POSTED: 3 Oct 2024

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Hair Loss, Can These Injections Really Help Regrow Hair?

Hair loss is a common concern that affects both men and women globally across all age groups. There are many causes of hair loss and even more potential treatments. However, there is no single treatment that is a silver bullet for any form of hair loss. One emerging hair loss treatment that is gaining popularity for its ability to promote regrowth is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections. PRP is a non-surgical solution for stimulating hair regrowth and improving hair density which may increase hair growth by up to a 30-40%. In this article, we’re going to do a deep dive into everything you need to know about PRP hair injections, explore the science behind how platelet-rich plasma helps hair growth and who its best for. We’ll also review what the treatment involves, the risks and side effects as well as alternatives.

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma Hair Treatment?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a treatment that uses concentrates of platelets from a patient’s own blood to boost tissue regeneration. Blood contains platelets rich in growth factors and proteins that are crucial for tissue repair and healing. In the body, platelets play a key role in tissue regeneration. Initially, PRP therapy was widely used to speed up recovery in orthopedic injuries, sports medicine and post-surgical healing. It has also been popular in dermatology for skin rejuvenation and scar treatment.

PRP hair treatment is a non-surgical procedure that uses a patient’s blood to stimulate natural hair growth. It leverages the body’s healing capabilities to encourage healthier and thicker hair growth. In PRP therapy, a small amount of blood is drawn from the patient, processed in a centrifuge to separate the plasma, and the PRP is injected into the scalp in areas with thinning or hair loss. This delivers essential growth factors directly to the follicles, enhancing their function and stimulating new hair growth.

How Does PRP Stimulate Hair Regrowth?

Though not completely understood yet, the main way Platelet Rich Plasma treatment likely works is by delivering concentrated growth factors directly to the hair follicles, which are responsible for hair regrowth. PRP helps prolong the anagen (growth) phase of the hair follicle which results in healthier and thicker hair. The growth factors present in PRP also activate dormant or weakened hair follicles, stimulate collagen production and enhance blood circulation in the scalp. Together this leads creates a nourishing environment for hair follicles to thrive leading to to noticeable improvements in hair quality, density and overall growth.

There is a good amount of scientific research suggesting that patients can experience significant improvements in both hair growth and reduced hair loss after PRP treatments. However, despite the many positive studies, the overall amount of research in on PRP is still small. Additionally, results can vary significantly between individuals. For this reason, whilst the medical community views PRP for hair loss as a promising treatment, there is still no universal consensus on its usefulness. More large-scale, controlled studies are needed to establish standardised protocols and confirm long-term efficacy and safety.

Benefits of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Hair Loss

PRP therapy offers several benefits for hair thinning or hair loss by promote hair regrowth and quality. Here are some of the key benefits of Platelet-Rich Plasma for hair loss:

  • Stimulates Natural Hair Regrowth: PRP injections deliver your own growth factors directly to the scalp. This helps activate dormant hair follicles, prolongs the growth phase and stimulates regrowth.
  • Reduces Hair Loss: By promoting a healthier environment for hair follicles, PRP therapy can help reduce hair shedding. It can also support the maintenance of existing hair.
  • Improves Hair Thickness & Quality: The growth factors in PRP help strengthen the hair shaft. This can lead to to stronger and thicker hair strands.
  • Non-Surgical & Quick Recovery: PRP hair treatment is a non-surgical procedure that involves minimal discomfort and little to no downtime. Patients can resume their daily activities immediately after the procedure, though some mild soreness or redness at the injection sites may occur.

What Platelet-Rich Plasma Hair Treatment Involves

Platelet-Rich Plasma hair growth injections treatment involves three main steps sandwiched between some preparatory and aftercare. Your provider will explain these in detail to you and may adjust them based on your individual treatment plan and needs. Here’s roughly what to expect before, during and after the procedure:

  • Preparation: Unless your doctor advises otherwise, you may be asked to avoid anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or aspirin for at least a week before the treatment. You’ll also need to stay hydrated and eat a healthy meal before your appointment. Its important to also avoid alcohol consumption and smoking for at least 24 hours prior to the procedure, as these can interfere with platelet activity and affect blood circulation.
  • Blood Draw: The process begins with drawing a small amount of blood from the patient’s arm, similar to a routine blood test.
  • Centrifugation: The blood sample is placed in a centrifuge which spins it down to separate the platelet-rich plasma from other blood components. The centrifugation process concentrates the platelets, which contain essential growth factors.
  • PRP Injections: Once the platelet-rich plasma is prepared, it is injected directly into the precleaned scalp in areas with thinning hair or hair loss. These PRP injections are strategically administered to target hair follicles in need of stimulation.
  • Aftercare: Avoid washing your hair for at least 24 hours after the treatment and refrain from using hair products like gels or sprays for at least 48 hours. You should also avoid direct sun exposure, strenuous activities and saunas for a few days. Please follow any instructions provided by your healthcare provider to ensure proper healing and maximise the benefits of the treatment.

The entire procedure usually takes around 60 to 90 minutes, and multiple sessions are often needed to achieve optimal results. Most patients undergo at least 3-4 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. You practitioner may recommend maintenance treatments every 6-12 months.

What Kind of Results to Expect

PRP hair growth treatment is suitable for both men and women experiencing hair thinning or hair loss. It is particularly effective for those in the early stages of hair loss and can be useful for common causes of hair loss like androgenic alopecia. It could also be worth pursuing for people who have exhausted other non surgical treatment options but can not or do not want surgery.

Platelet-Rich Plasma hair regrowth results can vary from person to person. They depend on a number of factors including the extent of hair loss and individual response to treatment. Patients generally notice a reduction in hair shedding after the first or second session. Visible improvement in hair thickness and new hair growth often becomes apparent within 3-6 months following the initial treatment. However, everyone is different and consistency is key. Hair growth is a gradual process that requires time and patience. It is really important to consult with a specialist before embarking on expensive and time consuming treatments like PRP injections to ensure that you get the right treatment for your hair loss.

Risks & Side Effects

Since Platelet-Rich Plasma hair regrowth treatment uses the patient’s own blood, the risk of side effects is typically mild and low. This is obviously if the treatment is performed by a trained and experienced medical practitioner in an appropriate clinical setting. Even in the best hands, there are potential side effects which include:

  • Common: Mild discomfort, redness or swelling at the injection sites. These typically resolve within a few days.
  • Rare: Risk of allergic reaction, infection, tissue damage nerve injury or scars. These are more likely to occur if the inexperience or a non medical provider are doing the treatment.

Even in the best hands, PRP treatment may not be suitable for everyone. People who are not suitable for Plate Rich Plasma treatment may include:

  • Individuals with a history of blood disorders or clotting issues.
  • Those undergoing anticoagulant therapy.
  • Patients with active infections or chronic skin conditions in the treatment area.

Alternative & Complementary Hair Loss Treatments to PRP

Although PRP therapy can be an effective treatment for hair loss, there are several other treatments that can be used alongside or instead of PRP. Each treatment has its own benefits and limitations, and the best choice will depend on your hair loss and preferences:

  • Minoxidil: This is available over-the-counter in low strengths as a topical treatment or orally and in higher topical strengths by prescription. Minoxidil can help slow hair loss and promote regrowth.
  • Hormone Blockers: Finasteride, Dutasteride and Spironolactone are available by prescription orally or topically to treat some forms of hair loss. Due to potentially serious side effects, they are usually a second or third line treatment option.
  • Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): This is a non-invasive treatment that uses red light to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth.
  • Microneedling: A minimally invasive procedure that involves creating tiny punctures in the scalp to stimulate hair follicles. Microneedling helps improve blood circulation and enhances the absorption of topical hair loss treatments.
  • Hair Transplant Surgery: This may be an option for individuals with advanced hair loss. This treatment involves transplanting hair follicles from one area of the scalp to another. Hair transplant surgery is more invasive and costly, with a longer recovery period. However, it offer it can offer significant results for severe hair loss. PRP therapy is sometimes useful post-surgery to enhance healing and improve the overall success of the transplant.
  • Supplements: Certain vitamins and minerals, such as biotin, zinc and iron, play an important role in maintaining healthy hair. Topical caffeine and melatonin hair treatments may also help support hair growth.

PRP hair growth treatment may offer a non-invasive solution with minimal side effects if performed correctly and on the right patient. Although PRP may not be a complete cure for hair loss, it may potentially slow down hair thinning and encourage the regrowth of thicker, healthier hair. However, results vary from person to person and this treatment is not suitable for everyone. Even in appropriate patients, it may require use in combination with other hair loss treatments. This is why it’s so important to consult with a qualified and experienced healthcare provider. They will ensure that Platelet-Rich Plasma injections are a safe and appropriate treatment for your hair loss.

We strongly believe that hair regrowth is a very personal journey. This is why we provide personalised hair loss and regrowth treatments through our virtual clinic. Our doctors create bespoke hair loss treatments using actives like MinoxidilSpironolactoneFinasterideDutasteride and Tretinoin. We also treat skin concerns like acnehyperpigmentationmelasma and signs of skin ageing. Book your virtual consultation and start your journey to great hair today.

Authored by:

Dr Amel Ibrahim
Aesthetic Doctor & Medical Director
BSC (HONS) MBBS MRCS PHD
Founder City Skin Clinic
Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
Associate Member of British Association of Body Sculpting GMC Registered - 7049611

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