What is platelet-rich plasma?

Blood contains several components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets. Platelets help the blood clot and contain proteins known as growth factors that play a role in healing and tissue repair.

To create PRP, a small amount of your blood is processed in a centrifuge. This separates and concentrates the platelet-rich portion of the plasma, which is then prepared for injection into the treatment area.

How does PRP support hair growth?

PRP is injected into areas where hair is thinning. The concentrated platelets release growth factors that may support the activity of existing hair follicles and improve the environment surrounding them.

Some patients experience less shedding followed by gradual improvements in hair thickness, density or growth. Results vary and researchers are still evaluating which PRP preparation methods and treatment schedules produce the most consistent outcomes.

What types of hair loss can PRP treat?

PRP is most commonly used for male and female pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia. It may be considered for patients experiencing:

A widening part
Gradual thinning across the scalp
Reduced density at the crown
A receding or thinning hairline
Early pattern hair loss
Thinning within the beard
Increased shedding associated with hereditary hair loss

Not every form of hair loss responds to PRP. Hair loss caused by infection, nutritional deficiency, thyroid disease, medication, inflammation or scarring may require a different treatment.

Why is a hair-loss evaluation important?

Hair thinning can have many possible causes and treatments that help one condition may be ineffective for another. Before recommending PRP, your dermatology provider will examine your hair and scalp and review when the hair loss began, how quickly it progressed and whether you have other symptoms.

Depending on the suspected cause, the evaluation may include:

A hair-pull test
Magnified examination of the scalp
Blood tests for nutritional, hormonal or thyroid-related concerns
Testing for a scalp infection
A small scalp biopsy

Identifying the cause helps determine whether PRP is likely to help and whether medical treatment should be started first or used alongside it.

What areas can be treated?

PRP can be injected into areas of thinning on the scalp or beard, including the:

Frontal hairline
Temples
Crown
Top of the scalp
Widening part
Beard or mustache area
Other areas with reduced hair density

Your provider will identify the areas with functioning follicles that are most likely to benefit from treatment.

What happens during treatment?

A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm and placed into a specialized tube. The tube is then spun in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets within the plasma.

The PRP is transferred into syringes and injected in small amounts across the areas of thinning. The injections are placed at carefully selected points to distribute the PRP throughout the treatment area.

Because the PRP is prepared from your own blood, no donor blood or synthetic filler is used.

Is PRP treatment uncomfortable?

Patients may feel a brief pinch, pressure, stinging or tenderness during the blood draw and scalp injections. The scalp can be sensitive, especially when several injections are placed close together.

Cooling, ice, topical numbing medication or another comfort measure may be used when appropriate. Mild soreness or sensitivity can continue after the appointment but usually improves within a short period.

How many treatments will I need?

The Dermatology Clinic generally performs one treatment per month for the first three months. Additional treatments may then be scheduled every two to six months, with many patients returning approximately every three months for maintenance.

The recommended schedule may depend on:

The type and severity of hair loss
How long the thinning has been present
The health of the remaining follicles
Your response to the initial series
Other hair-loss treatments you use
Your individual goals

PRP is not considered a permanent treatment, so continued maintenance may be necessary to preserve improvement.

When will I see results?

Hair grows slowly, so PRP does not produce immediate visible regrowth. During the first few months, some patients notice that shedding decreases. Improvements in thickness, density or new growth may become noticeable later as the hair progresses through its natural growth cycle.

The timing and degree of improvement vary. Some patients respond well, while others experience limited or no noticeable change. Several months may be needed before the response can be evaluated accurately.

What results can I expect?

PRP is intended to support existing follicles rather than replace follicles that have been permanently lost. Potential improvements may include:

Less noticeable shedding
Thicker-looking existing hair
Improved overall density
Stronger or healthier-looking growth
Partial regrowth in areas of early thinning

Complete restoration of previously lost hair cannot be guaranteed. Results depend on the cause of the hair loss, the condition of the follicles, age, genetics, overall health and consistency with treatment.

Is there any downtime?

PRP generally involves little to no downtime. Most patients can return to work and their usual activities shortly after treatment.

Temporary effects may include:

Scalp tenderness
Mild swelling
Redness
Pinpoint bleeding
Bruising
Tightness or pressure
A temporary headache
Mild itching or sensitivity

Swelling and discomfort commonly improve within a day or two.

How should I prepare for treatment?

Before your appointment:

Tell your provider about all medications and supplements you take
Discuss blood thinners, aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications and products that increase bruising
Report any bleeding disorder or blood-related condition
Tell your provider about active scalp infections, sores, rashes or irritation
Report any recent illness or fever
Wash your hair before the appointment
Arrive with clean, dry hair and no styling products
Eat normally and drink enough water unless instructed otherwise

Certain blood disorders or medications may affect whether PRP can be performed safely. Do not stop a prescribed medication unless the healthcare professional who prescribed it tells you to do so.

How should I care for my scalp afterward?

Follow the personalized instructions provided by your treatment team. You may be advised to:

Avoid washing your hair for the period recommended by your provider
Avoid hair dye, chemical treatments and irritating scalp products temporarily
Avoid scratching or aggressively rubbing the treatment area
Delay strenuous exercise if it worsens tenderness or swelling
Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs and excessive heat temporarily
Protect the scalp from direct sunlight
Resume approved hair-loss medications as directed

Contact the office if pain, swelling or redness becomes more severe rather than gradually improving.

What are the possible risks?

PRP is prepared from your own blood, which avoids the risks associated with using donor blood. However, the injections and blood-processing procedure still carry potential risks.

Possible complications include:

Pain or prolonged tenderness
Bleeding or bruising
Swelling
Infection
Inflammation
Temporary numbness or sensitivity
Injury to nearby tissue
An unsatisfactory or limited result

Sterile preparation and appropriate injection technique are important for reducing the risk of contamination or infection.

Who is a good candidate for PRP?

PRP may be appropriate for men and women with mild to moderate thinning who still have functioning hair follicles in the affected areas.

Good candidates generally:

Have early or gradual pattern hair loss
Want a nonsurgical treatment
Understand that several sessions may be needed
Have realistic expectations
Are willing to complete maintenance treatments
Have no active infection in the treatment area
Can safely undergo a routine blood draw

Patients with advanced hair loss or smooth areas where follicles are no longer active are less likely to experience meaningful regrowth.

Who may need to postpone treatment?

PRP may need to be postponed or avoided if you:

Have an active scalp infection, rash or open wound
Have a platelet, blood or clotting disorder
Have severe anemia
Take certain blood-thinning medications
Have recently experienced a significant illness or fever
Have a medical condition that affects normal healing
Are undergoing treatment that significantly suppresses the immune system
Have a form of hair loss that requires medical control before injections

Your provider will review your medical history and determine whether the procedure is appropriate.

Can PRP be combined with other hair-loss treatments?

PRP may be used alone or as part of a broader hair-restoration plan. Depending on your diagnosis, your provider may also recommend:

Topical or oral minoxidil
Prescription medications
Treatment for an underlying scalp condition
Correction of a confirmed nutritional deficiency
Low-level laser therapy
Microneedling
Hair transplantation

Combining PRP with appropriate medical treatment may provide better results for some patients than using PRP alone.

Schedule a PRP hair-restoration consultation

PRP offers a nonsurgical approach to supporting existing hair follicles and improving the appearance of mild to moderate thinning. The Dermatology Clinic can evaluate your hair and scalp, identify the likely cause of your hair loss and determine whether PRP should be included in your personalized treatment plan. Contact us today to get scheduled.