PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy increases hair density by 30-40% in clinical studies on androgenetic alopecia. It is a real, evidence-backed treatment, but it works within specific limits and is not effective for everyone. Over 60% of men start their hair loss research with basic FAQ questions like this one, so here is what the clinical data actually shows.
What PRP Is and How It Works
PRP therapy uses your own blood. A technician draws approximately 10-20 mL of blood, spins it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and injects the resulting platelet-rich solution into the scalp at thinning areas.
Platelets release growth factors including PDGF, VEGF, and TGF-beta that:
- Stimulate dormant hair follicles to re-enter the growth phase (anagen)
- Increase blood supply to miniaturized follicles
- Prolong the active growth phase of the hair cycle
- Reduce inflammation around the follicle
The procedure takes approximately 30-60 minutes per session. Most protocols call for 3-4 initial sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions every 3-6 months.
What the Clinical Evidence Shows
| Study Metric | Finding |
|---|---|
| Hair density increase | 30-40% in responders |
| Hair thickness improvement | 20-30% increase in shaft diameter |
| Response rate | Approximately 60-70% of patients show measurable improvement |
| Non-responder rate | 30-40% see minimal or no benefit |
| Time to visible results | 3-6 months after initial sessions |
| Duration of effect | Requires ongoing maintenance sessions |
PRP has the strongest evidence for androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness). Results are weaker and less consistent for alopecia areata, and PRP is not effective for scarring alopecias like discoid lupus where follicles are permanently destroyed.
Who Benefits Most From PRP?
Good Candidates
- Norwood Stage 2-4 with active miniaturization (follicles still present but producing thinner hair)
- Early thinning at the temples or crown where follicles are weakened but alive
- Patients using PRP alongside finasteride (80-90% halt further loss, 65% regrowth) or minoxidil (40-60% moderate regrowth) for combination therapy
- Post-transplant patients looking to support graft survival and native hair health
Poor Candidates
- Advanced Norwood Stage 5-7 where large areas of scalp have no remaining follicles
- Completely bald or slick areas with no visible fine/vellus hairs
- Patients with blood disorders, platelet dysfunction, or on anticoagulant therapy
- Autoimmune hair loss conditions (alopecia areata, DLE) without concurrent disease-specific treatment
PRP Cost Breakdown
PRP costs $500-2,000 per session depending on location, provider, and preparation method.
| Cost Component | Range |
|---|---|
| Initial series (3-4 sessions) | $1,500-8,000 |
| Annual maintenance (2-4 sessions) | $1,000-8,000 |
| 5-year total cost | $6,500-48,000 |
PRP is not covered by insurance in most cases because it is considered cosmetic or experimental for hair loss. Compare this to hair transplant costs: $4-6 per graft in the US, $1-2 per graft in Turkey, and $3-5 per graft in the UK, which is a one-time expense for permanent results.
PRP vs. Other Non-Surgical Treatments
| Treatment | Efficacy | Cost (Annual) | Convenience | FDA Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRP | 30-40% density increase | $1,000-8,000 | Office visits every 3-6 months | Not FDA-approved for hair |
| Finasteride | 80-90% halt, 65% regrowth | $60-200 | Daily oral pill | FDA-approved |
| Minoxidil | 40-60% regrowth | $100-300 | Twice daily topical | FDA-approved |
| Low-level laser | Modest improvement | $200-1,000 (device) | At-home daily use | FDA-cleared |
PRP is most effective as an addition to finasteride and/or minoxidil, not as a standalone treatment.
Limitations You Should Know
- Results are not permanent. Stop treatment and benefits gradually reverse over 6-12 months.
- No standardized preparation protocol exists. PRP quality varies between providers based on centrifuge speed, platelet concentration, and activation methods.
- Studies use different methods, making direct comparisons difficult.
- Individual response varies significantly. There is currently no reliable way to predict who will respond before trying the treatment.
Know Your Starting Point
Before investing in PRP or any treatment, establish your current Norwood stage. PRP works best at stages 2-4 where follicles are still viable. Use the free AI assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze to get an objective measurement of your hair loss pattern and determine whether PRP is likely to benefit your specific situation.
For a full understanding of hair loss staging, read our Norwood Scale complete guide. If your hair loss is advanced enough for surgical consideration, see the hair transplant planning guide.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. PRP therapy should be administered by a qualified medical professional. Results vary by individual. Consult a dermatologist to determine whether PRP is appropriate for your hair loss type and stage.