PRP Hair Therapy: Platelet-Rich Plasma for Hair Restoration

What Is PRP Hair Therapy?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy for hair loss is a regenerative treatment that uses concentrated growth factors from your own blood to stimulate dormant hair follicles and promote new hair growth. It's a natural, non-surgical option for men experiencing thinning hair.¹

PRP has been used in medicine for decades—in orthopedics, wound healing, and cosmetic procedures. Its application for hair restoration has shown promising results in clinical studies, particularly for androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness).

How PRP Works for Hair Growth

Your blood contains platelets rich in growth factors that promote tissue regeneration:

Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF): Stimulates cell growth and blood vessel formation
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF): Promotes blood supply to follicles
Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF): Supports cell proliferation
Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF): Extends the hair growth phase
Transforming Growth Factor (TGF): Regulates cellular processes

When injected into the scalp, these concentrated growth factors wake up dormant follicles, extend the growth phase of existing hairs, and improve the overall health of the scalp.³

The PRP Hair Treatment Process

Step 1: Blood Draw

A small amount of blood (typically 30-60 mL) is drawn from your arm, similar to a routine lab test. This takes just a few minutes.

Step 2: Centrifugation

Your blood is placed in a centrifuge, which spins at high speed to separate the components. This concentrates the platelets to 3-5 times their normal level.

Step 3: PRP Extraction

The platelet-rich plasma layer is carefully extracted. This golden-colored serum contains the concentrated growth factors that stimulate hair growth.

Step 4: Scalp Preparation

A topical anesthetic is applied to the treatment area to minimize discomfort during the injection process.

Step 5: PRP Injection

The PRP is injected directly into the scalp at the level of the hair follicles. Multiple small injections are made across the thinning areas. The entire procedure takes about 45-60 minutes.²

PRP Hair Therapy Results Timeline

Week 1-2: Mild scalp tenderness may occur, then resolves
Month 1-2: Reduced hair shedding often noticed
Month 3-4: New baby hairs begin appearing
Month 6: Noticeable improvement in hair thickness and density
Month 12: Full results visible with maintenance treatments

Treatment Protocol

A typical PRP hair therapy program includes:

Phase	Timing	Purpose
Initial Series	3-4 sessions, 4-6 weeks apart	Stimulate dormant follicles
Maintenance	Every 4-6 months	Sustain and optimize results

Who Is a Good Candidate?

PRP hair therapy works best for men who have:

Early to moderate hair loss (Norwood 2-5)
Thinning hair rather than complete baldness
Miniaturized but still-living follicles
Realistic expectations about outcomes

PRP may be less effective for:

Advanced baldness with no remaining follicles
Certain medical conditions affecting platelets
Those taking blood thinners or certain medications

PRP vs Other Hair Loss Treatments

Treatment	Advantages	Considerations
PRP Therapy	Natural, no surgery, minimal downtime	Multiple sessions needed, maintenance required
Hair Transplant	Permanent, one-time procedure	Surgical, higher initial cost
Medications	Non-invasive, easy	Daily use required, potential side effects

Combining PRP with Other Treatments

PRP can be used as a standalone treatment or combined with other therapies for enhanced results:⁴

Hair transplant: PRP before and after improves graft survival
Minoxidil: Complementary mechanisms of action
Finasteride: Addresses hormonal and regenerative factors
Low-level laser therapy: Enhances blood flow and cellular activity

Safety and Side Effects

Because PRP uses your own blood, allergic reactions are virtually impossible. Common temporary side effects include mild scalp tenderness, pinpoint bleeding at injection sites, and temporary swelling. These typically resolve within 1-2 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many PRP sessions are needed for hair restoration?

Most treatment protocols involve 3-4 initial sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments every 4-6 months. Some patients see improvement after just one session, but optimal results typically require the full initial series.

Is PRP hair therapy painful?

Discomfort is minimal. A topical numbing cream is applied before treatment, and most patients describe the injections as feeling like small pinches. The blood draw is similar to any routine lab work. Most patients tolerate the procedure very well.

When will I see results from PRP hair treatment?

Hair growth follows a timeline: reduced shedding is often noticed within 1-2 months, new growth begins at 3-4 months, and significant improvement is typically visible at 6-12 months. Hair continues to improve with maintenance treatments.

Can PRP be combined with hair transplant surgery?

Yes, PRP is often used alongside hair transplants. It can improve graft survival when used during surgery and accelerate healing afterward. Many surgeons recommend PRP sessions before and after transplant procedures for optimal results.

Who is a good candidate for PRP hair therapy?

Ideal candidates have early to moderate hair loss with some existing hair follicles. PRP works best when follicles are miniaturized but still present. It's less effective for completely bald areas where follicles have died. A consultation determines candidacy.

Sources & References

[1]

Platelet-Rich Plasma in Androgenic Alopecia - Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery (Accessed December 2024)

[2]

PRP for Hair Loss: A Review of the Evidence - Dermatologic Surgery (Accessed December 2024)

[3]

Growth Factors in PRP for Hair Regeneration - International Journal of Trichology (Accessed December 2024)

[4]

Platelet-Rich Plasma for Hair Loss - American Academy of Dermatology (Accessed December 2024)