What is PRP treatment for hair loss?

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatment for hair loss uses your body's own natural growth factors to revive thinning hair, strengthen follicles and boost new growth. The London PRP Clinic offers doctor-led PRP treatments for hair, scalp, and beard growth with proven results.

Does PRP work for beard growth?

Yes, PRP beard growth treatment is highly effective for filling patchy areas, enhancing beard density, and promoting thicker facial hair. Our doctor-led PRP beard treatment at £395 per session uses platelet-rich plasma to stimulate dormant hair follicles in the beard area.

How much does PRP treatment cost in London?

PRP treatment prices at The London PRP Clinic range from £395 for PRP Hair Signature or Beard PRP single sessions, to £545 for comprehensive treatments. We offer package discounts - for example, 3 PRP Hair sessions cost £1,085 (save £100).

What PRP services are available at The London PRP Clinic?

We offer PRP treatments for hair loss, beard growth, facial rejuvenation, under-eye treatment, knee joint pain, and scalp health. All treatments are doctor-led and evidence-based, delivered at our Marylebone, Canary Wharf, and Belgravia London locations.

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.

Hair Loss Blood Test: Which Tests You Need and What Results Mean (2026)

20 Apr

Written By Omar Elalfy

Last updated: March 2026

Which blood tests do you need for hair loss?

The essential hair loss blood panel includes ferritin (iron stores), full blood count (FBC), thyroid function (TSH, free T3, free T4), vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D), zinc, vitamin B12, and a hormonal panel (testosterone, DHEA-S, SHBG). For women, prolactin and fasting insulin may also be relevant if polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is suspected. These tests identify correctable underlying causes that contribute to a significant proportion of hair loss cases.

Without blood work, any hair loss treatment is essentially being administered blind. You may be treating androgenetic alopecia when the real driver is iron deficiency. You may be spending money on PRP while an undiagnosed thyroid condition undermines every treatment you try. Getting the right tests done first is not optional. It is the foundation of effective hair restoration.

Get expert guidance on your blood tests > WhatsApp

What does each test measure and why does it matter?

Ferritin (Iron Stores)

Ferritin is the single most important blood test for hair loss, particularly in women. It measures stored iron, which is distinct from haemoglobin (the iron in your red blood cells). You can have low ferritin and hair shedding while your haemoglobin remains completely normal, meaning you are not technically anaemic but your hair follicles are starving for iron.

Optimal level for hair growth: At least 70 ng/mL. Many specialists recommend 70 to 100 ng/mL.

Level associated with hair loss: Below 30 ng/mL.

Who is most at risk: Women of reproductive age (menstruation depletes iron monthly), pregnant and postpartum women, vegetarians and vegans, people with gastrointestinal conditions affecting absorption, and heavy exercisers.

What to do if low: Iron supplementation guided by your doctor. Ferrous sulphate (210mg, 1 to 2 tablets daily) is the standard NHS recommendation. Pair with vitamin C for improved absorption. Avoid taking with tea, coffee, or calcium supplements. Retest after 3 months.

Thyroid Function (TSH, Free T3, Free T4)

Thyroid hormones regulate the metabolism of virtually every cell in the body, including hair follicle cells. Both underactive (hypothyroidism) and overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid function disrupt the hair growth cycle.

Normal TSH range: 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L (though some hair specialists consider TSH above 2.5 suboptimal for hair growth).

Hypothyroid pattern (TSH elevated): Diffuse thinning, dry brittle hair, eyebrow thinning (especially the outer third), fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance.

Hyperthyroid pattern (TSH suppressed): Diffuse thinning, fine soft hair, weight loss, anxiety, heat intolerance.

What to do if abnormal: GP referral for thyroid medication (levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, carbimazole for hyperthyroidism). Hair improvement typically follows within 3 to 6 months of thyroid stabilisation.

Vitamin D (25-Hydroxyvitamin D)

Vitamin D receptors are present on hair follicles and play a direct role in the hair growth cycle. Deficiency is linked to telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, and potentially accelerated androgenetic alopecia progression.

Optimal level: Above 75 nmol/L.

Deficient: Below 30 nmol/L.

UK prevalence: Approximately 1 in 5 adults are deficient due to limited sunlight exposure, particularly during winter months.

What to do if low: Vitamin D3 supplementation. Loading dose of 40,000 IU weekly for 7 weeks for severe deficiency, followed by maintenance of 1,000 to 4,000 IU daily. Public Health England recommends at least 400 IU daily for all UK adults during autumn and winter.

Zinc

Zinc is essential for cell division, protein synthesis, and immune function. It plays a direct role in hair follicle cycling and structural integrity of the hair shaft.

Optimal level: 11 to 24 micromol/L.

Deficiency signs beyond hair loss: White spots on nails, impaired wound healing, altered taste sensation, frequent infections.

Vitamin B12

B12 is required for red blood cell production and DNA synthesis. Deficiency causes reduced oxygen delivery to follicles and impaired cellular replication.

Optimal level: Above 300 ng/L.

At-risk groups: Vegans and vegetarians (B12 is primarily found in animal products), people over 50 (reduced absorption), those taking metformin or proton pump inhibitors.

Hormonal Panel

Testosterone, DHEA-S, and SHBG help identify whether androgen excess is contributing to hair loss, particularly relevant for women with suspected PCOS. Elevated free testosterone (calculated from total testosterone and SHBG) drives follicular miniaturisation.

For women with suspected PCOS: Add prolactin, fasting insulin, and LH/FSH ratio to the panel.

Why blood tests matter before PRP treatment

PRP delivers concentrated growth factors to hair follicles, stimulating regeneration and improving density. However, PRP cannot compensate for systemic deficiencies. If your follicles lack the basic building blocks of hair production (iron for oxygen transport, zinc for cell division, vitamin D for growth cycle regulation, B12 for DNA synthesis), even the best PRP treatment will produce suboptimal results.

At The London PRP Clinic, our GMC-registered doctors recommend specific blood tests during your initial consultation based on your hair loss pattern, gender, diet, medical history, and symptoms. We design treatment plans that address identified deficiencies alongside regenerative PRP therapy, ensuring every component of hair health is optimised simultaneously.

This diagnostic-first approach is a core reason our 87% success rate exceeds the 70 to 80% clinical trial average.

How to get your blood tests done

Through your GP (NHS): Request the tests above. Your GP may not order all of them for hair loss specifically, but explaining your concerns and symptoms increases the likelihood. Ferritin, FBC, thyroid, and vitamin D are commonly available.

Private blood testing: Services such as Medichecks, Thriva, and London blood testing clinics offer comprehensive hair loss panels. Results typically arrive within 2 to 5 working days.

Through The London PRP Clinic: Our doctors will tell you exactly which tests to request based on your specific presentation, saving you from ordering unnecessary tests while ensuring nothing important is missed.

Bring your results to us

If you already have recent blood work, bring your results to your consultation at The London PRP Clinic. Our doctors will interpret the findings in the context of your hair loss, identify which values are suboptimal for hair health (not just within "normal" range), and build a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses every contributing factor.

PRP from £545/session. ExoRevive from £445. 87% success rate. 187+ five-star reviews. Marylebone and Canary Wharf.

Book your free diagnostic consultation > WhatsApp | Email: team@thewellnesslondon.com | Call: +44 20 3951 3429

Medical Disclaimer: Blood test interpretation requires medical assessment. Normal reference ranges may vary between laboratories. All consultations at The London PRP Clinic conducted by GMC-registered doctors. Last reviewed March 2026.

Omar Elalfy