Does PRP Actually Work for Hair Loss? An Honest Review
If you're researching PRP for hair loss, you want straight answers. Does it actually work? Is it worth the money? Will it work for your specific situation?
Here's an honest assessment based on published research and real patient outcomes. No miracle claims, no scary sales tactics—just facts to help you make an informed decision.
What PRP Actually Does
Platelet-rich plasma uses concentrated healing factors from your own blood to stimulate hair follicles. The science is solid—growth factors like PDGF and VEGF can reactivate dormant follicles and improve hair thickness.
Studies show PRP can increase hair density by 30-40% in responsive patients. That's significant but not miraculous. You won't go from bald to full coverage, but you might go from visible scalp to reasonable density.
A 2019 systematic review analyzing 262 patients found the majority experienced positive results. Another study in Dermatologic Surgery showed PRP outperformed minoxidil in head-to-head comparison.
Who It Works For
PRP works best for:
Early to moderate thinning (less than 5 years)
Diffuse thinning rather than complete bald spots
Both male and female pattern loss
Those who still have miniaturized follicles present
It's less effective for:
Advanced baldness (Norwood 5-7)
Areas with no follicles for 10+ years
Alopecia areata (patchy autoimmune loss)
Scarring alopecia
Your age matters less than how long you've been losing hair. A 50-year-old with recent thinning often responds better than a 30-year-old who's been balding since 20.
Real Patient Results
Based on clinical data and patient reports, here's what's realistic:
Good responders (about 40%) see noticeable thickening, significant reduction in shedding, and friends/family commenting on improvement. These patients rate satisfaction 8-9/10.
Moderate responders (about 40%) notice some improvement, photos show definite but subtle change, and shedding reduces but density gains are modest. Satisfaction around 6-7/10.
Poor responders (about 20%) see minimal change, might have temporary shedding reduction, and feel treatment wasn't worth investment. Satisfaction below 5/10.
The Process and Experience
Treatment involves:
Blood draw (30-60ml)
Spinning in centrifuge to concentrate platelets
Multiple small injections across thinning areas
Takes about 45-60 minutes total
Discomfort is moderate—like multiple pinpricks. Some clinics use numbing cream. You can return to normal activities immediately but avoid heavy exercise for 48 hours.
Most protocols recommend 3 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart, then maintenance every 6-12 months.
Timeline for Results
Week 1-4: Shedding often reduces Week 6-8: Some notice baby hairs appearing Month 3: Visible improvement in responders Month 4-6: Peak results
If you see no improvement by month 4, you're likely a poor responder.
The Costs
UK pricing typically:
Per session: £400-800
Three session package: £1,000-2,000
Annual maintenance: £400-800
Yes, it's expensive. Whether it's "worth it" depends on your budget and how much hair loss affects you.
Compared to Alternatives
Versus Minoxidil: PRP shows better results but costs more and requires clinic visits. Minoxidil needs twice-daily application forever.
Versus Finasteride: Similar efficacy but PRP avoids systemic hormones and potential sexual side effects.
Versus Hair Transplant: PRP can't match transplant results but costs far less and involves no surgery. Many use PRP to optimize transplant results.
Making Your Decision
Consider PRP if:
You have early-moderate loss with realistic expectations
Other treatments failed or caused side effects
You can afford the investment
You prefer regenerative approach over medications
Skip PRP if:
You have advanced baldness expecting miracles
Budget is extremely tight
You can't commit to multiple sessions
You're happy with current medications
The Bottom Line
PRP is a legitimate treatment with scientific backing. It works well for the right candidates but isn't magic. Success depends on your pattern of loss, timing of treatment, and realistic expectations.
About 60-80% of patients see worthwhile improvement. That's good odds but not guaranteed. The investment is significant but comparable to years of medications or minor surgical procedures.
For an honest assessment of whether PRP might work for your specific hair loss, message our team on WhatsApp with photos. We'll tell you straight if you're a good candidate or should consider other options.