to mild inflammation. "This initiates the healing process and the growth factors are released that stimulate the scalp for the growth of baby hair. Once the inflammation subsides, one can go for another dermaroller cycle," said Dr. John Watts.
The problem starts when you roll again before healing is complete. The minor scalp wounds remain open, and repeated use may lead to infection or pustules — which can themselves cause hair loss.
How often should you use a derma roller?
To minimise the adverse impact on scalp health, Dr. Watts said one should ideally use a derma roller only once in 15 or 20 days. This gives the scalp enough time to complete its healing cycle before the next session.
The bottom line
The derma roller is a tool that works through controlled, occasional injury — not daily abuse. "If fibrosis is formed on the scalp, then neither medical treatment nor a hair transplant may work fully to regrow lost hair. Hence, one must not overuse dermaroller treatment for hair growth," advised Dr. John Watts. If you have already lost hair from overuse, get your scalp examined before the damage becomes permanent.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a derma roller every day?
No. Daily use can cause scalp injuries, inflammation and pustules. Dr. John Watts advises using a derma roller only once in 15 or 20 days.
What happens if pustules form from derma roller overuse?
Hair roots may get permanently damaged, or fibrosis may form on the wounded spots. No new hair can grow on fibrosed scalp tissue.
Can a hair transplant fix derma roller damage?
If fibrosis has formed, even a hair transplant has only about a 50% chance of success, according to Dr. John Watts.
How does a derma roller help hair growth?
It creates mild injuries that trigger mild inflammation and the release of growth factors, which stimulate the scalp to grow baby hair once healing completes.
