What is PRP for Hair?
Hair PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a non-surgical treatment for hair loss that involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s own blood, processing it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting this platelet-rich plasma into the scalp.
Platelets are blood components rich in growth factors, which help stimulate hair follicles, promote healing, and encourage the growth of thicker, healthier hair.
This therapy is used for various types of hair loss, especially androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness), and works by revitalising weak or dormant hair follicles and improving blood supply to the scalp. PRP is considered safe because it uses the patient’s own blood, minimising the risk of allergic reactions, and is performed in a series of sessions for best results.
Benefits of Hair PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Treatment
- Stimulates Natural Hair Growth
PRP therapy uses growth factors from your own blood to reactivate weak and dormant hair follicles, triggering natural hair regrowth. The concentrated platelets release growth factors that improve blood circulation and nutrient delivery to hair follicles, which is essential for healthy hair growth.
- Increases Hair Thickness and Density
PRP injections help reverse hair follicle miniaturisation, leading to thicker and healthier hair strands. Many patients notice significant improvements in hair density and strand thickness after a few sessions, as the treatment boosts collagen and elastin production in the scalp.
- Minimally Invasive and Safe
The procedure is non-surgical and involves only minor injections, making it minimally invasive. Since PRP uses your own blood, the risk of allergic reactions or complications is very low. There are typically few side effects, and no scarring is left on the scalp.
- Quick and Convenient with Minimal Downtime
PRP hair treatment sessions are relatively fast, usually completed within an hour. There is little to no downtime, allowing patients to resume daily activities immediately after the procedure, making it suitable even for busy professionals.
- Reduces Hair Shedding and Prevents Further Loss
PRP strengthens existing hair follicles, making them more resistant to hair fall. Many patients experience a reduction in hair shedding and slower progression of hair loss, helping maintain fuller hair over time.
- Improves Overall Scalp Health
PRP therapy enhances scalp health by improving blood flow and delivering essential nutrients to hair follicles. This can help address scalp issues like dandruff and promote a healthier environment for hair growth.
- Natural-Looking Results
Because PRP uses your own platelets, the results look natural and blend seamlessly with your existing hair. There is no risk of unnatural hairlines or mismatched textures.
- Suitable for Various Types of Hair Loss
PRP is effective for different causes of hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness) and telogen effluvium (stress or postpartum hair loss), making it a versatile option.
- Can Enhance Other Hair Restoration Treatments
PRP can be used alongside other hair restoration methods (like Minoxidil, Finasteride, or hair transplants) to boost their effectiveness and speed up recovery, promoting better graft survival and quicker healing when used with hair transplant surgery.
- Low Risk of Allergic Reactions
Since the treatment uses your own blood components, there is virtually no risk of allergic reactions or rejection, making it a safe option for most individuals.
Side Effects of Hair PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Treatment
- Pain or Discomfort at Injection Site
Mild pain, tenderness, or discomfort is common where the injections are administered. This usually resolves within a few days.
- Swelling and Bruising
Temporary swelling and minor bruising at the injection sites are frequently reported. These symptoms are generally mild and fade within a few days.
- Redness and Itching
Some individuals experience redness, itching, or a tingling sensation on the scalp after treatment. These effects are typically short-lived.
- Headache
Mild headaches can occur following the procedure, likely due to scalp sensitivity or the injection process itself.
- Temporary Bleeding
Minor bleeding at the injection sites may happen immediately after the procedure but usually stops quickly
Procedure of Hair PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Treatment
- Consultation and Assessment
The process begins with a consultation, during which a specialist evaluates your scalp, hair loss pattern, and overall health to determine if you are a suitable candidate for PRP therapy. This step also involves discussing the expected outcomes and obtaining informed consent.
- Blood Collection
A small amount of blood (typically 10–20 mL) is drawn from your arm, similar to a routine blood test.
- Centrifugation (Separation of Blood Components)
The collected blood is placed in a centrifuge, which spins at high speed for about 10 minutes. This process separates the blood into three layers:
- Platelet-poor plasma
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- Red blood cells
The platelet-rich plasma, which contains concentrated growth factors, is extracted for use in the treatment.
- Preparation of the Scalp
Before injecting the PRP, the scalp is cleaned and a local anesthetic may be applied to minimize discomfort during the injections.
- PRP Injection
The PRP is drawn into a syringe and injected into the areas of the scalp affected by hair thinning or loss. The injections are made with a fine needle, and the PRP is distributed across the targeted regions, often in small amounts at multiple sites. In some clinics, additional procedures like microneedling may be performed to enhance the effects.
- Post-Treatment Care
After the procedure, mild swelling, redness, or tenderness may occur at the injection sites but usually resolves within a few hours to days. Patients are often advised to avoid washing their hair for at least 24–48 hours and to follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by the clinic.
- Treatment Schedule
A typical PRP hair treatment protocol involves three initial sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions every 4–6 months to sustain results
Who is a good candidate for PRP treatment?
A good candidate for PRP hair treatment is typically someone experiencing early stages of hair thinning or mild to moderate hair loss, where hair follicles are still functional. This includes both men and women with androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness), those noticing thinning hair, widening parts, or receding hairlines, and individuals with weak but active hair follicles. PRP is also suitable for people who want a non-surgical, natural approach to hair restoration and are in good general health without underlying medical conditions that affect healing or platelet function.
PRP therapy is less effective for individuals with long-standing baldness or shiny, completely bald patches, as these areas lack viable hair follicles for stimulation. The treatment is most beneficial when started early, and it can also be combined with other hair restoration methods for enhanced results. A thorough consultation with a qualified specialist is essential to assess suitability and customize the treatment plan based on individual hair loss patterns and health status.