Can Platelet-Rich Plasma Help With Hair Loss?

If you’re noticing more and more hair collecting at the bottom of your shower drain, it may be worth considering platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for hair loss.

People with various types of hair loss, like temporary hair loss (telogen effluvium) or pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), may see results from the emerging cosmetic treatment. PRP therapy works to regrow lost hair with minimal side effects by injecting your own plasma into areas of your scalp.

Dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, shares what we know about the hair restoration process and who may be a good candidate for it.

How does PRP work for hair loss?

Physicians first began using PRP therapy more than a decade ago to speed up the healing process in joints after injury or surgery.

Then, doctors began using PRP in dermatology after researchers found that high concentrations of platelets in plasma help promote hair growth by prolonging the growing phase of the hair cycle.

Additionally, PRP therapy may:

• Help repair blood vessels
• Promote cell growth and wound healing
• Stimulate collagen production

Recent research also bears out the potential of PRP hair treatments.

A 2025 review of 43 randomized controlled trials shows that PRP may increase hair density and reduce hair loss, especially in those with pattern baldness.

Results across the studies did vary, and it’s worth noting that treatment factors — like the concentration of platelets in the injections or number of sessions — could affect potential outcomes.

What’s the process?

During the outpatient PRP treatment, a technician will draw your blood (usually from your arm) and spin it in a centrifuge to separate out the platelets and plasma.

Then, the platelet-rich plasma is injected into your scalp where hair loss has occurred. In most cases, local anesthesia will be used to numb your scalp and reduce any discomfort or pain.

The amount of injections needed can vary from person to person, with some people receiving about 120 injections per session. Some healthcare professionals may use microneedling during a session to help stimulate the area.

You may experience minimal side effects, like:

• Discomfort or pain at the injection sites
• Headaches
• Itching
• Temporary shedding

One treatment can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. Your doctor may have specific instructions on how to prepare for your treatment. These can include not using hair products on the day of your appointment or stopping certain medications or supplements, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a few days prior to your session.

How many sessions do you need?

You’ll typically need monthly PRP injections for the first three months. Then, for up to two years, you can repeat your treatment every three or four months.

Your specific injection schedule depends on factors, like:

• Your genetics
• Your pattern of hair loss
• Your amount of hair loss
• Your age
• Your hormone levels

Dr. Khetarpal says it takes about three months to see an improvement. After that time, she’s seen that most people — both male and female — have regrown 30% to 40% of the hair they’ve lost.

Who is a good candidate for this treatment?

While it’s possible for most people to see results with PRP, the health of your hair follicles might be the most important factor.

PRP therapy works best if your hair loss is recent and if you have mild to moderate thinning. That means your hair follicles may still be functioning and will respond to PRP treatment.

When it comes to longstanding hair loss, it may be more challenging to wake up hair follicles that have been dormant for a long time, warns Dr. Khetarpal.

Are there any risks?

PRP is safe and effective for many people. But you may not be a candidate for PRP therapy if you:

• Have an underlying disorder, like thyroid disease or lupus: You aren’t likely to see results because these conditions will continue to cause hair loss over time.
• Take blood thinners: These medications cause your platelets not to work as effectively, which means the procedure isn’t as effective.

Another major consideration? The cost.

Because PRP treatments are cosmetic, insurance doesn’t cover the procedures, Dr. Khetarpal says. The cost ranges between $500 and $1,000 per injection session.

Bottom line?

PRP is a promising treatment for hair loss. But it’s not for everyone. It may be worth having a conversation with a dermatologist to decide if it’s right for you.

“You may be able to regrow your hair to what it was like five years ago,” says Dr. Khetarpal. “If your hair loss is older or severe, you may see some recovery, but it’s likely not worth your time and money.”