Does PRP Hair Treatment Grow New Hair?

PRP supports hair regrowth, but it’s important to know that it can’t grow hair from nothing. For PRP to work, there need to be at least dormant hair follicles present. Several studies have shown the benefits of PRP hair treatments, including stimulating new hair growth and improving hair thickness. Dr. Shapiro also uses PRP together with hair transplant procedures for faster healing and minimizing scars. 

In this article, we discuss how PRP therapy works for hair loss, its effectiveness, what results you might expect, and its application in hair transplants. 

What is PRP Hair Treatment?

PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is a concentration of platelets derived from your blood. Platelets contain growth factors and proteins that promote healing and stimulate tissue regeneration. In hair restoration, PRP is injected into the scalp to improve blood flow, revive dormant hair follicles, and encourage thicker, healthier hair growth.

PRP offers many benefits for hair loss: 

• Nonsurgical and minimally invasive hair loss treatment
• Revives dormant hair follicles to stimulate growth
• Improves hair thickness and overall scalp health
• Increases blood flow to the scalp for healthier hair
• Complements hair transplant procedures for faster healing

PRP Hair Treatment Success Rate

Several studies have shown the effectiveness of PRP therapy for treating hair loss. Let’s look at some research findings that show PRP’s success rate for hair loss: 

• A review of six studies shows that PRP can significantly increase hair growth, adding 18–39 more hairs per square centimeter compared to no treatment. It also outperformed treatments like minoxidil and finasteride in 84% of studies, with many showing improved hair density and thickness.
• A 2015 study on 20 men with male pattern hair loss tested PRP on one half of the scalp and a placebo on the other. After three monthly treatments, 100% of participants showed improved hair count and density on the PRP-treated side.
• A 2023 study found that PRP for hair loss has greatly improved the patient-reported quality of life. 

Does PRP Regrow Hair Permanently? 

PRP does not provide permanent hair regrowth, but it can deliver long-lasting results with minimal maintenance treatments required. The effects vary by individual and depend on factors like the underlying cause of hair loss and the health of the hair follicles. Most patients see noticeable improvement after a series of sessions, but periodic touch-ups (every 6–12 months) are typically needed to sustain results, especially if you have pattern hair loss. 

How Many PRP Treatments are Needed for Hair Growth? 

Most patients need 3 to 4 initial PRP treatments spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart to see noticeable results. After that, maintenance sessions every 6 to 12 months are recommended to sustain hair growth and improve thickness. Dr. Shapiro may adjust your treatment plan based on your individual needs and how severe your hair loss is. 

What to Avoid After PRP Hair Treatment​? 

After your PRP hair treatment, it’s normal to experience some mild side effects, such as redness and tenderness in the treatment areas, swelling, mild discomfort, and itching. These effects are typically temporary and go away within a day or two. 

To get the best results, avoid the following after your PRP hair treatment:

• Washing your hair right post-treatment
• Direct sun exposure
• Saunas, hot tubs, and blow dryers for the first 48 hours
• Styling products, sprays, or gels for the first 48 hours 
• Strenuous activities such as intense workouts or heavy lifting for 24–48 hours 

ACell and PRP for Hair Loss​

ACell is a regenerative medicine derived from biological material that contains a network of collagen, proteins, and growth factors. When paired with PRP, which is rich in growth factors and improves blood flow, the two treatments work synergistically to activate dormant follicles, increase hair density and thickness, and deliver longer-lasting results compared to PRP alone. 

This combination is particularly effective for early-stage hair loss and can also support faster healing and better outcomes when used alongside hair transplant procedures.

Applying PRP After a Hair Transplant 

PRP/ACell hair treatments are increasingly used during hair transplant procedures to improve outcomes and recovery. These treatments help the donor and recipient areas heal faster by reducing redness, swelling, and scarring. They also lower the chances of shock loss, minimizing common post-surgery side effects.

In the recipient area, PRP/ACell improves the survival rate of transplanted grafts and encourages growth in existing, thinning hairs nearby. This can create thicker, more natural-looking results. For FUE procedures, PRP/ACell may even promote the regrowth of any damaged hair follicles in the donor area, potentially increasing the number of hairs available for future transplants.

How Much Is PRP for Hair Loss?

PRP treatments for hair loss typically cost between $500 and $2,000 per session, depending on your location, provider, and the specific protocol used. Most patients need 3 to 4 sessions spaced a month apart for optimal results, which means the total cost can range from $1,500 to $8,000.

Schedule a consultation at Shapiro Medical Group to discuss pricing. We serve patients in and around Minneapolis, including Golden Valley, Columbia Heights, Roseville, Richfield, and the greater Minnesota area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PRP hair treatment painful?
PRP treatments involve small injections into the scalp, which may cause mild discomfort. Most patients tolerate it well, and numbing creams or local anesthesia can be used to minimize pain.

How long does a PRP session take?
A typical PRP session takes about 45 minutes to an hour, including blood draw, preparation, and injections.

Can PRP be combined with other hair loss treatments?
Yes, PRP can be combined with treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, or hair transplants to enhance results.

Is PRP effective for advanced hair loss?
PRP works best for early hair loss. For advanced hair loss where follicles are no longer viable, a hair transplant may be a better option. 

Does PRP work for women’s hair loss?
Yes, PRP works for women’s hair loss, especially for thinning hair or female pattern baldness.