Overview
What is it?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a natural treatment for hair loss that involves drawing a small amount of the patient's blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting the platelet-rich plasma into the scalp. PRP is rich in growth factors that are naturally found in the body, making it a safe and autologous (self-derived) treatment option .
How does it work?
PRP works by releasing growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF). These growth factors stimulate hair follicles, promote blood vessel formation (angiogenesis), and extend the growth phase of hair (anagen phase). This process helps to increase hair density, thickness, and overall hair growth .
What are the benefits?
PRP has been shown to improve hair growth, increase hair density, and enhance hair thickness. It is particularly effective for individuals with early-stage androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and can also be used to treat alopecia areata (AA). PRP is safe, cost-effective, and requires minimal downtime, making it a popular choice for hair restoration .
Effectiveness
What does the research say?
Research indicates that PRP can significantly improve hair density and thickness. Studies have shown that after 3–4 monthly PRP sessions, followed by quarterly maintenance treatments, patients experience noticeable hair regrowth. For example, one study reported a 19% increase in hair thickness after one year of PRP treatment. Additionally, PRP has been effective in treating steroid-resistant alopecia areata, with some studies showing complete remission in 60% of cases .
Side Effects
Scalp pain
Temporary discomfort or pain at the injection site, usually subsiding within 10–15 minutes .
Headache
Mild headaches that typically resolve shortly after the procedure .
Burning sensation
A brief burning sensation during or after the injection, which fades quickly .
Itching
Itching at the injection site, which is usually mild and temporary .
Mild swelling or redness
Swelling or redness at the injection site, which is common and resolves within a few hours .
Evidence
Clinical Studies & Trials
[1] Treatment options for androgenetic alopecia: Efficacy, side effects, compliance, financial considerations, and ethics.
This review discusses PRP as an alternative treatment for androgenetic alopecia, highlighting its efficacy, benefits, and mild side effects.
View study[2] Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Current Applications in Dermatology.
This paper explores the use of PRP in dermatology, including hair restoration, skin rejuvenation, and its synergistic effects with other treatments.
View study[3] Alopecia Areata: an Update on Etiopathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management.
This review discusses the pathogenesis and treatment options for alopecia areata, including the use of PRP as a modern therapy.
View study[4] Hair Biology: Growth and Pigmentation.
This paper provides an overview of hair biology and discusses biologics used to alter or slow the aging process of hair.
View study[5] Advances in Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy in Androgenic Alopecia and Hair Loss: Wnt pathway, Growth-Factor, and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Signaling Impact Analysis on Cell Growth and Hair Follicle Development.
This review explores the mechanisms of PRP in promoting hair growth through growth factor release and cellular signaling pathways.
View study[6] Regenerative medicine strategies for hair growth and regeneration: A narrative review of literature.
This review discusses PRP as a safe and cost-effective treatment for hair loss, with significant improvements in hair count and density.
View study[7] Platelet Rich Plasma and Its Use in Hair Regrowth: A Review.
This review highlights the benefits of PRP in increasing hair density and thickness, with minimal side effects.
View study[8] Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: Current Guidance and Unmet Needs.
This paper discusses the use of PRP in treating androgenetic alopecia, emphasizing its ability to increase hair growth and density.
View study[9] Ten years of injectable platelet-rich fibrin.
This review discusses the development and applications of injectable PRF, including its use in hair regrowth and facial aesthetics.
View study[10] Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in Dermatology: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Action.
This paper explores the mechanisms of PRP in promoting hair growth through growth factor release and cellular signaling pathways.
View study[11] A Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma: History, Biology, Mechanism of Action, and Classification.
This review provides an overview of PRP, its mechanisms, and its applications in promoting hair growth.
View study[12] Microneedling and Its Use in Hair Loss Disorders: A Systematic Review.
This review discusses the use of PRP in combination with microneedling for treating hair loss, highlighting its efficacy and safety.
View study[13] Platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of PRP in increasing hair density, particularly in androgenetic alopecia, and discusses its safety profile.
View study[14] Alopecia areata: a review on diagnosis, immunological etiopathogenesis and treatment options.
This review discusses the diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment options for alopecia areata, including the potential of PRP as a promising therapy.
View study