Hair PRP: Level of Evidence and Who Should Consider It?

What is PRP?

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. The patient's own blood is drawn, centrifuged to separate the platelet-rich plasma fraction, and then injected into the scalp. The aim is to support the function of existing hair follicles through growth factors and biological mediators. PRP does not create new hair follicles.

What is the level of evidence?

Systematic reviews/meta-analyses from 2024 and 2025 show a positive signal towards increased hair density in androgenetic alopecia. However, studies exhibit high heterogeneity in terms of PRP preparation method, platelet density, leukocyte content, centrifugation protocol, injection technique, number of sessions, and follow-up period.

Does PRP really grow hair?

In suitable patients with androgenetic alopecia, an increase in hair density and, in some studies, hair thickness may be observed. However, the formation of new follicles is not expected in an area that is completely bald and has had long-term follicle loss.

In whom might this be more logical?

It may be considered in selected patients with early or mid-stage androgenetic alopecia who have not completely lost their follicles, are still undergoing miniaturization, and require additional support to medical treatment.

Is PRP more effective than minoxidil?

A 2026 meta-analysis showed no significant superiority between PRP and topical minoxidil in terms of hair density and terminal hair count. Therefore, it cannot be said that PRP is generally more potent than minoxidil.

Can PRP be used as a substitute for minoxidil, finasteride, or dutasteride?

Not always. PRP provides support through a different biological mechanism. It does not automatically replace medical treatment in androgenetic alopecia; it can be an additional treatment in suitable patients.

How many sessions are needed?

There is no universal standard. Studies have often used a few sessions initially, once a month. Some expert consensus recommends 3–5 initial sessions; there is no robust standard data on maintenance frequency.

Can PRP be used in telogen effluvium?

Evidence is far more limited compared to androgenetic alopecia. In acute telogen effluvium, the priority is identifying and correcting the trigger.

Is it used for alopecia areata?

Studies exist; however, PRP does not replace the basic immunological treatment of alopecia areata.

Is it used in scarring alopecia?

Data is limited. Stopping active inflammation and protecting remaining follicles is a priority. New hair growth is not expected from permanently scarred follicles with PRP.

Is PRP safe?

The most common side effects are pain, tenderness, redness, temporary swelling, and bruising. Because it is prepared from the patient's own blood, the risk of allergy is low; however, sterile preparation and injection technique are important.

Viewing PRP solely as a 'hair regrowth treatment' is misleading. Its most significant application is in selected patients with androgenetic alopecia where follicles are still viable; the preparation protocol and accompanying medical treatments can influence the outcome.

Dermatologist's Perspective