Millions of individuals worldwide—both males and females—encounter hair loss. Although some embrace it as a symptom of ageing or heredity, others search for alternatives to hair regrowth and regain confidence. Hair loss treatment has been, until now, in the form of oils, creams, medicines, and surgeries. Recently, however, a new and natural option has gained popularity – Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy.

PRP therapy uses your blood to grow your hair. Is the treatment successful, though? Let’s find out how PRP is administered, why everybody’s talking about it these days, what the science behind PRP is, and whether or not this natural cure can be the future of hair loss therapy.

What Is PRP?

PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma. It is a concentrate of your blood with very high platelet concentrations—small cells that play an essential role in healing and tissue regeneration.

When damage has occurred, platelets are activated, migrate to the site, and lay down growth factors. Growth factors repair damaged tissue and stimulate cell regeneration. PRP is a technique of harvesting this healing factor from your own blood and injecting it into tissues that require repairs—your scalp in baldness, for example.

How Is PRP Prepared?

PRP therapy is an easy, painless, and quick procedure taking less than an hour. Here is what one does:-

• You get a blood sample from your arm like any regular blood test.
• Centrifugation – Blood is added to a centrifuge, which rotates very rapidly to separate the different parts of the blood.
• PRP removal – The platelet-rich layer (PRP) is removed.
• Injection – The PRP is injected into the balding or thinning area on the scalp.

Since the PRP is made from your blood, there is virtually no chance of rejection or allergy.

How Does PRP Help to Treat Hair Loss?

Hair follicles weaken and eventually do not produce hair in people with hair loss (androgenetic alopecia or male or female pattern baldness). PRP can assist by:-

• Stimulating follicles – PRP growth factors “wake up” dormant follicles and cause them to produce hair again.
• Assisting blood flow – PRP sends more blood to the follicles, possibly capable of providing more oxygen and nutrients.
• Anti-inflammatory effect – It creates a healthier scalp condition, minimizing baldness-causing conditions.

Who is a good candidate for PRP Hair Therapy?

PRP is not a magic pill and will not work on everyone. It works best in:-

• Men and women with mild to moderate thinning of the hair
• Those patients who have relatively recent hair loss (within the last 3–5 years)
• Those patients with healthy blood and no clotting disorders
• Those patients who are not a candidate for hair transplant surgery at present

PRP is less effective in totally bald areas or those who went bald years ago.

Benefits of PRP for Baldness

These are only a few of the reasons most people enjoy getting PRP therapy:-

• Natural treatment – Since it’s using your blood, it’s biocompatible and drug-free.
• No operation – No incision, stitches, or time off work.
• Less side effects – Swelling or pain for a short period.
• Short process – Sessions are only 45–60 minutes long.
• Low risk for most people – Low chance of infection or allergic reaction.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

During the Session:-

• A numbing cream can be applied to reduce discomfort.
• Small injections are given over areas of thinning on the scalp.

After the Session:-

• Slight soreness or redness may take a day or two to recover.
• Most people resume regular activity on the same day.
• Shampooing is usually allowed after 24–48 hours.

How Many Sessions?

PRP treatment is usually done in a course of treatments. An average program is as follows:-

• Beginning phase – 3–4 sessions, each spaced about 4 weeks apart
• Maintenance phase – 1 session every 4–6 months to sustain effects

Everyone reacts differently, and your physician will individualize the program depending on your outcomes and needs.

Is PRP Scientifically Proven?

There is continued investigation into the application of PRP in alopecia, but some promising results have been reported:-

• A 2019 review published in Dermatologic Surgery concluded that PRP significantly enhanced the thickness and density of hair in patients with androgenetic alopecia.
• A journal article in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery reported improved hair density following 3 months of initiating PRP.
• But all the experts agree that PRP is no magic bullet and the outcome depends on the person.

PRP certainly holds much promise, but it is better considered an adjunct therapy. It is not a sure fix.

Limitations & Considerations

Although PRP is relatively safe, consider the following:-

• Non-insurance-covered – PRP is primarily a cosmetic treatment and might not be insurance-covered.
• Multiple sessions required – Not a “one-shot” procedure.
• Wait time for results – It may take 3–6 months to notice perceptible improvement.
• Not for all – Individuals with blood disorders, infection, or pre-existing medical conditions are not good candidates.

Consult a qualified hair restoration professional or dermatologist before initiating PRP treatment.

How Much Does PRP Cost?

In India, PRP hair treatment can cost anywhere from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per session based on the city, clinic, and doctor’s experience.

The entire treatment cycle can cost between ₹20,000 to ₹60,000 for two months.

In other countries, costs range from $400 to $1,500 per session, such as in the US or UK.

Conclusion – Could the Cure Be Within?

PRP is an exciting, non-medication treatment for early—to mid-stage hair loss. It is a non-surgical, safe way of stimulating hair growth and thickening by harnessing the body’s healing mechanisms. However, it is not an alternative to medication or hair transplant surgery for severe hair loss. However, it can be a valuable addition to your hair replacement program.

If you are experiencing balding hair and want a non-surgical procedure, apply PRP therapy. As with any medical treatment, consult a professional practitioner to see if it is right for you.

Thinking about PRP hair loss? Book an appointment with our specialists in our hair restoration and dermatology clinic. We can walk you through the best approach tailored to your needs.