Hair loss affects about 80 million Americans, yet none of the treatments available are as effective as platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The popular treatment continues to garner buzz, and the clinical data supporting it proves it is a solution for various types of hair loss, making PRP hair treatment results the best of the bunch.
How PRP Hair Treatments Work
PRP is a form of regenerative medicine that relies on platelets extracted from your blood and contains growth factors to help with healthy hair growth. These growth factors stimulate tissue healing and improve circulation, helping to regenerate the scalp and jumpstart hair growth to make a visible difference. The PRP is either injected into the scalp or delivered via microneedling to help prolong the growth phase of hair and increase hair density.
PRP contains both plasma (the liquid part of the blood) and platelets, which promote healing via their clotting abilities. It contains more platelets than normal since the plasma is spun down in a centrifuge to separate the other components of the blood from the platelets and concentrate them within the plasma.
While the exact mechanism of how PRP injections for hair growth is not fully understood, research shows that it increases the concentration of growth factors to help encourage hair growth.
Details of the Treatment
The first step in achieving PRP hair results is a blood draw. The blood is then centrifuged to separate the plasma from the platelets, creating a unique matrix. Next, the solution is injected into the scalp or administered via microneedling. A series of treatment sessions is necessary to reach the treatment’s full potential.
PRP can be combined with other hair loss treatments to maximize the effects. PRP hair results are often amplified when done in tandem with topical treatments or oral hair growth supplements. Even medications like minoxidil have been shown to be clinically more effective when used with PRP. It is even recommended to improve the results of surgical hair transplants for increased hair density and faster results.
Unlike other hair growth options, PRP is derived from your own blood, so there’s little risk of an allergic reaction. There may be some mild pain or bruising around the injection sites, which quickly subsides.
How Long It Takes to See PRP Hair Treatment Results
Like so many other elective aesthetic treatments, the results of PRP for hair growth are not instant. Following each treatment, the PRP will begin to stimulate the tissues in the scalp and regenerate the dormant hair follicles, giving way to new baby hairs. Some people start to see the first effects of the treatment around the six-week mark, but a full course of treatment is always recommended. Most patients notice an improvement in hair density and health after six months.
Factors Influencing Your Results
Since no two heads of hair are exactly alike, PRP hair results may vary a bit from person to person, so a customized approach to hair loss is always the best course of action. Some people need more treatment sessions than others, which can impact the overall cost of PRP. Usually, three or four sessions every six weeks is the standard protocol, but some may need more to reach their full hair growth potential. Follow-up treatments are also part of the recommended protocol.
Other factors to weigh when undergoing PRP to jumpstart hair growth are the underlying cause of hair loss, individual health status, and lifestyle factors like nutrition and stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of hair loss is PRP good for?
PRP works for several different types of hair loss. While it is effective for temporary female and male hair loss, it can also be used to treat various forms of alopecia and male and female pattern baldness.
What improvements can I expect in hair density and thickness?
PRP hair results will influence hair density and thickness. With continued treatment, some people notice that their hair grows longer and stronger.
Are there factors that can influence the effectiveness of PRP hair treatment?
The results of PRP for hair growth can vary. Several factors can influence the outcomes, including the underlying cause of hair loss, individual health status, and lifestyle factors like nutrition and stress.
How often should follow-up sessions be scheduled to maintain results?
Generally, once you have completed the full, recommended treatment, one maintenance treatment session should be scheduled every six months.