PRP Hair Loss Treatment: How Platelet-Rich Plasma and PRF Stimulate Hair Regrowth

By Dr. Debra Durst, MD – Founder, RevitalyzeMD

PRP hair loss treatment refers to the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP)—a concentration of growth factor-rich platelets derived from a patient’s own blood—to stimulate hair follicle activity, improve scalp health, and promote natural hair regrowth.

PRP hair loss treatments use your own platelet-rich plasma to reactivate dormant hair follicles, enhance scalp circulation, and support tissue regeneration. Backed by clinical studies, PRP and its advanced cousin PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) are effective for androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and general hair thinning. Results vary, protocols differ, and multiple sessions are needed—but many patients see noticeable improvements in hair thickness and regrowth with consistent care.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a regenerative therapy derived from your own blood. After spinning the blood in a centrifuge, providers isolate plasma rich in growth factors and inject it into thinning areas of the scalp. These growth factors act as cellular messengers, stimulating follicles, promoting healing, and encouraging new hair growth.

PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) is the next evolution, containing higher concentrations of healing factors and stem cells, offering deeper, sustained regenerative effects.

1. Growth Factor Activation
   PRP is packed with potent growth factors, including:

• PDGF (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor)
• VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor)
• TGF (Transforming Growth Factor)
  

These molecules stimulate follicle stem cells, improve circulation, and kickstart hair production.

2. Cellular Proliferation
   PRP enhances keratinocyte and follicle bulge cell activity, increasing active follicles. Ki67+ cell counts—a marker of cellular proliferation—rise following treatment.
3. Improved Scalp Circulation
   PRP promotes angiogenesis, delivering nutrients to follicles and prolonging the hair growth (anagen) phase.
4. Immune Modulation
   For autoimmune hair loss like alopecia areata, PRP reduces inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-17) and boosts anti-inflammatory markers (IL-10, FoxP3), restoring immune balance.
5. Tissue Regeneration
   PRP thickens epidermal and dermal layers, creating a healthier environment for hair follicles to thrive.

📚 Reference studies: Gentile et al., 2015 & 2017; Paichitrojjana, 2022; Gupta et al., 2020; Cyran et al., 2024

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is made without anticoagulants, allowing slow release of growth factors and inclusion of stem cells for deeper regeneration.

Key Research Highlights:

• Injectable PRF (i-PRF) shows success in advanced alopecia (Arora & Shukla, 2019)
  
• PRF with mesenchymal stem cells enhances follicle regeneration (Gentile et al., 2019)
  

PRGF improves hair density and structure (Anitua et al., 2017)

✅ Uses your own blood—natural and low risk
✅ Stimulates follicles and improves scalp health
✅ Reduces inflammation associated with hair loss
✅ Supports androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata
✅ Complements other treatments like microneedling, Nutrafol, or minoxidil

• Results vary based on age, genetics, and hair loss type

• Multiple sessions required—typically spaced 4–6 weeks apart

• Protocols not standardized—dosage and frequency differ between providers

Results take time—visible improvements often appear after 3–6 months

• Men and women with early to moderate androgenetic alopecia

• Individuals with alopecia areata

• Those seeking natural alternatives or adjuncts to other therapies

• Patients aiming to enhance microneedling, Nutrafol, or low-level laser therapy (LLLT) results
  

Explore PRP and other regenerative hair therapies.

YouTube Video Link: https://youtu.be/Z7Do7O7y5sU?si=WtwKTjOIivv_8ueX