By Eric Ruiz, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, RNC-OB, Axis Health Clinic, Wilbraham, MA
Thinning hair can affect how you feel about yourself, whether you're a man noticing a receding hairline or a woman seeing a wider part. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become a popular option for people who want a treatment that uses their own body's healing factors. But is it right for you, and how long does it take to see results?
What Is PRP?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. We take a small sample of your blood, spin it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and inject that concentrate into the areas of your scalp where hair is thinning.
Platelets contain growth factors that are believed to support hair follicles, improve blood supply to the scalp, and help follicles stay in the active growth phase longer. Because PRP comes from your own blood, the risk of an allergic reaction is very low.
Who PRP Works Best For
PRP tends to work best for people who:
Have early to moderate thinning. PRP works by strengthening existing follicles. It can't bring back follicles that are completely gone, so areas that are fully bald are unlikely to respond.
Have pattern hair loss. Research on PRP has focused mainly on androgenetic alopecia, the common pattern hair loss seen in both men and women (Gentile et al., 2015; Gupta & Carviel, 2019).
Are in good general health. Healthy platelets make for better PRP.
Are committed to the full treatment plan. PRP isn't a one-time fix.
Who May Not Be a Good Candidate
PRP may not be appropriate if you have a blood or platelet disorder, are on blood thinners, have an active scalp infection, or have certain other medical conditions. It's also important to find out why you're losing hair. Thyroid problems, nutrient deficiencies, stress, and hormonal changes can all play a role, and some may need different treatment first.
How Many Sessions Does It Take?
Most PRP protocols follow a similar pattern:
Initial series: About 3 to 4 treatments, spaced roughly 4 weeks apart.
Maintenance: A follow-up treatment every 3 to 6 months to keep results going.
Exact timing depends on your hair loss and how you respond, and we'll tailor your schedule to you.
When Will I See Results?
Patience is key. Hair grows slowly, so most people begin to notice less shedding and improved thickness around 3 to 6 months after starting treatment. Studies have reported improvements in hair density and thickness with PRP, though results vary from person to person (Gentile et al., 2015; Gupta & Carviel, 2019).
Taking photos before you start can help you track progress, since gradual changes are easy to miss when you look in the mirror every day.
What to Expect During Treatment
A PRP session usually takes about an hour from start to finish. After your blood is drawn and processed, the PRP is injected into the scalp. Most people describe mild discomfort, and soreness or tenderness afterward is common but temporary. Most people return to normal activities the same day.
Boosting Results With Microneedling
At Axis Health, we also offer PRP with microneedling for hair loss using a professional microneedling system. Microneedling creates tiny channels in the skin that may help stimulate the scalp and support absorption.
We also offer a take-home microneedling stamping kit, custom made at Axis Health, so you can continue supporting your scalp between visits.
Combining PRP With Other Treatments
PRP can often be combined with other hair loss treatments. During your consultation, we'll look at your history and goals and talk through which combination makes the most sense for you.
Ready to Talk About Your Hair?
If thinning hair has been bothering you, let's look at what's going on and whether PRP is a good fit. Call 413-515-7320 or book a consultation online. We're at 2038 Boston Road, Suite 1, in Wilbraham, inside Viola Aesthetics Day Spa.
This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Individual results vary.
References
Gentile P, Garcovich S, Bielli A, et al. The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Regrowth: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Stem Cells Translational Medicine. 2015;4(11):1317-1323.
Gupta AK, Carviel JL. Meta-analysis of efficacy of platelet-rich plasma therapy for androgenetic alopecia. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 2019.