Does Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy Work for Hair Loss?

Hair loss can range from minor hair thinning to complete baldness, affecting over 80 million Americans. Many people struggle with it, but it primarily affects middle-aged men. However, younger adults and women can also experience hair loss.

New hair loss treatments hit the market all the time, but the sad reality is that only a few of them are even slightly effective. Platelet-rich plasma is an emerging solution that shows great promise. Read on to learn if this treatment option can help you regrow lost hair.

What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is derived from the blood after it goes through a centrifuge that separates different components of your blood. Platelets promote regeneration and cell growth, and they were first used to stimulate healing processes in joints after an injury or surgery.

Since there are five times more platelets in PRP than in our blood, it effectively stimulates tissue growth and promotes healing. PRP is administered through injections, and the treatment usually includes three injections over three months and then up to two years based on hair loss, age, genetics, and hormonal status.

The idea with PRP for hair loss is that injecting it deep into the scalp should stimulate dermal papilla. These specialized cells are vital for hair growth, so PRP should be an effective tool to prevent hair loss. 

How Effective is PRP for Hair Loss?

PRP seems to produce the best results for male and female pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia (AGA). AGA is hormone-related, and it manifests differently in sexes. For women, the center part starts growing wider, and hair thinning becomes visible on the top and crown of the head. For men, it’s hair loss and thinning on the top and front of the head.

A 2015 study confirmed that PRP is safe and effective for treating male pattern baldness. The patients received three PRP injections in 30-day intervals, resulting in hair regrowth, higher hair density, increased epidermis thickness, and more hair follicles.

A 2018 meta-review confirmed that PRP was an effective way to increase hair density and diameter. Another 2019 systematic review concluded that PRP is most likely to improve several factors such as hair diameter and density, and reduce hair loss in people with AGA. However, researchers also warned that the majority of current studies used small groups of people for testing and different protocols, which is why we need more research to estimate the true power of PRP for hair loss.

Are You a Good Candidate for PRP Therapy?

According to experts, PRP is the most successful for recent hair loss because those hair follicles are easier to stimulate. So, if you are looking to regrow the hair you have lost in the last few years, you are a good candidate for PRP therapy.

You should not do it if you are on blood thinners, or you have lupus, thyroid problem, or some other underlying condition causing hair loss.

Who Offers PRP Therapy?

3R (Regenerative Repair & Relief) Center provides PRP for sports injuries and other conditions requiring a healing boost. Although we focus on regenerative medicine and treatments that help overcome injuries and pain, we can suggest a few experts to help you with PRP treatments for hair loss. So, feel free to get in touch.