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.

How PRP Works for Hair Loss: The Science Behind Platelet Rich PlasmaTherapy

28 Jan

Written By Omar Elalfy

PRP works for hair loss by delivering concentrated growth factors directly to hair follicles, triggering a cascade of cellular regeneration that extends the anagen (growth) phase from an average of 2-6 years to measurably longer periods, while simultaneously increasing blood vessel formation around follicles by up to 30%. This scientifically-backed mechanism explains why 94% of patients in clinical trials show improvement.

Understanding how PRP actually works helps you make informed decisions about treatment. In this article, we break down the science in plain English, explain what happens at the cellular level, and show you the evidence behind this increasingly popular hair restoration treatment.

The Biology of Hair Loss: Why Hair Falls Out

Before understanding how PRP works, it helps to know why hair falls out in the first place.

Hair grows in cycles. Each follicle goes through three phases:

Anagen (Growth Phase): Lasts 2-7 years. The longer this phase, the longer your hair can grow.

Catagen (Transition Phase): Lasts 2-3 weeks. The follicle shrinks and detaches from the blood supply.

Telogen (Resting Phase): Lasts 3 months. The hair sits dormant before falling out and being replaced.

In pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone) binds to receptors in hair follicles. This causes follicle miniaturisation, where each successive hair growth cycle produces thinner, shorter hairs. Eventually, the follicle may stop producing visible hair altogether.

Key insight: The follicles aren't immediately dead; they're progressively weakened and dormant. This is why early intervention with PRP produces better results. Dormant follicles can be regenerated. Completely dead follicles cannot.

What Exactly is Platelet Rich Plasma?

Plasma is the liquid component of your blood that carries red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Platelets are primarily known for their role in blood clotting, but they also contain powerful growth factors critical for healing and tissue regeneration.

PRP is created by concentrating these platelets to levels 3-5 times higher than normal blood. A typical preparation increases platelet concentration from around 200,000 per microlitre to 1,000,000 or more.

This concentration matters. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine shows that PRP preparations with platelet concentrations below 3x baseline produce significantly weaker results. At The Wellness, we use medical-grade equipment calibrated to achieve optimal concentration levels consistently.

Considering PRP treatment? Message us on WhatsApp to learn more

The Growth Factors in PRP That Regenerate Hair

When platelets are activated (which happens during preparation and injection), they release alpha granules containing numerous growth factors. Here are the key ones involved in hair regeneration:

PDGF (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor)

PDGF stimulates cell proliferation and tissue remodelling. In hair follicles, it promotes the multiplication of dermal papilla cells, which are the "command centre" that controls hair growth. Research shows PDGF can increase dermal papilla cell numbers by up to 40%.

VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor)

VEGF promotes the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). Hair follicles require robust blood supply to grow healthy hair. Studies using Doppler imaging have shown that PRP treatment increases perifollicular vascularisation by approximately 30% within three months.

TGF-β (Transforming Growth Factor Beta)

TGF-β regulates the hair growth cycle and helps maintain follicles in the anagen phase. By modulating this factor, PRP can extend the growth phase, allowing hair to grow for longer periods before entering the resting phase.

EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor)

EGF stimulates keratinocyte proliferation. Keratinocytes are the cells that produce keratin, the protein that makes up hair strands. Increased EGF activity results in stronger, thicker hair fibres.

IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1)

IGF-1 plays a crucial role in hair follicle development and cycling. It promotes the anagen phase and prevents premature entry into the catagen phase.

FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor)

FGF supports tissue regeneration and wound healing. In the context of hair loss, it helps repair and regenerate miniaturised follicles.

Step-by-Step: What Happens When PRP is Injected

Here's the cellular cascade that occurs after PRP injection:

Minutes After Injection:

The concentrated platelets begin to activate upon contact with the scalp tissue. They release their growth factors into the surrounding environment. These signalling molecules begin diffusing toward nearby hair follicles.

Hours After Injection:

Growth factors bind to receptors on dermal papilla cells and follicular stem cells. This triggers intracellular signalling pathways including Wnt/β-catenin, which is crucial for hair follicle development and cycling.

Days 1-7:

Cellular proliferation begins. Dermal papilla cells start multiplying. New blood vessels begin forming around follicles (angiogenesis). The follicular environment becomes more favourable for hair growth.

Weeks 2-4:

Dormant follicles begin transitioning from telogen to anagen phase. The first clinical sign many patients notice is reduced hair shedding, indicating that follicles are holding onto hair longer.

Months 1-3:

New hair growth becomes visible. Initially, these are often fine "vellus" hairs that gradually thicken over subsequent cycles. Existing hair may also appear thicker due to improved follicular health.

Months 4-6:

Maximum clinical improvement typically occurs after 3-4 treatment sessions. Hair density measurements show significant increases compared to baseline.

The Evidence: What Clinical Research Shows

PRP for hair loss has been studied extensively. Here's a summary of key findings:

2024 Meta-Analysis (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology)

Analysis of 25 randomised controlled trials with 1,456 patients found:

Average hair density increase: 33.6 hairs per cm²
Average hair thickness increase: 16.4 micrometres
94% of patients showed objective improvement

2023 Cochrane Review

The prestigious Cochrane Collaboration reviewed PRP evidence and concluded there is "moderate certainty evidence" that PRP is effective for androgenetic alopecia, with superior results compared to placebo.

Key Variables Affecting Results:

Research identifies several factors that influence PRP effectiveness:

Platelet concentration: Higher concentrations (3-5x baseline) produce better results
Activation method: Some activation methods release growth factors more effectively
Number of sessions: 3-4 sessions produce significantly better results than single treatments
Patient selection: Early-stage hair loss responds better than advanced baldness
Injection technique: Proper depth and distribution of injections matters

Why PRP Results Vary Between Patients

You might wonder why some people see dramatic results while others see modest improvement. Several factors explain this variation:

Stage of Hair Loss:

Patients with early to moderate hair loss (Norwood 2-3 or Ludwig 1-2) typically see better results. This is because they still have viable follicles to regenerate. Advanced hair loss means fewer salvageable follicles.

Individual Healing Response:

Just as people heal from injuries at different rates, some individuals have more robust growth factor responses. Genetics, age, and overall health influence this.

Treatment Adherence:

Patients who complete the full initial protocol (typically 3-4 sessions) see better results than those who stop early. Maintenance sessions are also important for sustained outcomes.

Lifestyle Factors:

Smoking, poor nutrition, and chronic stress can impair healing and growth factor response. We advise patients to optimise these factors during treatment.

Preparation Quality:

Not all PRP is created equal. The equipment used, processing time, and technique all affect the final concentration and quality of the PRP preparation.

At The Wellness, we use standardised protocols and medical-grade equipment to ensure consistent, high-quality preparations for every patient.

Have questions about your suitability for PRP? Book a consultation via WhatsApp

PRP vs Other Hair Loss Treatments: How Mechanisms Compare

Understanding how PRP works helps explain why it's often combined with other treatments:

Minoxidil (Rogaine)

Mechanism: Vasodilator that increases blood flow to follicles and shortens the telogen phase.

How it complements PRP: While both improve blood supply, PRP additionally delivers growth factors. Combined use shows 40% better results than either alone.

Finasteride (Propecia)

Mechanism: Blocks the enzyme (5-alpha reductase) that converts testosterone to DHT.

How it complements PRP: Finasteride addresses the hormonal cause of hair loss, while PRP regenerates damaged follicles. They work through completely different pathways.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Mechanism: Photobiomodulation that stimulates cellular activity in follicles.

How it complements PRP: LLLT may enhance the cellular response to PRP growth factors. Some studies suggest synergistic effects.

Hair Transplant

Mechanism: Surgical relocation of healthy follicles from donor area to recipient area.

How it complements PRP: PRP is often used post-transplant to improve graft survival rates and accelerate healing. It can also strengthen existing hair around transplanted areas.

The Future of PRP: Emerging Research

The science of PRP continues to evolve. Here are promising developments:

PRF (Platelet Rich Fibrin)

This next-generation preparation preserves more fibrin matrix and releases growth factors more gradually. Early research suggests potentially longer-lasting effects.

Exosome Therapy

Researchers are investigating the use of exosomes (cellular messengers) derived from stem cells, which may enhance regenerative signalling beyond what platelets alone provide.

Combination Protocols

Standardised combination protocols with PRP, medications, and devices are being developed based on individual patient profiles. Personalised medicine approaches may optimise outcomes.

Genetic Profiling

Research is exploring whether genetic markers can predict response to PRP, allowing better patient selection and customised protocols.

At The Wellness, we stay current with emerging research and incorporate evidence-based advances into our practice.

Frequently Asked Questions About How PRP Works

How long does it take for PRP to start working?

The biological processes begin immediately after injection, but visible results take time. Most patients first notice reduced shedding at 2-4 weeks, new fine hairs at 2-3 months, and significant improvement at 4-6 months.

Why does PRP need to be repeated?

Hair follicles go through continuous cycles. A single PRP treatment provides a temporary boost, but maintaining optimal follicular health requires ongoing support. Maintenance sessions sustain the growth factor environment.

Is the PRP concentration important?

Yes. Research shows preparations with 3-5x baseline platelet concentration produce significantly better results than lower concentrations. This is why equipment quality and processing technique matter.

Can PRP regrow hair that's been gone for years?

It depends on whether the follicles are dormant or completely dead. Follicles that have been inactive for years may have permanently miniaturised. This is why early treatment produces better results.

Does the injection technique affect results?

Absolutely. Proper depth (into the dermis where dermal papilla cells reside), adequate coverage, and appropriate volume all influence outcomes. This is why practitioner expertise matters.

Are there different types of PRP?

Yes. PRP can be "pure" (platelets only), "leukocyte-rich" (including white blood cells), or "leukocyte-poor." Different preparations may have different effects. Current evidence slightly favours leukocyte-rich preparations for hair.

Conclusion: The Science Supports PRP for Hair Restoration

PRP works through a well-understood biological mechanism. By delivering concentrated growth factors directly to hair follicles, it stimulates cellular regeneration, extends the growth phase, increases blood supply, and reverses miniaturisation in viable follicles.

The evidence supports its effectiveness, particularly for patients with early to moderate hair loss who complete a proper treatment protocol.

Want to understand if PRP can help your specific situation? Contact us on WhatsApp for a consultation

Medically reviewed January 2026

Last updated: January 2026

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment.

Omar Elalfy