PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy produces a 30-40% increase in hair density in clinical studies by injecting concentrated growth factors from your own blood directly into thinning areas of the scalp. The treatment costs $500 to $2,000 per session, requires 3-4 initial sessions every 4-6 weeks, and needs maintenance sessions every 3-6 months to sustain results.
This guide covers everything you need to know about PRP for hair loss: how it works, what results to expect, cost breakdown, and who benefits most.
How PRP Works for Hair Loss
PRP therapy uses your body's own healing mechanism. The process involves three steps: drawing your blood, concentrating the platelets in a centrifuge, and injecting the platelet-rich plasma into your scalp.
Platelets contain growth factors that stimulate cellular repair and regeneration. When concentrated and injected into the scalp, these growth factors:
- Increase blood supply to hair follicles
- Prolong the active growth phase (anagen) of the hair cycle
- Stimulate dormant follicles to re-enter the growth phase
- Thicken miniaturized hair shafts
The Science Behind the Numbers
The 30-40% density increase reported in clinical studies is measured by comparing trichoscopy images (high-magnification scalp photos) before and after treatment. The increase comes from two sources: dormant follicles reactivating and existing thin hairs thickening to become more visible.
PRP does not create new hair follicles. It optimizes the ones you still have. This is why PRP works best when follicles are miniaturized (producing thin, short hairs) rather than completely dead (smooth, shiny scalp with no follicular openings).
PRP Treatment Protocol
Initial Loading Phase
| Session | Timing | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | Week 0 | Blood draw, centrifuge, injection (30-60 min total) |
| Session 2 | Week 4-6 | Second round of injections |
| Session 3 | Week 8-12 | Third round |
| Session 4 (if needed) | Week 12-16 | Fourth round for slower responders |
The loading phase establishes a therapeutic concentration of growth factors in the scalp tissue. Spacing sessions 4-6 weeks apart allows each treatment to build on the previous one.
Maintenance Phase
After the initial 3-4 sessions, you need ongoing maintenance to keep results. Without maintenance, benefits fade over 6 to 12 months as the growth factor stimulation wears off.
| Maintenance Schedule | Annual Cost (at $500-$2,000/session) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Every 3 months | $2,000-$8,000 | Aggressive treatment, faster progression |
| Every 4 months | $1,500-$6,000 | Standard maintenance |
| Every 6 months | $1,000-$4,000 | Stable patients, cost-conscious |
Your provider will recommend a maintenance frequency based on your response to the initial loading phase. Patients who see strong results during loading can often extend to every 6 months. Those with moderate response may need quarterly sessions.
What PRP Costs and What Affects Pricing
Cost Breakdown by Market
| Factor | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Per session (US average) | $500-$2,000 |
| Initial loading phase (3-4 sessions) | $1,500-$8,000 |
| Annual maintenance (2-4 sessions) | $1,000-$8,000 |
| First-year total | $2,500-$16,000 |
| Major metro (NYC, LA, SF) | $1,200-$2,000 per session |
| Mid-tier cities (Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix) | $700-$1,200 per session |
| Smaller markets | $500-$900 per session |
What Drives the Price Difference
The wide price range ($500 to $2,000 per session) is driven by three factors:
- PRP preparation method: Systems like Eclipse PRP, Regen Lab, or EmCyte use different kits that produce varying platelet concentrations. Higher-concentration systems (5-8x baseline) cost more but may deliver better results.
- Provider credentials: Dermatologists and hair restoration surgeons charge more than general practitioners or med spas.
- Add-ons: Some clinics offer "enhanced PRP" with additives like ACell (extracellular matrix), biotin, or stem cell components for an additional $200 to $500 per session.
PRP vs Other Hair Loss Treatments
| Treatment | Monthly Cost | Time to Results | Density Increase | Requires Ongoing Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRP | $125-$667 (amortized) | 3-6 months | 30-40% | Yes (maintenance sessions) |
| Finasteride | $10-$90 | 6-12 months | 10-20% | Yes (daily pill) |
| Minoxidil | $15-$60 | 4-6 months | 10-15% | Yes (daily application) |
| FUE transplant | $0 (one-time) | 12-18 months | Graft-dependent | No (permanent) |
| Low-level laser therapy | $25-$100 | 6-12 months | 5-15% | Yes (several times/week) |
PRP fills a specific gap in the treatment spectrum. It is more effective than topical minoxidil alone, does not carry the side effect profile of finasteride, and costs significantly less than surgical hair transplantation. Many patients use PRP in combination with finasteride and minoxidil for maximum non-surgical results.
Who Benefits Most From PRP
Ideal PRP Candidates
PRP works best for patients who meet these criteria:
- Early to moderate hair loss: Norwood 2-4 with visible thinning but still-active follicles
- Diffuse thinning: Widespread thinning responds better than completely bald patches
- Healthy platelet count: PRP relies on your blood quality. Patients with platelet disorders or blood-thinning medications may not be candidates
- Commitment to maintenance: Results fade without ongoing sessions
- Age 25-55: Younger patients with recent-onset thinning tend to respond best
Who Should Consider Other Options
PRP alone is unlikely to produce satisfactory results for:
- Advanced hair loss (Norwood 5-7) with large bald areas and no miniaturized follicles remaining
- Scarring alopecia where follicles are permanently destroyed
- Patients who cannot commit to ongoing maintenance sessions
- Those seeking a one-time permanent solution (consider FUE or FUT instead)
PRP Combined With Hair Transplants
PRP is increasingly used alongside hair transplant procedures to improve graft survival and accelerate growth. Some surgeons inject PRP into the recipient area during or immediately after transplant surgery.
The combination approach uses PRP to:
- Improve blood supply to freshly transplanted grafts
- Stimulate existing miniaturized hairs in surrounding areas for overall density
- Reduce post-transplant inflammation and speed healing
Patients who undergo FUE and then add PRP maintenance sessions report faster visible growth (starting at month 2-3 instead of month 4-5) and improved density in the zones around the transplanted area.
Get Your Personalized Assessment
Not sure whether PRP, medication, or a transplant is the right approach for your hair loss pattern? Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze to get an AI-powered assessment of your Norwood stage, treatment options, and estimated costs matched to your specific situation.
FAQ
Does PRP actually work for hair loss?
Yes, clinical studies show PRP produces a 30-40% increase in hair density over 6 to 12 months when following the standard protocol of 3-4 initial sessions every 4-6 weeks. Results vary by individual. PRP works best for patients with early to moderate thinning (Norwood 2-4) where follicles are miniaturized but not yet dead.
How much does PRP for hair cost?
PRP costs $500 to $2,000 per session in the US. The initial treatment requires 3-4 sessions every 4-6 weeks, totaling $1,500 to $8,000 for the loading phase. Maintenance sessions every 3-6 months cost $500 to $2,000 each. Annual maintenance costs range from $1,000 to $4,000 depending on session frequency.
How many PRP sessions do I need to see results?
Most patients need 3-4 initial sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart before seeing visible improvement. New hair growth typically becomes noticeable around month 3-4. Full results are visible at 6-12 months. After the initial loading phase, maintenance sessions every 3-6 months sustain results long-term.