PRP For Hair Loss: Efficacy, Safety, And Cost - Healthline

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PRP for Hair Loss

Medically reviewed by Joan Paul, MD, MPH, DTMH — Written by Scott Frothingham — Updated on February 1, 2024

PRP therapy process
Side effects
Risks
Cost
FAQ
Takeaway

Key takeaways

PRP therapy involves drawing your blood, processing it to concentrate platelets, then injecting it into your scalp to possibly stimulate hair growth.
Though typically safe because it uses your own blood, PRP therapy may cause side effects such as pain, headache, itching, swelling, and temporary skin discoloration.
PRP therapy may be an expensive hair loss treatment not covered by insurance, so discuss costs and payment options with your healthcare professional.

PRP, also known as platelet-rich plasma therapy, is a medical treatment that could help boost healing, regeneration, and growth. It’s often used to treat injured tendons, ligaments, and muscles.

PRP therapy is a three-step process. It works by drawing blood, processing it, then injecting it into the affected area.

Research states that PRP injections may benefit hair loss in several ways. For example:

A 2022 review found that PRP may stimulate hair growth and thickness, as well as protect hair follicles from prematurely shedding.
A 2020 review of 13 studies found that PRP may help increase hair thickness and density.
A 2018 review found that PRP may trigger hair growth by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle.

This article looks at how PRP therapy works and how it could be used for hair loss treatment.

PRP therapy process

PRP therapy injects platelet-rich plasma cells into the affected area of your scalp.

Plasma is the liquid part of your blood. Your blood is also made up of platelets, white cells, and red blood cells.

Platelets play a role in the clotting of your blood, but they also contain cytokines and proteins that promote growth, healing, and rejuvenation.

Step 1

Between 10 to 60 milliliters (mL) of your blood is drawn, typically from your arm, and put into a centrifuge. This is a machine that spins rapidly to separate fluids of different densities.

Step 2

After about 10 minutes in the centrifuge, your blood will have separated into three layers:

platelet-poor plasma
platelet-rich plasma
red blood cells

Step 3

The platelet-rich plasma is drawn up into a syringe and then injected into areas of the scalp that need increased hair growth.

According to a 2022 review, there isn’t a consensus on the frequency and duration of PRP therapy for hair loss. For example, the studies in the review found benefits for hair growth with PRP treatment ranging from 4 injections every 15 days for 3 months to 3 monthly injections for 6 months.

The authors concluded that the most important part of PRP is the number of platelets. According to a 2021 study, higher platelet concentrations in PRP have a more pronounced effect on hair density, hair follicle diameter, and terminal hair density.

PRP for hair loss side effects

There’s no risk of contracting a communicable disease with PRP therapy because it involves injecting your own blood into your scalp.

Research from 2022 also suggests limited side effects, though you may experience:

some pain during treatment
headache
itching
swelling
temporary discoloration

Every individual reacts differently to injection therapies. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional about the potential side effects of PRP therapy.

Risks of PRP for hair loss

Several factors may increase the risk of side effects occurring during PRP therapy. These may include:

taking certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) within 48 hours of PRP therapy
underlying health conditions, such as low platelet count, sepsis, or platelet dysfunction
some types of cancer, such as bone cancer
smoking
having certain types of steroid injections within 2 to 4 weeks of PRP therapy
fever
anemia

It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional about PRP therapy before starting treatment. During your appointment, tell them about all the medications you’re on, including supplements and herbs.

How much does PRP for hair loss cost?

The average estimated price of PRP therapy ranges from $500–$2,500 per therapy session for orthopedic purposes. However, the price you’ll pay for hair loss treatment may depend on several factors, such as:

your geographic location
quality of equipment
the addition of nutritive components

It’s important to note that not many insurance companies cover PRP therapy for hair loss. If you have insurance, speak with your provider to see whether they cover it. If you don’t have health insurance, the PRP therapy’s doctor’s office might offer payment plans or reduced fares for self-payers.

»MORE:Get an online treatment plan for male hair loss in as little as 15 minutes with Optum Now Online Care.

Optum Now is operated by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.

Frequently asked questions

What is the downside of PRP therapy?

A downside to PRP therapy for hair loss is that treatment is expensive and rarely covered by medical insurance.

Does PRP therapy actually regrow hair?

Numerous studies have found that PRP therapy may help promote hair growth, increase hair thickness, and help protect your hair from prematurely shedding.

How long does PRP therapy last for hair loss?

The beneficial effects of PRP therapy for hair regrowth may vary for each person. In a 2015 study of 20 people, researchers found that only 4 participants reported hair loss 12 months after their last treatment.

In a 2014 study of 20 people, PRP treatment increased hair density and peaked at 3 months. But 6 months after treatment, hair density started decreasing. The researchers, therefore, recommend PRP every 6 months for best results.

Takeaway

PRP therapy is a medical treatment that could be part of your hair loss treatment plan. Other options may include medications like Rogaine and Propecia, along with hair transplant surgery.

If you’re unsure about whether PRP therapy is right for you, speak with a healthcare professional. They can develop a treatment plan for hair loss that’s right for you.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Dervichi G, et al. (2020). Autologous platelet-rich plasma therapy for pattern hair loss: A systematic review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31452328/
Gentile P, et al. (2015). The effect of platelet-rich plasma in hair regrowth: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4622412/
Gkini M-A, et al. (2014). Study of platelet-rich plasma injections in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia through an one-year period. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4338465/
Jones IA, et al. (2018). The economics and regulation of PRP in the evolving field of orthopedic biologics. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6220002/
Paichitrojjana A, et al. (2022). Platelet rich plasma and its use in hair regrowth: A review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8922312/
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP). (2022). https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/platelet-rich-plasma-prp/
Sasaki GH. (2021). The effects of lower vs higher cell number of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on hair density and diameter in androgenetic alopecia (AGA): A randomized, double-blinded, placebo, parallel-group half-scalp IRB-approved study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34050738/
Stevens J, et al. (2018). Platelet-rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia: A review of the literature and proposed treatment protocol.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6374694/

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Medically reviewed by Joan Paul, MD, MPH, DTMH — Written by Scott Frothingham — Updated on February 1, 2024

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Key takeaways

PRP therapy process

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

PRP for hair loss side effects

Risks of PRP for hair loss

How much does PRP for hair loss cost?

Frequently asked questions

What is the downside of PRP therapy?

Does PRP therapy actually regrow hair?

How long does PRP therapy last for hair loss?

Takeaway

How we reviewed this article:

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