Derma Roller for Beard Growth

Men looking to grow their beards often turn to various products and methods to encourage growth. Derma rolling, also known as microneedling, is a popular method for stimulating hair growth.

Derma rolling involves using a small roller with hundreds of tiny needles to puncture the skin. This creates small wounds that signal the body to produce collagen and elastin, which can help improve the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and other skin concerns.

Derma rolling can also help encourage hair growth by stimulating the follicles. A derma roller can help thicken and lengthen your beard when used regularly.

Do Derma Rollers Promote Beard Growth?

One such study in 2013 found that microneedling was statistically effective in promoting hair growth (source). Additionally, when microneedling was done in combination with Minoxidil (Rogaine), there was an increased chance of hair regrowth.

Here is a notable excerpt from the study:

Dermaroller along with Minoxidil treated group was statistically superior to Minoxidil treated group in promoting hair growth in men with AGA for all 3 primary efficacy measures of hair growth. Microneedling is a safe and a promising tool in hair stimulation and also is useful to treat hair loss refractory to Minoxidil therapy.

While there is no denying the science behind derma rolling, there is no guarantee that it will work for everyone. Factors like age, health, testosterone, hormones, and genetics will largely determine your beard growth potential.

How do Collagen induction therapy and Derma Rollers relate?

Collagen induction therapy (CIT) is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation procedure that involves using a device that contains fine needles. The needles are used to create controlled micro-injuries to the skin to trigger the body’s natural wound healing processes.

Collagen induction therapy and microneedling are often used interchangeably, as they both involve the use of needles to create micro-injuries to the skin.

What Size Derma Roller for Facial Hair?

closeup of derma roller near mouth

Most brands that make derma rollers for facial hair growth sell them with .25mm long needles.

Some brands sell derma rollers with longer needles, but .25mm is the standard length and will work for most people.

How Often Should You Use a Derma Roller?

Derma rollers with .25mm needles can be used a few times per week. Those with .5mm or longer needles should be used less often, as they can cause more damage to the skin.

How to Use a Derma Roller for Beard Growth Stimulation

man running derma roller on cheek

When using a derma roller on your face, you’ll want to keep the following in mind:

  • You should always sterilize the derma roller before each use. This can be done by soaking it in rubbing alcohol for at least 30 seconds.
  • You should also clean your face before using the derma roller. Use a gentle cleanser and warm water. Some men may apply a numbing cream to their face before rolling, but this is not necessary.
  • Methodically roll the derma roller vertical, horizontal, and diagonal over the entire area you wish to cover.
  • Apply gentle pressure when rolling. You should not feel pain, only a tingling sensation.
  • After rolling, apply a light layer of beard oil or balm to the area. This will help soothe the skin and keep it hydrated.
  • Sterilize the derma roller after each use and store it in a clean, dry place.

Where to Buy Beard Derma Rollers?

Derma rollers are a relatively new product, so they can be difficult to find in stores. Instead, the best place to buy a derma roller is online from a reputable retailer.

What About Derma Rollers & Other Beard Growth Products?

If you are looking to fill in a bald spot on your facial hair, you are likely aware of other popular beard growth products like Minoxidil and biotin. Here we want to discuss some of these products combined with derma rollers.

  • Minoxidil is a medication that is applied topically to the skin. It was originally designed to treat high blood pressure, but it was later found to be an effective treatment for hair loss. Minoxidil is thought to work by shortening the telogen phase and increasing the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle. Minoxidil can be used to fill in patches or support full beard growth. However, your beard will shed as soon as you stop applying Minoxidil. Regardless, minoxidil and derma rolling can be used together to give your beard a fuller appearance.
  • Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin found in beard growth pills to support hair growth. Biotin is thought to work by stimulating keratin production, which can increase the growth rate of the hair. However, biotin does not provide targeted beard growth, unlike minoxidil and derma rolling.
  • Peppermint oil is one of the few oils found within beard products that have been scientifically proven to accelerate hair growth through increased blood circulation. We write about it in our peppermint oil for beard growth article.
  • Beard growth serums are often made from a blend of natural hair growth supplements. These serums may help support the growth of your facial hair. However, nearly all of them are not scientifically proven to work.

Derma Roller Before and After

Understandably, you likely want to see some before and after results of people who have used a derma roller for beard growth.

After visiting various forums, here are some testimonials we’ve gathered:

Side Effects

Inevitably when piercing the skin, even if it is with tiny needles, there can be some side effects. Here are some commonly reported side effects of using a derma roller:

  • Pain – As with any needle piercing the skin, there can be some pain associated with using a derma roller. However, this pain is typically short-lived and subsides shortly after use.
  • Swelling – Again, because the needles pierce the skin, there can be some temporary swelling. This is usually minimal and goes away within a few hours.
  • Redness – The skin may appear red after using a derma roller. This is normal and will go away within a few hours.
  • Bruising – Rarely, people may experience bruising after using a derma roller. This is usually the result of using too much pressure when rolling.
  • Infection – The risk of infection is minimal when using a sterile derma roller. However, it is still possible. Be sure to sterilize the derma roller before and after each use.

Beard Roller Construction Considerations

When buying a beard roller, you’ll want to make sure the needles are made from surgical steel or titanium. This will ensure the metal will never corrode and reduce the chance of infection.

The handle of the beard roller should be made from a strong, durable material like plastic or metal. Rubber is also a good material as it won’t be slippery when wet. Avoid rollers with handles that feel flimsy or cheap.

The barrel of the roller should be able to rotate smoothly. This will make it easier to roll over the skin and reduce the chance of snagging.

The needles should be firmly attached to the barrel and should not come out easily.

Common Questions

Can you use a beard conditioner after derma rolling?

Absolutely. We recommend it. A good quality beard conditioner will help soothe the skin and keep it hydrated.

Should you shave before derma rolling?

No. It’s unnecessary to shave before using a derma roller, especially if you are trying to spur beard growth. However, make sure that you thoroughly cleanse the area before rolling.

Do you need a special derma roller for your beard?

We recommend using 0.25mm needles, especially if you are new to derma rolling. If you have used a derma roller, you can use a 0.5mm. Anything beyond that is not necessary and could cause unnecessary irritation.

Will derma rolling hurt?

Rolling over 500 needles on your face might sound daunting, but it’s not as bad as it seems. You should only feel a tingling sensation to very mild pain. Longer derma rollers with needles extending beyond 0.5mm can cause more discomfort.

What is the best time to use a derma roller?

We recommend using a derma roller at night before going to bed. This will give your skin time to recover and heal overnight.

Adam Williams

As the lead editor of Tools of Men, Adam loves men's grooming products. Particularly of interest is managing facial hair and perfecting the art of the modern man's skincare routine. His work has been featured or quoted in several publications, including New York Magazine, Vice, Sharpologist, MIC, Elite Daily, and more. When Adam isn't working, he enjoys spending time with his two little kids who keep him both on his toes and young at heart.

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