Can injections made from your own blood really improve thinning hair? That’s the idea behind PRP hair treatment.
It sounds unusual, but PRP is offered by clinics across the UK as a possible treatment for hair loss. But do the results live up to the claims? Here’s the lowdown.
What is PRP hair treatment?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. During treatment, a small amount of blood is taken from your arm and placed in a centrifuge, which spins it to separate the plasma and platelets from the other components.
The resulting platelet-rich plasma is then injected into areas of the scalp where the hair is thinning. Platelets contain proteins known as growth factors, which are involved in the body’s natural healing and tissue-repair processes.
The theory is that injecting a concentrated preparation into the scalp may stimulate activity around the hair follicles and encourage growth. However, exactly how PRP is prepared and administered can vary considerably between clinics.
Does PRP work for hair loss?
There is some evidence that PRP may help some people with male or female pattern hair loss, particularly by increasing hair density. However, the results are mixed, and it is still difficult to predict how much of a difference any one person will see.
A 2024 review of 14 studies involving 431 people found that PRP may improve hair density. However, the researchers rated the evidence as low quality because the studies used different preparation methods, treatment schedules and ways of measuring results.
The fairest answer, then, is that PRP appears promising, but it is not a guaranteed solution.
Why isn’t there a simple answer?
PRP is not one completely standardised treatment. Clinics may use different equipment, platelet concentrations, injection techniques and appointment schedules. This is one of the reasons why the evidence is so sketchy.
Studies also measure different outcomes. An increase in the number of hairs within a small test area is not necessarily the same as a clearly visible improvement when someone looks in the mirror.
Individual results can differ too. The cause and extent of the thinning, the condition of the follicles, and any other treatments being used may all affect the outcome.
Does the cause of hair loss matter?
Yes — enormously. PRP has mainly been researched as a treatment for inherited pattern hair loss, so those results tell us very little about whether it could help with sudden shedding, nutritional deficiencies, stress-related thinning, scarring conditions or breakage.
That is why it is worth understanding why your hair has started thinning before spending money on a particular treatment.
Sudden or severe hair loss should be discussed with a GP, dermatologist, or qualified trichologist. Finding and addressing the underlying cause may be far more useful than choosing a procedure first.
What happens during PRP treatment?
A typical appointment involves:
- Taking a small sample of blood from your arm.
- Spinning it in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma.
- Injecting the prepared plasma into selected areas of the scalp.
Clinics commonly recommend a course of appointments rather than one treatment, although schedules vary. Anyone considering PRP should ask how the preparation is produced, who will perform the injections, what results are realistic, and what the complete course will cost.
Are there any side effects?
Reported side effects are usually associated with the injections themselves. These can include temporary pain, tenderness, itching, mild bleeding, or a headache.
PRP still involves drawing blood and making multiple scalp injections, so treatment should be carried out by an appropriately qualified practitioner using suitable clinical and hygiene procedures.
Is PRP the same as hair filler?
No. The phrase “hair filler” is used for injectable products that may contain ingredients such as peptides or hyaluronic acid. PRP, by contrast, is prepared from the patient’s own blood. They are made differently and are not designed to work in quite the same way. So, while both may be described as “hair injectables”, the phrase covers several different treatments rather than one standard procedure.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly does PRP work for hair loss?
PRP is not an instant treatment. Studies commonly assess changes over several months, and clinics may recommend a course of sessions. Results and treatment schedules vary, so be wary of anyone promising rapid or guaranteed regrowth.
Is PRP a permanent treatment?
There is not enough consistent evidence to describe PRP as a permanent solution. Some clinics recommend further appointments to maintain results, but there is no universally agreed maintenance schedule.
Is PRP hair treatment painful?
PRP involves several injections into the scalp, so some discomfort is likely. People commonly report temporary pain, tenderness, or sensitivity during and after treatment. Some clinics use a numbing treatment beforehand, so it is worth asking what pain relief is available before booking.
PRP Hair Treatment: Does It Work for Hair Loss? Final Thoughts
PRP hair treatment is not simply hype: there is some evidence that it may improve hair density for some people with pattern hair loss. But the evidence is not yet strong or consistent enough to promise that it will work for everyone.
Before booking treatment, establish what may be causing the thinning, ask the clinic how the procedure is carried out, and make sure its claims are realistic. A reputable practitioner should explain the limitations as clearly as the potential benefits.
Where does Hair Gain fit in?
Hair Gain products do not treat inherited pattern hair loss — but inherited hair loss is far from the only reason your hair may be thinning.
Did your shedding begin after having a baby? Has your hair changed during perimenopause or menopause? Perhaps you noticed more hair fall after an illness, a stressful period, rapid weight loss, or a change in your diet. Bleaching, frequent heat styling, tight hairstyles, and rough treatment can also leave hair weaker, more prone to breakage and noticeably less full.
Our Hair Capsules and Hair Gummies provide targeted nutritional support from within. The Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner strengthen, hydrate, and care for the hair and scalp, with independent testing showing up to 86% less hair fall and breakage after one use*. The Scalp Foam and Hair Mask offer targeted care between and after washes, while Peptide Puff™ dry shampoo refreshes the roots and adds instant visible volume.
Not every head of hair needs the same routine. Take our quick Hair Quiz, tell us about your shedding, scalp, hair condition, and current routine, and we’ll recommend the Hair Gain products best suited to you.
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*Data from an independent brushing test and an independent consumer perception study of 70 women using the shampoo & conditioner for 2 weeks.
