Hair
PRP Injections for Hair Loss
Meta-analyses show a real increase in hair density over placebo. Protocols are wildly inconsistent, it is expensive, and it requires indefinite maintenance.
Also called: prp hair · platelet rich plasma scalp · hair prp injections
Verdict — mixed
Real in part — the claim outruns what it actually does.
Evidence grade B
At least one good randomised trial, or consistent findings across controlled studies.
Mechanism
Concentrated autologous platelets release growth factors (PDGF, VEGF, IGF-1) into the perifollicular dermis, prolonging anagen and improving follicular vascularisation.
Citations
- Platelet-rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsDermatologic Surgery · 2019
The full read
Several meta-analyses of randomised trials find statistically significant density gains against placebo, which puts PRP ahead of most adjuncts. The caveats are procedural rather than biological: platelet concentration, spin protocol, activation method and session spacing differ between every clinic and every study, so 'PRP' does not describe one treatment. Costs run to several sessions a year, indefinitely, and stopping reverses the gain. Sensible as an add-on for someone already on `finasteride` and `minoxidil` and wanting more; a poor first move, and not a replacement for either.
