PRP for Hair Loss: Is it Worth the Hype?
- almedicalwellness
- Jan 5
- 4 min read
Hair loss is a common worry, affecting many people for different reasons, such as genetics, stress, health issues, or even the environment. If you're seeing more hair in the shower drain than usual, you're not alone.
You might have heard about Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy as a potential solution. But what is it, and does it actually work? Let's break it down.
What is PRP?
PRP is a treatment that uses your own blood to try and stimulate hair growth. Here's how it works:
A small amount of your blood is taken, usually from your arm.
This blood is then spun in a machine called a centrifuge. This process separates the blood into different parts.
The part that's rich in platelets and growth factors is extracted. Platelets are what help your blood clot, and they also contain growth factors that can help with tissue repair and regeneration.
This platelet-rich plasma is then injected into your scalp. The idea is that these growth factors will stimulate hair follicles, encouraging them to grow stronger and thicker hair.
It's important to know that PRP is not stem cell therapy. While stem cells are involved in hair growth, PRP treatments focus on using growth factors from platelets, not stem cells.
The Potential Benefits of PRP for Hair Loss
PRP therapy has gained popularity because it uses your own blood, which can feel like a more natural approach. Here are the main ways it could help:
Stimulates Hair Growth: The growth factors in PRP can encourage hair follicles to produce new hair, and strengthen existing ones. This can lead to increased hair density and reduced hair fall.
Improves Hair Follicle Regeneration: PRP can improve the way hair follicles regenerate. This means that damaged follicles may recover and produce healthy hair again.
Increases Hair Thickness: PRP may increase the diameter of individual hair shafts, making your hair feel fuller and thicker.
Reduces Hair Breakage: By strengthening hair follicles, PRP can make your hair less prone to breaking.
May Help Different Types of Hair Loss: PRP has been studied for various hair loss conditions including androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness), alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition), and cicatricial alopecia (scarring hair loss).
Can be used in conjunction with hair transplants: PRP can be used during and after a hair transplant procedure to aid recovery, and potentially improve the outcome.
Research indicates that PRP can be effective, particularly for androgenetic alopecia. Some studies show a significant increase in hair count per square centimetre after PRP treatment, along with a tendency for increased hair thickness.
The Risks of PRP for Hair Loss
While PRP is generally considered safe because it uses your own blood, there are still some risks to consider:
It’s Invasive: PRP treatment involves injections into your scalp, which can be painful. Some clinics use local anaesthetic to numb the area to make it more comfortable.
Multiple Injections: You’ll need multiple tiny injections across the scalp. This isn’t a single jab; it can be 100-150 injections per treatment.
Potential Pain: Despite local anaesthetic, the injections can still be uncomfortable due to the many nerve endings in the scalp.
Infection Risk: Although using your own blood minimizes risk, there is a small chance of infection at the injection sites.
Not a Guaranteed Solution: PRP doesn't work for everyone, and results can vary. Some people might see significant improvements, while others may not experience much change.
Cost: PRP treatments aren't usually covered by the NHS and can be quite expensive, with multiple sessions often needed.
May Not Be Suitable for Everyone: People with certain medical conditions may not be suitable for PRP. It’s essential to have a proper consultation first.
It's important to choose a qualified and experienced practitioner to perform the PRP injections. Some commercial clinics may use nurses without full doctor supervision.
How to Make the Most of PRP
If you decide to go ahead with PRP treatment, combining it with other hair care strategies may help enhance your results:
Anti-Hair Loss Shampoos: Using a good quality anti-hair loss shampoo can complement PRP treatment. Look for shampoos that are designed to stimulate hair growth, improve follicle regeneration, and strengthen hair. The Pharma Hermetic Anti Hair Loss Shampoo Pro, for example, contains active ingredients such as hydrolyzed RNA and DNA, trace elements, and hydrolyzed keratin, which can help strengthen hair and reduce sebum that can weaken hair.
Oral Supplements: Certain oral supplements can also support hair health. GLOWWA Hair Food supplements contain essential vitamins and minerals like Biotin, B12, Zinc, L-Lysine, Niacin and Vitamin C. These nutrients contribute to healthy hair growth, reduced shedding, and overall hair condition. It is always wise to consult your doctor before starting any new supplements.
Dermalux Light Therapy: A none invasive LED light source to stimulate blood flow and regeneration within the scalp .
What to Consider
Consult a Professional: If you’re thinking about PRP for hair loss, it’s best to speak with a clinician who can assess your condition and advise whether PRP is a suitable option for you.
Manage Expectations: PRP is not a quick fix, and results may take time to appear. It's important to be patient and consistent with treatment.
Follow Aftercare Instructions: After each PRP session, follow the clinic's aftercare instructions carefully to minimise the risk of infection.
Conclusion
PRP therapy is a promising treatment for hair loss that uses your body's own blood to try and stimulate hair growth. While it has potential benefits such as increased hair density and improved follicle regeneration, it’s not without risks. The treatment is invasive and can be painful. It's also not a guaranteed solution for everyone.
If you're considering PRP, weigh the potential benefits against the risks, have a consultation with a professional, and combine it with a healthy hair care routine. Using appropriate shampoos and taking oral supplements may enhance your overall outcome, and improve hair growth.
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