PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) for hair loss: how it works, what the evidence shows, who benefits and how it compares to surgery.
What is PRP therapy for hair loss?
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy involves drawing a small amount of the patient's blood, processing it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelet fraction, and injecting this concentrated plasma into the scalp. Platelets contain growth factors — including PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF and IGF — that stimulate cellular repair and may activate resting hair follicles.
PRP is used in two distinct contexts in hair restoration: as a standalone treatment for early-stage androgenetic alopecia, and as an adjunct to hair transplant surgery to improve graft survival and accelerate healing.
What the evidence shows
PRP for hair loss has been studied extensively. The overall evidence is positive but modest:
- A 2017 meta-analysis in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found PRP significantly improves hair density vs saline placebo
- A 2025 meta-analysis pooling 43 trials found an average density gain of +25.61 hairs per cm²
- One study comparing graft survival with and without PRP at 4 months post-transplant found survival of 99% with PRP vs 71% without — a clinically significant difference
- Results vary considerably across patients, and effects are not permanent without maintenance sessions
The honest summary: PRP produces real but limited improvements in hair density for early-stage hair loss. It cannot restore hair to areas that are already bald. It is not a substitute for surgery in patients who need a hair transplant.
PRP combined with hair transplant surgery
The most evidence-backed use of PRP in hair restoration is as an adjunct to FUE or DHI surgery. When PRP is applied to the recipient area at the time of implantation, the growth factors create a more favourable environment for graft integration.
At Hairmedico, a scalp PRP session is included in every all-inclusive hair transplant package. It is not a marketing addition — the data supporting its use alongside surgery is more consistent than the data for standalone PRP therapy.
PRP as a standalone treatment — who benefits?
PRP as a standalone hair loss treatment is most appropriate for:
- Early androgenetic alopecia (Norwood I–III) where hair loss is diffuse rather than complete
- Patients who are not yet candidates for surgery (too young, hair loss still active)
- Women with female pattern hair loss who want a non-surgical option
- Patients wanting to complement Finasteride and Minoxidil therapy
PRP requires ongoing sessions to maintain benefit — typically 3–4 sessions initially, then maintenance every 4–6 months. Stopping PRP allows the gradual return to pre-treatment hair loss progression.
PRP vs hair transplant — which is right for you?
| Factor | PRP | Hair Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Hair loss stage | Early (Norwood I–III) | Any stage with adequate donor |
| Permanence | Temporary — maintenance required | Permanent |
| Downtime | None — return to work same day | 5–7 days light recovery |
| Bald area restoration | Cannot restore completely bald areas | Yes — direct follicle transplant |
| Cost over 5 years | €2,000–€4,000 (maintenance) | One-time price on request |
| Best for | Prevention and early-stage support | Permanent restoration of lost areas |
