Hair loss has many causes and no single treatment suits everyone. Alongside prescription medicines and surgery, there is increasing interest in regenerative hair therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and exosome injections. These procedures claim to boost hair growth at the source by reviving hair follicles. However, hype aside, do they really work? In this article we compare exosomes vs PRP for hair growth and review the evidence behind them. We also explore how they work, what each treatment involves, safety and how to choose the best one for you.
What are Regenerative Hair Therapies?
Regenerative hair therapies use the body’s own healing and repair mechanisms to restore the health of hair follicles. They work by stimulating cell communication, increasing circulation and encouraging growth factors that repair damaged tissue. This approach has gained popularity because it potentially targets the biological causes of thinning hair. Common examples include platelet-rich plasma (PRP), polynucleotides, stem-cell derived treatments and exosome injections. You can use these therapies alone or alongside medical treatments such as minoxidil or finasteride to enhance results.
PRP has been in medicine for more than three decades. It was first applied in surgery and orthopaedics to accelerate wound healing and tissue repair. Dermatologists later adapted it for skin rejuvenation and hair restoration after studies showed that growth factors from platelets could stimulate follicles and prolong the hair-growth (anagen) phase. Exosomes are a newer development in hair loss. These microscopic vesicles were first discovered in the 1980s as part of normal cell communication. However research into their uses in regenerative medicine is more recent. Advances in laboratory technology now allow scientists to isolate exosomes from cultured stem cells and concentrate them into injectable preparations carrying signalling proteins, peptides and genetic material.
The Science Behind PRP vs Exosomes for Hair Growth
PRP comes from the patient’s own blood. After spinning down in a centrifuge, you end up with a separate plasma layer that contains platelets. This is what the clinician then injects into the scalp. When activated, these platelets release growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). These molecules improve blood flow, stimulate fibroblasts and support the regeneration of dermal papilla cells that control follicle growth and cycling. Clinical studies consistently show that PRP can increase hair density and thickness in people with androgenetic alopecia and other non-scarring types of hair loss. However results vary from person to person. They depend on platelet concentration, activation method, treatment frequency and individual response. Most evidence supports the use of PRP alongside other therapies (e.g. minoxidil) rather than as a stand-alone treatment.
Exosomes are nanosized vesicles released by stem cells and other cell types that carry molecular signals. They contain RNA, proteins and lipids that influence how neighbouring cells function. In hair restoration, exosomes likely work by reducing inflammation, improving microcirculation and activating follicle stem cells. Laboratory studies suggest they may modulate many of the same regenerative pathways as PRP but possibly in a more targeted way. Human data on exosomes remain limited. Early reports show encouraging gains in hair density and shaft thickness for androgenetic hair loss. However, most published work involves small case series with short follow-up and differing preparation methods. This makes it difficult to properly validate results. As such findings need confirmation in larger more robust clinical trials.
Only a few small studies have compared PRP vs exosome therapy directly for hair growth. These early head-to-head trials generally find both treatments safe and capable of promoting visible improvement, with some suggesting slightly faster or more pronounced thickening in the exosome groups. However, participant numbers are low and methodologies vary widely, so it’s not possible to draw firm conclusions. At present, PRP remains the better-supported treatment in terms of evidence and safety record whilst exosome therapy is promising but still experimental.
What to Expect from Each Treatment
Both procedures are available through aesthetic or dermatology clinics. Treatment involves use of fine needles to inject the PRP or exosomes into the scalp. The procedure time is usually under an hour and recovery is minimal. They will send you home with some aftercare instructions.
For PRP, most research suggests a minimum of 3-4 sessions are initially necessary with maintenance every 6-12 months. As they are newer and clinical trials vary, its not entirely clear how many sessions of exosomes are necessary. However it is probably similar to PRP. Results develop gradually usually with hair shedding reducing first, followed by visible thickening and improved texture. PRP is widely available in dermatology and hair-restoration clinics. A typical course of three sessions costs between £700 and £1,500. There are fewer clinics that provide exosome therapy and fees typically average about £1,500 per course of 3 treatments.
Safety & Regulation
Both PRP and exosome therapy are regarded as low-risk when performed correctly. However, they differ in their potential risk profile and regulation. Common side effects like mild redness, tenderness or temporary shedding may occur after either procedure. In terms of more serious side effects PRP has a slight edge for now because it is an established medical procedure. It has a long-standing overall safety record due to years of clinical use. Because it involves using components of the patient’s own blood, the risk of allergic or infectious reaction is extremely low. Although safety data for exosome therapy are promising, larger studies are necessary to confirm best practice and long-term outcomes.
In the UK, PRP is classified as a minimally manipulated autologous tissue rather than a medicinal product. This means it does not require Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) licensing as long as it is prepared and administered by a registered healthcare professional under appropriate standards of care. Exosomes therapy is newer and may eventually come under MHRA regulation as advanced therapy medicinal products. They are not yet licensed for hair restoration, and their safety depends on how they are sourced, processed and stored. Clinics offering exosomes treatments should be disclosing the origin of the product, the manufacturing process and proof of regulatory compliance.
What are the Key Differences Between PRP vs Exosome Therapy for Hair Growth?
Whilst PRP and exosomes both aim to support hair growth, they differ in several important ways that affect safety, evidence and accessibility. The key differences between PRP vs exosomes for hair growth include:
- Source: PRP comes from your own blood whilst exosomes are made in the laboratory from stem-cell cultures.
- Mechanism: The way PRP works is by releasing growth factors that enhance blood circulation and follicle repair. Exosomes deliver molecular messages that influence hair cell communication and gene activity.
- Evidence: There is more than a decade of clinical research on PRP including randomised trials and meta-analyses. Exosome data remain limited to small human studies and laboratory work.
- Safety: PRP carries minimal risk because it uses your own blood. Exosome safety depends on how products are sourced and processed. Regardless, only regulated clinics should perform either procedure as there are still risks like infection, scars, bruising and swelling.
- Regulation: In the UK PRP is an established medical procedure in the UK that does not require specific regulation as a drug. Exosomes are classed as experimental biologics and as such may eventually fall under MHRA oversight as advanced biologic products.
- Cost & Availability: PRP is widely available and typically costs £200–£500 per session. Exosome therapy is newer, offered by fewer clinics and usually starts around £250-£600 per session. Both therapies should be performed in medical settings using sterile technique and trained clinicians.
- Longevity of Results: Results vary from person to person but generally after a course of PRP treatment, patients need maintenance sessions every 6-12 months. Its not clear how much maintenance exosome therapy requires but it is reasonable to expect something similar to PRP.
How to Decide Which Treatment Is Best for You
Choosing between PRP vs exosome therapy depends on your type of hair loss, experience with previous regrowth treatments and expectations. The key things to consider when making your decision:
- PRP: This is usually the first regenerative option most people consider. It has a longer track record, well-documented safety and consistent evidence showing modest but measurable improvement in hair thickness and density. It is particularly helpful for men and women with early-stage androgenetic alopecia, postpartum shedding or general thinning where hair follicles remain active. PRP may also be preferable vs exosomes for people prone to sever allergic reactions as it uses your own blood.
- Exosome Therapy: Although newer, this may appeal to people who have already tried conventional medical or regenerative treatments like PRP without enough success. It may offer additional benefits in terms of hair growth due to its broader range of signalling molecules. However, long-term results are not yet clear and regulation is still evolving.
Some clinics may combine or alternate both treatments to target different mechanisms, although current research does not confirm whether this improves outcomes. It’s worth noting that neither PRP nor exosome therapy can restore hair where follicles are permanently damaged, as in scarring alopecia or advanced stages of hair loss. They are most effective when hair follicles are still viable and capable of regeneration. As always, be sure to have a detailed consultation, scalp examination and realistic discussion about expected outcomes before starting any treatment.
Alternative Treatments for Hair Loss
PRP and exosome therapies are not the only treatments for managing hair loss. In fact, they are rarely ever the first line option. The below hair loss treatments are the most common alternatives:
- Minoxidil: This improves blood flow to the hair follicles and prolongs the growth phase. It is available as an over-the-counter topical solution or foam (in up to 5 % strength). For people who have pets, do not respond to or tolerate topical forms, oral minoxidil is an alternative. It is however available by prescription only. Compounded solutions, foams and creams are available for higher strength minoxidil concentrations. They can combine minoxidil with agents such as finasteride or dutasteride, spironolactone or tretinoin to offer a more targeted approach.
- Hormone Blockers: These treatments reduce the impact of androgens on hair follicles and help slow androgenetic hair loss. Oral finasteride is licensed for use in male pattern hair loss. It lowers dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels to prevent further follicle miniaturisation. In women, oral spironolactone is sometimes used off-label to help manage hormonal shedding commonly due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Topical finasteride as well as the more potent DHT blocker dutasteride and spironolactone are also available in unlicensed compounded formulas. They provide a local effect on the scalp with minimal systemic absorption.
- Professional Treatments: Microneedling, LLLT and polynucleotide injections can enhance microcirculation and collagen production around the follicles to encourage regrowth. In patients with significant thinning or established bald areas where follicles are no longer viable, hair transplantation can help restore density and coverage.
Some of these treatments can also be useful alongside regenerative therapies. The best approach depends on your underlying cause of hair loss, its severity and individual treatment goals. Always start by seeking medical help to identify and treat common medical causes of hair loss such as thyroid imbalance or hormonal changes. Don’t forget the basics also! A healthy lifestyle supports all forms of therapy. Make sure you get enough protein, iron, zinc and vitamin D as these are essential for hair growth. Gentle scalp care, stress management and the use of hair nourishing products can help maintain results from medical or regenerative treatments.
PRP and exosome therapies both aim to improve hair growth by stimulating the scalp’s natural repair mechanisms. Whilst PRP has a respectable clinical history and safety record, exosomes show early promise but remain experimental with limited long-term data. If you’re considering these treatments, seek advice from an experienced medical provider who can help you discover the best options for your individual needs and goals.
We believe in a personalised approach to hair care which is why we offer custom topical hair loss treatments for men and women through our online skin clinic. Our doctors provide hair growth treatments which may include actives such as Minoxidil, Finasteride, Dutasteride, Spironolactone, Melatonin, Caffeine and Tretinoin where appropriate for each and every patient. Start your virtual consultation and begin your journey to great hair today.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical provider for any medical concerns or questions you might have.
