Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) uses a concentrate from your own blood, injected into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles. It shows promise for pattern hair loss, but the evidence is mixed and it is best viewed as an add-on, not a cure.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is made by drawing a small amount of your own blood, spinning it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and injecting that plasma into the scalp. Platelets release growth factors that are thought to prolong the active growth phase of follicles and improve their blood supply, which may slow miniaturization in androgenetic (pattern) hair loss.
What the evidence shows
Several controlled studies and systematic reviews report that PRP can increase hair density and thickness in androgenetic alopecia, especially when combined with treatments like minoxidil or microneedling. However, the overall quality of evidence is low. Trials vary widely in how the PRP is prepared, how much is injected, and how often, and many are small and carry a risk of bias. This heterogeneity produces inconsistent results and makes it hard to predict outcomes for any individual. Reviewers consistently call for larger, standardized studies. In short: plausible benefit, possibly real but modest, and not guaranteed.
Typical session schedule
Protocols are not standardized, but a common approach is an initial series of monthly sessions over roughly three to four months, followed by maintenance sessions every few months. Benefits, if they appear, are gradual and depend on continuing treatment; results tend to fade once injections stop.
What to expect during treatment
- A blood draw, then a short wait while the sample is processed.
- Numbing cream or a local anesthetic, then a series of injections across thinning areas.
- Mild scalp tenderness, swelling, redness, or pinpoint bruising for a day or two.
- Because PRP comes from your own blood, allergic reaction is very unlikely, though any injection carries a small infection risk.
PRP is generally most useful for early-to-moderate pattern loss where some living follicles remain. It is unlikely to help where hair has been gone for years or where scarring has destroyed follicles.
Cost and practical considerations
PRP is usually considered cosmetic, so it is typically not covered by insurance and is paid out of pocket. Prices vary considerably by region, clinic, and the number of sessions, so ask for a written estimate covering the full initial course plus ongoing maintenance, not just a single visit. Because results depend on repeat treatment, factor in the long-term cost. Discuss your goals with a board-certified dermatologist, who can confirm the diagnosis, rule out other causes of shedding, and tell you whether proven first-line options such as minoxidil or finasteride should come first or alongside PRP. See a doctor promptly for sudden, patchy, or scarring hair loss, or scalp pain, redness, or pus, which point to conditions PRP will not fix.
Try the free self-check →FAQ
Is PRP a permanent cure for hair loss?
No. PRP does not cure pattern hair loss, which is a progressive genetic condition. Any improvement typically depends on ongoing maintenance sessions, and benefits tend to decline if treatment stops. It is best used alongside proven therapies, not as a replacement for them.
How soon will I see results from PRP?
Changes are gradual. Most protocols involve several sessions over a few months, and any reduction in shedding or improvement in density usually becomes noticeable only after that initial series. Because individual responses vary, your clinician should reassess with photos before continuing.
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⚠️ When to see a doctor — don’t self-treat
- Sudden patchy or circular bald spots
- Redness, scaling, pus, pain or itch (possible scarring alopecia — treat urgently)
- Broken hairs or rapid loss
- Loss with body-wide signs (weight loss, fatigue, cycle changes, acne, extra hair)
- Loss right after a new medication
- Any hair loss in a child