Hair loss affects tens of millions of people across the US every year, both men and women.
But just because it’s common, doesn’t mean it’s not distressing. Losing our hair can be a very upsetting experience, and one that can have a big knock-on effect on our confidence and self-esteem.
The good news is that there are ways of tackling hair loss without having to go through painful, expensive, and lengthy hair transplant surgeries…
PRP for hair loss is a cutting-edge, non-surgical, and minimally invasive procedure that can make a big difference for people experiencing early-stage hair loss.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about PRP injections, and if it might be the right solution for you.
What Is PRP?
PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma, which is derived from a patient’s own blood and can then be used in a range of treatments – for that same patient – to stimulate healing and regeneration.
Our blood is made up of four main parts: plasma (the liquid part), platelets (a type of blood cell that plays an important role in healing and regeneration), and red and white blood cells.
PRP treatments involve drawing a small amount of a patient’s blood (similar to a standard blood test amount), and placing it into a device called a centrifuge. The centrifuge rapidly spins the sample, which separates the heavier blood cells from the platelets, leaving behind a concentrated “platelet-rich plasma”.
Platelets contain powerful growth factors and essential proteins that promote healing and regeneration – so a blood sample with a far higher concentration of platelets has a far more potent healing and regeneration effect than our normal blood.
By injecting this concentrated plasma back into a targeted area, it can therefore help accelerate healing and regeneration significantly, all while using a substance that is 100% natural.
PRP injections are used for a variety of purposes. Platelet-rich-plasma facials (a.k.a. the “vampire facial”) are a popular and highly effective skin rejuvenation treatment; it’s often used to enhance the healing of surgical scars; and it’s also commonly used in sports medicine to accelerate the healing of injured tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
And, as we’ll explain in this blog, it’s also an effective way of treating early-stage hair loss.
How does PRP for hair loss work
PRP for hair loss is a minimally invasive treatment that can effectively increase hair thickness and growth without surgery, and produce a very natural look.
How does it work? The healing, regenerative, and growth factors in PRP improve the health of your scalp and hair follicles by triggering the growth of new blood vessels and bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the follicles. It can also stimulate dormant hair follicles to start growing hair again.
This means that PRP therapy can be highly effective in preventing hair loss, promoting new hair growth, and improving density and thickness of hair regrowth.
Research has shown it to be most effective for people with male or female pattern baldness (officially known as androgenetic alopecia, or AGA) – the most common form of hair loss, and one that affects over 85% of men and 40% of women – but it can also improve symptoms of other types of hair loss, as well as simply improve overall hair health and vitality.
Results from PRP injections into the scalp can include:
- Fuller and healthier-looking hair
- Stronger hair that is more resistant to splitting and breaking
- Noticable regrowth and thickening
- Slowing down of hair loss, thinning, or receding hairline
- Better scalp health
How many sessions of PRP for hair loss do you need?
Most PRP treatments for hair loss involve an initial series of four treatments spaced about four to six weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments once every six months.
Results usually take about two to three months to appear, and continue for around six to twelve months, which is why regular maintenance treatments are recommended.
However, initial treatment plans can vary depending on individual needs and the existing degree of hair loss or thinning, and results can also vary from person to person, which can influence the treatment plan your practitioner recommends as you progress.
Your practitioner will be able to advise you of their recommended schedule and the results you can expect during your initial consultation, as well as advise you of what any potential changes to that schedule might look like.
Are there situations when PRP doesn’t work for hair loss?
While PRP is effective for many individuals, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
PRP works best for those in the early stages of hair thinning or with mild to moderate hair loss. If you have severe hair loss or areas where follicles are completely inactive, PRP might not be as effective.
In these cases, other treatments like hair transplants or medication might be more appropriate. During your consultation, we'll evaluate your specific condition and recommend the best course of action.
Is there any downtime with PRP for hair loss?
One of the biggest benefits of treating hair loss with PRP injections is that there is no downtime.
During the treatment, you’ll receive several injections in your scalp, so you may feel some sensitivity for a few days, and the injection site may be a little red and swollen, but these side effects are typically short-lived and resolve on their own within a few days.
You’ll also need to follow certain instructions for the first few days following your treatment, such as how and when to wash your hair, and the kinds of products and accessories you can use. However, these are simple and easy-to-follow instructions that shouldn’t cause you too much trouble.
Am I a good candidate for PRP for hair loss?
Since it uses your own blood, PRP therapy is a very safe and low-risk treatment that is suited to the vast majority of people.
However, the effectiveness of the treatment will depend on your type and extent of hair loss.
As already mentioned, people with male or female pattern baldness (AGA) that is still in the early stages are likely to see the best results. Those with more advanced hair loss or severe forms of alopecia are less likely to benefit, and other options such as hair transplants may be more suitable.
However, it’s also worth noting that PRP is a great treatment to do in combination with a hair transplant, if this is a route you ultimately go down – both immediately after the transplant (and in the months that follow) to speed up recovery and improve the results of the transplant, but also as part of a maintenance plan to sustain and enhance those results long-term.
Is PRF the same as PRP?
PRF hair restoration treatments are similar to PRP, but slightly different.
PRF stands for “Platelet-Rich-Fibrin”. Fibrin is another protein contained within our blood, which is helpful for cell growth.
PRF and PRP treatments both follow the same process of blood being spun in a centrifuge to separate the different components, but PRF is spun at a slower speed to retain more white blood cells and fibrin. This “fibrin matrix” creates a more cohesive and stable injectable product that can support and release growth factors more gradually, potentially leading to longer-lasting effects and a more gradual improvement.
Both PRF and PRP can be used for hair-loss treatments, as well as other uses such as skin rejuvenation treatments and wound healing. PRF is a newer treatment than PRP so there is currently less research, but it is already starting to become more and more popular due to its extremely promising results.
At BodyTonic Med Spa in Cleveland we offer both PRF and PRP treatments, and can explain the differences between the two, and recommend which treatment is most suitable to you, during your consultation.
Fight hair loss with PRP injections at BodyTonic, Cleveland
Hair loss and hair thinning affects millions of people every year. And although it’s more often associated with men, the reality is that it affects a vast proportion of women as well.
While it’s a completely normal part of the aging process, we understand just how much hair loss and thinning can affect one’s confidence, which is why we are proud to offer two of the most effective non-surgical hair loss treatments available: PRP and PRF injections.
If you live in the Cleveland area and are struggling with hair thinning or hair loss, PRP or PRF therapy at BodyTonic could be just the solution you've been looking for.
Don't let hair loss affect your confidence any longer. Contact us today to book your consultation and take the first step toward enjoying a fuller, healthier head of hair.
