Hair loss is known to be a common part of aging for men, but hair thinning and shedding is also an issue that women face – and it’s far more common than many people realize.
Whether it’s a receding hairline, thinning patches, or general shedding, hair loss of any kind is usually both unwelcome and upsetting, and it can take a real toll on your confidence.
But thankfully, new ways of treating and overcoming hair loss are continuing to emerge.
PRF for hair loss is one such treatment that is changing the game when it comes to natural, non-surgical options for hair restoration.
You may well have heard of PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), which is used for both skin rejuvenation (most famously the “vampire facial”) and hair restoration treatments.
Well, PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) is essentially the newer, more advanced version.
Below, we’ll cover all the basics of PRF for hair loss, from what it is, who it’s suited to, how it works, and how it compares to PRP and other hair restoration treatments.
What is PRF, and how is it different from PRP?
PRF stands for Platelet-Rich Fibrin, and it’s very similar to PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma).
Both are made using your own blood, and both work by isolating the most beneficial parts of your blood (like platelets, white blood cells, and growth factors), and then using them to help stimulate healing and regeneration exactly where it’s needed.
We’ve explained how PRP works in more detail in this blog about PRP for Hair Loss. And the way PRF works is very similar.
However, PRF is now considered the more advanced version, and this is due to the way the blood is processed.
Here are the main differences:
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is spun quickly, creating a clear fluid that delivers an instant but short-lived burst of growth factors.
- PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin), on the other hand, is spun more slowly – keeping more of the white blood cells and platelets intact, which allows it to form a soft “fibrin matrix” (or web). This fibrin web works like a scaffold, slowly releasing growth factors over several days.
This slower release makes a big difference. It means the benefits of PRF continue working for longer, providing more consistent stimulation of the hair follicles and better long-term results.
Just like PRP, PRF is also used in skin rejuvenation treatments – especially under the eyes and to improve overall tone and texture. But in this article, we’re focusing on PRF for hair restoration, which is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its natural process and longer-lasting results.
Who is PRF hair treatment best for?
As with PRP, PRF works best if you’re in the early stages of hair thinning or hair loss.
PRF can help reactivate dormant hair follicles, but not ones that have stopped functioning completely. So the earlier you start treatment, the more effective it will be.
PRF for hair loss is a great option if you are:
- Noticing early to moderate thinning or loss of hair (including receding hairline)
- Looking for a preventative approach to hair loss or thinning
- Wanting to enhance your scalp health
- Looking for an all-natural approach to hair health or restoration
- Have had PRP and want to try a longer-acting alternative
- Are not ready (or suitable) for hair transplant surgery
If you’re not sure whether it’s right for you, come and see us at BodyTonic Cleveland and let us help you. We always start with an in-depth consultation to make sure you’re suited to the treatment, and will recommend another more suitable alternative if not.
What are the results and benefits of PRF hair treatments?
PRF utilizes your body’s own healing and regeneration processes to reawaken dormant hair follicles, improve their function, and improve the overall health and functioning of your scalp and hair.
This means that you’ll not only stop or slow down hair loss, but your hair will become healthier and stronger, resulting in noticeable differences.
Here’s how a PRF hair treatment can change your hair:
- Increased hair density
- Reduced hair shredding
- Thicker hair
- Stronger hair (less breakage)
- Healthier-looking, shinier, and more manageable hair
And here are all the other benefits of a PRF treatment for hair loss:
- 100% natural – made from your own blood, with no synthetic ingredients added
- Longer-lasting results than PRP
- Minimal risk of irritation, including for sensitive skin
- PRF procedure is quick, straightforward, and comfortable
- No downtime
- Can be used preventatively or as part of a longer-term hair restoration plan
What to expect during the PRF procedure
The PRF treatment itself is very straightforward:
- We begin with a simple blood draw – just like with PRP.
- The blood is then spun in a centrifuge to separate the PRF layer, which is extracted and combined with a biocompatible PRF “gel”, ready for use in the treatment.
- We then microneedle the targeted area to create tiny openings in the skin (this allows for better absorption).
- The PRF substance is applied topically over the micro-wounds, where it can be deeply absorbed and get to work stimulating the hair follicles.
This whole process usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour, and most patients experience little to no discomfort.
There’s also no real downtime – it’s recommended to avoid washing your hair for at least 24 hours, and you might notice some mild sensitivity or redness in the scalp, but this typically resolves within a day.
A typical PRF hair restoration plan includes 2 to 3 sessions spaced a few weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments every few months for the best results.
Results vary, but most people begin to notice improvements in hair density and texture within a couple of months. Full results are typically visible after 6 to 12 months.
PRF vs other hair loss treatments
PRF is the most advanced hair-loss treatment that is completely natural and utilizes your own blood – something that many people consider as a distinct advantage.
PRP is essentially the predecessor of PRF. It has a longer history of use and is proven to be effective for people with early-stage hair loss. Results can be quicker to appear than PRF, but PRF is now known to produce better and longer-lasting results.
Exosome therapy is another similar, even more effective, treatment, which we also offer at BodyTonic Cleveland. The application process is nearly identical to PRF and PRP, and the underlying mechanism (the use of powerful natural growth factors) is similar too. The notable difference is that exosomes are not derived from your own blood – they come from donor-derived stem cells. You can find out more about exosomes for hair loss here.
At BodyTonic, we prioritize non-invasive, natural treatments – especially those that harness your body’s own healing power.
PRP, PRF, and exosomes for hair loss are great examples of these types of treatments, and can make all the difference if you are in the early stages of hair loss or thinning.
Experience the effectiveness of PRF for hair loss in Cleveland
If you’ve started to notice your hair thinning, shedding, or receding, don’t wait for it to get worse before seeking help.
PRF for hair loss is a revolutionary advancement that can stop hair loss or thinning in its tracks. It’s a completely natural treatment, harnessing the power of your body’s own regenerative powers, and can reverse early signs of hair loss, keeping your hair looking thick and healthy.
Book a consultation today and find out more about exactly how PRF works, and what it could do for your hair.