Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy has become an increasingly common offering in hair loss clinics, positioned as both a standalone treatment and an adjunct to hair transplant surgery. Understanding the evidence — rather than the marketing — is important for patients considering it.
PRP involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s own blood, centrifuging it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting the resulting plasma into the scalp. Platelets contain growth factors — proteins that play a role in tissue repair and cell proliferation. The theory is that introducing a high concentration of these growth factors into the scalp stimulates follicle activity and prolongs the growth phase.
The evidence base for PRP in hair loss is promising but not conclusive. Multiple small studies show increases in hair density and thickness following PRP treatment, particularly in patients with androgenic alopecia. However, study quality is variable, standardisation of preparation protocols differs significantly between clinics, and long-term data is limited.
As a standalone treatment, PRP is unlikely to produce the dramatic results that some clinics imply. It appears most effective as a maintenance tool in patients who are already using medical therapy, or as an adjunct to hair transplant surgery to support graft survival and accelerate healing in the recipient area.
It is generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects given that the material injected is the patient’s own blood. The main downside is cost — typically £400 to £800 per session, with multiple sessions required and ongoing maintenance needed to sustain the effect.
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