Procedure Guide

    What Is PRP Hair Restoration?

    By Haute MD Editorial Team · January 2026 · 6 min read · Last updated: September 27, 2026

    Direct Answer

    PRP (platelet-rich plasma) hair restoration uses the patient's own blood — processed to concentrate growth factors — injected into the scalp to stimulate follicle activity and reduce hair loss. Results develop over 3-6 months with a series of treatments.

    Who It's For

    • Men and women with early to moderate androgenetic (pattern) hair loss
    • Patients with thinning hair who want to delay or augment medical and surgical hair restoration
    • Post-transplant patients seeking to optimize graft survival and growth
    • Patients with telogen effluvium (stress-related shedding) or general hair thinning

    How It Works

    A small blood sample is drawn from the patient, then spun in a centrifuge to separate platelet-rich plasma from other blood components. The concentrated PRP — rich in growth factors like PDGF, VEGF, and EGF — is injected into the scalp at the level of the hair follicles. Growth factors in platelets are thought to support follicle activity. PRP is not FDA-approved for hair loss. Some PRP preparation systems are FDA-cleared for orthopedic uses, so using them for hair is off-label.[1] Minoxidil and finasteride are the FDA-approved medications for pattern hair loss.[2]

    Recovery & What to Expect

    There is essentially no downtime. Mild redness and tenderness at the injection sites is normal and resolves within 24-48 hours. Patients can wash their hair the next day. A typical protocol involves 3 initial treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance every 3 to 6 months (or as your physician advises).[1][2][3] Visible improvement in hair density and reduced shedding typically emerges at 3-6 months and continues with ongoing maintenance.

    How to Choose a Provider

    Choose a board-certified dermatologist or a physician with documented hair restoration expertise. Confirm the practice uses a true double-spin PRP system (not a single-spin device, which produces lower platelet concentrations) and that platelet concentration is measured and reported. Ask about the practice's specific protocol — injection depth, technique, and frequency — and review their own patient results.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does PRP actually work for hair loss?

    Some studies show PRP can improve hair density in androgenetic alopecia, but results are mixed and protocols aren't standardized.[1] It tends to work best alongside FDA-approved treatments such as minoxidil or finasteride.[2][3]

    How many PRP treatments do I need?

    A standard initial protocol involves 3 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance every 3 to 6 months (or as your physician advises).[1][2][3] Some patients benefit from a more intensive initial series of 4-6 sessions.

    Is PRP painful?

    Most patients describe PRP as moderately uncomfortable. Topical numbing, ice, or a vibrating distraction device dramatically reduces the sensation. The actual injection time is typically 10-15 minutes.

    How long do PRP results last?

    Ongoing maintenance treatments are usually needed to keep results.[1][2][3]

    Can PRP be combined with other hair loss treatments?

    Yes. PRP is often combined with finasteride or topical minoxidil for synergistic results, and is also used to optimize outcomes from hair transplantation. A board-certified dermatologist can design an individualized program.

    How do I choose a PRP provider?

    Haute MD physicians who perform PRP hair restoration include Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali at Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery in Manhattan, a board-certified dermatologist.

    References

    Sources

    1. 1.Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Hair Loss — International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, accessed Sep 2026.
    2. 2.Hair loss: Diagnosis and treatment — American Academy of Dermatology, accessed Sep 2026.
    3. 3.PRP Therapy for Hair Loss — Cleveland Clinic, accessed Sep 2026.

    Haute MD Network

    Find a Haute MD physician for prp hair restoration

    Independently vetted, editorially featured by Haute Living.

    Find a Physician

    Important Disclaimer

    Haute MD Network does not provide medical advice, does not guarantee patient inquiries, search rankings, AI citations, Google News placement, or medical outcomes. Profiles and editorial features are designed to support professional visibility and help patients, referral sources, search engines, and AI platforms better understand member information. Patients should consult directly with a licensed medical professional before making healthcare decisions.