831-401-5141
Neuroscience-Informed Acupuncture & Integrative Care in Santa Cruz
Evidence-based acupuncture, electroacupuncture, herbal medicine, and microneedling for pain, injury recovery, metabolic health, and skin rejuvenation.
Now accepting Medi-Cal & Central California Alliance for Health!
Microneedling & Acupuncture for Hair Loss in Santa Cruz
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ava Zack, DAcHM, LAc - Doctor of Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine
Hair loss
Noticing more hair in the drain, a widening part, or a thinning crown is unsettling — and the internet's answers range from miracle serums to resignation. Between those extremes sits a treatment with real clinical research behind it: medical microneedling of the scalp.
I offer microneedling for hair thinning as part of a whole-body approach — because hair health reflects what's happening beneath the scalp, from circulation to hormones to stress and nutrition.
How Microneedling Helps Thinning Hair
Microneedling uses a medical-grade device with fine, sterile needles to create controlled micro-channels in the scalp. For hair, this works on several levels:
Stimulating the follicle environment. The controlled micro-injury triggers a wound-healing response — growth factor release and increased blood flow around hair follicles — that research suggests can encourage follicles to shift back toward their growth phase.
​
Enhancing topical treatments. If you use minoxidil (Rogaine), microneedling is well-studied as a way to improve its absorption and effect. Several clinical trials have found the combination outperforms minoxidil alone for androgenetic (pattern) hair loss. We also offer natural topicals that have been shown to be as effective as minoxidil with less side effects and toxicity.
​
A conservative, medical approach. As with all my microneedling work, treatment is delivered with a safety-first protocol: sterile single-use cartridges, appropriate needle depths for the scalp, and honest screening — if your hair loss pattern suggests a condition that needs dermatologic or medical workup first, I'll tell you and refer you.
​
The internal picture. Thyroid function, iron status, hormonal shifts (including postpartum and perimenopause), stress, and crash dieting all drive hair shedding. Where relevant, I'll flag what's worth testing with your physician, and acupuncture and herbal support can address stress and circulation factors alongside scalp treatment.
What Treatment Looks Like
Consultation first. We assess your hair loss pattern and history. Pattern thinning (androgenetic), telogen effluvium (shedding after stress, illness, or postpartum), and other types respond differently — and some types shouldn't be microneedled at all, which is exactly why treatment starts with assessment. The first treatment may be included on the day of the consultation.
The session (about 60 minutes). The scalp is cleansed and treated systematically. Most patients describe the sensation as tolerable prickling; the scalp may be pink for a day or so afterward.
​
A typical course. Hair operates on slow cycles. Plan on sessions 1-2x/ month for 4–8 months before judging results, with photos taken along the way so progress is visible rather than guesswork. Microneedling Single Session: $349, with Plans available that may reduce the price to $249.
What Patients Say
“I have recently had a micro needling session with her. Ava was very thorough in explaining the procedure and made me feel at ease. The results were wonderful. I'm so excited she opened her own practice. Her office is a clean and soothing space. I will absolutely be back!” — Santa Cruz patient
Frequently Asked Questions
Does scalp microneedling actually regrow hair? For androgenetic (pattern) thinning, clinical studies — especially of microneedling combined with minoxidil — have shown meaningful improvements in hair count for many patients. Results vary by cause, extent, and how early treatment starts. Follicles that are long gone can't be revived, which is why earlier is better.
​
How many sessions before I see results? Hair grows slowly: expect a course of 2 monthly sessions for at least 4–8 months. Reduced shedding often shows first, with visible density changes following.
​
Does it hurt? Most patients find it quite tolerable — a prickling sensation. Needle depth is adjusted for comfort and for what the scalp needs.
​
Can I keep using minoxidil or finasteride? Yes — microneedling pairs particularly well with minoxidil, and research supports the combination. Timing matters (no minoxidil immediately after a session); you'll get clear aftercare instructions. Prescription medications like finasteride stay between you and your prescribing doctor.
​
I'm a woman with thinning hair. Is this for me? Yes. Female-pattern thinning and postpartum or perimenopausal shedding are among the most common cases I see, and the whole-body factors behind women's hair loss are central to how I assess and treat.
​
Is this the same as the microneedling you do for skin? Same medical-grade technology, different protocol — needle depth, technique, and treatment course differ for the scalp. See the Santa Cruz Microneedling page for skin treatments.
Book Your Hair Consultation
The earlier thinning is addressed, the more there is to work with.
Also see: Conditions We Treat · Santa Cruz Microneedling · Services
