PRP vs Hair Transplant
The question you're really asking: "Which one will actually give me my hair back?"
Here's the honest answer: both work brilliantly—for the right person, at the right stage, for the right pattern of hair loss.
The tragedy is watching patients choose the wrong treatment for their situation. A 28-year-old with diffuse thinning getting an expensive transplant when PRP would have addressed the actual problem. A 45-year-old with complete temple recession waiting for PRP to regrow destroyed follicles that need surgical relocation.
Understanding which treatment suits your specific hair loss pattern is the difference between transformation and disappointment.
Let's walk through exactly how to make this decision.
The Fundamental Difference (That Changes Everything)
PRP regenerates existing follicles. Hair transplant relocates permanent ones.
Think of your scalp as a garden. Some of your plants (follicles) are struggling but alive—they're producing thin, weak growth or lying dormant. Other areas are completely bare soil where plants have died entirely.
PRP is like fertiliser, water, and optimal growing conditions. It revives struggling plants, helps them produce fuller growth, prevents further die-off. It's remarkably effective—but it can't bring dead plants back to life.
Hair transplant is like digging up healthy plants from the back of your garden (donor area) and replanting them in the bare patches (recipient area). Those relocated plants grow permanently because they're genetically resistant to DHT.
Both approaches work. The question is: what does your garden actually need?
When PRP Is Your Perfect Solution
PRP produces remarkable results for specific hair loss patterns:
Diffuse Thinning Across the Scalp
If your hair is getting thinner all over—less density, finer texture, wider partings—but you haven't lost hair completely in any area, PRP is likely your optimal choice.
Why? Because you still have follicles throughout your scalp. They're miniaturising (shrinking and producing finer hair), but they're alive. PRP's growth factors can reverse this miniaturisation process.
What happens with PRP:
Miniaturised follicles increase in diameter by 30-40%
Dormant follicles shift back into active growth phase
Overall density increases visibly across treated areas
Existing hair becomes thicker, stronger, healthier
Real patient example: 32-year-old noticed her ponytail was half the thickness it used to be. No bald patches, just overall thinning. After PRP protocol, hair count increased 35% and diameter improved significantly. Her stylist commented unprompted: "Your hair is so much thicker—what did you do?"
Early-Stage Pattern Baldness
If you're noticing a receding hairline or crown thinning in the early stages—where the area looks thin rather than completely bald—PRP can often halt progression and stimulate regrowth.
The key factor: When you look closely (or through trichoscopy), you can still see fine, miniaturised hairs in the thinning areas. Those are follicles that can respond to PRP.
What happens with PRP:
Progression of pattern baldness slows or halts entirely
Miniaturised hairs in early balding areas thicken
Hairline maintains its current position rather than receding further
Crown thinning fills in with thicker, healthier growth
Real patient example: 28-year-old male with temples starting to recede and slight crown thinning. Trichoscopy showed abundant miniaturised follicles. PRP protocol stopped further recession and restored much of the density at temples. At 18 months with maintenance, hairline has remained stable and crown is substantially fuller.
Post-Pregnancy Hair Loss
Many women experience significant shedding after pregnancy (telogen effluvium). PRP accelerates recovery and restores pre-pregnancy density.
What happens with PRP:
Excessive shedding reduces within 6-8 weeks
Follicles that shifted into resting phase return to growth phase
Density restoration occurs faster than natural recovery
Hair quality improves beyond pre-pregnancy baseline
Alopecia Areata (Patchy Hair Loss)
This autoimmune condition responds well to PRP's anti-inflammatory effects and stem cell activation.
What happens with PRP:
Inflammatory signals that attack follicles are modulated
Dormant follicles in bald patches begin regrowing hair
Progression to new patches may be prevented
Regrowth is often permanent once achieved
As Transplant Enhancement
Even if you do need a transplant, PRP plays a valuable role:
Before transplant: PRP maximises density in non-transplanted areas, reducing the number of grafts needed During transplant: PRP improves graft survival rates by 15-20% when applied to recipient and donor areas After transplant:PRP accelerates healing and ensures transplanted follicles thrive
When Hair Transplant Is Your Best Choice
Transplant surgery is the optimal solution for these situations:
Complete Baldness in Specific Areas
If you have areas of smooth, shiny scalp with no visible hair—even fine vellus hairs—those follicles are gone permanently. PRP can't regenerate destroyed follicles. You need surgical relocation of healthy ones.
Classic transplant candidates:
Completely bald temples with substantial recession
Smooth, hairless crown with no miniaturised hairs visible
Advanced pattern baldness (Norwood 5-7 for men, Ludwig II-III for women)
Significant frontal hairline loss
What happens with transplant:
Permanent follicles are relocated from DHT-resistant donor area (back/sides of scalp)
These transplanted follicles grow normally and permanently
Bald areas fill in with natural, permanent hair
Results are permanent—transplanted follicles retain their genetic resistance
Real patient example: 42-year-old male with completely bald crown and receded temples. Trichoscopy showed no viable follicles in these areas. Underwent FUE transplant with 3,200 grafts. Twelve months later, complete crown coverage and restored hairline. Used PRP post-operatively to maximise non-transplanted areas and ensure optimal graft survival.
Stable, Well-Defined Baldness Pattern
Transplant works best when your hair loss has stabilised into a predictable pattern. If you're still rapidly losing hair, transplant doesn't prevent continued loss in non-transplanted areas.
Desire for Permanent, One-Time Solution
Transplant provides permanent results (those follicles won't fall out). PRP requires ongoing maintenance to sustain benefits because it's managing an ongoing genetic condition.
If you prefer a surgical solution with permanent results rather than ongoing regenerative therapy, transplant aligns with that preference.
The Honest Comparison (Every Factor That Matters)
Results Timeline
PRP:
Reduced shedding: 4-6 weeks
Visible new growth: 8-12 weeks
Significant density increase: 4-6 months
Optimal results: 6-12 months
Hair Transplant:
Transplanted hairs shed: 2-4 weeks (normal shock loss)
New growth begins: 3-4 months
Visible improvement: 6-9 months
Final results: 12-18 months
Winner: Similar timelines, though PRP shows earlier signs of improvement
Permanence
PRP:
Results last 12-18 months with initial protocol
Requires maintenance every 4-6 months to sustain benefits
Ongoing genetic hair loss continues without maintenance
Lifetime commitment to management
Hair Transplant:
Transplanted follicles are permanent
Will never fall out (genetically resistant to DHT)
However, non-transplanted hair continues natural loss pattern
May need additional sessions as native hair thins
Winner: Transplant for permanence in treated areas, but neither prevents continued loss in other areas
Cost Comparison (5-Year Analysis)
PRP Complete Protocol:
Initial comprehensive treatment: £1,275
Maintenance (twice yearly): £700 × 5 = £3,500
Total 5-year investment: £4,775
Hair Transplant FUE:
Procedure (2,500-3,500 grafts): £5,000-£8,000
Possible touch-up session: £2,000-£3,000
Total 5-year investment: £7,000-£11,000
Winner: PRP is substantially more affordable, though transplant is one-time investment
Recovery and Downtime
PRP:
Immediate return to normal activities
Mild scalp tenderness for 24-48 hours
No visible signs of treatment
No recovery period required
Can exercise normally within 48 hours
Hair Transplant:
7-14 days significant downtime
Visible scabbing/redness for 2-3 weeks
Sleep position restrictions for 1 week
Exercise restrictions for 3-4 weeks
Potential for visible scarring (though minimal with FUE)
Winner: PRP dramatically easier recovery
Pain and Discomfort
PRP:
Topical numbing cream applied before treatment
Minor pinprick sensations during injection
Mild soreness for 24-48 hours post-treatment
Patients rate pain 3-4 out of 10
Hair Transplant:
Local anaesthetic injections (the most uncomfortable part)
Procedure itself is painless once numb
Post-operative discomfort for several days
Potential donor area tightness for weeks
Patients rate pain 5-6 out of 10 post-operatively
Winner: PRP significantly more comfortable
Natural-Looking Results
PRP:
Stimulates your own follicles to produce your own hair
Growth pattern is completely natural
No risk of unnatural hairline or "pluggy" appearance
Progressive improvement looks natural to everyone
Hair Transplant:
Results depend heavily on surgeon skill
Excellent surgeon creates imperceptible, natural results
Poor surgeon creates obvious, unnatural appearance
Hairline design is critical—permanent once done
Winner: Both can look completely natural with proper execution
Suitability for Different Ages
PRP:
Excellent for younger patients (20s-30s) with early loss
Prevents progression during prime years
Non-invasive approach suitable for those not ready for surgery
Can always proceed to transplant later if needed
Hair Transplant:
Generally recommended for patients 30+ with stable loss pattern
Younger patients risk needing additional procedures as loss progresses
Requires adequate donor hair (which younger patients have)
One-time investment appeals to older patients
Winner: PRP for younger patients; transplant for established loss patterns
The Combined Approach (Best of Both Worlds)
Here's what many patients don't realise: PRP and transplant aren't mutually exclusive. They're often complementary.
The optimal strategy for many patients combines both:
The Strategic Timeline
Phase 1 (Age 25-35): Use PRP to maximise existing hair, slow progression, and delay need for surgery. This preserves donor hair for eventual transplant whilst maintaining density during prime years.
Phase 2 (Age 35-45): When loss progresses despite PRP, undergo strategic transplant to address completely bald areas whilst continuing PRP for non-transplanted regions.
Phase 3 (Age 45+): Maintain both transplanted areas (which need minimal care) and native hair (which benefits from ongoing PRP).
The Synergistic Protocol
For patients undergoing transplant now:
2 weeks before surgery: PRP session to optimise scalp health and healing capacity
During surgery: PRP applied to donor and recipient areas to enhance graft survival (studies show 15-20% improvement in graft survival rates)
1 month post-surgery: PRP session to accelerate healing and stimulate native hair in non-transplanted areas
3 months post-surgery: PRP session to maximise density of both transplanted and native hair
Ongoing: PRP maintenance every 6 months to preserve non-transplanted hair
This combined approach produces superior results to either treatment alone.
How to Make Your Decision (The Right Way)
Step 1: Get Proper Assessment
You need trichoscopic examination—magnified evaluation of your scalp to determine follicle viability. This shows:
Whether miniaturised follicles exist in thinning areas (PRP can help)
Whether areas are completely devoid of follicles (need transplant)
Your overall donor hair quality (affects transplant suitability)
Inflammation or scalp conditions requiring treatment first
At The London PRP Clinic, every consultation includes trichoscopy. We'll show you exactly what your follicles look like and explain candidly which treatment suits your pattern.
Step 2: Consider Your Age and Loss Pattern
Under 30 with diffuse thinning: PRP is almost certainly your best first approach
Under 30 with significant bald areas: Combination approach—PRP for diffuse areas, consider transplant for completely bald zones once loss stabilises
30-40 with moderate pattern baldness: Evaluate both options based on extent of complete baldness versus thinning
40+ with established, stable pattern: Transplant likely optimal for bald areas, PRP excellent for maintaining remaining hair
Step 3: Assess Your Lifestyle Preferences
Prefer non-invasive approach: PRP
Want permanent solution: Transplant
Can't take time off for recovery: PRP
Willing to commit to ongoing maintenance: PRP works well
Want one-time investment: Transplant
Budget-conscious: PRP more affordable initially and long-term
Step 4: Evaluate Realistic Expectations
PRP provides: 30-40% density increase in areas with viable follicles, prevention of further loss, improved hair quality, sustained benefits with maintenance
Transplant provides: Complete coverage of bald areas with permanent hair, dramatic transformation of appearance, one-time procedure, permanent results
Neither provides: Miracle regrowth of hair in areas where follicles are completely dead (except transplant, which relocates new ones)
Why We Recommend PRP First for Most Patients
At The London PRP Clinic, we recommend most patients under 40 start with PRP, even if transplant will eventually be needed. Here's why:
Preserve donor hair: Every follicle used in transplant is one fewer you have for future procedures. Starting with PRP maximises what you have before surgical intervention.
Buy time: PRP can delay transplant by 5-10 years or more, meaning you undergo surgery when you're older and loss pattern is more stable.
Lower financial commitment: Test regenerative approach for £1,275 before committing £7,000-10,000 to surgery.
No permanence concerns: If you try PRP and it's not sufficient, you can still proceed to transplant. If you get transplant first and don't like the hairline design, that's permanent.
Maximise eventual transplant results: Even if you do need transplant eventually, having PRP-optimised native hair means fewer grafts needed and better overall density.
That said, if you have extensive complete baldness with no viable follicles, transplant is the only solution. We'll tell you this honestly during consultation.
The Real Success Stories (What Actually Happens)
Patient A: PRP Transformed His Thinning Hair
28-year-old male, diffuse thinning across crown and temples, miniaturised follicles visible on trichoscopy. Followed comprehensive PRP protocol: three sessions plus supplements and density serum.
Results at 6 months: 38% increase in hair count, significant improvement in hair diameter, complete confidence restoration. Cost: £1,275 for protocol. Maintenance: £545 every 6 months.
His words: "I look like I did at 23. Nobody knows I had treatment—they just think my hair looks great. Best money I've ever spent on myself."
Patient B: Transplant Gave Him Complete Transformation
42-year-old male, completely bald crown and receded temples, no follicles visible on trichoscopy. Underwent 3,500-graft FUE transplant.
Results at 12 months: Complete crown coverage, natural hairline restoration, dramatic transformation. Cost: £8,500 for procedure.
His words: "I look 10 years younger. The recovery was rough for two weeks, but seeing the results was worth every bit of discomfort and cost."
Patient C: Combined Approach Produced Optimal Results
35-year-old male, moderately receded temples (no follicles) but diffuse thinning crown (miniaturised follicles present).
Treatment plan:
Phase 1: PRP protocol for crown thinning
Phase 2: 1,800-graft transplant for temples
Phase 3: Ongoing PRP maintenance for crown and to support transplanted hair
Results at 18 months: Natural, complete coverage everywhere. Crown density improved with PRP. Temples completely restored with transplant. Both treatments worked synergistically.
Total investment: £1,275 (PRP) + £5,200 (transplant) + £545 yearly maintenance = £6,475 first year, then £545 annually
His words: "Using both treatments strategically gave me the best possible outcome. I'm thrilled."
Your Next Step Costs Nothing (But Could Change Everything)
Your free consultation includes trichoscopic examination—we'll show you exactly what your follicles look like and explain honestly which treatment approach suits your situation.
If you're a PRP candidate, we'll explain the protocol and expected results. If transplant is more appropriate, we'll explain why and refer you to excellent surgeons. If a combined approach makes sense, we'll map out the optimal strategy.
No pressure. No sales tactics. Just honest medical guidance about the best path for your specific hair loss.
Book your free trichoscopic consultation on WhatsApp
PRP vs Transplant: Your Questions Answered
Can I get a transplant and then maintain it with PRP?
Absolutely—this is an excellent strategy. Transplanted follicles are permanent and don't require PRP, but your native (non-transplanted) hair continues its natural loss pattern. Using PRP maintenance on native hair maximises overall density and prevents the transplanted hair from looking isolated as surrounding native hair thins. Many transplant surgeons now recommend this combined approach for optimal long-term results.
If I start with PRP, will I still be able to get a transplant later if needed?
Yes, PRP doesn't affect your eligibility for future transplant. In fact, it may improve transplant outcomes by maintaining donor area density and overall scalp health. Starting with PRP allows you to delay transplant until absolutely necessary whilst preserving your donor hair supply for when you do eventually need surgery.
How do I know if my bald areas still have viable follicles for PRP?
Trichoscopic examination reveals this immediately. We look for miniaturised vellus hairs—fine, light-coloured hairs that indicate follicles are struggling but alive. If we see these, PRP can help. If the scalp is completely smooth with no visible follicles even under magnification, those follicles are gone and only transplant can address that area. This assessment takes 5 minutes during consultation.
Is PRP cheaper than transplant in the long run?
Over 5 years: PRP costs approximately £4,775 (initial protocol plus maintenance). Transplant costs £7,000-11,000 (procedure plus potential touch-up). However, transplant is permanent in treated areas whilst PRP requires ongoing maintenance. If you value long-term affordability and are willing to commit to maintenance, PRP is more economical. If you prefer one-time investment, transplant's higher upfront cost may be worth it for permanence.
Can PRP achieve the same dramatic results as a transplant?
For the right patient, yes. If you have diffuse thinning with viable follicles, PRP can produce 30-40% density increases that feel life-changing. However, if you have complete baldness in specific areas, PRP cannot match transplant's ability to create coverage where no follicles exist. The "dramatic" nature depends on your starting point—PRP dramatically improves quality of existing hair; transplant dramatically changes coverage in bald areas.
What if I can't afford a transplant but my baldness is too advanced for PRP?
This is challenging but not hopeless. Options include: saving for transplant whilst using topical treatments (minoxidil) to slow progression, considering financing options many transplant clinics offer, exploring partial transplant targeting most visible areas (hairline), or focusing on non-surgical cosmetic solutions (hair systems, fibres) whilst saving. We'll have an honest conversation about realistic options during consultation.
Do celebrities actually get PRP or transplants?
Many get both strategically. Younger celebrities often use PRP to maintain their hair during their peak career years. When transplant is needed, they combine it with PRP for optimal results. The "hair transplant" celebrities everyone discusses (various footballers, actors) typically also use PRP maintenance post-operatively. The best outcomes often involve both treatments used appropriately.
How painful is PRP compared to transplant?
PRP involves topical numbing and minor pinprick sensations—most patients rate it 3-4 out of 10 discomfort. Transplant involves local anaesthetic injections (the most uncomfortable part), then the procedure itself is painless. Post-operative discomfort and tightness can last days to weeks—patients rate this 5-6 out of 10. Recovery from PRP is essentially non-existent; recovery from transplant requires 1-2 weeks off work and 3-4 weeks of activity restrictions.
Will PRP or transplant look more natural?
Both can look completely natural with proper execution. PRP stimulates your own follicles in their natural pattern—results are inherently natural. Transplant results depend heavily on surgeon skill, particularly hairline design and graft placement density. Excellent surgeons create imperceptible results; poor surgeons create obvious, unnatural appearance. With PRP, the technique variability affecting naturalness is lower.
Can I use PRP to improve my donor area before transplant?
Yes, many patients do this strategically. Optimising donor area health with PRP 2-3 months before transplant can improve follicle quality and potentially increase usable donor supply. Some surgeons also apply PRP to donor area during extraction to promote faster healing and minimise donor area depletion. Discuss this with both your PRP provider and transplant surgeon for coordinated timing.
What happens if I get a transplant but my native hair keeps thinning?
This is common and why many surgeons recommend PRP maintenance post-transplant. Transplanted follicles are permanent, but native hair continues its genetic loss pattern. As native hair thins around transplanted areas, the transplanted hair can begin to look isolated or pluggy. Using PRP to maintain native hair prevents this and preserves overall density, making the transplant look natural long-term.
Is there an age that's too young for transplant but fine for PRP?
Most surgeons hesitate to transplant patients under 25-28 because hair loss patterns aren't stable—you might transplant an area only to have native hair recede further behind it, requiring additional procedures. PRP is excellent for younger patients because it's non-permanent and works with your evolving hair loss pattern. There's no age "too young" for PRP if hair loss is occurring, whilst transplant is generally best delayed until loss pattern is predictable.
The London PRP Clinic | Marylebone • Canary Wharf • Belgravia
