PRP therapy is a treatment for hair loss that may help promote and maintain hair growth. That said, PRP therapy is expensive and may not be safe for everyone.

PRP, also known as platelet-rich plasma therapy, is a medical treatment that could help boost healing, regeneration, and growth. It’s often used to treat injured tendons, ligaments, and muscles.

PRP therapy is a three-step process. It works by drawing blood, processing it, then injecting it into the affected area.

Research states that PRP injections may benefit hair loss in several ways. For example:

  • A 2022 review found that PRP may stimulate hair growth and thickness, as well as protect hair follicles from prematurely shedding.
  • A 2020 review of 13 studies found that PRP may help increase hair thickness and density.
  • A 2018 review found that PRP may trigger hair growth by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle.

This article looks at how PRP therapy works and how it could be used for hair loss treatment.

PRP therapy injects platelet-rich plasma cells into the affected area of your scalp.

Plasma is the liquid part of your blood. Your blood is also made up of platelets, white cells, and red blood cells.

Platelets play a role in the clotting of your blood, but they also contain cytokines and proteins that promote growth, healing, and rejuvenation.

Step 1

Between 10 to 60 milliliters (mL) of your blood is drawn, typically from your arm, and put into a centrifuge. This is a machine that spins rapidly to separate fluids of different densities.

Step 2

After about 10 minutes in the centrifuge, your blood will have separated into three layers:

Step 3

The platelet-rich plasma is drawn up into a syringe and then injected into areas of the scalp that need increased hair growth.

According to a 2022 review, there isn’t a consensus on the frequency and duration of PRP therapy for hair loss. For example, the studies in the review found benefits for hair growth with PRP treatment ranging from 4 injections every 15 days for 3 months to 3 monthly injections for 6 months.

The authors concluded that the most important part of PRP is the number of platelets. According to a 2021 study, higher platelet concentrations in PRP have a more pronounced effect on hair density, hair follicle diameter, and terminal hair density.

There’s no risk of contracting a communicable disease with PRP therapy because it involves injecting your own blood into your scalp.

Research from 2022 also suggests limited side effects, though you may experience:

Every individual reacts differently to injection therapies. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional about the potential side effects of PRP therapy.

Several factors may increase the risk of side effects occurring during PRP therapy. These may include:

It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional about PRP therapy before starting treatment. During your appointment, tell them about all the medications you’re on, including supplements and herbs.

The average estimated price of PRP therapy ranges from $500–$2,500 per therapy session for orthopedic purposes. However, the price you’ll pay for hair loss treatment may depend on several factors, such as:

  • your geographic location
  • quality of equipment
  • the addition of nutritive components

It’s important to note that not many insurance companies cover PRP therapy for hair loss. If you have insurance, speak with your provider to see whether they cover it. If you don’t have health insurance, the PRP therapy’s doctor’s office might offer payment plans or reduced fares for self-payers.

What is the downside of PRP therapy?

A downside to PRP therapy for hair loss is that treatment is expensive and rarely covered by medical insurance.

Does PRP therapy actually regrow hair?

Numerous studies have found that PRP therapy may help promote hair growth, increase hair thickness, and help protect your hair from prematurely shedding.

How long does PRP therapy last for hair loss?

The beneficial effects of PRP therapy for hair regrowth may vary for each person. In a 2015 study of 20 people, researchers found that only 4 participants reported hair loss 12 months after their last treatment.

In a 2014 study of 20 people, PRP treatment increased hair density and peaked at 3 months. But 6 months after treatment, hair density started decreasing. The researchers, therefore, recommend PRP every 6 months for best results.

PRP therapy is a medical treatment that could be part of your hair loss treatment plan. Other options may include medications like Rogaine and Propecia, along with hair transplant surgery.

If you’re unsure about whether PRP therapy is right for you, speak with a healthcare professional. They can develop a treatment plan for hair loss that’s right for you.