Ever looked at the loose hair on your brush and worried you’ll have none left? Stared in the mirror and felt sure you used to have more hair? We feel for you. Hair thinning or shedding is stressful โ so this post is about PRP for hair loss.
Millions of men and women experience hair loss, and finding the right treatment can feel overwhelming.
PRP treatment for hair loss is a natural, regenerative therapy that uses your own blood to stimulate hair growth. But how does it work? And more importantly, is it right for you?
PRP for Hair Loss: How It Works
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a nonsurgical treatment for hair loss that utilizes your body’s natural healing properties. This makes sense, as our bodies are designed to heal themselves.
PRP extracts a concentrated solution of platelets and growth factors from your blood in order to help rejuvenate your hair follicles and promote hair regrowth.
It works in several ways to support the health of your scalp, which is key to hair growth.
- PRP stimulates the growth of new blood vessels, ensuring that your hair follicles receive more oxygen and nutrients.
- Inflammation around hair follicles can interfere with hair growth and contribute to thinning. PRP has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the scalp, creating a healthier foundation for new hair growth.
- The growth factors in PRP send signals to the weak hair follicles, encouraging them to work harder and produce stronger, thicker hair.
- Hair goes through different stages of growth, and sometimes, it enters a “resting” phase too soon, leading to hair thinning. PRP helps extend the active growth phase, so your hair stays in the growing stage longer and reduces excessive shedding.
- PRP also helps keep hair follicles alive longer by triggering natural repair processes in the scalp.
What Is PRP Therapy for Hair Loss Like?
PRP therapy is a straightforward, minimally invasive procedure that typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes. The process involves three key steps:
- About 30โ60 ml of blood is taken from your arm, similar to a routine lab test.
- Your healthcare professional places the blood in a centrifuge, which spins at high speed to separate the platelet-rich plasma from other components. This process concentrates the growth factors that will stimulate your hair follicles. (You can watch the short video How PRP is Made here.)
- Your provider then uses fine needles to inject PRP into targeted areas of your scalp to stimulate hair follicle regeneration.
One advantage of PRP is that there’s no downtime. You can return to your regular activities immediately. However, for best results, itโs recommended that you avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol for 24 hours after the procedure.
How Effective Is PRP for Hair Loss?
Research has shown that PRP can significantly improve hair count and density, with visible results emerging within three months.
But the effectiveness of PRP depends on several factors, including
- the type and severity of your hair loss,
- your individual response to treatment, and
- attending your sessions consistently.
We recommend an initial course of three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart for optimal outcomes.
After this, maintenance treatments every six to 12 months help sustain hair regrowth and prevent further thinning.
Some people notice improvements as early as two to three months after starting PRP therapy. But the timeline and overall success depend on the extent of your hair loss and your body’s response to the treatment.
If you have more advanced thinning, four to six sessions may be necessary to achieve noticeable results, with follow-up treatments once or twice a year.
PRP is most effective when integrated into a comprehensive approach to hair health. Combining it with other supportive treatments, such as red light therapy, nutritional supplements, and a healthy lifestyle, can enhance its benefits. We have our own exclusive PRP Hair Restoration Treatment Package.
Who Should Consider PRP for Hair Loss?
PRP therapy isnโt a one-size-fits-all solution, but it can be an excellent option for certain people. You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have early-stage hair loss. PRP works best when hair follicles are still active. It helps slow the thinning of the hair and encourages regrowth.
- Want a natural, drug-free treatment. Unlike medications that alter hormone levels, PRP relies on your bodyโs own healing properties.
- Prefer a non-surgical solution and want to avoid more invasive treatments like hair transplants. PRP offers a minimally invasive alternative.
- Want to enhance a hair transplant. PRP is sometimes used alongside hair restoration surgery to improve healing and boost overall results.
However, PRP may not be the best choice if you:
- Have advanced baldness. PRP is unlikely to restore growth if hair follicles are no longer active.
- Have a medical condition that affects blood clotting. Conditions like platelet disorders or certain autoimmune diseases may interfere with PRPโs effectiveness.
- Struggle with poor wound healing. Since PRP relies on your bodyโs natural repair processes, those with slow healing may see limited results.
Searching for PRP Injections for Hair Loss Near Me?
Choosing the right provider is key to getting the best results from PRP therapy.
Look for a regenerative medicine specialist with experience in hair restoration. Check reviews, ask for before-and-after photos, and ensure the clinic follows proper safety protocols.
When meeting with a provider, ask these important questions:
- How much experience do you have with PRP for hair loss?
- What kind of results should I expect?
- How many sessions will I need?
- What is the cost per session?
Does PRP Work for Hair Loss? The Verdict
The short answer is yes โ for the right candidates. PRP is a promising treatment backed by science, but it’s not a miracle cure. While many patients see noticeable hair thickness and density improvements, it works best as part of a comprehensive hair care plan.
PRP for Hair Loss at LifeMed
Hair loss can be frustrating, for both men and women. Over the years, hair becomes part of our identity. We get that.
So โ at LifeMed, we offer a number of options for hair restoration. The PRP option offers a natural, minimally invasive solution with real potential as part of our treatment package. Schedule an appointment and let’s talk.