PRP therapy is a treatment for hair loss that may help promote and maintain hair growth. That said, PRP therapy is expensive and may not be safe for everyone.

PRP, also known as platelet-rich plasma therapy, is a medical treatment that could help boost healing, regeneration, and growth. It’s often used to treat injured tendons, ligaments, and muscles.

PRP therapy is a three-step process. It works by drawing blood, processing it, then injecting it into the affected area.

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PRP therapy process

PRP therapy injects platelet-rich plasma cells into the affected area of your scalp.

Plasma is the liquid part of your blood. Your blood is also made up of platelets, white cells, and red blood cells.

Platelets play a role in the clotting of your blood, but they also contain cytokines and proteins that promote growth, healing, and rejuvenation.

Step 1
Between 10 to 60 milliliters (mL) of your blood is drawn, typically from your arm, and put into a centrifuge. This is a machine that spins rapidly to separate fluids of different densities.

Step 2
After about 10 minutes in the centrifuge, your blood will have separated into three layers:

  • platelet-poor plasma
  • platelet-rich plasma
  • red blood cells

Step 3
The platelet-rich plasma is drawn up into a syringe and then injected into areas of the scalp that need increased hair growth.

According to a 2022 review, there isn’t a consensus on the frequency and duration of PRP therapy for hair loss. For example, the studies in the review found benefits for hair growth with PRP treatment ranging from 4 injections every 15 days for 3 months to 3 monthly injections for 6 months.

The authors concluded that the most important part of PRP is the number of platelets. According to a 2021 study, higher platelet concentrations in PRP have a more pronounced effect on hair density, hair follicle diameter, and terminal hair density.

PRP for hair loss side effects

There’s no risk of contracting a communicable disease with PRP therapy because it involves injecting your own blood into your scalp.

Research from 2022 also suggests limited side effects, though you may experience:

  • some pain during treatment
  • headache
  • itching
  • swelling
  • temporary discoloration

Every individual reacts differently to injection therapies. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional about the potential side effects of PRP therapy.