PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy for hair loss is one of the most commonly requested non-surgical treatments, and patients attending their first session benefit from knowing what to expect both during the procedure and in terms of realistic outcomes.
The procedure itself: a blood draw of 10 to 20ml is taken from a vein in the arm — the same as a standard blood test but slightly larger volume. The blood is centrifuged to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the red cells. The PRP is then injected into the scalp using a fine needle — multiple small injections across the treatment area. The scalp injections cause transient sharp sensations at each injection site; topical anaesthetic cream applied 30 to 45 minutes before significantly reduces this. Total procedure time is 45 to 60 minutes.
Post-procedure: mild scalp tenderness and occasional small bruise marks at injection sites for 24 to 48 hours. Washing the hair the next day is acceptable. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 24 hours. No significant downtime.
Results: PRP is not a rapid or dramatic treatment. Improvement in hair density and reduction in shedding typically becomes noticeable after three to four monthly sessions. Most protocols recommend three to four initial sessions one month apart, followed by a maintenance session every three to six months. Stopping treatment allows the benefit to diminish over time.
Realistic expectations: PRP produces meaningful benefit in a proportion of patients — typically those with androgenetic alopecia at early stages, or those with telogen effluvium. It is not effective for established scarring alopecia or for areas with no remaining follicular activity.
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