How to Use a Dermaroller: A Safe, Step-by-Step Guide

A dermaroller is a small hand tool with a roller covered in tiny needles. People use it on the face, beard area or scalp as part of their grooming routine. Because it breaks the surface of the skin slightly, hygiene and gentleness matter far more than speed or pressure. This guide covers the basics; always read and follow the instructions that come with your own tool.

Before you start: is it right for you?

Check these points before your first use:

• Do not use it on broken, irritated, inflamed or sunburnt skin, or over spots, cuts, rashes or active skin conditions.
• Speak to a doctor or pharmacist first if you have a skin condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication, or are unsure whether it suits you.
• Check the needle length on your tool. Shorter needles are gentler; follow the manufacturer's guidance for where and how often each length should be used.
• Keep it personal. A dermaroller is never shared.

Prepare your skin and your tool

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Clean the roller as the manufacturer directs, for example by soaking it in the recommended cleaning solution, and let it dry on a clean surface.
3. Cleanse the area you will be rolling and pat it dry with a clean towel.
4. Remove any product from the area. Do not roll over oils, lotions or other products unless the instructions say you can.

How to roll

Take your time and keep the pressure light. The needles do the work, not force.

1. Hold the handle and place the roller on the skin.
2. Use short, light passes over a small section, lifting the roller between passes. Follow the pattern in the manufacturer's instructions and never scrub the roller back and forth with pressure.
3. Keep the pressure gentle. You may feel a mild prickling. Stop if it is painful or the skin bleeds.
4. Keep to the area the instructions recommend. Avoid the eyes, lips and any area of irritated skin.
5. Stop when you have covered the area once or twice, as the instructions advise. Rolling for longer does not make it work better and can irritate the skin.

Aftercare

Skin may look slightly pink and feel sensitive afterwards.

• Do not apply other products straight away unless the instructions or a healthcare professional says you can. Skin that has just been rolled can react more strongly to products.
• Keep the skin clean and avoid touching it with unwashed hands.
• Protect it from the sun and avoid heavy sweating, swimming or saunas for the time the instructions recommend.
• Contact a doctor or pharmacist if you notice lasting redness, swelling, pain, or signs of infection.

How often to use it

Follow the guidance for your needle length. Skin needs time to settle between sessions, so more often is not better. If your skin feels sore or looks irritated, wait until it has fully settled before using the roller again.

Cleaning and storing your dermaroller

• Clean it after every use as the manufacturer directs, and let it dry completely.
• Store it in its case, somewhere clean and dry, away from heat and out of reach of children.
• Replace it when the needles look bent or dull, or when the manufacturer says it is time. See our guide to caring for your grooming products.

Common mistakes

• Pressing too hard. Gentle is enough.
• Rolling over irritated skin. Wait until it has fully healed.
• Sharing the tool. Keep your own.
• Skipping the cleaning. Dirty needles can pass bacteria to your skin.
• Using it too often. Give your skin time to recover.
• Applying other products straight after without checking the instructions. If you also use a product such as minoxidil, ask a pharmacist how to fit it around your sessions.

For more routine ideas, browse our grooming accessories or read the men's grooming guide.

Frequently asked questions

Does using a dermaroller hurt?

You may feel a mild prickling with shorter needles. If it is painful, you are probably pressing too hard or the needles are too long for you. Stop and follow the manufacturer's guidance.

Can I use a dermaroller on my beard area or scalp?

Many people do, as long as the skin is healthy and unbroken. Follow the instructions for your needle length and keep the tool clean.

How do I clean a dermaroller?

Follow the manufacturer's directions. In general that means cleaning the roller after each use, letting it dry fully and storing it in its case.

When should I replace my dermaroller?

When the needles look bent or dull, or when the manufacturer recommends. A worn roller should not be used.

Can I share a dermaroller?

No. It touches the skin, so it should only ever be used by one person.