Dermarolling for Hair Loss: My 6-Month Journey With 1.5mm Needles

Let’s be real—the first time someone suggested I roll hundreds of tiny needles into my scalp to regrow hair, I thought they’d lost their mind. But after watching my hairline steadily recede and my crown thin for three years straight, I was desperate enough to try almost anything.

I’d already gone down the rabbit hole of hair loss remedies: special shampoos that did nothing, supplements that emptied my wallet, and even considered the prescription route until I read about the potential side effects. That’s when I stumbled across before and after photos from people using 1.5mm dermarollers for hair growth, and I was genuinely shocked. The results looked too good to be true, but also too impressive to ignore.

So six months ago, with equal parts skepticism and hope, I ordered my first 1.5mm dermaroller and decided to document everything—the good, the bad, and the bloody (yes, there was some blood). If you’re considering using a 1.5mm dermaroller for hair growth or just curious about what happens when you turn your scalp into a human pincushion for half a year, this is my unfiltered experience.

Understanding Why 1.5mm Dermarollers Actually Work for Hair Growth

Before diving into my journey, let’s talk about why dermarolling (or microneedling) with specifically 1.5mm needles can be effective for hair regrowth. During my research phase, I discovered this wasn’t just some trendy internet hack but had legitimate science behind it.

Dermarolling works through two main mechanisms:

1. Controlled Trauma Response

When the 1.5mm needles penetrate your scalp, they create thousands of microinjuries. Your body responds by increasing blood flow to the area and triggering healing factors like:

Growth factors that stimulate hair follicles
Stem cell activity in the scalp
Increased collagen and protein production
Enhanced cell turnover and regeneration

It’s basically tricking your body into healing mode, and hair growth is a beneficial side effect of this process.

2. Enhanced Product Absorption

The microchannels created by the dermaroller allow topical treatments to penetrate much deeper than they normally would. Studies show absorption can increase by up to 80% after dermarolling, meaning whatever growth-promoting products you use afterward (like minoxidil or peptide serums) can actually reach the hair follicles rather than just sitting on your scalp.

But here’s why the 1.5mm length specifically matters:

Shorter needles (0.25-0.5mm) only enhance product absorption but don’t create enough trauma to trigger significant regeneration
1.5mm needles reach the depth needed to stimulate the dermis layer where hair follicles reside
Longer needles (2.0mm+) increase risk without providing additional benefits

Studies comparing different needle lengths found that 1.5mm consistently produced the best results for hair regrowth when used correctly.

My Complete Dermarolling Protocol With 1.5mm Needles

After hours of research, I developed a specific protocol that I followed religiously for six months. Here’s exactly what I did:

Equipment I Used:

Dermaroller: Titanium 1.5mm roller with 192 needles
Secondary roller: 0.5mm for more frequent, shallow treatments
Sterilization equipment: 70% isopropyl alcohol and a shallow glass dish
Topical treatments: Minoxidil 5% and a peptide-based serum
Recovery aids: Aloe vera gel (pure, fragrance-free) and hyaluronic acid serum

My Weekly Schedule:

1.5mm dermarolling session: Once every 10-14 days (never more frequently!)
0.5mm light sessions: Twice weekly on days with no 1.5mm rolling
Minoxidil application: Daily, BUT never on the same day as 1.5mm sessions
Documentation: Photos taken weekly in identical lighting conditions

My Exact 1.5mm Session Process:

Step 1: Preparation (Extremely Important) I always dermarolled in the evening to give my scalp overnight recovery time. Before each session:

Washed hair with gentle, sulfate-free shampoo
Sterilized the dermaroller by soaking it in 70% isopropyl alcohol for 10 minutes
Cleansed scalp with alcohol wipes, focusing on areas to be treated
Sectioned hair using clips to expose target areas
Took “before” photos in consistent lighting

Step 2: The Rolling Technique I focused on my receding hairline and crown—the two areas showing visible thinning:

Applied moderate pressure (enough to create pinpoint bleeding in some spots)
Rolled in multiple directions: vertical, horizontal, and diagonal (about 4-5 passes in each direction)
Ensured complete coverage of target areas without over-rolling any section
Total rolling time: approximately 10-15 minutes
Pain level: 6/10 (uncomfortable but bearable without numbing cream)

Step 3: Post-Rolling Care (Crucial for Results) Immediately after rolling:

Gently patted away any pinpoint bleeding with sterile gauze
Applied pure hyaluronic acid serum (nothing with active ingredients!)
Avoided touching my scalp for at least 4 hours
Slept with a clean pillowcase
NEVER applied minoxidil or other active ingredients for at least 24 hours after 1.5mm sessions

The 24-Hour Rule I Never Broke: The most critical part of my protocol was waiting a full 24 hours before applying any active ingredients. When the skin barrier is compromised by 1.5mm needles, applying something like minoxidil can cause it to go systemic and potentially cause side effects. This isn’t just cautious—it’s necessary for safety.

Step 4: Sterilization After Use After each session:

Rinsed dermaroller under hot running water
Soaked in hydrogen peroxide solution for 10 minutes
Final soak in 70% isopropyl alcohol
Air-dried and stored in its protective case

I replaced my dermaroller every 8-10 sessions as the needles become dull over time, reducing effectiveness and potentially causing more skin trauma.

My Timeline and Results Using 1.5mm Dermaroller for Hair Growth

I documented my entire journey with photos and notes, tracking changes meticulously. Here’s what happened:

Month 1: The Uncertain Beginning

I completed three 1.5mm sessions (approximately 10-12 days apart). Each session left my scalp red and irritated for about 24 hours, with some areas showing pinpoint bleeding and tenderness.

Visible Results: None. In fact, I experienced what seemed like slightly increased shedding, which I later learned is normal as the follicles enter a new growth cycle.

How It Felt: Uncomfortable but manageable. The rolling itself was painful (6/10), with the hairline area being more sensitive than the crown. The sensation was like a sunburn for about 12 hours afterward.

Month 2: The Test of Patience

Four more 1.5mm sessions completed. The redness after sessions decreased somewhat as my scalp adapted to the treatment.

Visible Results: Still minimal visible change, but the shedding stabilized. I noticed a few tiny hairs appearing along my hairline when examined under bright light, but nothing dramatic.

How It Felt: The process became slightly less painful (5/10). I developed my technique better, learning the right pressure to apply without causing excessive trauma.

Month 3: The First Real Signs

Three more 1.5mm sessions. By now, the routine was well-established, and recovery time had decreased to about 8-10 hours of noticeable redness.

Visible Results: The first undeniable evidence appeared! Small, fine hairs began sprouting along my hairline, particularly at the temples where recession had been most noticeable. The crown showed less visible improvement but felt slightly denser when I ran my fingers through it.

How It Felt: Pain level decreased further (4/10) as my scalp adapted. I found myself almost looking forward to sessions, knowing the temporary discomfort was leading to actual results.

Month 4: Significant Progress

Three more 1.5mm sessions completed. My technique was now consistent and efficient.

Visible Results: Substantial improvement became visible even in regular lighting. The baby hairs along my hairline were growing longer and slightly thicker. My crown showed noticeable filling in, with the thinning area reducing by approximately 25% compared to starting photos.

How It Felt: Pain level stable at 4/10. Recovery time now down to 6-8 hours before my scalp returned to normal appearance.

Month 5: The Turning Point

Three more 1.5mm sessions. By this point, the process had become routine.

Visible Results: This was the month when others started noticing! The new hairs were now long enough to blend somewhat with existing hair. My hairline had moved forward approximately 0.5cm from where I started, and the crown’s bald spot was approximately 50% less visible. The quality of existing hair also seemed improved—thicker strands and more resilience when pulled gently.

How It Felt: Physical sensation remained consistent, but emotionally, seeing tangible results boosted my motivation significantly.

Month 6: The Convincing Conclusion

Three final 1.5mm sessions completed the six-month experiment.

Visible Results: Comparing my starting photos to the six-month mark showed dramatic improvement. My hairline had advanced noticeably, with the temples filling in with hair that was now clearly visible without special lighting or angles. The crown showed approximately 70% improvement in density. Overall, my hair appeared thicker everywhere, even in areas I hadn’t specifically targeted.

How It Felt: The process had become completely routine, with pain levels down to 3/10. The emotional benefit of seeing such visible improvements made any discomfort entirely worthwhile.

Before and After: The Real 1.5mm Dermaroller Results

I’m not sharing actual photos of myself for privacy reasons, but I can describe precisely what changed over six months:

Hairline Before:

Significant recession at both temples creating an M-shaped hairline
Visible scalp approximately 1.5cm back from where my hairline had originally been
Thin, sparse hairs at the leading edge that didn’t provide coverage

Hairline After 6 Months of 1.5mm Dermarolling:

Temple areas filled in with thousands of new hairs
Hairline moved forward approximately 0.6-0.7cm
New hairs initially fine but many thickened over time
More defined, straight hairline rather than the receded M-shape

Crown Before:

Circular thinning area approximately 2 inches in diameter
Scalp clearly visible under direct light
Hair surrounding the thin area was weak and lacking volume

Crown After 6 Months of 1.5mm Dermarolling:

Thinning area reduced to approximately 0.75 inches in diameter
New growth throughout the previously thinning area
Existing hairs appeared thicker and stronger
Scalp visibility reduced approximately 70%

The most surprising result wasn’t just the new hair growth but the improvement in existing hair quality and thickness. This isn’t something I expected but makes sense given the increased blood flow and growth factors that dermarolling stimulates.

What Actually Happens to Your Scalp When Using a 1.5mm Dermaroller

I want to be completely transparent about what the process is really like, as many articles gloss over the less pleasant aspects:

During the Rolling Process

The sensation ranges from uncomfortable to genuinely painful
You will feel each pass of the roller acutely, especially over bone-adjacent areas like the temples
Some areas (particularly the crown) bleed more easily than others
The sound is distinctive—a slight crunching that’s frankly a bit unsettling at first

Immediately After Rolling

Skin becomes bright red like a moderate to severe sunburn
Pinpoint bleeding occurs in multiple areas
The scalp feels hot and pulses slightly from increased blood flow
Light touch sensitivity makes even air movement noticeable

The Next 24 Hours

Redness gradually subsides but doesn’t completely disappear
Mild swelling can occur, particularly along the hairline
The scalp feels tight and occasionally itchy
Small scabs may form in areas of pinpoint bleeding
Hair may appear slightly matted or different in texture temporarily

What’s important to understand is that these effects are normal and necessary—they signal that you’ve created enough controlled trauma to trigger the healing response that leads to hair regrowth. Too gentle, and you won’t see results; too aggressive, and you risk scarring or infection.

Comparing My 1.5mm Dermaroller Results to Other Hair Loss Treatments

Before committing to dermarolling, I had tried several other hair loss interventions with varying degrees of success. Here’s how my experience with the 1.5mm dermaroller compared:

Minoxidil Alone (Used for 1 Year Prior)

Results: Minimal. Slightly reduced shedding but no significant regrowth
Convenience: High. Simple daily application
Side Effects: Occasional scalp irritation and dryness
Cost: Moderate ($30-40 monthly)

Dermarolling 1.5mm + Minoxidil (Current Protocol)

Results: Significant visible regrowth and improved hair quality
Convenience: Medium. Requires dedicated time and careful technique
Side Effects: Temporary pain, redness, occasional scabbing
Cost: Low to moderate ($15-30 for roller replacement every 2-3 months, plus minoxidil)

Hair Loss Supplements (Various Brands, Used for 8 Months)

Results: Negligible to none
Convenience: High. Just daily pills
Side Effects: None experienced
Cost: High ($40-80 monthly)

Prescription Finasteride (Considered but Declined)

Results: N/A (didn’t try due to concerns about side effects)
Convenience: Would have been high (daily pill)
Side Effects: N/A (was concerned about potential sexual side effects)
Cost: Would have been moderate ($30-60 monthly)

For me, the 1.5mm dermaroller combined with minoxidil (but never applied on the same day) provided by far the best visible results with acceptable downsides. The most significant advantage was that the results actually improved over time rather than just maintaining the status quo.

The Mistakes I Made That You Should Avoid When Using 1.5mm Dermarollers

My journey wasn’t without errors. Learn from these mistakes so you don’t repeat them:

Mistake #1: Rolling Too Frequently Initially

During my first month, excited by the prospect of results, I used the 1.5mm roller every 7 days. This was too frequent and didn’t allow full healing between sessions. I developed small scabs that hadn’t fully healed before the next session, potentially risking scarring.

Lesson Learned: Stick strictly to 10-14 days between 1.5mm sessions. More frequent use doesn’t speed results—it risks damage.

Mistake #2: Applying Products Too Soon After Rolling

Once, I applied my regular minoxidil just 12 hours after a 1.5mm session because I forgot to do it earlier in the day. Within 30 minutes, I experienced dizziness and a racing heartbeat as the product went systemic through the microchannels. This was genuinely frightening.

Lesson Learned: NEVER apply active ingredients for at least 24 hours after 1.5mm dermarolling. This rule is non-negotiable for safety.

Mistake #3: Inconsistent Pressure

In early sessions, I applied too much pressure on sensitive areas and not enough on thicker skin areas. This resulted in uneven results and unnecessary pain.

Lesson Learned: Develop consistent pressure technique. Slightly more pressure on the crown, slightly less on the hairline.

Mistake #4: Inadequate Sterilization

Once, rushing through my routine, I only soaked my roller in alcohol for a few minutes rather than the full 10. I developed minor folliculitis (infected hair follicles) afterward, which delayed my next session.

Lesson Learned: Never compromise on sterilization procedures. Infection can set your progress back significantly.

Mistake #5: Not Sectioning Hair Properly

In early sessions, I didn’t clip my hair away effectively, resulting in painful catching of hairs in the roller and uneven coverage.

Lesson Learned: Take the time to properly section and clip hair away from treatment areas for both comfort and effectiveness.

Combining Dermarolling With Other Treatments for Enhanced Results

While 1.5mm dermarolling alone produced noticeable results, I found that certain combinations significantly enhanced my outcomes:

The Winning Combination: 1.5mm Dermarolling + Minoxidil (On Alternate Days)

This was unquestionably the most effective approach. The dermaroller created channels and stimulated blood flow, while the minoxidil (applied only on non-rolling days) provided growth stimulation. Studies have shown this combination can increase results by up to 4x compared to either treatment alone.

Essential Additions That Boosted Results:

Scalp Massage: On days between treatments, I spent 5 minutes doing firm scalp massage to maintain blood flow
Peptide Serum: Used a growth-factor peptide serum on evenings when not using minoxidil
Proper Nutrition: Ensured adequate protein, biotin, and vitamin D levels through diet and supplements

Combinations I Tried That Weren’t Worth It:

Essential Oils After Dermarolling: Caused significant irritation without noticeable benefit
LED Light Therapy + Dermarolling: Expensive and didn’t seem to enhance results beyond what dermarolling alone provided
Caffeine Shampoo + Dermarolling: No noticeable additional benefit

The key to any combination approach is ensuring adequate time between dermarolling and applying active ingredients. Safety should always come before the desire for faster results.

Is 1.5mm Dermarolling Safe? The Honest Answer

After six months and numerous hours researching medical literature, my conclusion on 1.5mm dermarolling safety is nuanced:

When It’s Safe:

When performed with properly sterilized equipment
When allowing adequate healing time between sessions (10-14 days minimum)
When avoiding active ingredients for 24+ hours after treatment
When using correct technique to avoid excessive trauma
When performed on otherwise healthy scalp skin with no active inflammation or infection

When It’s Not Safe:

If you have active scalp conditions (psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, infection)
If you’re taking blood thinners or have bleeding disorders
If you have a history of keloid scarring
If you cannot maintain proper sterilization protocols
If you’re unable to wait the necessary time between treatments
If you apply active ingredients too soon after rolling

The most serious risks include infection, scarring, and systemic absorption of topical products leading to side effects. While I personally had a positive experience with only minor, temporary side effects, this doesn’t guarantee the same for everyone.

I strongly recommend consulting a dermatologist before starting—something I regret not doing myself. Many now offer professional microneedling for hair loss, which may be a safer option with similar or better results.

Is a 1.5mm Dermaroller Worth It? My Final Verdict After 6 Months

After six months of consistent use, documenting my journey, and seeing significant results, my conclusion is that 1.5mm dermarolling for hair growth is absolutely worth it for many people—but with important caveats.

Who I Think Should Consider 1.5mm Dermarolling:

Those with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss)
People who’ve had limited success with topical treatments alone
Those willing to commit to a strict protocol for at least 6 months
People comfortable with temporary discomfort for long-term gain
Those who can maintain proper sterilization and safety protocols

Who Should Probably Avoid 1.5mm Dermarolling:

People with severe or inflammatory scalp conditions
Those unwilling or unable to maintain strict sterilization practices
Anyone who cannot commit to the full protocol including proper timing
People expecting immediate results (this is a marathon, not a sprint)
Those with a very low pain tolerance (though this improves over time)

For me personally, the visible improvement in both my hairline and crown after six months has been more than worth the investment of time, money, and temporary discomfort. My confidence has returned, and I no longer feel self-conscious about my thinning areas when in bright lighting or wind.

The most satisfying aspect has been seeing continued improvement even in month six, suggesting that longer-term use may yield even greater results. I plan to continue with a maintenance protocol of one 1.5mm session monthly for the foreseeable future.

Frequently Asked Questions About 1.5mm Dermaroller for Hair Growth

Throughout my journey, I’ve received dozens of questions from friends and online communities. Here are the most common ones with my experience-based answers:

Does dermarolling with 1.5mm needles hurt? Yes, especially initially. The pain level ranges from 3-7/10 depending on your tolerance and technique. However, the discomfort decreases over time as your scalp adapts.

How often should you use a 1.5mm dermaroller for hair growth? Based on both research and my experience, every 10-14 days is optimal. More frequent use can prevent proper healing and potentially cause scarring.

How long until you see results from 1.5mm dermarolling? Initial tiny hairs may be visible under bright light after 2-3 months. Noticeable results visible in normal conditions typically appear around months 4-5. Full results continue developing for 12+ months.

Can you use 1.5mm dermaroller with minoxidil? Yes, but NEVER on the same day. Wait at least 24 hours after dermarolling before applying minoxidil to avoid systemic absorption and potential side effects.

Does dermarolling work for all types of hair loss? No. It appears most effective for androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) and may help with traction alopecia. It’s less likely to help with autoimmune hair loss like alopecia areata or scarring alopecias.

Is professional microneedling better than at-home dermarolling? Professional treatments may be safer and slightly more effective due to better equipment and technique. However, they’re significantly more expensive and less convenient than home dermarolling.

If you’re considering starting your own 1.5mm dermaroller for hair growth journey, remember that patience, consistency, and safety are your most important tools. The results can be remarkable, but they don’t happen overnight—trust the process and give it the full six months before drawing conclusions.

Have you tried dermarolling for hair growth? Did your experience match mine or differ? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Why I Decided to Roll Hundreds of Tiny Needles Into My Scalp