PRP For Treating Hair Loss

I have found that treating hair loss can be a challenging experience for many individuals. I have been looking into various methods and one option that I have checked out thoroughly is PRP therapy, also known as Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy. In this article, I share my insights on how PRP therapy works, its benefits, safety, treatment delivery, and cost. I also answer some common questions about PRP hair restoration to help readers gain a clear idea about what to expect from this treatment.

Understanding PRP Therapy for Hair Loss

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. The procedure involves drawing a small sample of blood from the patient. I learned that this blood is processed to concentrate the plasma, which is rich in platelets and growth factors. The concentrated plasma is then injected into the scalp. The growth factors naturally present in the plasma are responsible for stimulating the hair follicles. Over time, these injections can help to encourage new hair growth and slow down hair loss. When I first came across this treatment, I was intrigued by its promise of using my own body’s natural healing process to support hair restoration.

The treatment can be particularly useful for cases of androgenetic alopecia, widely known as male or female pattern baldness. I found that this non-surgical approach has become popular due to its natural method of stimulating hair growth.

How PRP Therapy Works: A Closer Look

The process involves several clear steps:

• Blood Collection: A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient. This step is similar to a routine blood test, making it relatively simple and quick.
• Plasma Separation: The drawn blood is then spun in a centrifuge. This process separates the plasma from the other components of the blood, concentrating the platelets and growth factors.
• Scalp Injection: Once the plasma is ready, it is carefully injected into areas of the scalp that show thinning or hair loss. The injections target specific sites where stimulation of the hair follicles is needed.
• Growth Stimulus: The growth factors in the PRP work to activate the hair follicles. Over time, this activation may help to thicken existing hair and encourage new growth.

I appreciate that the method uses my own blood, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions and other complications. This autologous procedure makes it a relatively safe option for many people.

Benefits of PRP Therapy for Hair Restoration

There are a number of benefits to using PRP for hair loss:

• Stimulated Hair Growth: Many individuals experience thicker and fuller hair after undergoing the treatment. The growth factors promote healthier hair follicles, which may result in increased hair density.
• Slow Down Hair Loss: In addition to promoting growth, PRP injections can strengthen hair follicles. This effect may reduce the rate of hair loss over time.
• Improved Hair Quality: I found that some patients notice not just more hair, but hair that appears healthier and has a better structure. The treatment can improve the overall quality of the hair.
• Non-Surgical and Safe: PRP therapy is performed using the patient’s own blood. This greatly minimizes the risk of rejection or adverse reactions. For those who wish to avoid invasive procedures, this treatment provides a less risky alternative.

The improvements in hair appearance and health are usually noticed over several treatment sessions, so you would need to budget for this.

Treatment Delivery, Safety, and Technique

The treatment process is designed to be safe and efficient. The procedure is performed in a clinical setting by skilled practitioners, usually dermatologists or hair restoration specialists, but also Doctors & Nurses. Before the treatment, it is common to have a consultation where the patient’s history and the cause of hair loss are discussed.

It is well documented that the injections are painful!

The scalp is usually numbed with a local anesthetic to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. You need to wait for this to take affect – usually about 30 minutes.

The PRP is then injected with fine needles using a series of small injections across the affected area. The density and placement of these injections are planned to maximize contact with the hair follicles.

This process has been well-regarded among practitioners for its potential to help stimulate dormant follicles. The concentration of growth factors in the plasma is designed to kickstart natural healing processes, leading to visible improvements in hair texture and density. While every procedure involves inherent risks, using a patient’s own blood helps to reduce the likelihood of adverse reactions.

💰 PRP Therapy Cost Breakdown & Considerations

• Insurance Coverage:
  PRP therapy is typically not covered by insurance as it is considered a cosmetic, non-life-saving treatment.
• Cost in the UK:
• • A session generally costs £250 to £400.
• Cost in the USA:
• • Average price per session: $500 to $2,500
  • In major cities (e.g. NYC, Boston): up to $3,700 per session
• Factors Affecting Cost:
• • Clinic reputation
  • Geographic location
  • Practitioner’s expertise
  • Number of sessions needed
• Treatment Plan:
• • Typically involves multiple sessions during the initial phase.
  • Maintenance treatments are often recommended every few months.
• Long-Term Effectiveness:
• • Ongoing sessions can help maintain hair density.
  • Consistent treatment over time yields the best results.
• Planning Ahead:
• • It’s crucial to discuss your budget and expectations with a qualified provider.
  • A personalized plan ensures affordable, sustainable care over the long term.

Scientific Evidence

A comprehensive meta-analysis published in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reviewed ten randomized controlled trials involving 318 participants and found that PRP treatment significantly increased hair density by an average of 25.09 hairs per cm² compared to the control group Study: Meijia Li et al (2024)

Another systematic review encompassing 17 studies reported a substantial increase in hair density, with an average difference of 405.26 hairs/cm² in the PRP group compared to the control group. Study: Yuan J et al (2024)

These findings collectively suggest that PRP therapy is a promising and effective treatment for enhancing hair density in individuals with androgenetic alopecia.

Additional Factors to Consider Before Undergoing PRP Therapy

Individual results can vary considerably – and the results have a direct correlation to how healthy you are!

PRP is made from your own blood. The treatment uses your platelets, which contain growth factors essential for tissue repair and regeneration. Healthier blood = more effective PRP. People with good circulation, a balanced diet, and overall wellness tend to have more potent platelets, which may enhance results. Chronic conditions can affect outcomes. Issues like anemia, autoimmune diseases, or poor nutrition may reduce PRP’s effectiveness.

A few important points to keep in mind include:

• Individual Differences: Not every patient experiences the same degree of improvement, and factors like the stage of hair loss or the patient’s general health might influence results.
• Temporary Solution: I learned that PRP therapy is not a permanent fix for hair loss. Regular maintenance sessions are required to sustain the benefits achieved during the initial rounds of treatment.
• Realistic Expectations: It is important to have realistic expectations about what PRP can achieve. While some patients see considerable improvement, others might only notice modest changes.

The success of PRP often depends on the underlying cause of the hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia. For conditions like alopecia areata, the evidence is still developing. I have observed that the treatment may work best on those who are in the early stages of hair thinning rather than cases with extensive hair loss.

Frequently Asked Questions About PRP Therapy

I have received many questions from individuals who are considering PRP therapy. Here I answer some common queries based on my research and understanding:

Question: Does PRP actually regrow hair?
Answer: PRP therapy does stimulate the hair follicles and can give a boost to their function. Many patients experience increased thickness and a reduction in hair loss. However, the level of regrowth varies from one person to another, and multiple sessions are generally needed to see marked improvement.

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Question: How much does PRP cost in the UK?
Answer: The cost for a PRP session in the UK typically ranges from around £250 to £400. Prices can vary based on the clinic, the number of sessions required, and other factors. Discussing these details with a clinic during a consultation provides a clearer picture of the total expense involved.

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Question: How long does PRP hair growth last?
Answer: The results of PRP therapy are not permanent. While some patients notice an improvement that can last for several months, most cases will require maintenance sessions every few months to sustain the benefits. Some patients may experience results for six to twelve months after a series of treatments before needing another round.

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Question: Does PRP fasten hair growth?
Answer: The purpose of PRP is to stimulate the existing hair follicles to promote growth. In some cases, patients notice that their hair appears to grow at a quicker rate after undergoing treatment. However, PRP is known more for its role in improving hair density and reducing hair loss than for accelerating growth markedly.

Question: Can PRP injections go wrong?
While PRP is generally safe, complications can occur if not performed correctly. Potential issues include infection, scalp tenderness, bruising, or injury to blood vessels or nerves. Rarely, patients may experience allergic reactions or prolonged inflammation. Choosing a qualified medical professional greatly reduces these risks.

Question: What is the success rate of PRP for hair loss?
Clinical studies report success rates of 70–90% for improved hair density and slowed hair loss, especially in early-stage androgenetic alopecia. However, results vary based on individual health and consistency of treatment.

Final Thoughts

PRP therapy is a promising, non-surgical option for hair loss—especially for those with androgenetic alopecia. By using growth factors from your own blood, it can stimulate hair follicles and improve thickness over time. Results vary, and multiple sessions are usually needed, making it an investment worth discussing with a specialist. While not a permanent fix, PRP continues to evolve with advancing techniques and research. For those seeking a natural, minimally invasive approach to hair restoration, PRP offers real potential—and the future of hair care looks increasingly personalized and hopeful.

References

1. Li, M., Qu K., Lei, Q., Chen, M., Bian, D., (2024) Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia: A Meta-Analysis Aesthetic Plast Surg Volume 48, pages 977–984, (2024)

2. Yuan, J., He, Y., Wan, H., Gao, Y., (2024) Effectiveness of platelet‐rich plasma in treating female hair loss: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials Skin Res Technol. 2024 Aug 23;30(8):e70004