By MILO Dermatology & Aesthetic Clinics
Introduction
Hair thinning and hair loss affect both men and women — and for many, it can deeply impact confidence, self-image, and overall well-being. Over the past few years, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy has become one of the most trusted, effective, and natural solutions for stimulating hair growth.
If you’ve been wondering whether PRP can help restore your hair, this guide will explain everything: how it works, who it’s for, results you can expect, and what to consider before starting treatment.
What Exactly Is PRP Therapy?
PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma, a concentrated form of your own blood that is rich in growth factors. These growth factors play a powerful role in:
- Healing damaged tissues
- Stimulating cell regeneration
- Improving blood supply
- Strengthening hair follicles
During a PRP hair restoration procedure:
- A small amount of blood is drawn.
- The sample is placed into a centrifuge, which separates the plasma from red blood cells.
- The concentrated plasma (PRP) is injected into areas of thinning hair.
Because PRP comes from your own body, the treatment is safe, natural, and biocompatible — with minimal side effects.
How PRP Helps With Hair Loss
PRP works by delivering “signals” to awaken dormant hair follicles and encourage new growth. It benefits the scalp in several key ways:
1. Strengthens Thinning Hair
Growth factors in PRP help reinforce weak follicles, making existing hair thicker and stronger.
2. Stimulates New Hair Growth
PRP energizes dormant follicles, encouraging them to re-enter the growth phase (anagen phase).
3. Improves Blood Circulation
Better blood flow means more nutrients, oxygen, and healing agents reach the hair roots.
4. Reduces Shedding
By strengthening follicles, PRP minimizes excessive hair fall over time.
5. Enhances Results of Other Treatments
PRP works well alongside:
- Minoxidil
- Microneedling
- Hair transplantation
- Laser therapy
Many dermatologists consider it a “booster” that accelerates and enhances other hair-growth methods.
Who Is a Good Candidate for PRP Hair Treatment?
PRP is effective for:
- Early to moderate hair thinning
- Androgenic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness)
- Postpartum hair loss
- Hormonal hair thinning
- Stress-related shedding
- Patients wanting to improve transplant results
Ideal candidates:
✔ Have active thinning, not complete baldness
✔ Are in good health
✔ Want a natural, non-surgical solution
✔ Are consistent with treatment plans
PRP is less effective for:
✘ Completely bald areas (no follicles left)
✘ Severe long-term scarring alopecia
A dermatologist can help determine the best approach based on your scalp evaluation.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Here’s how a typical PRP session works:
Step 1 — Evaluation
Your specialist examines your scalp, reviews your medical history, and discusses goals.
Step 2 — Blood Draw
A small tube of blood is taken — similar to a routine lab test.
Step 3 — PRP Preparation
The vial is placed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets.
Step 4 — Scalp Injections
The PRP is gently injected into targeted thinning areas using fine needles.
Step 5 — Post-Treatment Care
You can return to work immediately. No downtime required.
Avoid washing your hair for 12–24 hours.
Total session time: 30–45 minutes.
How Many Sessions Do You Need?
For best results, dermatologists recommend:
Initial Phase:
- 3–4 sessions
- Spaced 4–6 weeks apart
Maintenance:
- 1 session every 4–6 months
Hair growth takes time, so consistency is key.
When Will You See Results?
Here’s the typical progress timeline:
- 1 month: Reduced shedding
- 2–3 months: Visible thickening
- 4–6 months: New hair growth begins
- 6–12 months: Fuller, stronger, healthier hair
Results vary, but most patients see noticeable improvement within 3–4 months with significant results by 6 months.
Is PRP Painful?
The injections may cause mild discomfort, but most patients describe it as:
- Slight pressure
- Tingling
- Quick stings
Topical numbing cream can make the procedure virtually painless.
Side Effects & Safety
PRP is incredibly safe because it uses your own blood.
Possible mild side effects include:
- Temporary redness
- Slight swelling
- Scalp tenderness
- Mild headache
These usually resolve within a few hours.
There are no long-term risks, and allergic reactions are extremely rare.
How PRP Compares to Other Hair Loss Treatments
| Treatment | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| PRP | Natural, safe, boosts growth | Requires multiple sessions |
| Minoxidil | Easy daily use | Results stop if discontinued |
| Hair Transplant | Permanent results | More invasive, higher cost |
| Microneedling | Stimulates new follicles | Works best when combined |
| Laser Therapy | Improves circulation | Slow progress |
PRP is often part of a combined plan for optimal results.
Aftercare Tips for Best Results
- Avoid hot showers for 12–24 hours
- Skip gym/sauna for 24 hours
- Don’t apply hair products the same day
- Avoid alcohol and smoking for 48 hours (slows healing)
- Use dermatologist-recommended hair products
Final Thoughts
PRP is one of the most promising solutions for hair thinning — natural, safe, and backed by clinical studies. For individuals seeking non-surgical hair restoration with minimal downtime, PRP offers impressive results and long-term benefits.
At MILO Dermatology, our specialists evaluate your unique condition and design a personalized plan to help restore fuller, healthier hair.