If you’re losing your hair, you may think your choices are Rogaine, a hair transplant or lifelong embarrassment. But there’s another option, called platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, which can help trigger new hair growth. PRP therapy is a series of injections of platelet-rich plasma taken from your own blood. Platelets are cell fragments that are essential to blood clotting, and plasma is a yellowish liquid that makes up about half of a person’s blood volume. Platelet-rich plasma contains proteins called growth factors that stimulate the growth of tissue.
“Your hair follicles don’t die when you lose hair, so the goal of most available hair loss treatments is to reactivate them,” Dr. Loucas said. When you arrive at your appointment, the doctor will draw about 1 to 2 ounces of blood by placing a needle in your arm. The needle contains a small amount of an anticoagulant to prevent clotting. It can cause a brief stinging sensation, Dr. Next, the doctor will place your blood in a centrifuge to separate out the plasma. The plasma is then injected in multiple locations on your scalp. “I know that sounds painful and a little scary, but your doctor will numb the area first with a topical anesthetic or nerve blocker so the injections don’t hurt,” Dr. The whole process takes about an hour or two. Recovery is quick. Your scalp may be a little red following treatment, but any redness fades in a few hours.
What PRP Does for Hair
A full course of PRP treatment for hair loss involves three sessions spaced eight weeks apart. You should notice new hair growth in four to six weeks following treatment. The effects of PRP are not permanent. PRP therapy can treat androgenic alopecia, the most common type of hair loss, also known as male-pattern and female-pattern baldness. However, it’s more likely to be effective if you start treatment in the early stages of hair loss, Dr. Loucas said. PRP therapy is less likely to work if your hair loss is due to a condition that causes scarring of the scalp, such as lupus. Because it uses your own plasma, PRP is generally safe and well-tolerated, Dr. Loucas said. It’s possible to develop an infection, but your doctor will take measures to prevent this, such as cleaning the scalp with alcohol. “Technique and training really matter here,” Dr. Loucas said.
PRP, also known as platelet-rich plasma therapy, is a medical treatment that could help boost healing, regeneration, and growth. It’s often used to treat injured tendons, ligaments, and muscles. The procedure involves taking a small sample of the patient’s blood and placing it in a centrifuge to extract platelet rich plasma, which is then combined with calcium chloride to create a “platelet rich fibrin matrix,” an even more stable form of PRP that provides follicles with longer exposure to the essential growth factors for superior follicle rejuvenation. The consultation is covered by insurance but the procedure is cosmetic in nature and the patient is responsible for fees, which are typically $800 per treatment. Treatment will vary based on your need. Initially, our physicians may recommend several treatments spread one month apart. No. Collecting the PRP usually only takes 10 - 15 minutes. And the PRP treatment itself is even faster. There may be some sensitivity. However, most physicians use effective anesthetic solutions, such as cold ambient air or a topical analgesic, to minimize any potential discomfort. There’s no downtime or long recovery process. You may take a warm shower the evening of the treatment.
How PRP Works and What to Expect
PRP is not a cure for baldness (androgenic alopecia). The genetic problem will always remain. PRP therapy is a three-step process: drawing blood, processing it, then injecting it into the affected area. Research states that PRP injections may benefit hair loss in several ways. For example, a 2022 review found that PRP may stimulate hair growth and thickness, as well as protect hair follicles from prematurely shedding. A 2020 review of 13 studies found that PRP may help increase hair thickness and density. A 2018 review found that PRP may trigger hair growth by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle.
The growth factors in PRP stimulate hair follicles, promote circulation, and encourage stronger, healthier hair growth. By improving blood supply to the follicle and activating stem cells in the area, PRP creates an ideal environment for hair regrowth. While the treatment does not create new follicles, it reactivates weakened ones, especially helpful in early-stage hair thinning.
Step 1 Between 10 to 60 milliliters (mL) of your blood is drawn, typically from your arm, and put into a centrifuge. Step 2 After about 10 minutes in the centrifuge, your blood will have separated into three layers: platelet-poor plasma, platelet-rich plasma, and red blood cells. Step 3 The platelet-rich plasma is drawn up into a syringe and then injected into areas of the scalp that need increased hair growth.
Frequency, Cost, and Practicalities
According to a 2022 review, there isn’t a consensus on the frequency and duration of PRP therapy for hair loss. Studies ranged from 4 injections every 15 days for 3 months to 3 monthly injections for 6 months. The authors concluded that the most important part of PRP is the number of platelets. A 2021 study suggested that higher platelet concentrations in PRP have a more pronounced effect on hair density, hair follicle diameter, and terminal hair density. There’s no risk of contracting a communicable disease with PRP therapy because it involves injecting your own blood into your scalp. Research from 2022 also suggests limited side effects, though you may experience some pain during treatment, headaches, itching, swelling, or temporary discoloration. Every individual reacts differently to injection therapies and you should discuss potential side effects with a healthcare professional.
The average estimated price of PRP therapy ranges from $500-$2,500 per therapy session for orthopedic purposes, but for hair loss treatment, prices often vary. Not many insurance companies cover PRP therapy for hair loss. If you have insurance, speak with your provider to see whether they cover it. If you don’t have health insurance, the PRP therapy’s doctor’s office might offer payment plans or reduced fares for self-payers. The downside of PRP therapy for hair loss is that treatment is expensive and rarely covered by medical insurance. Does PRP therapy actually regrow hair? Numerous studies have found that PRP therapy may help promote hair growth, increase hair thickness, and help protect your hair from prematurely shedding.
How long do the results typically last? Results usually last 12-18 months with regular maintenance. Without follow-up sessions, regrowth may gradually diminish over time. Does PRP regrow hair permanently? PRP can provide long-lasting hair regrowth, but it is not considered a permanent cure, and ongoing maintenance is recommended, especially if you have a genetic predisposition to hair thinning. What factors influence results? Age, extent of hair loss, underlying medical conditions, hormonal imbalances, and consistency with treatments all play a role in how long your PRP results last. Maintenance treatments are necessary to preserve benefits, with boosters every 6 to 12 months.
PRP in Context: How It Compares to Other Treatments
- Topical Treatments: Must be applied daily and only work while in use; hair loss resumes when discontinued. PRP offers more natural, biologically active stimulation with less ongoing commitment once results are achieved.
- Oral Medications: Can be effective but may cause unwanted side effects; PRP does not interfere with systemic hormones.
- Hair Transplant Surgery: Considered permanent but invasive and expensive upfront. PRP may be used alongside transplants to improve healing or as a standalone option for those not ready for surgery.
- Laser Therapy: May stimulate follicles but often slower to show results; PRP can provide quicker, more noticeable improvements in many cases.
In addition, maintenance plans and combination approaches (such as topical minoxidil, nutritional supplements, or microneedling) can help sustain and amplify PRP results. The field continues to evolve as researchers refine PRP preparation methods and injection techniques, which can impact outcomes.
Who Should Consider PRP for Hair Loss?
PRP is generally best for those with androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness) or traction alopecia where follicles are still present but dormant. It is less effective for scarring alopecia or where follicles are completely destroyed. It is also important to address underlying hormonal or autoimmune factors alongside PRP for better outcomes. Younger patients with early signs of thinning tend to respond more favorably than those with extensive hair loss. Consistency with treatment and maintenance are crucial for achieving and sustaining regrowth.
PRP injections are considered safe when performed by a trained medical provider. Mild risks include pain, redness, headaches, itching, swelling, and temporary hair shedding. Since PRP uses the patient’s own blood, there is no risk of communicable disease, and most patients tolerate the procedure well with appropriate anesthesia and technique.
Why Choose PRP: Key Takeaways
- PRP is a natural, non-surgical option that uses the patient’s own blood to stimulate hair growth.
- Results can be noticeable within 3 to 6 months, with maintenance sessions recommended every 6 to 12 months.
- Effectiveness is higher in early-stage hair loss and when combined with other supportive therapies.
- Cost and insurance coverage vary; consult with a provider to understand options and financing.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections | Q&A
Platelet-rich plasma therapy has emerged as a promising approach that leverages the body’s own healing components to stimulate hair growth. The process typically involves drawing blood, processing it in a centrifuge to concentrate platelets, and injecting PRP into thinning areas of the scalp. As evidence accumulates, PRP has become a valuable addition to the options available for hair restoration, especially for those seeking non-surgical solutions.