# PRP for Hair Loss

> Citation bundle for PRP for Hair Loss on The Treatment Registry.
> URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/procedures/prp-hair-loss
> Bundle URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/api/citations/procedures/prp-hair-loss

- Category: hair-transplant

## Description

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), also known as autologous conditioned plasma, is a concentrate of plasma protein derived from whole blood, centrifuged to remove red blood cells but retaining platelets. Though promoted for treating various medical conditions, evidence of its benefits was mixed as of 2020, showing effectiveness in certain conditions and ineffectiveness in others.

## Overview

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for hair loss uses a concentrate of the patient's own platelets, prepared from their blood, and injected into the scalp to treat hair thinning. PRP, also known as autologous conditioned plasma, is a concentrate of plasma protein derived from whole blood that is centrifuged to remove red blood cells while retaining the platelets. Because platelets contain multiple growth factors and other cytokines that can stimulate the healing of soft tissues, PRP has been applied across several fields, including sports medicine and orthopaedics, dermatology and even proctology. In dermatology its uses include androgenic alopecia (pattern hair loss), wound healing and skin rejuvenation. Various preparation protocols exist, but the underlying principle is to concentrate platelets to roughly three to five times their normal physiological level and then inject this concentrate into the tissue where healing or stimulation is desired, in this case the scalp. Because the plasma is drawn from the patient's own blood, PRP is autologous. It is important to note that the evidence for PRP is mixed: as of 2020 it had been shown to be effective for certain conditions and ineffective for others, so its benefit for hair loss should be understood in that context rather than as an established certainty. Reported adverse effects have generally been low, with only weak evidence of harm occurring at rates comparable to untreated people.

## FAQs

### What is PRP?

Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a concentrate of plasma protein derived from a sample of the patient's whole blood, centrifuged to remove red blood cells while keeping the platelets. It is also known as autologous conditioned plasma.

### How is PRP prepared?

A sample of the patient's blood is centrifuged so that the platelets are concentrated, typically to around three to five times their normal physiological level. This platelet concentrate is then injected into the tissue where stimulation is desired.

### How is PRP used for hair loss?

PRP contains growth factors and cytokines that can stimulate soft tissue. In dermatology it is used for androgenic alopecia, or pattern hair loss, by injecting the platelet concentrate into the scalp.

### Is PRP made from my own blood?

Yes. PRP is autologous, meaning it is prepared from the patient's own blood. This is relevant to its safety profile.

### Does PRP definitely work for hair loss?

The evidence is mixed. As of 2020, PRP had been shown to be effective in certain conditions and ineffective in others, so its benefit should be viewed with that uncertainty in mind rather than as an established certainty.

### Is PRP safe?

Adverse effects have been reported to be low in most trials, and a review found only weak evidence of harm occurring at comparable, low rates in treated and untreated people.