PRP hair therapy is one of the safest non-surgical hair loss treatments available, with serious complications occurring in fewer than 1% of patients. Because the procedure uses your own blood (autologous platelet-rich plasma), the risk of allergic reaction or rejection is essentially zero.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Common Side Effects
Most PRP side effects are mild and resolve within 24 to 48 hours. The procedure involves drawing a small amount of blood, spinning it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and injecting the plasma into thinning areas of the scalp.
| Side Effect | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Scalp redness | Very common (80-90%) | 24-48 hours |
| Mild swelling | Common (50-60%) | 12-24 hours |
| Injection site soreness | Common (40-60%) | 1-3 days |
| Minor bruising | Occasional (10-20%) | 3-7 days |
| Headache | Occasional (10-15%) | Same day |
| Temporary shedding | Uncommon (5-10%) | 2-4 weeks |
Redness at the injection sites is the most reported side effect. It resembles a mild sunburn across the treated area and fades without treatment. Most patients return to work the same day or the next morning.
Pain During the Procedure
PRP injections involve multiple small injections across the thinning areas of the scalp. The pain level is mild to moderate. Most clinics apply a topical anesthetic 20 to 30 minutes before the injections. Some providers also use nerve blocks for patients with low pain tolerance.
The injection process itself takes 15 to 30 minutes. Patients typically rate the discomfort between 3 and 5 on a 10-point scale when numbing is applied.
Temporary Shedding
A small percentage of patients notice increased hair shedding in the 2 to 4 weeks following PRP treatment. This is not a sign the treatment failed. The platelet growth factors can push weak telogen hairs out of the follicle as the growth cycle resets. New anagen growth typically begins within 3 to 6 months.
Rare but Serious Risks
Serious complications from PRP are uncommon when performed by a qualified provider using sterile technique.
| Risk | Estimated Frequency |
|---|---|
| Infection at injection site | Less than 0.5% |
| Nerve injury | Less than 0.1% |
| Tissue damage from improper injection depth | Less than 0.1% |
| Calcification at injection site | Extremely rare |
| Scarring | Extremely rare |
The risk of infection increases when treatments are performed outside of medical facilities or without proper sterilization protocols. Always verify that your provider uses single-use PRP kits and follows standard aseptic technique.
Who Should Avoid PRP
PRP is not suitable for everyone. The following conditions are contraindications:
- Active scalp infections or skin conditions (dermatitis, psoriasis flare)
- Blood disorders such as thrombocytopenia or platelet dysfunction
- Patients currently taking blood thinners (warfarin, heparin)
- Active cancer or undergoing chemotherapy
- Liver disease or chronic liver conditions
- Autoimmune diseases affecting the skin
- Pregnancy
Patients taking NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin) are usually asked to stop 5 to 7 days before treatment because these medications reduce platelet function and can diminish the effectiveness of PRP.
How to Minimize Risk
Choosing an experienced provider is the single most important factor in reducing PRP complications. Board-certified dermatologists and hair restoration surgeons have the training to inject at the correct depth (dermis level) and maintain sterile conditions.
Pre-Treatment Checklist
- Disclose all medications, supplements, and medical conditions
- Stop blood-thinning medications 5-7 days before (with your doctor's approval)
- Avoid alcohol for 48 hours before treatment
- Stay hydrated the day of the procedure for easier blood draw
- Ask about the clinic's PRP preparation system and platelet concentration
PRP works best for patients at Norwood 2 through 4 who still have active follicles in the thinning zone. It produces an average density increase of 30 to 40% over 3 to 4 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, with maintenance sessions every 3 to 6 months.
Get Your Hair Loss Assessment
Wondering whether PRP is right for your level of hair loss? Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze to receive an AI-powered evaluation of your current stage and a personalized list of treatment options, including whether PRP is likely to help.