Struggling with thinning hair and wondering, "Is PRP for hair worth it?" A growing number of people are turning to PRP for hair loss. But what the heck does PRP mean, and what is involved? In this blog, we’ll explore the details: what it is, how it works, and what you can expect during your treatment journey.
PRP Defined
What is PRP? PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma derived from our blood, which contains growth factors found to promote wound healing and repair.
What is PRP hair loss treatment? It is an advanced, non-surgical therapy that utilizes the healing power of your own platelets and growth factors to kickstart dormant follicles and help restore hair thickness and density.
How PRP Works
How does PRP work? Think of it as giving your hair follicles a highly concentrated, personalized energy drink. The platelets and growth factors increase blood flow to the hair follicles and reduce inflammation in the treated area(s), pushing dormant hairs back into the growth cycle and helping reverse miniaturization. It essentially harnesses our natural healing capabilities to promote hair growth, density, and thickness.
What To Expect
A nurse or doctor will draw your blood, then spin it in a centrifuge (similar to the amusement park Gravitron ride, except in this case it separates your PRP from the rest of your blood’s components) to concentrate platelets.
Is PRP for hair loss painful? While technicians use topical numbing cream or cooling air to minimize injection discomfort, and it is less invasive than surgical hair replacement for alopecia, most patients report that PRP is somewhat uncomfortable. PRP injections can cause short-term redness, tenderness, bruising, swelling, or infection in the injected areas. It is often combined with microneedling, which can increase discomfort.
How long does a PRP hair treatment take? The entire process, from blood draw to injection, usually takes 30 to 45 minutes per appointment.
How many PRP treatments are needed for hair loss? Most providers recommend an initial "induction" phase of 3 to 4 sessions about a month apart, along with one maintenance session every 6 to 12 months to keep awakened cells active. The idea is that since hair goes through different growth and resting phases, a “one and done” approach rarely suffices.
Will PRP interfere with my work and other daily activities? The fact that there is virtually no downtime, with most people resuming normal activities immediately afterwards, makes PRP especially appealing.
You can get your session done and still make it to your evening dinner reservation—no one will be the wiser!
The Effectiveness
Is PRP for hair loss effective? Unfortunately, the results of PRP are inconsistent. It generally works best for those in the early to moderate stages of hair thinning, who may experience initial changes in shedding within 2–3 months, with visible improvement in density taking 3 to 6 months.
However, PRP may not be effective for those with advanced or total balding, as evidenced by a smooth, shiny scalp with scar tissue (aka fibrosis). This is because PRP treatments cannot create new, active follicles where none exist.
Are PRP results permanent? No. Maintenance sessions are recommended to help sustain hair growth, which can be supported by daily use of a hair serum to diminish hair loss.
So, does PRP cure baldness? No. It is a hair thinning and hair loss treatment, not a permanent cure; the underlying genetic or hormonal causes of hair loss typically remain.
Is PRP better than a hair transplant? PRP is a non-invasive alternative for those who aren't ready for surgery or want to maintain their existing hair. However, it cannot regrow hair in completely bald areas, unlike a transplant.
Who Can Benefit
Wondering, “Am I a good candidate for PRP?” Before pursuing PRP, people with advanced thinning or baldness and certain medical conditions should think twice.
Who should avoid PRP? Those with poor health, scalp or systemic infections, blood cancers, liver disease, uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid disease, or with compromised blood quality due to low platelet counts and anemia are not ideal candidates.
In addition, heavy smokers often have diminished concentrations of growth factors. At the same time, people on blood thinners or NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as aspirin and ibuprofen) will have reduced platelet function and treatment results.
Both men and women can benefit, especially those with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss).
Side Effects & Cost
PRP may come with a few drawbacks, in terms of side effects and cost.
Are there any side effects to PRP injections? Because it uses your own blood, the risk of an allergic reaction is virtually zero. Common minor side effects include temporary scalp tenderness, mild swelling, or a headache.
How much does PRP therapy cost? The cost of PRP varies with the provider’s experience, clinic location, and the number of treatments required, ranging from about $500 to $1,500 per session. With the recommended 3-6 treatments over several months and maintenance sessions once or twice a year, it can be cost-prohibitive.
Is PRP for hair loss covered by insurance? No, it is almost always considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by health insurance.
Preparation & Aftercare
Proper preparation and aftercare are important for PRP treatment outcomes.
How should I prepare for my PRP appointment? Practitioners advise their patients to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and smoking, and stop taking anti-inflammatory medications (like Advil or Aspirin) for a few days to a week prior, with some advising cessation of NSAIDS two weeks prior.
Can I wash my hair after PRP? Most doctors suggest waiting until the next day to wash your hair and avoiding harsh chemicals or dyes for 48 hours. Using a balanced, soothing shampoo free of harsh detergents, such as sulfates, is essential. A formula with hyaluronic acid, aloe, green tea, and bladderwrack (seaweed) extract will help moisturize, calm, protect, repair, and alleviate scalp discomfort post-treatment.
Follow with a moisturizing conditioner featuring babassu oil and other nutrient-rich ingredients to support a healthy scalp and hair recovery.
Be sure to avoid hair dye, chemical treatments, hairspray, or dry shampoo for 2 to 3 days.
Can I combine PRP with other treatments? Yes, daily use of a hair loss serum that targets the root causes of hair thinning is vital for enhancing and prolonging your treatment outcome! Think of it like oral health. You don’t skip daily brushing, relying on dental cleanings twice a year to give you optimal oral health. Both efforts combined will yield maximum hair health.
But make sure the formula you choose contains ingredients such as apigenin, castor oil, menthol, peptides, amino acids, and other natural actives with antioxidant, moisturizing, strengthening, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and DHT-inhibiting properties.
What should I avoid after PRP? It is typically recommended to avoid exercise, excessive sweating, alcohol, smoking, sun exposure, hot showers, and saunas for anywhere from 2 to 7 days to prevent increased swelling. However, talk to your treatment provider for their specific recommended guidelines. Consider it a mandatory week of relaxation, where "excessive sweating" means anything more strenuous than scrolling.
PRP therapy offers an exciting, non-surgical way to tackle hair thinning by leveraging your body's own healing power. While not a permanent cure—you'll need those maintenance sessions and a hair serum for hair loss—it can be a valuable hair loss solution for those in the early stages of hair thinning. Considering PRP for hair loss? The next best step is to consult a qualified professional to determine whether it's the right fit for you.
Disclaimer: The treatment and product references in this article are for informational purposes only and are not intended for medical advice or diagnosis.