PRP Hair Treatment: What Is It and Is It Worth It?

In search of strong, dense, and thick hair, people often try various remedies and treatment options to achieve the desired outcomes. Plasma Rich Protein (PRP) therapy is one such treatment modality for strong and healthy growing hair. It is a potential solution for hair loss as well that does not require the intake of medications. In the article below, we will understand PRP and discuss its benefits to know if its worth it or not.  

PRP – What is it?

PRP hair therapy is a treatment option for individuals experiencing thinning hair or excessive hair loss. In this treatment, patient’s own blood is put forward to treat the areas with hair fall. The platelet rich plasma is separated from the blood and used for hair loss treatment.

Why Platelets?

Platelets are a type of blood cells that mediates with healing and regeneration of cells and tissues. They are rich sources of growth factors that promote the rejuvenation and growth of damaged or lost cells. PRP hair treatment goal is to inject platelet rich plasma in areas of the scalp experiencing excessive hair loss so that the growth factors from platelets begin active repair and healing in the scalp. It mediates healing along with forming new hair root cells and follicles for stronger and denser hair.

What is the procedure of PRP hair therapy?

The PRP procedure begins with drawing a blood sample from venipuncture in the arm vessels. This blood is transferred into a vial to be placed in a centrifuge machine. As the centrifuge machine spins the blood vial, the red blood cells settle down in the vial while the blood plasma comes on the top due to the centrifugal force. This platelet rich plasma is then isolated in separate injections and then used for hair loss treatment, hence called Platelet Rich Plasma Hair Treatment.

Once the plasma rich extract is prepared, it is injected into the scalp at the level of hair cells and follicles. As it involves injecting the plasma, the procedure may be of discomfort for individuals. Thus, doctors often apply a topical anaesthetic formula to numb the site under treatment. A complete PRP therapy typically takes monthly visits for three months along with maintenance dosage every three to six months until the desired outcome is achieved.  

What is the mechanism of action of PRP hair therapy?

The scientific research and evidence behind the effectiveness of PRP hair treatment is yet to evolve. Injecting platelet rich plasma into the scalp triggers the active formation and growth of hair follicles that starts forming healthier hair. It is a practically and clinically proven method that has helped many individuals experiencing unexplained hair loss.

A research article published in the PMFA Journal suggests that PRP treatment significantly improves and strengthens thinning hair. According to the study, platelet rich plasma stimulated the stem cells that promoted the formation of new hair cells. The study concluded that the effectiveness of PRP is a proven technique for individuals seeking to increase their hair density and thickness. It is also a proven method of treatment for individuals experiencing androgenetic alopecia (hair loss due to hormonal imbalance).

Another research published in the Journal of Trichology explained that PRP hair treatment was involved in reduced hair fall overtime and it also prolonged the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle. Anagen phase is the active phase of hair growth cycle in which the hair follicles become onion-like in shape and begin active production of hair fibres.

The findings from the above-mentioned research evidence support the option of PRP hair treatment for hair loss, especially in individuals going through initial phases of hair loss. it is a proven technique for individuals with alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia and traction alopecia.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of PRP hair therapy?

It is crucial to understand the pros and cons of PRP hair therapy before opting for the complete therapy.

Advantages

• Natural Method – as patient’s own blood is centrifuged to extract the platelet rich plasma and injected into the scalp. This natural method excludes the risk of sensitivity, allergies, rejections, or other side effects.
• Quick Procedure – as it requires minimal time until resuming the daily life activities. The procedure typically takes one hour and as the procedure is completed, patients are capable of carrying on with their routine activities right away.
• Improved Hair Vitality – PRP hair treatment primarily focuses on reducing the hair loss but individuals who completed their PRP therapy often notice remarkable improvement in the newly grown hair. Individuals report strengthened and dense hair with reduced hair shedding.

Disadvantages

• Costly Procedure – the cost of each session of PRP hair treatment is high that is often prohibitive for many individuals.
• Need of Maintenance – a complete PRP therapy usually takes three sessions spread over three months’ time. However, to increase the effectiveness of the therapy, doctors often advise maintenance sessions to maintain the outcomes. This also increases the cost and longevity of the treatment.
• Inconsistent Results – is another disadvantage of PRP hair treatment. It is a one-stop complete and successful procedure for some while equally ineffective for the rest of patients who opt for this. The results of PRP therapy vary and are not bound to be successful for everyone. Since the procedure takes long-time commitment, this disadvantage often makes individuals reconsider the option of PRP or hesitate while choosing it for their hair loss problems.

What is the Cost of PRP Hair Treatment in the UK?

Platelet Plasma Rich (PRP) hair treatment has gained fame as a safe procedure for restoring hair count and strength. The goal of PRP therapy is to stimulate the restoration, growth and maturation of hair follicles that result in hair thickness and rapid growth. The cost range of PRP for restoring hair is £300 to £500 per session. The cost varies based on extent of hair thinning, clinic and its geographics.

Well-reputed clinics with highly experienced clinicians often charge higher for their expertise and treatment success. Some clinics also prefer including additional treatments such as microneedling, to potentiate the successful outcomes of the current PRP therapy. The net cost of entire PRP treatment also depends on the number of sessions required to get the desired outcomes.

Is PRP Hair Therapy Worth It?

The consideration and decision to opt for hair loss depends on individual expectations and severity of condition. Enlisted below are some factors that must be considered to tell if PRP is worth it.

• Hair Loss Severity – PRP hair therapy is most effective when opt for in early phases of hair thinning and hair loss. Individuals with excessive hair loss may not notice the desired results immediately after the procedure and may be required to undergo health investigations to find the root cause of hair loss.
• PRP Cost – individuals must keep in mind the required costs of PRP sessions since it is a significant amount. It is important to stay wary of the costs before committing to such long-term treatment that include sessions and maintenance therapies.

• Patience – hair growth is a slow process, and it often takes several weeks to months before noticing results. It is important to stay patient, calm and committed to the plan.
• Professional Opinion – it is important to opt for getting opinion from a healthcare professional to understand whether PRP or other treatment options are suitable for an individual’s hair loss problem.

People Also Ask

Can PRP treatment be combined with other hair loss therapies?

Yes, PRP therapy can be combined with other hair loss treatment such as minoxidil, finasteride or hair transplant. Combining the treatments often provide successful outcomes but it must be received upon consultation from a certified dermatologist.

Does PRP provide permanent results?

No, PRP hair treatment does not provide permanent results. The maintenance sessions required in PRP treatment aims to sustain the results and achieve them rather quickly. The frequency of maintenance sessions depends on individual response to treatment and may be discontinued when desired results are achieved.

Conclusion

In search of strong, dense, and thick hair, people often try various remedies and treatment options to achieve the desired outcomes. Plasma Rich Protein (PRP) therapy is one such treatment modality for strong and healthy growing hair. In this treatment, patient’s own blood is put forward to treat the areas with hair fall with the help platelet rich plasma extracted from blood and used for hair loss treatment. Research suggests that platelet rich plasma stimulates the stem cells and promote the formation of new hair cells. The effectiveness of PRP is a proven technique for individuals seeking to increase their hair density and thickness. The advantages of PRP hair therapy include natural approach, quick procedure, and improved hair vitality. The cost of PRP per session is high and is usually prohibitive in opting for this option. PRP therapy also requires maintenance sessions that adds to the net cost. The results of PRP therapy vary and are not bound to be successful for everyone. Since the procedure takes long-time commitment, this disadvantage often makes individuals reconsider the option of PRP or hesitate while choosing it for their hair loss problems.

Welzo recommends seeking expert opinion before considering PRP hair treatment and have a detailed discussion with a certified dermatologist to understand if PRP hair treatment is the best option for you.