Why We Do Not Offer PRP for Hair Loss: Evidence, Limits and Hair Transplant Assessment

“Doctor, do you offer PRP for hair loss?” I am asked this often. My answer is that we do not currently offer PRP. It is not that we reject new treatments. At this stage the evidence for PRP in male pattern hair loss is still inconsistent, and methods vary widely between clinics. I would rather explain the cause of your hair loss, medicine and a hair transplant assessment clearly than have you spend time and money on an uncertain treatment.

Key points: PRP involves drawing your own blood, concentrating the platelets by centrifuge and injecting it back into the scalp. Some studies suggest it may help some early male pattern hair loss as an add-on, but study size, methods and long-term data are inconsistent and results vary from person to person. Our clinic focuses on accurate diagnosis, medicine under a doctor’s assessment, follow-up and hair transplant assessment, and does not offer PRP. If you are considering PRP, first confirm your type of hair loss and the state of your follicles.

What is PRP and why is it used for hair loss?

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Usually your own blood is drawn, spun in a centrifuge to separate plasma richer in platelets, and injected back into the scalp in the hope that growth factors will stimulate the follicles.

Platelet growth factors are linked to tissue repair, so PRP was first used for joints, sports injuries and wounds before being extended to hair loss. But possible benefit in theory does not mean stable, predictable results in practice.

What does the evidence for PRP in male pattern hair loss show?

Some studies suggest PRP may help some early male pattern hair loss as an add-on. When I read this research, I notice a few shared limits:

• Studies are mostly small, with limited follow-up.
• Preparation, injection methods and schedules differ between studies, making them hard to compare.
• Responses vary widely, with limited help for moderate to severe hair loss.
• PRP itself is not approved as a standard treatment for male pattern hair loss.

So I would say PRP is currently an add-on still under study, not a main treatment for male pattern hair loss.

Why is PRP hard to standardise?

Inconsistent methods mean no one can tell you in advance how many sessions you need or what result to expect. This is the main reason I remain cautious about PRP.

If you are also worried about whether to have hair treatments before a transplant, you may want to read Do You Need Scalp or Hair-Growth Treatment Before a Hair Transplant?.

If your hair improves, is it really because of PRP?

Some treatment plans combine PRP with oral or topical medicines such as finasteride or minoxidil. When shedding decreases, it is easy to credit PRP, but the medicine may be doing most of the work.

Without making this distinction, people may think they must keep having PRP and spend money long term, while overlooking the treatment that really needs to continue. This is what I least want to see.

If you are also worried about how finasteride works and its side effects, you may want to read What Is Finasteride? Use in Male Pattern Hair Loss, Side Effects and Hair Transplant Assessment.

Why does our clinic choose not to offer PRP?

I do not offer PRP not because I dismiss all research, but because I believe it is not yet enough to be recommended routinely as a main treatment. PRP usually needs repeated injections and maintenance, and if results are uncertain it easily becomes long-term spending.

• We do not present an add-on as a core treatment.
• We do not have patients pay long term for uncertain results.
• We do not let a popular treatment delay correct diagnosis and treatment.
• We clearly explain the limits of every option.

What should be assessed first for male pattern hair loss?

Rather than choosing a treatment first, I suggest clarifying these points:

• Whether the hair loss is male pattern hair loss, or telogen effluvium, alopecia areata or a scalp disease.
• Whether follicles are still active and suitable for medicine under a doctor’s assessment.
• Whether the front or crown is clearly thin, and whether the donor area suits a transplant.
• Whether any health condition makes medicine or surgery unsuitable.

Getting the diagnosis right before deciding on medicine, follow-up or a transplant is the responsible approach for both your hair and your wallet.

If you are also worried about what a hair transplant assessment covers, you may want to read What Should You Ask Before a Hair Transplant? Assessment and Preparation.

A note from the doctor

A popular treatment is not necessarily the right treatment for you.

I explain the evidence and limits of each option honestly and help you find what you really need, from the cause of hair loss and follicle condition to hair transplant assessment.

Treating hair loss is not about doing more. It is about doing it right.

This article is general medical information and does not replace an individual diagnosis.

Medical references

• International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS): Hair Loss Treatments
• NHS (UK): Hair loss
• American Academy of Dermatology (AAD): Hair loss: Who can benefit from a hair transplant?