PRP for Hair Loss: Results, Treatment, and What to Expect

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may improve hair density in people with pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia. Research has found improvements compared with placebo, but the evidence has limitations, and treatment methods vary considerably between studies. ¹, ²

PRP treatment uses a small sample of your own blood to prepare a platelet concentrate, which is then injected into areas of the scalp where hair is thinning. ³, ⁴

Understanding what the procedure involves—and what the research can and cannot tell us—can help you prepare for a conversation with your provider.

What is PRP for hair loss?

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. It is prepared by processing a small volume of your own blood to concentrate the platelets. This also concentrates the growth factors they carry. ¹, ⁴

The procedure involves three steps:

1. A small blood sample is collected. Your own blood is used to prepare the PRP.
2. The sample is processed. It is spun in a centrifuge or filtered to separate its components and concentrate the platelets. ³, ⁵, ⁴
3. The PRP is injected into the scalp. The concentrate is drawn into a small syringe and injected with a small needle into the skin where hair is thinning. ⁴, ⁶

How might PRP support hair regrowth?

Researchers are studying how the growth factors in PRP may affect hair follicles. One study describes their release as stimulating follicle activity, blood-vessel growth, and dermal papilla activation—activity in a specialized structure within the hair follicle. ¹, ⁷

A placebo-controlled trial also examined treated scalp skin under a microscope two weeks after the last treatment. Compared with measurements taken before treatment, researchers observed:

• A thicker epidermis, the outer layer of skin.
• More hair follicles.
• A slight increase in small blood vessels around the follicles. ³

These findings help explain why PRP is being investigated for hair regrowth. A systematic review of PRP for pattern hair loss concluded that injecting it into the skin might have an effect on regrowth. ⁶

Does PRP work for pattern hair loss?

Research has found improvements in hair density, although results differ depending on what is measured.

Hair density describes the number of hairs within a given area of the scalp. Other measures include hair count and hair diameter, or the thickness of individual hairs.

A meta-analysis—a study that combines results from multiple studies—examined randomized controlled trials involving 238 patients with androgenetic alopecia. It found that PRP increased hair density at three and six months compared with placebo. ¹

The same analysis found that hair count and hair diameter improved from baseline, meaning the measurements taken before treatment. However, those two outcomes did not differ significantly from placebo. ¹

What did individual studies and other reviews find?

Several studies reported positive results, but they used different comparisons and measurements:

• A second meta-analysis of randomized trials estimated that hair density was, on average, 27.55 hairs per square centimeter higher with PRP than with placebo. Its authors rated the evidence as low quality. ²
• A randomized half-head trial, which compared the PRP-treated side of the scalp with a control side in the same person, found increased hair density on the treated side. ⁸
• A placebo-controlled trial reported a mean increase of 33.6 hairs in the target area compared with baseline after three treatment cycles. ³

These numbers describe results from particular studies. They should not be treated as a prediction of how much hair an individual patient will regrow.

How reliable is the evidence?

The findings are encouraging, but there is still uncertainty about the size and consistency of the benefit.

The meta-analysis reporting the 27.55-hair difference described the studies as highly heterogeneous, meaning they differed substantially from one another. It also reported low-quality evidence and evident publication bias, which can affect how representative the published results are. ²

Another systematic review found that hair density increased from baseline in the PRP groups it examined. However, differences between studies were considerable, and the risk of bias was unclear in most of them. ⁶

Together, these limitations make it harder to predict an individual result or identify one treatment approach that works best.

What does the research show for women and other types of hair loss?

PRP for female hair loss

A meta-analysis of randomized trials involving 21 studies and 628 participants found that PRP significantly improved hair density and thickness in female hair loss. ⁹

The authors also found that the effect varied with dosage, the duration of injections, and ethnicity. They emphasized the need to tailor treatment protocols. Individual results vary. ⁹

PRP for alopecia areata and scarring alopecias

The evidence for these conditions is limited.

A systematic review of PRP for non-scarring hair loss, including pattern hair loss and alopecia areata, found that most available evidence was low quality and that results were controversial. ¹⁰

Another review included studies involving 621 patients with alopecia areata and 19 with primary scarring alopecias. Its authors could not establish a recommendation because high-quality evidence was lacking. ¹¹

Findings about PRP for pattern hair loss therefore should not be assumed to apply equally to every type of hair loss.

Does PRP treatment hurt?

The injections can cause discomfort, although reports of pain vary.

Cleveland Clinic’s patient guide describes using ice to ease discomfort during a session. In that description, most people feel pressure, with minimal to no pain. ⁴

A meta-analysis of randomized trials in female hair loss found no notable difference in pain or discomfort between PRP and control groups. ⁹

However, a broader systematic review of PRP in treating alopecia identified injection pain as the main side effect. The pain went away after treatment ended. ¹²

How many PRP sessions are needed?

There is no agreed standard treatment schedule.

Some trials have used a series of treatments about a month apart:

• In the randomized half-head trial, each patient received three treatments, one month apart. ⁸
• In the placebo-controlled trial, treatments were given at 30-day intervals. ³

These are examples of research protocols. Reviews note that the best approach depends on the dose, the number and spacing of sessions, and the injection technique. ¹⁰, ¹²

PRP preparation also varies. Researchers have called for larger randomized trials with standardized protocols for platelet numbers, activation methods, and treatment schedules. Even the centrifugation technique used to prepare PRP has not reached a standardized consensus. ¹⁰, ¹³

When are results assessed, and how long do they last?

The pattern hair loss meta-analysis found improved hair density compared with placebo at three and six months. Those are study follow-up points, rather than a guaranteed timeline for an individual patient. ¹

Longer-term results also require careful interpretation. In one placebo-controlled trial, four patients reported progressive hair loss 12 months after the last treatment. It was more evident at 16 months after the last treatment, and those patients were treated again. ³

This observation does not establish a maintenance schedule for everyone. Reviews continue to identify uncertainty about the best number and spacing of sessions. ¹⁰, ¹²

What are the possible side effects?

The meta-analysis in female hair loss described adverse effects as generally mild and temporary. ⁹

In a systematic review of PRP in treating alopecia, injection pain was the main side effect and resolved after treatment ended. Only one article included in that review reported more serious side effects. ¹²

Two reviews of trials in pattern hair loss reported no serious adverse reactions or serious treatment-related adverse events in the studies they examined. ¹, ⁶

These findings describe what was reported in those studies; they do not establish that PRP is risk-free.

How does PRP compare with minoxidil and finasteride?

PRP versus topical minoxidil

A meta-analysis comparing PRP with topical minoxidil found no significant difference in hair density, although patient satisfaction was significantly higher with PRP. ¹⁴

The authors concluded that PRP shows promise, but their analysis did not demonstrate a clear advantage over minoxidil in key outcomes such as hair density. ¹⁴

PRP combined with minoxidil

A separate meta-analysis found that PRP plus minoxidil improved hair density more than minoxidil alone at each reported follow-up, with a comparable risk of adverse events. ¹⁵

However, most included trials were judged to have a high risk of bias, and the certainty of the evidence was rated low to very low. ¹⁵

A systematic review of PRP in treating alopecia also reported the highest rate of improvement and satisfaction when PRP and minoxidil were used together. ¹²

What do the medication labels say?

The prescribing information for finasteride (Propecia) states that it is indicated for male pattern hair loss in men only and is not indicated for use in women. ¹⁶

The labels for a men’s topical minoxidil solution and a women’s minoxidil foam both describe use for regrowing hair on the top of the scalp. The men’s solution label also states that continued use is needed to maintain regrowth; otherwise, hair loss will begin again. ¹⁷, ¹⁸

These labeling details provide context about the medications. They do not establish how PRP compares with finasteride.

What should you know about FDA clearance and off-label use?

When discussing FDA clearance, it matters which device and intended use the clearance covers.

The FDA product classification cited here describes devices that prepare platelet-rich plasma from a small blood sample for mixing with bone graft. The listed target area is bony defects. ⁵

A review published in February 2015 found that nearly all PRP preparation systems then on the market with FDA clearance were cleared for that bone-graft use. It described use outside that setting, such as an office injection, as off-label. ¹⁹

That review describes the regulatory situation at the time it was published. The cited bone-graft classification should not be presented as FDA clearance for treating hair loss. ⁵, ¹⁹

Is PRP worth discussing with your provider?

Whether PRP is worth trying is a conversation to have with a provider who knows your medical history. The research offers reasons to consider it, along with uncertainties about individual results, treatment protocols, and durability.

Useful questions to bring to that conversation include:

• What type of hair loss do I have, and how relevant is the PRP research to it?
• What treatment schedule would you recommend, and why?
• How would we measure whether treatment is helping?
• How would PRP fit with options such as minoxidil?
• What discomfort, side effects, or repeat treatments should we discuss?

If you would like to talk it through, contact us, or learn more on our regenerative medicine page.

References

Footnotes

1. Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials., Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery, 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37533146/ ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷

2. Is autologous platelet-rich plasma capable of increasing hair density in patients with androgenic alopecia? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials., Anais brasileiros de dermatologia, 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39013743/ ↩ ↩² ↩³

3. The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Regrowth: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial., Stem cells translational medicine, 2015. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26400925/ ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶

4. Regrow Hair: PRP Therapy | Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/cosmetic-plastic-surgery/procedures/prp-therapy ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵

5. Product Classification, www.accessdata.fda.gov. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpcd/classification.cfm?ID=ORG ↩ ↩² ↩³

6. Autologous platelet-rich plasma therapy for pattern hair loss: A systematic review., Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31452328/ ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴

7. Long-term Clinical Outcomes of Autologous Non-activated Platelet-rich Plasma (A-PRP) Delivered Through Mechanical and Controlled Infiltration in Male and Female Androgenetic Alopecia: A 10-year Prospective Randomized Evaluator-blinded Study., Aesthetic surgery journal, 2026. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42682108/ ↩

8. Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study to Assess the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia., Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.], 2016. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27035501/ ↩ ↩²

9. Effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma in treating female hair loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials., Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI), 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39177365/ ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴

10. Platelet rich plasma for treatment of non-scarring hair loss: systematic review of literature., The Journal of dermatological treatment, 2017. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28271918/ ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴

11. Platelet-rich plasma in alopecia areata and primary cicatricial alopecias: A systematic review., Frontiers in medicine, 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36507528/ ↩

12. Systematic review of platelet-rich plasma in treating alopecia: Focusing on efficacy, safety, and therapeutic durability., Dermatologic therapy, 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33421285/ ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵

13. Comparison of single-spin to double-spin platelet-rich plasma centrifugation methods in the treatment of androgenic alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials., Frontiers in medicine, 2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40761851/ ↩

14. Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) versus Topical Minoxidil for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis., Aesthetic plastic surgery, 2026. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41219547/ ↩ ↩²

15. The additive value of platelet-rich plasma to topical Minoxidil in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis., PloS one, 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39197003/ ↩ ↩²

16. DailyMed - PROPECIA- finasteride tablet, film coated, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=6f904709-65aa-44ce-b144-b4c8a0416e36 ↩

17. DailyMed - MINOXIDIL TOPICAL SOLUTION, 5%- minoxidil solution solution, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acc5ad74-4558-4be9-aab4-94ad9ddad6b2 ↩

18. DailyMed - MINOXIDIL 5 PERCENT (FOR WOMEN)- minoxidil aerosol, foam, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b307bcb7-4659-4dd7-86aa-00b3735f5844 ↩

19. US definitions, current use, and FDA stance on use of platelet-rich plasma in sports medicine., The journal of knee surgery, 2015. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25268794/ ↩ ↩²