PRP for Hair Loss: What It Is, Who It Works For, and What to Expect
PRP — Platelet-Rich Plasma — has moved from niche sports medicine into mainstream clinical practice across dermatology, orthopaedics and ENT over the past decade. When it comes to hair loss specifically, PRP has accumulated a growing body of evidence supporting its role as an effective, natural, non-surgical treatment option. But understanding what it can and cannot do — and who is the right candidate — is essential before committing to treatment.
What Is PRP and How Is It Prepared?
Platelet-Rich Plasma is derived from the patient’s own blood. A small volume of blood (typically 20–30 ml) is drawn and centrifuged to separate its components. The platelet-rich layer is extracted and concentrated — producing a plasma with a platelet concentration 4–8 times higher than normal blood. These platelets contain growth factors including PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF and IGF-1 that, when injected into the scalp, stimulate hair follicle activity, prolong the growth phase (anagen), and improve blood supply to follicles.
Who Benefits From PRP for Hair Loss?
PRP produces the best results in:
- Androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern hair loss) — particularly in early to moderate stages (Norwood I–III in men; Ludwig I–II in women) where follicles are miniaturised but still present. PRP cannot regenerate follicles that have been completely lost for years.
- Alopecia areata — patchy hair loss from autoimmune causes; PRP has shown good response rates in active, early patches.
- Telogen effluvium — diffuse hair shedding following stress, illness, nutritional deficiency or hormonal change; PRP accelerates recovery.
PRP is less effective in advanced pattern baldness with complete follicle loss, cicatricial (scarring) alopecia, and total alopecia universalis.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
The scalp is cleaned and optionally anaesthetised with topical anaesthetic cream or local infiltration. PRP is injected at 1–1.5 cm intervals across the affected areas using a fine-gauge needle. The entire procedure takes approximately 45–60 minutes. There is minimal downtime — most patients return to normal activity the same day, with mild scalp tenderness for 24–48 hours.
A standard course is 3–4 sessions at monthly intervals, followed by maintenance sessions every 4–6 months. Results are gradual — visible improvement in hair density, thickness and reduced shedding typically becomes apparent after the second or third session, with peak results at 6–12 months.
What the Evidence Shows
Multiple randomised controlled trials have demonstrated that PRP significantly increases hair count, hair thickness and overall hair density compared to placebo injections in androgenetic alopecia. It is not a cure — androgenetic alopecia is a genetically driven, progressive condition — but PRP slows progression, improves density in thinning areas and significantly reduces shedding. Combined with minoxidil or finasteride (where appropriate), results are enhanced further.
Why an ENT Surgeon for PRP?
PRP for hair loss sits at the intersection of several specialties. ENT surgeons have detailed anatomical knowledge of the scalp and head and neck region, training in procedural medicine, and a clinical approach that includes ruling out systemic causes of hair loss — thyroid dysfunction, nutritional deficiency, hormonal imbalance — before proceeding with local treatment. Hair loss should always be evaluated medically before cosmetic treatment is initiated.
Is PRP Safe?
Because PRP uses the patient’s own blood, the risk of allergic reaction or rejection is essentially zero. Risks are limited to those of any minor injection procedure — mild bruising, temporary swelling or discomfort at injection sites. PRP should be performed in a proper clinical setting with sterile technique by a trained practitioner.
Dr Pranshu Mehta is an ENT Surgeon at Rog Nidan ENT & Dental Clinic, C-2/275 Janakpuri, New Delhi. For PRP hair loss consultation: WhatsApp +91 98186 35660. Watch: @TheENTSurgeons on YouTube.