PRP vs Finasteride For Hair Loss London. Which Is Right For You

PRP and finasteride both treat genetic hair loss, but they work in completely different ways. Finasteride is a daily tablet that lowers the hormone DHT, which drives the loss. PRP is an in-clinic treatment that uses growth factors from your own blood to stimulate the follicle directly, with no hormonal effect. For people who cannot or prefer not to take medication, PRP is the natural alternative. For many, the two work best together.

This guide is written by the medical team at The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness, a doctor-led clinic across Marylebone and Canary Wharf. We give an honest, evidence-based view of both, so you can choose with the full picture rather than the marketing.

Weighing PRP against finasteride? Message a GMC-registered doctor on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com.

How does finasteride work and how well

Finasteride works by blocking the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, the hormone that shrinks genetically sensitive follicles. By lowering DHT, it slows or halts the process driving male pattern hair loss, and it is one of the most evidence-backed hair loss treatments available. In the landmark study, finasteride stopped further loss in around 90 percent of men and produced regrowth in roughly two-thirds over two years.

Its strength is also its limit. Because it acts on a hormone, a small percentage of men report side effects such as reduced libido or erectile changes, which are usually reversible on stopping but understandably put some people off. It is a daily tablet that only keeps working while you take it, and it is not suitable for women who are or may become pregnant. These are exactly the reasons a proper medical assessment, not an online order, should come before starting it.

How does PRP work and how well

PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, takes a small sample of your blood, concentrates the platelets in a centrifuge, and injects that growth-factor-rich plasma into the scalp. Those growth factors stimulate follicles, improve blood supply and push hairs back toward active growth. Crucially, it has no hormonal action, so it avoids the side effect profile that concerns some men about finasteride.

The evidence base is solid and growing, with around 43 randomised controlled trials and more than 1,800 participants, and pooled data showing density rising from roughly 142 to 178 hairs per square centimetre. PRP suits early to moderate genetic loss, female pattern hair loss and follicles that are still alive. Its honest limits are that it needs a course with maintenance, results build over months, and it does not regrow hair from follicles that have already gone. For the right person it is a strong, natural treatment.

Want the hormone-free route explained for your case? Ask our doctors on WhatsApp.

Is PRP a good alternative to finasteride

For people who cannot take finasteride or do not want to, PRP is the most credible alternative, because it tackles the same problem from a different angle without affecting hormones. Women, men worried about sexual side effects, and anyone who prefers a treatment using only their own blood are all good candidates to consider PRP first.

That said, the honest clinical view is that they are not really opponents. Finasteride addresses the hormonal driver of the loss, while PRP supports the follicle itself, so for many men the strongest plan uses both, often with minoxidil added. The right answer depends on your priorities, your tolerance for medication, and the cause and stage of your loss. A doctor-led assessment is what turns this from a generic debate into a clear recommendation for you specifically, rather than a one-size-fits-all prescription.

Can you combine PRP and finasteride

Yes, and for many men this is the most effective approach. Finasteride reduces the DHT that is shrinking the follicles, removing the underlying driver, while PRP stimulates those follicles to grow stronger hair. Working on the hormonal cause and the follicle at the same time gives a better result than either alone, and minoxidil can be added as a third element to extend the growth phase.

This layered approach is standard in evidence-based hair medicine, and pooled trial data support combination therapy over single treatments. The point of seeing a doctor is to build the combination that fits you, set the right doses, monitor for side effects and adjust over time. A clinic that simply sells you one treatment has an incentive to ignore the others. A doctor-led plan starts from what will work best for your hair, not from a fixed menu.

Why blood tests come first at The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness

Before recommending PRP, finasteride or both, we work out the full picture of your hair loss. Our GMC-registered doctors arrange blood tests covering ferritin and iron stores, full thyroid function, vitamin D, B12, key hormones, HbA1c and zinc, run from the same Marylebone clinic, so results and treatment sit with one medical team.

This matters because genetic loss often sits alongside treatable contributors, and a low ferritin or thyroid problem will blunt the response to any treatment until it is corrected. Testing first means whichever route you choose works on a follicle that has what it needs. It also lets us prescribe and monitor finasteride responsibly where it is appropriate, rather than handing it over without assessment. This diagnostic-first method is the difference between a doctor-led clinic and a quick online prescription.

How much does PRP cost in London

Doctor-led PRP in central London sits in a clear band. Harley Street and Mayfair flagship clinics commonly charge £600 to £850 or more per session. At The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness, doctor-performed PRP for hair starts from £545 per session, with a recommended course of three at £1,455.

That price covers the consultation, treatment by a GMC-registered doctor, Viviscal Professional supplement support, progress monitoring, aftercare and a blood-test recommendation for your case. Finasteride is a lower ongoing cost as a daily medication, but it carries the hormonal considerations above and must be taken continuously. The right comparison is not simply price but fit, and our doctors will help you weigh both honestly.

Why people choose The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness

We are a doctor-led, blood-test-first clinic that recommends treatments on evidence. Across hair restoration we report an 87 percent patient success rate and an average density increase of 32 percent, supported by more than 187 five-star reviews. Every treatment is performed by GMC-registered doctors.

When you are choosing between a hormonal medication and a natural treatment, an honest, personalised assessment is worth far more than a sales pitch. We will tell you whether PRP, finasteride or a combination is the right move for your hair, your health and your preferences.

Take the first step today. Message us on WhatsApp, email team@thewellnesslondon.com, or call +44 20 3951 3429. Clinics in Marylebone, two minutes from Baker Street, and Canary Wharf.

Frequently asked questions about PRP and finasteride

Is PRP or finasteride better for hair loss?

They work differently and often best together. Finasteride lowers the hormone driving loss, while PRP stimulates the follicle and is hormone-free. PRP is the leading alternative for those who cannot or prefer not to take finasteride.

Does PRP have the side effects finasteride does?

No. PRP has no hormonal action, so it avoids the sexual side effects a small percentage of men report with finasteride. Because it uses your own blood, the risk of an allergic reaction is very low.

Can women use PRP instead of finasteride?

Yes. Finasteride is generally not suitable for women who are or may become pregnant, whereas PRP is an option for female pattern hair loss. A doctor will assess suitability.

Can I take finasteride and have PRP at the same time?

Yes, and many men do. Finasteride addresses the hormonal driver while PRP supports the follicle, and the combination usually outperforms either alone.

How soon will I see results?

With both treatments, expect early change from around three months and fuller results over six to twelve months. Finasteride and PRP only keep working with continued use and maintenance.

Where in London can I be assessed?

The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness has doctor-led clinics in Marylebone, two minutes from Baker Street, and Canary Wharf. Message on WhatsApp or call +44 20 3951 3429.

This article is for information and does not replace personal medical advice. All treatments at The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness are performed by GMC-registered doctors. Individual results vary. Reviewed by the medical team at The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness. Last updated June 2026.

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