Medically reviewed by the medical team at The Wellness. Last reviewed November 2026.
For some people, yes. Trials show PRP can thicken hair in pattern hair loss, especially when the thinning is caught early. It is not a cure, results vary from person to person, and you need a course of sessions before you see a difference. At The Online GP by The Wellness, a doctor finds out why your hair is thinning before suggesting PRP, so you only start it if it is likely to help.
Key points
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. We take a small amount of your blood, concentrate the platelets and inject them where your hair is thinning.
In a 2024 review of randomised trials, people who had PRP gained around 27 more hairs per square centimetre than people given a placebo.
Most of those trials used 3 to 5 sessions, a month apart.
A 2023 review of 9 trials found no serious side effects.
The British Association of Dermatologists says the research is still limited, so be wary of anyone who promises results.
How does PRP work on the scalp?
Platelets carry growth factors, the proteins your body uses to repair itself. The idea behind PRP is that a concentrated dose of them, placed into the scalp, helps follicles that have started to shrink. Because the plasma is made from your own blood, you cannot be allergic to it.
What did the studies actually find?
A 2024 review of randomised trials found people treated with PRP gained around 27 more hairs per square centimetre than people given a placebo, usually after 3 to 5 monthly sessions. A 2023 review of 9 trials found thicker hair at 3 and 6 months, and no serious side effects.
Both reviews make the same point. The trials were small and run in different ways, so the results tell you PRP can work, not that it will work for you. That is why we look at your scalp before recommending it.
Ask a doctor on WhatsApp whether PRP could help you.
Who does it work best for?
People whose hair is thinning but still there. If you can see more scalp than you used to at the crown or along your parting, the follicles are usually still alive and PRP has something to work with. Areas that have been smooth and bald for years are unlikely to change.
It is also worth ruling out the simple causes first. Low iron, an underactive thyroid and a recent illness can all thin your hair, and they are treated differently. Our guide to what a full private blood test should include explains what we check.
Should I have PRP on its own?
Usually not. PRP tends to do best alongside a medicine such as minoxidil. Our guide to PRP, minoxidil and finasteride explains how they fit together.
Ask a doctor on WhatsApp about your options.
What happens when you come in for hair PRP?
Your first visit is a consultation, not a treatment. If PRP suits you, the course starts from there.
Message us on WhatsApp and tell us how long your hair has been thinning and what you have already tried.
A doctor examines your scalp, asks about your health and your family, and takes photographs.
If PRP is right for you, we take a small blood sample at each session and prepare it while you wait.
The doctor injects the plasma into the areas that are thinning.
At each review we compare your photographs, so you can see what has changed.
Not sure if PRP is worth it for you?
Send us a few photos of your scalp and tell us how long it has been happening. A doctor will tell you honestly whether PRP is likely to help, or whether something else should come first. The cost of your plan is confirmed before anything is booked.
Frequently asked questions
Is PRP for hair loss permanent?
No. PRP can improve hair density, but pattern hair loss carries on in the background, so most people need top-up sessions to keep their results.
When will I see results from PRP?
Most studies measured results at 3 to 6 months. Hair grows slowly, so changes take time to show.
Does PRP for hair hurt?
Most people feel some discomfort from the scalp injections. The doctor takes steps to keep you comfortable.
Can PRP regrow hair on a bald area?
PRP works best where follicles are still active. It is unlikely to regrow hair on areas that have been bald for a long time.
Sources
An Bras Dermatol, Autologous platelet-rich plasma and hair density in androgenetic alopecia, systematic review and meta-analysis, 2024
J Cutan Med Surg, Platelet-rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia, systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials, 2023
British Association of Dermatologists, Male pattern hair loss
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