Hair PRP Treatment

What Is Hair PRP Treatment?

Hair PRP treatment is a regenerative medicine procedure applied by injecting platelet-rich plasma obtained from the person’s own blood into the scalp and hair follicles to stop hair loss, strengthen existing hair, and stimulate new hair growth. PRP is an abbreviation of “Platelet Rich Plasma.” As its name suggests, the fundamental strength of this treatment is based on utilizing the individual’s own biological material; this characteristic makes hair PRP treatment both an extremely safe and an extremely natural treatment option.

The scientific basis of hair PRP treatment is based on the growth factors contained within platelets. Platelets are not merely cells that play a role in blood clotting; they are also biological coordinators that carry powerful growth factors such as PDGF, VEGF, EGF, and IGF-1 and directly manage tissue repair. When these growth factors reach the hair follicles, they stimulate the formation of blood vessels around the follicle, encourage the proliferation of follicle cells, and extend the anagen phase, which is the active growth phase of the hair growth cycle. All of these mechanisms working together deeply revitalize hair follicles and initiate new hair growth.

The adaptation of the PRP technique, which has been successfully used in sports medicine, orthopedics, and wound healing for decades, to the treatment of hair loss is relatively more recent; however, the clinical evidence accumulating in this area is growing stronger with each passing year. Today, in the fields of dermatology, hair transplant surgery, and medical aesthetics, hair PRP treatment is recognized as one of the most reliable and most biocompatible non-surgical treatment options against hair loss. Since it is autologous (obtained from the person’s own blood), the risk of allergic reaction and rejection is practically zero, and this treatment can be safely applied to a wide patient population.

How Does Hair PRP Treatment Work?

Understanding the mechanism of action of hair PRP treatment is of great importance for correctly shaping expectations from this treatment. Although the biological infrastructure of the treatment is quite complex, the fundamental functioning can be explained through several main mechanisms.

The hair growth cycle consists of three fundamental phases: anagen (active growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting and shedding). In individuals experiencing hair loss, follicles remain in the telogen phase for increasingly longer periods and the anagen phase begins to shorten; this leads to the follicle eventually becoming completely non-functional. The growth factors injected into the scalp with hair PRP treatment reorganize this cycle by extending the anagen phase and preventing the early transition of follicles to the telogen phase. In addition, it increases vascularization in the scalp, providing follicles with better access to oxygen and nutrients; it activates stem cells around the follicle, supporting new follicle formation, and stimulates the protein synthesis necessary for hair strand production. When all these mechanisms work together, both the preservation of existing hair and the initiation of new hair growth are achieved.

Who Is Hair PRP Treatment Applied To?

Hair PRP treatment addresses a wide patient population with different types and severity levels of hair loss. However, not every hair loss case responds equally to this treatment; correct patient selection is one of the most critical elements that determines the success of the treatment.

Individuals who will benefit most from this treatment generally share the following characteristics: patients in the early and middle stages of androgenetic alopecia (hereditary hair loss of the male or female type) constitute the group that responds best to hair PRP treatment. Treatment applied while follicles have not yet completely miniaturized and lost their function produces the strongest results. In cases of telogen effluvium triggered by causes such as stress, illness, hormonal changes, or nutritional deficiency, hair PRP treatment also offers an effective approach for rapidly stopping hair loss. Hair PRP treatment also has a critical complementary role for individuals who have had or are planning to have a hair transplant; it strengthens the scalp before the transplant and positively affects the adherence rate of transplanted grafts and the healing process after the transplant.

However, in the following situations, hair PRP treatment should not be applied or must be submitted to physician evaluation:

• Individuals undergoing active cancer treatment or those with a hematological disease
• Patients with platelet dysfunction or active bleeding disorder
• Those with active scalp infection or inflammation
• Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals
• Those using blood-thinning medication

How Is Hair PRP Treatment Applied?

Each stage of the hair PRP treatment application is carried out within a meticulous protocol. A standard application process consists of three fundamental stages.

In the blood collection stage, approximately 10 to 60 milliliters of blood sample is taken from the arm. The amount of blood collected varies depending on the area to be treated and the protocol. In the centrifuge stage, the collected blood is placed in a specialized centrifuge device and spun at high speed. This process separates the components of the blood into layers according to their density; red blood cells form at the bottom, platelet-rich plasma in the middle, and a platelet-poor plasma layer at the top. In some protocols, platelet concentration is further increased with a second centrifuge process. In the injection stage, the obtained platelet-rich plasma is injected at equal intervals into the scalp area using fine-tipped needles after the application of a topical anesthetic cream or block anesthesia. The micro-needling method with a dermapen device is also a frequently used alternative technique for delivering PRP to the scalp. The entire application process is completed in an average of 45 to 60 minutes.

Hair PRP Treatment Session Count and Protocol

In hair PRP treatment, the treatment protocol and number of sessions are determined individually according to the type and severity of hair loss and the individual’s response to treatment. Nevertheless, generally accepted standard protocols provide a framework.

In the initial protocol, generally 3 to 4 sessions are applied at monthly intervals. This initial period is the stage during which follicles are exposed to an intensive bombardment of growth factors and the fastest progress is observed. In the continuation protocol, the results obtained are preserved and strengthened with maintenance sessions applied at intervals of 3 to 6 months. Some clinics apply more intensive initial protocols; 4 sessions are planned in the first month either once a week or once every two weeks, followed by a transition to monthly maintenance sessions. For the best results to be achieved in hair PRP treatment, continuing the treatment with patience and not deviating from the established protocol are of great importance.

When Does Hair PRP Treatment Show Results?

Although the timeline for results to appear in hair PRP treatment varies from person to person, it is possible to draw a general timeline. In this treatment, patience and realistic expectations are the primary determinants of satisfaction with the results.

Within the first 2 to 4 weeks after the first session, a sense of revitalization and itching may be experienced in the scalp; this is a sign that follicles have begun to be activated. In some patients during this period, a temporary increase in shedding may be observed; this is a completely normal process and is part of the restructuring of follicles. Within 2 to 3 months, a noticeable reduction begins in the rate of hair loss and an increase in the thickness of existing hair strands is noticed. Within 4 to 6 months, new hair growth becomes visibly more prominent; hair density increases and overall hair quality improves significantly. The full and most noticeable results generally manifest at the end of 6 to 12 months of regular treatment. It should be kept in mind that these timeframes can vary from individual to individual, as the response to treatment can differ significantly depending on age, the severity of shedding, and the current condition of the follicles.

The Difference Between Hair PRP Treatment and Hair Mesotherapy

Hair PRP treatment and hair mesotherapy are the two most frequently preferred non-surgical methods in the fight against hair loss, and correctly understanding the differences between them is of critical importance for selecting the right treatment.

In hair PRP treatment, an autologous material obtained from the person’s own blood is used; no external chemical or artificial substance is added. This characteristic reduces the risk of allergic reaction to practically zero, making the treatment extremely biocompatible. In hair mesotherapy, a specially prepared cocktail of vitamins, minerals, and growth factors from external sources is used; although the content can be customized for the individual, an external substance is involved. In terms of mechanism of action, hair PRP treatment works by activating the body’s own healing processes, while hair mesotherapy supports follicles by providing direct nutritional supplementation. Applying these two treatments in combination activates both mechanisms simultaneously, producing far more powerful and comprehensive results than either method applied alone. For this reason, many experts recommend combined protocols that plan both treatments together.

Combination of Hair PRP Treatment and Hair Transplant

Since hair PRP treatment is an extremely compatible and complementary application with hair transplant procedures, the combination of these two methods is increasingly becoming a standard protocol.

Hair PRP treatment applied before hair transplant strengthens the scalp and existing follicles, creating a healthier transplant environment. It increases vascularization in the scalp, preparing the tissue where the grafts to be transplanted will be placed. Keeping the grafts obtained during hair transplant in PRP solution also provides an important contribution in terms of preserving the viability of the transplanted follicles and increasing the adherence rate. Hair PRP treatment applied after hair transplant increases the adherence rate of the transplanted follicles, accelerates the healing process, and encourages early hair growth. The standard protocol for patients who have undergone hair transplant generally covers a hair PRP treatment application that begins 1 month after the transplant and continues for 3 to 4 sessions.

Points to Consider After Hair PRP Treatment

Complying with several important rules after hair PRP treatment maximizes the effectiveness of the treatment and prevents possible side effects.

Immediately after the procedure, touching, rubbing, and applying pressure to the scalp should be avoided. For the first 24 hours, hair should not be washed; shampoo, hair spray, and similar products should not be used. Intense exercise, sauna, Turkish bath, and swimming pools should be postponed for the first 48 hours. Alcohol consumption should be stopped for at least 24 hours before and after the procedure; alcohol can negatively affect platelet function and reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Avoiding prolonged and direct sun exposure and using protective coverings such as a hat when necessary are among the recommended steps during this period. Since smoking can impair blood circulation and negatively affect the delivery of growth factors to follicles, reducing or completely stopping smoking during the treatment period is of great importance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hair PRP Treatment

1- Is hair PRP treatment a painful procedure?

Before hair PRP treatment, a topical anesthetic cream or regional anesthesia is applied to largely minimize the sensation of discomfort. A mild pressure and needle-prick sensation may be experienced during the injections; however, this generally remains at a tolerable level. After the procedure, a mild tension or sensitivity sensation lasting a few hours may be experienced; this is normal and passes on its own within a short time.

2- What side effects can hair PRP treatment cause?

Since hair PRP treatment uses an autologous material, the risk of allergic reaction is extremely low. The most frequently observed side effects are temporary redness at the injection points, mild swelling, and rarely small bruises. These symptoms generally resolve on their own within 24 to 48 hours. In very rare cases, infection may develop; being applied under sterile conditions and by an experienced physician is of great importance for minimizing this risk.

3- How many sessions does hair PRP treatment take to show results?

In hair PRP treatment, the first noticeable results generally begin to be noticed after 2 to 3 sessions have been completed. The full and most satisfying results emerge after an initial protocol of 4 to 6 sessions. Since the response to treatment varies from person to person, these timeframes can change individually.

4- Is hair PRP treatment permanent?

Hair PRP treatment is not a treatment that completely and permanently stops hair loss; particularly in genetically based hair loss, since the underlying mechanism continues, maintenance sessions must be regularly sustained. However, regularly applied hair PRP treatment offers a powerful protective effect that preserves follicle health and slows down hair loss over the long term.

5- Is hair PRP treatment effective for every type of hair loss?

Hair PRP treatment yields its strongest results in the early and middle stages of androgenetic alopecia. Treatment applied while follicles have not yet completely miniaturized and lost their function produces far more noticeable results. In advanced hair loss where the majority of follicles have been permanently damaged, the effect of hair PRP treatment may be limited; in such cases, hair transplant may be considered a more appropriate solution.