If you’re considering Platelet Rich Plasma [PRP] therapy for hair loss, you probably have tried home remedies and prescription drugs and are now looking for something beyond that. Here’s what you need to know about this latest therapy for hair loss.
What is PRP for hair loss
PRP [Platelet-rich plasma therapy] hair restoration is a non surgical treatment used to stimulate the growth of hair follicles, this treatment maximizes the platelet – rich plasma (PRP) component of your blood to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. During this treatment, a small vial of blood is drawn from your body and processed through a unique centrifuge to isolate the platelet rich plasma. The plasma is reinjected into the thinning or balding area of scalp to stimulate blood flow. This also causes an influx of key growth factors to that area, essential for optimal hair growth.
Platelets are those cells that help to form a blood clot and stop bleeding when you injure yourself. Platelets are also rich in growth factor and hence can help hair growth. PRP therapy has been used for healing of various injuries such as muscles, skin tissue and tendons. It is now turning out to be a promising treatment in the area of hair loss.
How is PRP for hair loss done:
PRP is a 3 step procedure that involves:
- Extraction of blood from the patient
- Separating the fluids in the blood
The vial with the withdrawn blood is then placed in a high speed centrifuge machine. This separates different components that make up your blood (red cells, platelet rich plasma and platelet poor plasma). The plasma (that contains growth factors) is then extracted in a syringe - Injecting the platelets into the affected areas of the scalp
The plasma is then injected into the scalp using smaller syringes (similar to those used for Botox or insulin injection). Your doctor will numb the area by injecting local anesthetic in the forehead or by applying a numbing cream on your scalp. The scalp area will then be sanitised using an antiseptic, such as betadine.
PRP for hair loss is often considered as a ‘lunch time procedure’, as it requires about 30 – 45 minutes from start to finish. But you will have some redness on the injection site and a heavy feeling on the scalp for about 24 hours, so you would want to schedule this procedure on your day off.
How does PRP for hair loss work?
Since platelets are rich in growth factor they help to stimulate the hair follicles and also boost collagen production. It works by stimulating the hair follicles that are dormant [growth phase] However, the sad news is that PRP does not stop hair loss progression, it only stimulates hair growth in the short-term. You will need at least 3 PRP cycles to see noticeable results and the gap between each cycle should be 4 to 6 weeks. Studies suggest that the platelets injected will boost the blood circulation in the scalp stimulating better hair growth and strengthening the hair follicles. As a result, the patient will start experiencing better hair growth and scalp strength within a few weeks after the sessions.
Pre and Post-treatment care:
Pre-treatment care
- Make sure your hair is properly cleansed and free of any hair gel, serum, oil, etc before the session.
- If you wear a hair topper or hair extensions, you will of course have to take them off before treatment.
- If you are on any medications or have any health conditions, inform your doctor and check if it is OK for you to have the PRP treatment done.
Post-treatment care
- You can wash your hair after 24 hours of the treatment.
- Refrain from blow drying or coloring your hair for at least a week post the treatment.
- Use of topical hair growth treatment like minoxidil from next day following the treatment.
- Do not expose the scalp to sunlight for 2 – 3 days after the session.
- Do not involve yourself in rigorous activities for at least three days after the treatment.
- Do not smoke or consume alcohol for at least three days after the treatment.
- Consult your doctor about any medications you are on.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you observe unusual side effects like pus, fever, extreme discomfort, etc.
Possible risks involved
- Soreness, tenderness, swelling and pain at site of injection following the procedure is absolutely normal. It usually subsides within 48-72 hrs
- Infection/irritation at the injected areas.
- Scarring at the injected area.
You are not eligible for PRP if
- You have uncontrolled diabetes
- You have Platelet dysfunction syndrome
- You are having Septicaemia or any infection
- You are undergoing active cancer treatment
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You are currently on corticosteroids
How expensive is PRP for hair loss?
Pricing largely depends on the location of the treatment. The same treatment that is affordable in one country or city may be costly in another due to factors like the advancement of the medical field in that place, the expertise of doctors, etc. Commonly in India, the average pricing per session is around 5000 to 15000 rupees, so the cost for 3 sessions might range between 20000 and 60000 INR – with consultation and other miscellaneous charges included. Note – The afore mentioned price is just an estimation based on the basic charges that the patient might incur and may not be the actual price at every clinic.
If you’re considering Platelet Rich Plasma [PRP] therapy for hair loss, you probably have tried home remedies and prescription drugs and are now looking for something beyond that. Here’s what you need to know about this latest therapy for hair loss.

Dr Kiran Sethi is the only American born and trained skin and wellness specialist in India. A bestselling author of the book Skin Sense, she is also American board certified in Aesthetics and Lasers as well. She is regularly covered in the press on the latest innovations in beauty, and is regularly covered in publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Hello Magazine, Times of India, Hindustan Times, and she is a regular columnist and on the expert panels of Good Housekeeping, Times of India, Bollywood Shaadis and more! She is also a regular on TV as as expert for Band Baaja Bride.