All the Mistakes People Often Do When Using A Derma Roller for Beard
Written by: Aither
l
Published on June 18, 2025
l
Time to read 8 min
Knowing how to use a derma roller for beard is step one—after that, you can tweak the process to suit your skin and preferences. Bending the rules doesn't mean throwing the whole playbook out.
The mistakes you make can seriously mess with your beard growth, and that's exactly why some people think derma rolling doesn't work. Spoiler alert: it's usually not the tool but how they use it. Want real results? Ditch these common mistakes and start rolling the right way.
beard roller.
How To Use A Derma Roller For Beard: Mistakes to Avoid
"I dermarolled and used castor oil immediately after, it had a horrible reaction on my face, it left burn marks kinda, tooksome time to get better."
This is just one of many experiences people have when derma rolling for their beard. Sure, mistakes are a great way to learn what works, but at the cost of potentially damaging your skin? Yeah, not the best trade-off. To save you the trouble (and your face), we've rounded up the most common mistakes people make when learning how to use derma roller for beard.
Using the Wrong Needle
Many people think the deeper the needle, the better the results, but that's not exactly how it works.
In reality, you don't need to go full-on with long needles to trigger collagen production. A 0.5mm needle is more than enough to reach the dermis and unlock all the benefits of microneedling.
Going in with a 2.5mm needle all over your face? That's not just overkill—it's also far from comfortable. Instead of turning your beard routine into a pain tolerance test, stick to needle depth that you can tolerate.
Using large needles can seriously irritate your skin. Irritation can turn into an infection. Infections can leave you with bald patches or thinning hair. Most of the time, your hair will grow back once the infection clears, but in some cases? That damage is permanent.
Solution: Start with a small needle. Once you're feeling brave, go ahead and size up. Try our Aither beard roller with a 0.25mm needle, which is very suitable for beginners.
Rolling too Often
"I recently started using Regaine and added a derma roller to boost my chances of growing a full beard. I've been using the derma roller twice a day, but my cheeks are now red, and applying minoxidil feels like splashing aftershave. It's a satisfying burn, but something feels off. Am I overdoing it?"
Microneedling every day won't speed up results; it'll do the opposite. More isn't always better, and in this case, it's a surefire way to mess up your progress. Your skin needs recovery time, just like your muscles after a workout. Collagen is still forming up to a month post-treatment, so patience is key.
How often to use a derma roller for beard growth? If you're using the Aither 0.25mm beard roller, give it a few days before your next session. Use it one to two times a week only.
Aside from rolling too often, applying too much pressure can affect the results. Pressing too hard while beard rolling leads to skin tearing, bleeding, and bruising; definitely not the look you're going for. Keep it light and let the derma roller do its job.
Not Applying SPF
One of the biggest microneedling mistakes? Not wearing sunscreen afterward. If you're going through the effort of microneedling, sunscreen isn't optional—it's a must.
Sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation and break down collagen, precisely opposite to your goal. Even if it's been a few days, UV damage is still a threat, so make sunscreen a daily habit.
Go for a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ that shields against both UVA and UVB rays. Mineral sunscreens are your best bet when your skin is extra sensitive. Just a heads-up: Give it a full 24 hours after microneedling before you slather anything on.
"I apply sunscreen multiple times daily in all seasons. I had no idea I was supposed to hold off after microneedling though."
Applying The Wrong Products
Microneedling supercharges your absorption of skincare products anywhere from 5 to 20 times. Sounds great, right? Well, not if you're slathering on the wrong stuff.
Steer clear of harsh products after microneedling. These can turn your post-treatment into an irritated mess. Give it at least 24 hours before reintroducing them (or better yet, use them the day before instead).
For acne-prone folks, avoid anything pore-clogging—petroleum-based products, mineral oil, propylene glycol, silicone, or coconut oil.
"Can I add minoxidil after derma rolling?"
The answer to this isn't straightforward. Even experts have conflicting suggestions. Some say you can apply after 30 minutes, while others recommend waiting 24 hours.
At the end of the day, do what feels right for you. But if you're a beginner, stick to the safe route and wait 24 hours. Or, if you want a middle ground, derma roll before bed and apply in the morning—at least you'll get about eight hours in between.
Not Replacing Needles
With all the how to use a derma roller for beard growth, one thing that is worth mentioning is changing your derma roller. It's tempting to use the same microneedling tool forever, but those tiny needles don't last forever.
No matter where you got it from, those microneedles dull over time, and a dull needle is about as useful as a broken pencil. Worse? They can collect bacteria, oils, and debris that no amount of cleaning can fully fix.
Always use sharp, straight needles to avoid unnecessary trauma. After 10 to 15 uses, it's past its prime. If you're rolling several days a week, a fresh one every month is a must.
Skipping Sanitization
This is the easiest step, yet somehow the most overlooked. Life gets busy, but skipping this could cost your skin under your beard big time. Always sanitize your microneedling tool before every use—yes, even if you cleaned it before storing.
Don't forget to cleanse your beard beforehand. Microneedling over dirty skin and hair is basically inviting bacteria to a deeper party. Breakouts and infection are not the kind of guests you want.
Sharing Isn't Always Caring
One thing you should know when you want to learn how to properly use a derma roller for beard growth is to avoid sharing your tool.
Sharing your roller can lead to skin infections, and if blood gets transferred, you're risking more than just a breakout. Keep it clean and personal.
Even if it's just for you, don't let your derma roller double-dip. Keep separate rollers for your face, beard, and scalp.
Avoid These Mistakes, Learn How To Use A Derma Roller On Beard
Microneedling beard is a science-backed game-changer for hair growth, but only if you're using it the right way based on your skin type. Even more important? Patience. If you're learning how to use a derma roller on your beard, don't give up after a month and call it a flop. Experiment a little—adjust your routine, switch up the needle size, and give it time. You just might be surprised at the results.
"I feel like derma rolling is really good for those patchy spots where hair won't grow from just minox. Just a PSA. If you aren't doing it, or seeing slow gains, try adding it in 2x per week at .5mm and see if it makes a difference."