How much does PRP cost for hair loss in London?

At The London PRP Clinic, PRP hair treatment costs £545 per session including Viviscal™ supplements and organic oils. Most patients need 3-4 initial sessions (package available at £1,500, saving £135). ExoRevive exosome treatment is £445 per session.

Does PRP really work for hair loss?

Yes, clinical studies show PRP is 70-90% effective for androgenetic alopecia. At our clinic, 87% of patients report significant improvement with an average 32% increase in hair density after 3-4 sessions. Results are best for Norwood stages 1-4.

What's better PRP or hair transplant?

PRP is ideal for early-stage hair loss (Norwood 1-4): non-surgical, no downtime, £545 per session. Hair transplants suit advanced loss (Norwood 5-7): permanent but surgical, 2-week recovery, £3,000-15,000. Many combine both for optimal results - PRP strengthens existing hair and enhances transplant survival.

How long do PRP results last?

PRP results typically last 12-18 months with proper maintenance. After initial 3-4 sessions, maintenance treatments every 6 months sustain results. Some patients using our combined protocol (PRP + supplements) report results lasting up to 2 years.

Is PRP painful for hair?

PRP involves minimal discomfort. We use topical numbing cream 30 minutes before treatment. Most patients rate pain as 2-3/10, describing it as 'mild pinching.' The entire procedure takes 60 minutes with no downtime - you can return to work immediately.

Can I wash my hair after PRP?

Wait 24 hours before washing your hair after PRP. Use lukewarm water and gentle shampoo for the first wash. Avoid swimming pools, saunas, and intense exercise for 48 hours. We provide detailed aftercare instructions and organic hair oil for optimal healing.

What are the newest hair loss treatments in 2025?

The newest effective hair loss treatments in 2025 include low-dose oral minoxidil (2.5-5mg daily), topical finasteride (0.25%), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and low-level laser therapy devices. Emerging treatments like JAK inhibitors and topical androgen receptor antagonists are showing promising results in clinical trials.

Does oral minoxidil work for hair loss?

Yes, low-dose oral minoxidil (2.5-5mg daily) has proven highly effective for both male and female pattern hair loss. Studies show it's particularly effective for overall thinning, with manageable side effects primarily limited to mild hypertrichosis (extra hair growth).

Is PRP effective for hair restoration?

Yes, PRP therapy has demonstrated significant improvement in hair count and thickness in clinical trials. Most patients see noticeable results after 3-4 sessions, using the body's own growth factors to stimulate dormant hair follicles.

What's the best hair loss treatment in London?

The best hair loss treatment depends on your specific condition, but combination therapy often yields optimal results. The London PRP Clinic offers personalised treatment plans combining PRP therapy with other evidence-based treatments. Book a free consultation to determine the best approach for your hair loss pattern.

How much does PRP hair treatment cost in London?

PRP hair treatment costs vary based on the number of sessions needed. The London PRP Clinic offers competitive pricing with free initial consultations. Contact us via WhatsApp for a personalised quote based on your specific treatment needs.

The Truth About Natural Hair Oils: Which Ingredients Actually Make Your Hair Grow (According to Science)

26 Sept

Written By Omar Elalfy

Your Instagram feed is probably full of influencers swearing by this week's miracle hair oil. One week it's rosemary, the next it's black seed, and somewhere in between, someone's convinced you to slather mayo on your scalp. Let's cut through the nonsense and talk about what science actually says about hair oils.

Here's the uncomfortable truth: most hair oils won't resurrect dead follicles or cure baldness. But – and this is important – the right oils can create optimal conditions for growth, strengthen what you've got, and yes, even stimulate some genuine regrowth. The key is knowing which ingredients have actual research behind them, not just pretty packaging.

Rosemary Oil: The Surprise Winner

If you'd told scientists ten years ago that rosemary oil would rival minoxidil in clinical trials, they'd have laughed. They're not laughing now.

A 2015 study compared rosemary oil to 2% minoxidil over six months. The results? Both groups showed similar increases in hair count. The rosemary group actually reported less scalp itching. We're talking about a kitchen herb keeping pace with an FDA-approved drug.

How does it work? Rosemary oil improves microcirculation (blood flow to your follicles), has anti-inflammatory properties, and may block DHT – the hormone responsible for pattern baldness. The key concentration appears to be around 2-3% dilution in a carrier oil. Any stronger and you risk irritation; any weaker and you're essentially perfuming your head.

Castor Oil: Thick, Sticky, and Misunderstood

Castor oil has achieved mythical status in hair growth forums, but the reality is more nuanced. There's no direct evidence it causes new growth, but here's what it does do: the ricinoleic acid (which makes up 90% of castor oil) has impressive anti-inflammatory properties and antimicrobial effects.

Translation? If your hair loss involves any inflammation or scalp issues, castor oil might help create better growing conditions. It's also phenomenally good at coating the hair shaft, making hair appear thicker and reducing breakage. Not growth per se, but if you're keeping more of what grows, you're winning.

The molecular structure of castor oil is unusual – it's incredibly thick and penetrative. This means it can carry other beneficial ingredients deeper into the scalp. Smart formulators use it as a delivery system for more active ingredients.

Argan Oil: The Protective Shield

Argan oil won't make new hair sprout, but it might be the best insurance policy for the hair you have. Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, it forms a protective layer that reduces breakage by up to 40% in studies.

The magic is in its molecular size – small enough to penetrate the hair shaft, large enough to smooth the cuticle. It's particularly brilliant for those using heat styling or chemical treatments. Think of it as armour for your existing hair while other treatments work on growth.

Peppermint Oil: The Surprise Dark Horse

A 2014 Korean study on mice (yes, mice, but stay with me) showed peppermint oil outperformed minoxidil, increasing follicle number, follicle depth, and overall growth. The menthol increases blood flow dramatically – you can actually feel it working.

Human studies are limited, but the mechanism makes sense. Improved circulation means better nutrient delivery to follicles. The cooling sensation also suggests increased IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor), which promotes the growth phase of hair.

Mix 2-3 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil. Any more and you'll feel like you've shampooed with toothpaste.

Black Seed Oil: The Ancient Remedy With Modern Evidence

Nigella sativa (black seed oil) has been used for hair growth since ancient Egypt, but only recently has science caught up. Studies show it has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and may help with telogen effluvium (stress-related hair loss).

The thymoquinone in black seed oil is a potent antioxidant that protects follicles from damage. It also has antihistamine properties, potentially helpful if your hair loss has an allergic component.

Coconut Oil: Great for Hair, Not for Growth

Let's clear this up: coconut oil is brilliant for hair health but won't cause new growth. Its lauric acid has high affinity for hair proteins, meaning it actually penetrates the shaft rather than just sitting on top.

Studies show it reduces protein loss from hair better than mineral or sunflower oil. If your hair is breaking faster than it's growing, coconut oil might help tip the balance. But don't expect miracles on your hairline.

The Carrier Oil Matters

Your active ingredients need a vehicle, and not all carriers are equal:

Jojoba oil mimics scalp sebum, making it ideal for oily scalps. It won't clog follicles.

Grapeseed oil is lightweight, rich in vitamin E, and contains linoleic acid which may help with scalp health.

Sweet almond oil is rich in vitamin E and proteins, excellent for dry, flaky scalps that might be hindering growth.

How to Actually Use Hair Oils

The biggest mistake? Drowning your scalp in oil and hoping for the best. Here's what actually works:

Start with a scalp massage. Five minutes of proper massage increases blood flow more than any oil. Add your oil blend (warmed slightly) and massage for another five minutes. The mechanical stimulation matters as much as the oil.

Leave it on for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2-3 hours. Overnight is fine if you protect your pillows. The penetration happens in the first few hours; leaving it for days won't help and might cause buildup.

Frequency matters. Twice weekly is optimal for most people. Daily oiling can actually cause problems – clogged follicles, over-manipulation leading to breakage, and product buildup that requires harsh cleansing.

The Professional Perspective

Here's something the DIY brigade won't tell you: oils work best as part of a comprehensive approach. At The London PRP Clinic, we often recommend specific oil blends to complement PRP treatment. The oils maintain scalp health between sessions whilst the PRP does the heavy lifting on actual regeneration.

Think of oils as your daily maintenance whilst professional treatments provide the breakthrough results. It's like going to the gym versus taking daily walks – both beneficial, but serving different purposes.

Want to know which oils would complement your hair restoration journey? Visit our services page or WhatsApp us for a free consultation where we'll create a complete protocol – from professional treatments to your at-home oil routine.

Red Flags: Oils to Avoid

Not everything natural is good for your scalp. Tea tree oil undiluted can cause contact dermatitis. Lemon oil can cause photosensitivity. Undiluted essential oils of any kind can burn your scalp and damage follicles.

If someone's selling you a "proprietary blend" but won't tell you what's in it, run. If it promises to regrow hair in two weeks, it's lying. If it costs £200 for 30ml, you're paying for marketing, not ingredients.

The Bottom Line

Hair oils can be powerful tools for hair health and moderate growth stimulation, but they're not magic. Rosemary oil has surprising scientific support. Castor oil excels at protection and thickness. Peppermint and black seed oils show genuine promise. Combining the right oils with professional treatments creates optimal conditions for hair restoration.

The best approach? Start with a proper diagnosis of your hair loss type, then build a protocol that might include oils, professional treatments, and lifestyle factors. Oils alone won't cure significant hair loss, but they're a valuable piece of the puzzle.

Ready to move beyond DIY and get serious results? Message The London PRP Clinic on WhatsApp to book your free consultation. We'll assess your hair loss, recommend the right combination of professional treatments and at-home care, and create a plan that actually delivers results.

Q: How long before I see results from hair oils? A: Consistency is key. Most studies showing benefits ran for 3-6 months. Expect to see initial improvements in hair quality within 4-6 weeks, but actual growth changes take 3-4 months minimum.

Q: Can I mix different oils together? A: Absolutely. In fact, combination oils often work better. A good starter blend: 2 tablespoons jojoba oil, 1 tablespoon castor oil, 5 drops rosemary oil, 3 drops peppermint oil.

Q: Will oils make my hair loss worse initially? A: Some people experience initial shedding when starting any new hair treatment. This is often weak hairs making way for stronger ones. If shedding continues beyond 2-3 weeks, stop and consult a professional.

Q: Can I use hair oils with other treatments like minoxidil? A: Yes, but timing matters. Apply medical treatments first, let them absorb, then use oils later in the day or on alternate days.

Omar Elalfy