PRP may help support hair density in some people with pattern hair loss. However, results vary, and PRP is not a guaranteed treatment or cure for hair loss. At Alton Pain Clinic, PRP hair treatment is provided using ProSmart® and ExoSmart® following an individual assessment to determine whether the treatment is appropriate for the patient’s pattern hair loss.
How Does PRP for Hair Loss Work?
PRP hair restoration treatment involves taking a small sample of your blood and processing it to separate the plasma and platelet-rich component.
The prepared PRP is then administered to areas of the scalp being considered for treatment.
Platelets contain growth factors and signalling proteins that are involved in biological processes associated with tissue repair and cellular activity. This has led to research into whether platelet-rich plasma therapy may have a role in supporting the hair follicle environment.
However, the exact biological mechanisms involved in PRP for hair loss are still being investigated, and clinical outcomes can vary between individuals.
Can PRP Help With Hair Loss?
There is research investigating the use of PRP injections for hair loss, particularly for androgenetic alopecia.
Some systematic reviews and meta-analyses have reported an association between PRP treatment and changes in hair density in people with androgenetic alopecia. However, studies differ considerably in their PRP preparation methods, injection protocols, treatment schedules and outcome measurements.
For this reason, PRP should not be presented as a guaranteed hair-loss treatment or cure. Suitability and expected outcomes should be discussed on an individual basis.
What Type of Hair Loss Can PRP Be Used For?
Most of the research into PRP hair treatment has focused on androgenetic alopecia, commonly referred to as:
- Male pattern hair loss
- Female pattern hair loss
- Pattern hair loss
- Androgenic alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia is different from other causes of hair loss, such as alopecia areata, scalp conditions, nutritional deficiencies or hair loss associated with certain medical conditions.
Because hair loss has many possible causes, identifying the underlying type of hair loss is an important part of deciding whether PRP hair restoration should be considered.
PRP for Male Pattern Hair Loss
PRP for male pattern hair loss is a form of PRP therapy for hair loss that has been investigated in people with androgenetic alopecia.
Male pattern hair loss is characterised by progressive hair thinning in a typical pattern.
PRP treatment for hair loss has been investigated as a treatment option for male androgenetic alopecia, with studies assessing outcomes such as hair density and hair count.
PRP should therefore be considered following an individual assessment rather than assumed to be suitable for every person experiencing male pattern hair loss.
PRP for Female Pattern Hair Loss
PRP for female pattern hair loss is another area in which platelet-rich plasma therapy has been investigated.
Female pattern hair loss can cause gradual hair thinning and changes in hair density.
Research has investigated PRP therapy for female pattern hair loss, although the available evidence does not establish one standardised treatment protocol.
The response to PRP hair treatment can depend on factors such as the underlying diagnosis, stage of hair loss and the PRP preparation and treatment protocol used.
A clinical assessment can help determine whether PRP treatment is an appropriate option.
How Is PRP Hair Treatment Performed?
A typical PRP hair treatment involves several stages:
1. Assessment
Your hair-loss pattern, symptoms and relevant medical history are considered to determine whether PRP treatment may be appropriate.
2. Blood Collection
A small amount of your own blood is collected.
3. PRP Preparation
The blood is processed to separate the platelet-rich plasma.
At Alton Pain Clinic, advanced PRP systems including ProSmart® and ExoSmart® are available for PRP preparation.
4. Scalp Treatment
The prepared PRP is administered to the selected areas of the scalp using an appropriate injection technique.
5. Aftercare
You receive guidance regarding post-treatment care and any activity or skincare considerations relevant to your PRP hair treatment.
ProSmart® and ExoSmart® PRP for Hair Loss
At Alton Pain Clinic, we use ProSmart® and ExoSmart® as part of our advanced PRP therapy approach.
ProSmart®
ProSmart® is a PRP processing system used to prepare platelet-rich plasma from the patient’s own blood.
ExoSmart®
ExoSmart® is another PRP processing system available at Alton Pain Clinic for preparing a platelet-rich treatment.
The choice of preparation system and treatment approach depends on the individual’s assessment and clinical circumstances.
It is important not to assume that different PRP systems produce identical preparations. Published research has used different platelet concentrations, activation methods, centrifugation protocols and injection schedules, which is one reason why PRP studies can produce differing results.
How Many PRP Hair Treatments Are Needed?
There is no single treatment schedule that applies to everyone.
Research studies have used different numbers of PRP sessions and different intervals between treatments. Treatment protocols vary between clinical settings.
At Alton Pain Clinic, the recommended PRP hair treatment approach can be discussed following your individual assessment rather than applying a fixed schedule to every patient.
How Long Does PRP Take to Work for Hair Loss?
There is no guaranteed timeframe for seeing a response to PRP hair treatment.
Research commonly assesses outcomes over several months rather than immediately following treatment. Studies have measured outcomes at different follow-up periods, but this does not mean every patient will experience the same response or timeframe.
PRP for hair loss should therefore not be presented as an immediate hair-growth treatment.
Is PRP a Cure for Hair Loss?
No single PRP treatment should be described as a cure for hair loss.
Hair loss can have different underlying causes, and PRP treatment research has mainly focused on androgenetic alopecia. Even within this group, studies have reported differing outcomes and use different treatment protocols.
The available evidence supports further investigation into PRP for hair loss, but does not establish that PRP will work for every patient.
What Are the Possible Side Effects of PRP Hair Treatment?
As PRP uses a preparation derived from your own blood, the procedure involves blood collection and injections into the scalp.
Possible short-term effects can include:
- Tenderness at the injection sites
- Temporary scalp discomfort
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Temporary sensitivity
The reported adverse effects and their frequency vary between studies and treatment protocols.
Your clinician can explain the potential risks and aftercare requirements before PRP treatment.
Is PRP Hair Treatment Right for Me?
PRP hair treatment may be considered for some people experiencing pattern hair loss, but it is not appropriate for every type of hair loss.
Before considering PRP injections for hair loss, it is important to establish what may be contributing to the hair loss and whether PRP is an appropriate treatment option.
At Alton Pain Clinic, PRP treatment is considered following an individual assessment. Your clinician can discuss whether advanced PRP therapy using ProSmart® or ExoSmart® is appropriate for your circumstances.
PRP for Hair Loss vs Other Treatments
PRP is one of several approaches that have been investigated for androgenetic alopecia.
Other treatments for pattern hair loss include established medical therapies such as minoxidil, while treatment options vary according to the individual’s diagnosis, sex, age and circumstances.
PRP therapy and minoxidil work differently and may be considered in different clinical circumstances.
The most appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause of hair loss and should be discussed with an appropriately qualified clinician.
Why Choose Alton Pain Clinic for PRP Hair Treatment?
At Alton Pain Clinic, our approach to PRP treatment combines:
- Advanced PRP therapy
- ProSmart® and ExoSmart® systems
- Treatment using the patient’s own blood
- Individual clinical assessment
- A structured PRP preparation process
- Personalised treatment planning
- Post-treatment guidance
Our approach is focused on assessing whether PRP therapy for hair loss is appropriate for the individual rather than presenting it as a guaranteed solution.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms, please consult a qualified clinician.
Frequently Asked Questions About PRP Treatment
Does PRP work for hair loss?
Research has investigated PRP for hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia, with some studies reporting changes in hair density. However, the evidence varies in quality and studies use different PRP preparation and treatment protocols. PRP therefore cannot be guaranteed to work for every patient.
Is PRP good for hair loss?
PRP therapy for hair loss may be considered for selected cases of pattern hair loss. Whether it is appropriate depends on the underlying cause of hair loss and individual circumstances.
Can PRP regrow hair?
Research has examined outcomes including hair density, hair count and hair thickness. Some studies report changes in hair density, but results vary and PRP should not be presented as a guaranteed method of hair regrowth.
How long does PRP take to work for hair loss?
Studies assess PRP hair treatment outcomes over different time periods, commonly involving follow-up over several months. There is no guaranteed timeframe for an individual response.
Is PRP better than minoxidil for hair loss?
PRP and minoxidil are different treatments. Current research has compared the two approaches, but the evidence does not establish one universally preferable treatment for every person with hair loss. The appropriate option depends on the individual’s diagnosis and circumstances.
How many PRP sessions are needed for hair loss?
There is no universally established number of PRP sessions. Research uses different treatment schedules, so the recommended approach should be based on individual assessment and the treatment protocol being used.