PRP hair therapy produces a 30-40% density increase in clinical studies, with most patients seeing initial changes at 3-4 months and full results at 6-12 months. About 70-80% of patients respond to treatment, while 20-30% see minimal or no improvement.
This guide provides a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect, the factors that determine your outcome, and how to evaluate whether PRP is working for you.
Month-by-Month Results Timeline
Months 1-2: No Visible Change
This is the most frustrating period. You have completed 1-2 PRP sessions, invested $500 to $4,000, and see nothing different in the mirror. This is normal and expected.
During this phase, the growth factors are working at the cellular level:
- Dormant follicles are beginning to shift from the telogen (resting) phase to the anagen (growth) phase
- Blood vessel formation around follicles is increasing
- Existing miniaturized hairs may start shedding (a positive sign that the follicle is resetting)
What patients report at this stage:
- No visible density change
- Some patients notice a slight increase in shedding (temporary, normal)
- Scalp may feel slightly different (more sensitivity, mild tingling)
Month 3-4: First Signs of Change
After completing 3-4 PRP sessions, the first measurable changes begin to appear:
| Sign | What It Looks Like |
|---|---|
| Reduced shedding | Fewer hairs in the shower drain and on the pillow |
| Hair texture change | Existing thin hairs feel thicker, coarser |
| New vellus hairs | Tiny, fine hairs appearing in previously thinning areas |
| Improved scalp health | Less flaking, less irritation |
These early signs are subtle. You may not notice them without deliberately looking. Taking monthly photos under consistent lighting is essential for tracking progress.
Months 4-8: Visible Improvement
This is when PRP results become noticeable. The new hairs that began as vellus (peach fuzz) growth are maturing into terminal hairs. Existing thin hairs have thickened. The overall density impression changes.
| Metric | Typical Improvement at Month 6 |
|---|---|
| Hair count per cm2 | 15-25% increase |
| Hair shaft thickness | 10-20% increase |
| Overall density appearance | Noticeable improvement |
| Scalp visibility | Reduced in thinning areas |
Most patients report that the change is first noticed by others (partner, barber, close friends) before they recognize it themselves. This is because the improvement is gradual and daily mirror checks do not capture incremental change well.
Months 8-12: Full Results
By month 8-12, PRP has reached its maximum effect for the current treatment cycle. Clinical studies show the full 30-40% density increase at this point.
| Measurement | Baseline | 12 Months Post-PRP |
|---|---|---|
| Hair density (FU/cm2) | 100 (baseline) | 130-140 |
| Hair diameter (micrometers) | 50-60 | 55-70 |
| Anagen/telogen ratio | 80/20 | 85-90/10-15 |
The density increase varies by zone. The crown and mid-scalp areas tend to respond best. The hairline and temples show more modest improvement because the follicles in those areas are often more severely miniaturized.
What Affects Your PRP Results
Factors You Can Control
| Factor | Impact on Results | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment compliance | High | Complete all 3-4 loading sessions on schedule |
| Concurrent medications | High | Adding finasteride boosts results by 15-25% |
| Platelet quality | Moderate | Hydrate, avoid alcohol, eat well before sessions |
| Scalp health | Moderate | Treat dandruff, dermatitis before starting PRP |
| Smoking | High (negative) | Quit or reduce. Smoking impairs platelet function |
Factors You Cannot Control
| Factor | Impact on Results | Reality |
|---|---|---|
| Norwood stage | Very high | Norwood 2-3 responds much better than Norwood 5+ |
| Age | Moderate | Younger patients (25-40) respond better on average |
| Genetics | High | Some people produce more growth factors than others |
| Duration of hair loss | Moderate | Recent onset responds better than decades-long loss |
| Hair characteristics | Moderate | Thick, dark hair shows improvement more visibly |
How to Track Your PRP Progress
Photo Documentation Protocol
Comparing photos is the most reliable way to evaluate PRP results. Follow this protocol:
- Same lighting: Use the same light source and position every time. Overhead lighting is best for revealing density.
- Same angle: Take photos from the same 5 angles each month (front, top, left profile, right profile, back of crown).
- Same distance: Mark a spot on the floor and always stand there for photos.
- Same conditions: Photograph dry, unstyled hair with no products applied.
- Monthly cadence: Take photos every 4 weeks on the same day you have your PRP session (before the session).
Trichoscopy Measurements
Ask your provider if they offer trichoscopy (dermoscopic scalp imaging). This clinical tool magnifies the scalp at 20-70x and provides objective measurements of:
- Hair count per square centimeter
- Individual hair shaft diameter
- Vellus-to-terminal hair ratio
- Follicular unit density
Trichoscopy taken at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months gives you hard data to evaluate whether PRP is working, rather than relying on subjective mirror assessments.
When PRP Is Not Working: What to Consider
If you have completed 4 sessions over 4-5 months and see no measurable improvement by month 6, you may be a non-responder. Before stopping treatment:
- Verify the preparation quality: Ask your provider about the platelet concentration achieved. Concentrations below 2x baseline may be insufficient.
- Add complementary therapy: Combining PRP with finasteride and minoxidil significantly improves response rates.
- Check for underlying conditions: Thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, and hormonal imbalances can block PRP effectiveness.
- Consider the PRP system: Switching to a higher-concentration system (like EmCyte at 5-8x) may produce results where a lower-concentration system did not.
If PRP truly is not working after 6 months with proper protocol, surgical options like FUE or FUT hair transplantation may be more appropriate for your Norwood stage.
Maintaining Results Long-Term
PRP results are not permanent. Without maintenance sessions, benefits fade over 6-12 months. The hair follicles gradually return to their pre-treatment miniaturized state as the growth factor stimulation wears off.
Maintenance Schedule Options
| Schedule | Annual Sessions | Annual Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterly | 4 | $2,000-$8,000 | Active progression, strong responders who want maximum results |
| Every 4 months | 3 | $1,500-$6,000 | Standard maintenance for most patients |
| Twice yearly | 2 | $1,000-$4,000 | Stable patients with slow progression |
Most providers start with quarterly maintenance for the first year and then assess whether the schedule can be extended based on how well results hold between sessions.
Get Your Baseline Assessment
Before starting PRP, establish your baseline. Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze to get an AI-powered assessment of your current Norwood stage, density estimate, and personalized treatment recommendations.
FAQ
How long does it take to see PRP hair results?
Most patients notice initial changes at 3-4 months after starting PRP treatment, with full results visible at 6-12 months. The first signs are usually reduced shedding and thicker-feeling hair. Visible new growth and density improvement follow over the 4-8 month period. Clinical studies measure 30-40% density increases at the 6-12 month mark.
Are PRP hair results permanent?
PRP results are not permanent. Without ongoing maintenance sessions (every 3-6 months), benefits gradually fade over 6-12 months as the growth factor stimulation wears off and follicles return to their pre-treatment state. PRP requires lifelong maintenance to sustain results, unlike surgical hair transplants which produce permanent outcomes.
What percentage of people see results from PRP?
Approximately 70-80% of PRP patients experience measurable improvement in hair density or thickness. The remaining 20-30% are non-responders. Factors that influence response include Norwood stage, platelet quality, preparation method, and whether PRP is combined with other treatments like finasteride or minoxidil.