What is PRP hair treatment?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Platelets are small cells in your blood that help wounds heal. They release proteins called growth factors. In PRP hair treatment, a small amount of your blood is taken and spun in a machine called a centrifuge. This separates the plasma, which is rich in platelets, from the other parts of the blood.
The platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the scalp in thinning areas. The aim is to support hair follicles that are still alive but have become weaker and produce thinner hairs.
Because PRP is made from your own blood, the risk of an allergic reaction is very low. PRP hair treatment is not a hair transplant. It does not create new follicles where they have already gone. It can help the hair you still have.
Who can benefit from PRP for hair loss
PRP for hair loss tends to work best in early to moderate thinning, while many follicles are still active. Results differ from person to person. Some patients see thicker, stronger hair, while others notice only a small change.
PRP may be considered for:
- Men with early pattern hair loss who are not yet ready for a transplant
- Women with diffuse thinning or a widening parting
- Patients who want to support their existing hair after a hair transplant
- People who want to combine PRP with prescribed medical therapy
PRP is usually not suitable for areas that are completely bald, since there are no active follicles left to support. It is also not advised for people with some blood disorders, low platelet counts, active infection on the scalp or certain cancers. Pregnant women are usually advised to wait. Dr. Alakaya reviews your health history before treatment.
Women with thinning hair can also read about female hair transplant options.
How PRP hair treatment works step by step
- Assessment. Your scalp and the pattern of your hair loss are examined. The doctor explains what PRP can and cannot do for you.
- Blood draw. A small tube of blood is taken from your arm, in the same way as a routine blood test.
- Centrifuge. The blood is spun to separate the platelet-rich plasma. This takes a short time.
- Numbing. A numbing cream or cooling may be used to make the injections more comfortable.
- Injections. The plasma is injected with a very fine needle into the thinning areas of the scalp.
A session usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Most people go back to normal daily life the same day. You may feel mild tenderness or see small red spots on the scalp for a day.
PRP hair treatment side effects and aftercare
PRP is a low-risk treatment for most people, because it uses your own blood. Side effects are usually mild and short-lived. They can include:
- Tenderness or a tight feeling on the scalp for a day or two
- Small red spots or light bruising at the injection points
- A mild headache after the session
- Slight bruising where the blood was taken
On the day of treatment, avoid heavy exercise, saunas and hair products on the treated area. Most patients can wash their hair the next day. Tell your doctor about any blood-thinning medicines before treatment.
How many PRP sessions do you need?
PRP hair treatment is done as a course, not a single session. A common plan is:
| Phase | Typical schedule |
|---|---|
| Starting course | 3–4 sessions, about 4 weeks apart |
| Review | Photos and check about 3 months after the last session |
| Maintenance | 1 session every 6–12 months if it is helping |
Hair grows slowly, so any change takes time. Most patients who respond notice the first changes after 3 to 6 months. PRP does not stop the underlying cause of pattern hair loss. Without maintenance, the effect usually fades over time.
PRP and medical therapy
Some patients use PRP together with medical therapy such as finasteride or minoxidil. These medicines need a doctor's prescription and advice. They are not right for everyone, and they should not be started without a medical check.
PRP after a hair transplant
Many surgeons use PRP after a hair transplant to support healing and the existing hair around the transplanted area. PRP is applied to the scalp after the grafts are placed or in the months after surgery.
A hair transplant moves follicles into thinning areas. It does not stop your existing native hair from thinning further. PRP may help support this native hair, so the overall result stays balanced over time.
If you are planning a sapphire FUE hair transplant or a DHI hair transplant, you can ask Dr. Alakaya whether PRP makes sense for your case. The hair transplant recovery guide explains what happens in the first year.
PRP hair treatment vs hair transplant
PRP and a hair transplant do different jobs. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right first step.
- PRP hair treatment supports existing follicles. It is non-surgical, needs repeat sessions and works best in early thinning.
- A hair transplant moves follicles from the donor area into areas where hair has thinned or gone. It is a surgical procedure, and the transplanted hair usually keeps growing for life.
For someone with a clearly bald area, PRP alone will not usually bring hair back. For someone with early thinning, a transplant may not be needed yet. Dr. Alakaya, who has about 15 years of experience in hair surgery and more than 20,000 hair transplant operations, explains which option suits your stage of hair loss.
To ask about PRP or a transplant, send clear photos of the top, front and back of your head through the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Does PRP really work for hair loss?
PRP can help some people with early to moderate thinning, but results differ from person to person. It tends to work less well in areas that are already bald.
Is PRP hair treatment painful?
Most patients feel mild discomfort from the injections. Numbing cream or cooling can make the session more comfortable.
How long do PRP results last?
PRP does not stop the cause of pattern hair loss, so the effect usually fades without maintenance. Many patients have a session every 6 to 12 months.
Can I wash my hair after PRP?
Most patients are advised to wait until the next day before washing their hair. Your doctor gives you the exact aftercare instructions.
Is PRP used after a hair transplant?
Yes, many surgeons use PRP after a hair transplant to support healing and the existing hair around the transplanted area.
