All genders experience hair thinning and loss on a regular basis. 30 million women and 50 million men have lost some or all of their hair. Particularly after the age of 50 or as a result of stress, it is widespread.
And there are what seems like hundreds of various hair loss treatments, all of which have variable degrees of efficacy and dependability. But some have a far stronger scientific foundation than others.
Platelet-rich plasma is one of these treatments (PRP). A material called PRP, which is extracted from your blood and injected into your scalp, is said to be able to aid in the healing of bodily tissues, including the follicles from which your hair grows. PRP is created by separating the substance from your blood using only a centrifuge-like device, which can also boost the concentration of particular proteins that aid in healing. Due to this, PRP may be used by itself to treat osteoarthritis and tendon injuries.
Additionally, studies indicate that PRP injections may be used to treat androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness). Let’s discuss the specific findings of the research regarding the success rate of PRP treatment for hair loss, the potential side effects of PRP, and the expected outcomes.
Can PRP Treat Hair Loss?
The simple answer is that there isn’t enough scientific evidence to say for sure whether PRP can help you develop new hair or keep the hair you already have. Here is a summary of some encouraging findings from studies on PRP and hair loss:
Injecting 2 to 3 cubic centimeters of PRP into the scalp once every two weeks for three months increased the average number of follicles from 71 to 93 units, according to a 2014 study of 11 patients with androgenic alopecia. Although the sample size of this study precludes drawing any firm conclusions, it does suggest that PRP may be able to enhance the amount of hair follicles which can actively sustain healthy hair.
Let’s discuss the specific findings of the research regarding the success rate of PRP treatment for hair loss, the potential side effects of PRP, and the expected outcomes.
In a 2015 study, improvements were seen in the amount of hairs, the thickness of such hairs, and the strength of the hair roots in 10 participants who received PRP injections every two to three weeks for three months. The results of past PRP and hair loss research are further supported by the outcomes of this study. Yet a sample size of 10 participants is still insufficient to draw firm conclusions.
In a 2019 study, two groups of participants who used various hair treatments for six months were compared. As opposed to PRP injections, one group of 20 people took minoxidil (Rogaine). After 30 participants completed the trial, the findings demonstrated that PRP significantly outperformed Rogaine in treating hair loss. But the study also discovered that the effectiveness of your own plasma in treating hair loss can be influenced by your platelet count. If your blood platelet count is lower, PRP could not work as well for you.
There isn’t much study on PRP for hair growth other than for the treatment of male pattern baldness, and what there isn’t is completely clear.
Why then the fuss? PRP is thought to contain proteins that perform a number of key roles that aid in hair growth, including:
- Facilitating blood clotting promoting cell development
- Additionally, some encouraging data indicates that PRP might be effective for treating other types of hair loss.
Is PRP Hair Treatment a Long-Lasting Fix?
Initial results from the first round of treatments are visible after a few sessions.
In order to sustain fresh hair growth when the results start to show, you’ll still require touch-ups at least once a year.
PRP for Hair Loss: Pros and Cons
The PRP technique offers benefits and drawbacks, just like any other operation. The fact that the blood concentrate is generated entirely from the patient’s own blood is a significant benefit. As a result, there is less chance of intolerance or allergic reactions.
Additionally, the blood flow to the scalp is enhanced, and the hair root and overall hair development are considerably boosted. Overall, PRP therapy is a relatively gentle approach of treating hair loss that has a high likelihood of effectiveness and little adverse effects.
The PRP therapy has some drawbacks, but compared to other therapies these are rare and relatively small. This is true of all hair loss treatments. PRP for hair loss: Pros and Cons
The PRP technique offers benefits and drawbacks, just like any other operation. The fact that the blood concentrate is generated entirely from the patient’s own blood is a significant benefit. As a result, there is less chance of intolerance or allergic reactions.
Additionally, the blood flow to the scalp is enhanced, and the hair root and overall hair development are considerably boosted. Overall, PRP therapy is a relatively gentle approach of treating hair loss that has a high likelihood of effectiveness and little adverse effects.
The PRP therapy has some drawbacks, but compared to other therapies these are rare and relatively small. This is true of all hair loss treatments.
PRP injections and the procedure itself have some potential negative effects, including:
- Adverse effects from the anesthesia used during the operation, such as muscle aches, disorientation, or problems with bladder control
- Blood vessel injury on the scalp
- Nerve injury
- Infection at the injection site
- Calcification or scar tissue
The Bottom Line
The studies supporting PRP for hair loss are promising. However, a lot of the research has been done on tiny study groups with no more than 40 participants. It is difficult to predict whether these outcomes will be effective for everyone. Additionally, it’s possible that the platelet concentrations in your own blood are insufficient for PRP injection therapy to totally restore your hair.
To determine if you are a candidate for PRP injection therapy, talk to your doctor about having your blood platelet levels checked and about having your hair health evaluated.
