PRP maintenance sessions are needed every 6 to 12 months after your initial treatment series to sustain the 30 to 40 percent density improvement that PRP delivers. Without maintenance, the gains fade as growth factor stimulation stops and follicles revert to their pre-treatment miniaturization rate.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
The Standard PRP Protocol
PRP treatment follows a two-phase schedule: an induction phase that builds density, and a maintenance phase that preserves it.
Phase 1: Induction (Months 1-4)
The induction phase consists of 3 to 4 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. This loading period floods the scalp with concentrated growth factors repeatedly, creating a cumulative biological effect on follicular stem cells.
| Session | Timing | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | Week 0 | Establish baseline, initial growth factor delivery |
| Session 2 | Week 4-6 | Reinforce signaling pathways, begin anagen conversion |
| Session 3 | Week 8-12 | Peak growth factor accumulation, visible thickening starts |
| Session 4 (if needed) | Week 12-16 | Additional density boost for aggressive miniaturization |
Most providers include 3 sessions in their initial protocol. A fourth session is recommended for patients with moderate to advanced thinning (Norwood 3+) or those who show a slower initial response.
Skipping sessions or spacing them too far apart during induction weakens the cumulative effect. The growth factor signaling works best when reinforced within the therapeutic window before the previous dose fully clears.
Phase 2: Maintenance (Month 6 Onward)
After induction, the maintenance schedule depends on your hair loss severity and response to treatment.
| Patient Profile | Maintenance Frequency | Annual Sessions |
|---|---|---|
| Early loss (Norwood 2), strong responder | Every 12 months | 1 |
| Moderate loss (Norwood 3), average responder | Every 6-9 months | 1-2 |
| Advanced thinning (Norwood 3-4), slow responder | Every 4-6 months | 2-3 |
| Post-transplant PRP support | Every 6-12 months | 1-2 |
Your provider should reassess density at each maintenance visit using dermatoscopy or standardized photography. If density is holding stable, you can extend the interval. If thinning is returning, the interval needs to be shortened.
What Happens When You Stop
Stopping PRP does not cause sudden hair loss. The decline is gradual, typically noticeable 6 to 12 months after the last session, with full regression to baseline over 12 to 18 months.
Regression Timeline
- Months 1-3 after last session: No visible change. Residual growth factor effects continue.
- Months 4-6: Hair shaft diameter begins to decrease. Shedding may increase slightly.
- Months 6-12: Thinning becomes visually apparent, especially in areas that responded best to PRP.
- Months 12-18: Density returns to approximately pre-treatment baseline.
This regression follows the natural course of androgenetic alopecia. PRP does not accelerate hair loss when discontinued. It simply stops slowing it.
Patients who are also taking finasteride and minoxidil will lose the PRP-specific density gains but retain the benefits of their medical therapy. For this reason, PRP should always be viewed as an adjunct to, not a replacement for, proven medical treatments.
Optimizing Maintenance Results
Several factors influence how well maintenance sessions work and how long results last between treatments.
Platelet Concentration Matters
The therapeutic threshold for PRP is approximately 4 times the baseline platelet concentration. Higher concentrations (6x to 8x) correlate with better follicular stimulation in published studies.
| Platelet Concentration | Expected Response | Preparation Method |
|---|---|---|
| Below 2x baseline | Minimal effect | Single-spin, low-quality kit |
| 3-4x baseline | Moderate improvement | Standard double-spin |
| 5-8x baseline | Strong improvement | High-yield systems (EmCyte, Eclipse) |
| Above 10x baseline | Diminishing returns, possible inflammation | Over-concentrated |
Ask your provider what concentration their system achieves. If they cannot answer this question or do not measure platelet counts, consider a different clinic.
Combining PRP with Other Treatments
PRP maintenance works best as part of a multi-modal approach.
| Combination | Benefit |
|---|---|
| PRP + finasteride | Finasteride stabilizes follicles; PRP thickens them |
| PRP + minoxidil | Minoxidil extends anagen phase; PRP enhances follicular health |
| PRP + microneedling | Micro-injuries create additional growth factor release and improve absorption |
| PRP + low-level laser therapy | LLLT increases cellular metabolism; PRP provides building blocks |
The combination of finasteride, minoxidil, and PRP is sometimes called the "triple therapy" approach. Patients on this protocol consistently show better density retention between PRP sessions compared to PRP alone.
Session Timing Tips
Schedule maintenance sessions strategically:
- Book before you see regression. If your maintenance interval is every 9 months, schedule at month 8, not month 12 when thinning has already returned.
- Align with seasonal shedding. Many patients experience increased shedding in late summer and early fall. Scheduling a PRP session in August or September can counteract this seasonal dip.
- Coordinate with transplant timelines. If you are planning a hair transplant, PRP sessions 4 to 6 weeks before surgery can improve the scalp environment for graft survival.
Cost of Ongoing PRP Maintenance
The financial commitment of PRP extends beyond the initial series. Maintenance is an indefinite recurring cost.
Annual Cost by Protocol
| Protocol | Sessions/Year | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal maintenance | 1 session | $500 to $2,000 |
| Standard maintenance | 2 sessions | $1,000 to $4,000 |
| Aggressive maintenance | 3 sessions | $1,500 to $6,000 |
Over five years, a standard maintenance protocol adds $5,000 to $20,000 to the initial treatment cost. Compare this with the PRP density data to decide whether the ongoing investment matches the results you are seeing.
Some clinics offer maintenance package pricing at 10 to 20 percent below individual session rates. Ask about annual plans when starting your induction series.
When to Adjust Your Protocol
Reassess your PRP maintenance plan at these decision points:
- If density is stable with annual sessions: Continue at the current interval. Do not increase frequency unnecessarily.
- If you are losing ground between sessions: Shorten the interval by 2 to 3 months and ensure your finasteride/minoxidil compliance is consistent.
- If PRP is no longer enough: For patients progressing to Norwood 4+ despite PRP and medical therapy, a hair transplant may be the next step. PRP can continue as an adjunct post-surgery to protect native hair.
- If budget is a concern: One well-timed annual session with a high-quality preparation is better than multiple sessions with a low-concentration kit.
Next Steps
Your maintenance schedule should be based on your specific stage of hair loss and response to treatment. To assess where you fall on the Norwood scale and determine the right PRP frequency, get a free AI assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze.