PRP hair treatment
PRP hair treatment injects a concentrate of your own blood platelets into the scalp to support thinning follicles. It does not create new follicles, so it cannot replace an FUE transplant. Clinics usually plan three to four sessions four to six weeks apart, and one session costs a fraction of a transplant.
- Typical course
- 3 to 4 sessions, 4 to 6 weeks apart
- Maintenance
- Often one session every 6 to 12 months
- Cost per session
- A fraction of a transplant session
What PRP can and cannot do
Platelets carry growth factors. The idea behind PRP is that placing a concentrated dose around weakened follicles may help them stay in the growth phase longer and produce thicker hair. Some people see less shedding and some added thickness, others see little change.
PRP cannot bring back follicles that are already gone. Bald areas need grafts. It is best seen as a supporting treatment for thinning hair or for protecting native hair around a transplant.
- May reduce shedding in early thinning
- May improve thickness of existing hairs
- Does not regrow hair in fully bald areas
- Results vary and are not guaranteed
A PRP session
What happens during treatment
A session usually takes under an hour.
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01
Blood draw
A small amount of blood is taken from your arm, similar to a routine test.
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02
Centrifuge
The blood is spun to separate the platelet rich plasma from red cells.
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03
Numbing
The scalp may be cooled or numbed to make injections more comfortable.
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04
Injections
The plasma is injected across the thinning zones with fine needles or a micro needling device.
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05
Back to normal
Most people return to work the same day. Mild soreness or redness usually settles within a day or two.
PRP alongside an FUE transplant
Many FUE hair transplant packages abroad include one PRP session. Here is how it is used.
During surgery
Some clinics apply PRP to the recipient area or use it in the graft holding solution.
After surgery
Sessions in the months after a transplant aim to support healing and protect native hair nearby.
As a package extra
PRP is a common bundle item. It adds value only if you would want it anyway, so do not choose a clinic on PRP alone.
Instead of surgery
For early or diffuse thinning, including many cases of female hair loss, PRP may be tried before any transplant is considered.
PRP compared with other options
A quick view of where PRP sits among common treatments. A doctor helps you choose what fits your cause of loss.
| Option | What it does | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| PRP | Supports existing follicles | Early thinning, maintenance after surgery |
| Medication | Slows or reduces further loss | Pattern hair loss, prescribed by a doctor |
| FUE transplant | Moves follicles to bald or thin zones | Stable loss with a good donor area |
| Combination | Grafts for bald zones, PRP or medication for native hair | Many patients with ongoing loss |
What drives the price of PRP
Prices vary widely between clinics and countries. These are the reasons.
- Number of sessions in the course
- Preparation system and how the plasma is concentrated
- Who performs the injections, a doctor or a nurse
- Added treatments such as micro needling
- Country and city of the clinic
Free for patients
Not sure whether you need PRP or grafts
Mark your thinning zones to see whether a transplant range applies, then ask clinics for written advice. Transplant prices are on the hair transplant cost page.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Does PRP hair treatment work?
Some people see less shedding and thicker hair after a course, others see little change. It works on existing follicles only. A doctor can tell you whether your type of loss is likely to respond.
How many PRP sessions do I need?
Clinics usually plan three to four sessions spaced four to six weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions every six to twelve months if you see a benefit. Your clinic adjusts the plan to your response.
How much does PRP cost?
A single session typically costs a fraction of a transplant. The total depends on the number of sessions, the preparation system and the country. Ask for the full course price in writing.
Is PRP painful?
Most people feel the injections as stinging or pressure. Cooling or local anaesthetic makes it more comfortable. Mild soreness can last a day or two. Most people go back to normal activities the same day.
Should I have PRP after a hair transplant?
Some surgeons recommend it to support healing and native hair, others do not. It is optional. Ask your surgeon whether it adds value in your case before paying for it.