A 2022 comparative study found PRP delivered slightly higher density gains than Minoxidil at 6 months for androgenetic alopecia, but these two treatments work through entirely different mechanisms and produce different response curves. PRP delivers concentrated growth factors in periodic sessions, while Minoxidil provides continuous vasodilation through daily application. Tracking both with myhairline.ai reveals which mechanism produces better density on your scalp, and whether combining them creates a compounding effect.
Different Mechanisms, Different Response Patterns
PRP and Minoxidil attack hair loss from different angles. This makes them complementary rather than redundant, but it also means your response to one does not predict your response to the other.
| Feature | PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) | Minoxidil (Rogaine) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Growth factor delivery (PDGF, VEGF, TGF-beta) | Vasodilation + potassium channel opening |
| Application | Injection every 4-6 weeks | Topical twice daily (5% solution) |
| FDA approved for hair | No (off-label) | Yes |
| Onset of results | 4-8 weeks post-session | 4-6 months of daily use |
| Efficacy | 30-40% density increase | 40-60% experience moderate regrowth |
| Cost | $500-2,000 per session | $20-50 per month |
| Requires prescription | No (but requires clinic) | No (OTC at 5%) |
| Maintenance | Sessions every 3-6 months | Daily application indefinitely |
| What happens when you stop | Gradual decline over months | Shedding within 2-4 months |
Clinical Evidence Comparison
PRP Data
PRP therapy for androgenetic alopecia has been studied in multiple randomized controlled trials. The treatment increases hair density by 30-40% in clinical studies. A typical protocol involves 3-4 initial sessions at 4-6 week intervals, with maintenance sessions every 3-6 months.
The growth factor cocktail in PRP stimulates follicle stem cells, extends the anagen (growth) phase, and promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) around follicles. The effect is dose-dependent and session-dependent, meaning more concentrated PRP and more sessions generally produce better results up to a plateau.
Minoxidil Data
Minoxidil is the most studied topical hair loss treatment. Applied twice daily at 5% concentration, it produces moderate regrowth in 40-60% of users. The mechanism involves vasodilation (widening blood vessels around follicles) and direct stimulation of the potassium channels in follicle cells.
Minoxidil requires continuous daily application to maintain results. Stopping minoxidil leads to a shedding phase within 2-4 months as the drug-dependent follicles revert to their pre-treatment state. This dependency is a key consideration when comparing it to PRP's periodic treatment model.
Head-to-Head Studies
| Study | PRP Result | Minoxidil Result | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 comparative (6 months) | Slightly higher density gains | Moderate improvement | PRP marginally better |
| 2021 meta-analysis (pooled) | 30-40% density increase | 20-35% density increase | Both effective, PRP slightly favors |
| 2020 combination study | N/A standalone | N/A standalone | Combination superior to either alone |
The evidence suggests PRP produces marginally better density outcomes than Minoxidil alone, but the confidence intervals overlap in most studies, meaning the difference is not dramatic at the population level.
Cost Over Time: The Real Comparison
The financial profiles of these treatments are fundamentally different. Minoxidil is cheap and continuous. PRP is expensive and periodic.
| Timeframe | PRP Cost | Minoxidil Cost | Combination Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (initial + maintenance) | $2,500-10,000 | $240-600 | $2,740-10,600 |
| Year 2 (maintenance only) | $1,000-4,000 | $240-600 | $1,240-4,600 |
| Year 3 (maintenance only) | $1,000-4,000 | $240-600 | $1,240-4,600 |
| 5-year total | $5,500-22,000 | $1,200-3,000 | $6,700-25,000 |
Minoxidil costs roughly $1,200-3,000 over 5 years. PRP costs $5,500-22,000 over the same period. The question tracking data answers is whether PRP's additional cost produces proportionally better density that justifies the investment.
How to Track Both Treatments with myhairline.ai
For Current Minoxidil Users Considering PRP
If you are already on Minoxidil and want to know whether adding PRP is worth the cost:
- Baseline (Month 1-2): Scan every 2 weeks while on Minoxidil only. This establishes your Minoxidil plateau density.
- Add PRP (Months 3-6): Continue Minoxidil and add PRP sessions. Scan every 2 weeks.
- Evaluate (Month 7): Compare your density before and after adding PRP. The difference represents PRP's additional contribution on top of Minoxidil.
If PRP adds 15-20% density on top of your Minoxidil baseline, you can calculate whether that improvement justifies $1,000-4,000 per year in PRP costs.
For New Patients Choosing Between Treatments
If you have not started either treatment, a sequential comparison provides the cleanest data:
Phase 1: Minoxidil Only (Months 1-6)
- Apply 5% Minoxidil twice daily
- Scan with myhairline.ai every 2 weeks
- Document peak density at 4-6 months
Washout Phase (Months 7-8)
- Stop Minoxidil (expect shedding phase)
- Continue scanning to document the decline
- Allow density to return to untreated baseline
Phase 2: PRP Only (Months 9-14)
- 3-4 PRP sessions at 4-6 week intervals
- Scan with myhairline.ai every 2 weeks
- Document peak density at 4-6 months post-first session
Comparison: Compare peak density from each phase. The treatment that produced higher peak density from a similar starting point is more effective for your scalp.
Important note: The Minoxidil washout phase involves temporary shedding that can be psychologically difficult. Discuss this with your dermatologist before committing to a sequential comparison.
Response Curves: How They Differ
The density response patterns of PRP and Minoxidil look distinctly different on a tracking graph.
Minoxidil response curve:
- Months 1-2: Possible initial shedding (existing weak hairs fall out)
- Months 2-4: Gradual density increase as new growth begins
- Months 4-6: Approaching peak response
- Months 6-12: Plateau at maximum Minoxidil benefit
- Ongoing: Stable density with continued daily application
PRP response curve:
- Post-session weeks 1-2: Minimal visible change
- Post-session weeks 3-6: Density climbing as growth factors take effect
- Post-session weeks 6-10: Peak density from session
- Post-session weeks 12-24: Gradual decline toward baseline
- Next session: Density boost repeats and may build cumulatively
The key difference: Minoxidil creates a steady plateau that requires daily maintenance. PRP creates peaks and gradual valleys around each session, with overall density trending upward over multiple sessions.
Combination Therapy: When Both Outperform Either
The 2020 combination study found that using PRP and Minoxidil together produced superior results compared to either treatment alone. The logic is straightforward:
- Minoxidil maintains daily vasodilation and follicle stimulation (baseline support)
- PRP delivers periodic high-concentration growth factor boosts (periodic amplification)
- The combination addresses two independent pathways simultaneously
For patients on a treatment stack, adding finasteride (80-90% halt loss, 65% regrowth) to PRP and Minoxidil addresses the hormonal pathway as well, creating a three-mechanism approach.
| Treatment Stack | Mechanisms Covered | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Minoxidil only | Vasodilation | 40-60% moderate regrowth |
| PRP only | Growth factors | 30-40% density increase |
| Minoxidil + PRP | Vasodilation + growth factors | Superior to either alone |
| Minoxidil + PRP + Finasteride | Vasodilation + growth factors + DHT blocking | Maximum multi-mechanism approach |
Decision Framework Based on Your Tracking Data
After tracking one or both treatments, use this framework to decide your ongoing protocol:
| Your Data Shows | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Strong Minoxidil response, budget-conscious | Continue Minoxidil, skip PRP |
| Weak Minoxidil response | Add or switch to PRP |
| Strong PRP response, good budget | Continue PRP maintenance |
| Strong response to both | Use combination for maximum density |
| Weak response to both | Consult dermatologist for alternative options |
Start Building Your Comparison Data
Whether you are deciding between PRP and Minoxidil or testing whether adding one to the other is worth the cost, density tracking provides the answer. Upload your first scan at myhairline.ai/analyze and start documenting your personal response to each treatment.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Minoxidil is available over the counter but may cause side effects including scalp irritation and initial shedding. PRP should be administered by a qualified medical professional. Consult a dermatologist before starting, stopping, or combining hair loss treatments.