PRP and Hair Loss: What You Need To Know

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a component of your blood containing high amounts of platelets, which promote regeneration and growth. During a PRP procedure for hair loss, a small amount of your blood is drawn. Typically between 10 and 60 milliliters of blood is taken. (1) 

Your blood is then placed in a centrifuge, which spins at high speed and separates liquids into different densities. The centrifugal force of the machine separates your blood into three components: red blood cells, PRP, and platelet-poor plasma (PPP). (8,9) 

PRP is the plasma containing the highest number of platelets. It typically has five times more platelets than the rest of your blood. Platelets help with growth, regeneration, and healing, among other important roles. The higher the number of platelets, the better the chance that the plasma will increase these positive outcomes. (8,9) 

Once it’s separated, PRP is drawn up into a syringe. The PRP is then injected into multiple areas of your scalp where you desire hair growth. Very fine needles are used, and placement is carefully planned out. (9) There are many ways that this procedure can be made less painful, including using cold air devices, ice compression, and lidocaine. (15)  

The injections reach the bottom of the hair follicle and are thought to stimulate dermal papilla cells, which play a pivotal role in hair growth. The dermal papilla cells produce growth factors including IGF-1, FGF-7, hepatocyte growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor. These growth factors help extend the anagen phase of your hair growth cycle. This is the phase where new hair shafts develop, leading to new hair growth. (9) 

The exact mechanism of action of PRP for hair loss isn’t fully understood. But in essence, it’s thought that growth factors in the platelets stimulate new hair growth. Specific growth factors, including platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin-like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), are thought to help with this process. (3,5) 

Typically PRP requires multiple sessions. Usually, three sessions are needed, each carried out a month apart. (9) Additional sessions may be necessary after 3 to 4 months to maintain the results, depending on your individual needs and desired outcomes. (9) 

Some studies have shown that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can improve hair thickness.  (7) However, research suggests that hair thickness may not be increased as much compared to other hair loss treatments, such as topical minoxidil. (1)

Studies have found that when PRP is combined with other treatments, hair thickness increases significantly. One study found that when PRP was combined with hair transplantation, hair thickness increased by 19 percent. (7) 

Many people wonder: “Can PRP grow new hair?” Research suggests that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has the potential to tackle hair loss by promoting new hair growth, as well as reducing hair loss. (4,10) 

A 2019 study discovered that PRP resulted in a significant increase in hair regrowth in patients with androgenetic alopecia. (4) A double-blind, half-head, and placebo-controlled study found that PRP significantly improved hair density at 3 and 6 months. (6) 

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be used with a range of other hair loss treatments. It’s been used alongside hair transplantation, and results are promising. PRP can improve graft survival by up to 15 percent and improve hair density by as much as 19 percent. (7) 

Using PRP during hair transplantation has been proven to reduce healing time, improve hair growth and density, and even improve hair quality. In a randomized study on 40 hair transplant patients, everyone given PRP had over 75 percent follicle growth (increased hair growth). Only 20 percent of those who weren’t given PRP experienced similar growth. (11) 

PRP has been tested in combination with minoxidil. Minoxidil is a vasodilator that increases blood flow to the scalp, prompting healthier, thicker hair to grow. Minoxidil is typically applied once or twice a day topically in a 5 percent solution or foam.

A 2019 trial found that when PRP is paired with 5 percent minoxidil solution, it enhances hair growth and hair density more than minoxidil alone. The study also found that using microneedling (using very small needles to penetrate the surface of the skin) enhances outcomes of PRP. (12) 

Finasteride and PRP have also been studied in combination. Finasteride is a dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blocker. DHT is a hormone that can bind to the hair follicles in excess and is one of the primary causes of androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride works to lower levels of DHT to combat this and promote increased hair growth. Studies have shown that combined finasteride and PRP treatment improved hair growth and reduced hair loss. However, this combination wasn’t as effective as minoxidil and PRP. (1) 

Triamcinolone acetonide, a steroid medication used to treat skin conditions and certain types of alopecia (mainly alopecia areata), has been used in conjunction with PRP with promising results. (13) However, it’s important to remember these combination treatments are not yet approved as safe and more research is needed. 

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is not considered to be dangerous. There are risks, but the procedure is generally considered safe when performed by a trained medical professional. (9) However, it isn’t yet approved by the FDA as safe, so it’s vital you discuss the risks with your doctor and make an informed decision. (2) 

Like all medical procedures, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) does have potential side effects. Side effects may include:

• Temporary hair shedding
• Bleeding at the injection site
• Headaches
• Redness
• Allergic reaction
• Tissue or nerve damage
• Infection 
• Swelling
• Tenderness

The risk of these side effects is low, and some studies have reported no side effects from the procedure. (4) It’s important to remember that not everyone will experience these side effects and for those who do, they will most likely pass quickly. 

PRP is generally thought to be less likely to produce severe side effects than other methods because the treatment is made up of cells and blood from your own body. (1,5) While oral medications like finasteride can cause systemic side effects such as adverse sexual effects, the effects of PRP are localized. (14) 

Finasteride and minoxidil (a topical treatment) must be used daily to achieve and maintain the desired results, while PRP doesn’t require daily use. For these reasons, research suggests PRP may be more suited to some patients. (14) 

Patients sometimes experience hair shedding due to the injection procedure used with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Not to worry, though, as hair typically grows back over the coming 4 to 12 months as patients recover. This shedding is often referred to as telogen effluvium. (4) It’s important to note that this hair shedding is not uncommon with other hair loss treatments, including the popular topical treatment, minoxidil.

A local anesthetic will often be used during the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) procedure to prevent you from feeling pain. However, this isn’t always used, so you may experience mild pain as the PRP is injected. (6)  You will likely feel some discomfort, tenderness, and mild pain at the injection sites for a few days post-procedure. (5)

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments for hair loss are not typically covered by insurance as they’re classified as a cosmetic procedure. (9) They’re also not covered by insurance as a medical procedure for burn-related or scarring alopecias. In some cases, costs may be reimbursed if you’re part of a clinical study, but this isn’t common.

In the UK, PRP sessions are not covered by the National Health Service. This means you’ll need to pay out of pocket for your treatment.