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Hair loss affects us in one way or another—sometimes it’s gradual, and other times it’s sudden. Regardless of how it happens, watching your hair recede is frustrating and may even affect your confidence. That’s why we now offer hair restoration treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. On top of that, it’s a non-surgical natural approach using your body’s own growth factors to stimulate hair regrowth. It’s a promising option that doesn’t necessitate too much commitment like surgery would.
If you are interested in taking PRP for hair restoration results a step further, the treatment can also be paired with microneedling or laser therapy to further support hair health and thickness. If you are curious about how this treatment works, here’s what science says about its effectiveness and who can benefit most from it.
What is PRP Therapy for Hair Loss?
PRP hair restoration can be a handful to say, but it’s actually quite a straightforward experience. It starts with a simple blood draw—just like the kind you’d get at a routine checkup. The extracted blood is then placed in a centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich plasma from the rest of the blood, which are the growth factors we want. The isolated growth factors get injected into areas of the scalp where hair is thinning or receding.
The idea? The growth factors are the substance we need to kickstart your body’s innate repair process in hair follicles, boosting blood flow and encouraging them to produce thicker, healthier hair. But how does the science work?
Growth factors like platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are critical participants. They stimulate cell activity and promote better blood circulation, ensuring hair follicles get the nutrients and oxygen they need to thrive. Growth factors already exist in the scalp, but they lack the necessary concentration to stop hair loss or grow your hair back—PRP supplements the need for it.
How Does the PRP Procedure Work?
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during a PRP procedure:
- Blood Collection: First, a small amount of your blood is drawn—literally like a blood test, nothing too intimidating.
- Centrifuge Time: The blood is then placed in a centrifuge and spun at high speed. This isolates the platelets and plasma from the rest of the blood components.
- Injection Time: The PRP is injected directly into the scalp, targeting areas that need a boost. A numbing agent may be used to keep discomfort levels at a minimum.
It only typically takes an hour or so from start to finish, and you can be back to your daily routine soon after. It’s an outpatient procedure with no need for recovery downtime.
How Effective Is PRP Therapy?
Unlike the procedure, the answer isn’t always quite straightforward—the results can vary a lot. For some, PRP offers noticeable results, especially after the third or fourth session. Hair becomes denser, and areas that are thinning may show new growth. The treatment works best for those in their earlier stages of hair loss, where follicles are still active.
PRP works with existing hair follicles and roots, and if they’re inactive or absent, the treatment efficacy lessens. Your provider will set realistic expectations. PRP cannot give you a full head of hair overnight, nor is it a permanent solution. Maintenance sessions are recommended every few months to help keep the momentum going. If you’re consistent about follow-up treatments, you’ll likely see sustained benefits.
Enhancing PRP with Microneedling and Laser Therapy
PRP hair restoration can do wonders on its own, but if you want to take the results a step further, you may want to consider microneedling and laser therapy add-ons.
Microneedling creates tiny, controlled injuries to the scalp with a device fitted with fine needles. It might sound counterproductive to create micro-injuries in your scalp. Still, this is the kickstart we need to stimulate your scalp’s natural repair process, increasing blood flow and collagen production. When paired with PRP, microneedling opens up channels for the plasma to penetrate deeper, making the treatment more effective.
Laser Therapy isn’t the typical laser treatment you’d imagine from other aesthetic procedures. It uses low-level light to stimulate cellular activity within hair follicles. The light helps boost the metabolism of hair cells, nurturing them to stay in the growth phase longer. Combined with PRP, laser therapy can improve overall results, giving your follicles multiple avenues of support.
What Are the Benefits and Limitations of PRP?
Benefits:
- Non-Surgical and Natural: PRP uses your own blood, so it’s about as natural as it gets. There’s no synthetic material involved, which means there are almost no risks.
- Minimal Downtime: You can get back to your day shortly after treatment.
- Boosts Hair Quality: Beyond regrowth, PRP often improves the quality of your existing hair, making it thicker and stronger.
Limitations:
- Multiple Sessions Needed: One session won’t cut it. If you want tangible results, you’ll need to commit to multiple treatments spaced a few weeks apart, plus regular maintenance.
- Variable Results: PRP doesn’t work the same for everyone. Different factors, such as genetics and your hair’s condition, can affect results.
How to Prepare for Your PRP Treatment
Proper preparation optimizes and ensures that you get the most out of your PRP treatment. Here’s what you can do:
1.) Avoid Blood Thinners
Around a week before your appointment, we recommend that you temporarily avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements, such as aspirin, anti-inflammatories, and vitamin E. Always consult with your doctor before stopping any medications.
2.) Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water days before your appointment to optimize high-quality plasma extraction.
3.) Limit Alcohol and Caffeine
Cut back on alcohol and caffeine for a day or two before your session to avoid dehydration and support optimal plasma extraction.
4.) Keep Your Scalp Clean
Wash your hair the night before or the morning of your appointment, avoiding hair products like gels or sprays. This is to prevent any possible irritation during the procedure.
5.) Avoid Smoking
If possible, reduce or quit smoking a few days before your treatment. Smoking lessens circulation and oxygenation, interfering with PRP’s effectiveness.
6.) Get Enough Rest
A full night’s sleep supports your body’s natural healing abilities, priming you for a better treatment response.
7.) Discuss Medical Conditions
Be open to your provider about any health conditions, especially those affecting the blood or the immune system, so they can tailor your treatment plan if needed.
8.) Avoid Recent Hair Treatments
Skip hair coloring or chemical treatments a few days before your PRP session to prevent scalp irritation.
9.) Set Realistic Expectations
Confer with your provider about what to expect. While PRP is promising, results vary. Knowing what’s doable sets the tone for a realistic experience.
PRP Maintenance: What to Expect Long-Term
Long-term success depends on maintenance sessions and consistent care. Tangible results occur within the first few treatments, but follow-up are necessary if you want sustained effects. We recommend scheduling every 3 to 6 months, depending on personal hair growth patterns and the extent of hair loss.
Each maintenance session helps reinforce the initial benefits by reintroducing growth factors that sustain hair follicle health and prolong the anagen (growth) phase. The ongoing stimulation keeps hair looking thicker and fuller over time. Keep in mind that PRP is not a permanent fix—without maintenance, it’s possible that existing hair will gradually return to its pre-treatment condition.
Extend long-term results by combining the effects of PRP maintenance with a hair-friendly lifestyle, such as a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and proper scalp care. If you can, avoid stress and use gentle hair care products for healthier hair. Regular sessions coupled with lifestyle choices will maximize PRP’s impact on your comprehensive hair restoration plan.
Who Is a Good Candidate for PRP Hair Restoration?
PRP works effectively for those in their early stages of hair loss or thinning hair. It’s effective for both men and women dealing with androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness). As long as you are in good health, have no significant scalp issues, and have active follicles, give PRP a try—the earlier, the better.
However, if you are experiencing advanced hair loss, scarring alopecia, or dormant follicles, you might not experience the ideal results. Consulting with our providers can help assess whether PRP or a combination of therapies, is right for you.
Takeaway
PRP therapy is a proven, promising, and practical solution for those who want hair restoration without committing to surgical alternatives. By stimulating hair regrowth using the body’s natural growth factors, PRP hair restoration offers an answer if you want to combat hair loss and enhance hair’s natural thickness. Results can vary based on personal factors, and consistent maintenance and complementary treatments can amplify the benefits, making them useful options for your long-term hair care strategy.
If you are considering PRP hair restoration, you need to find a trusted provider who can tailor the treatment to your unique needs. At Iconique Medical Aesthetic in Costa Mesa, CA, our team specializes in advanced hair restoration techniques, including PRP therapy, microneedling, and laser treatments, to deliver results that leave you confident and revitalized. Take the first step toward fuller, healthier hair by booking a consultation with our experienced team today. Contact or book an appointment to let us help you reclaim not just your hair but also your confidence.
