Stem Cell vs PRP for Hair Loss

PRP and stem cell treatments both aim to restore hair, but they work differently: PRP uses growth factors from your blood to stimulate existing follicles, while stem cell treatments use cells that can potentially regenerate tissue. Currently, PRP has stronger clinical evidence for hair loss, while true stem cell therapy remains largely experimental.

Understanding the Difference

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

What It Is:

Concentrated platelets from your own blood, rich in growth factors.

How It Works:

  • Growth factors signal follicles to enter growth phase

  • Improves blood supply to hair follicles

  • Reduces inflammation

  • Strengthens existing hair

Evidence:

  • Well-established, numerous clinical studies

  • 70-90% patient satisfaction reported

  • Consistent, reproducible results

Stem Cell Treatments

What It Is:

Cells with ability to develop into various tissue types. Can be from your own fat (adipose-derived), bone marrow, or laboratory-grown.

How It Works:

  • Stem cells theoretically regenerate damaged tissue

  • May produce growth factors similar to PRP

  • Potential to create new follicles (unproven)

Evidence:

  • Largely experimental

  • Limited clinical trials for hair loss specifically

  • Results inconsistent

  • Regulatory status unclear in UK

Honest Comparison

Effectiveness:

  • PRP: Proven effective for many patients, 70-90% see improvement

  • Stem Cell: Promising but unproven for hair loss specifically

Safety:

  • PRP: Excellent safety profile, uses your own blood

  • Stem Cell: Generally safe but less long-term data

Availability:

  • PRP: Widely available at reputable clinics

  • Stem Cell: Limited availability, some clinics offering experimental protocols

Cost:

  • PRP: £400-600 per session typically

  • Stem Cell: Often £2,000-5,000+ per treatment

Regulation:

  • PRP: Established, regulated procedure

  • Stem Cell: Regulatory grey area in many countries

What's Actually Available in the UK

True Stem Cell Therapy:

Genuine stem cell injections for hair loss are not yet mainstream in the UK. Be cautious of clinics claiming to offer "stem cell hair treatment"—many are actually offering:

  • PRP with marketing spin

  • Exosomes (cell-derived products)

  • Fat-derived treatments that may contain some stem cells

What We Recommend:

For hair loss treatment today, PRP has the evidence base and track record. Future stem cell treatments may prove effective, but current options are experimental.

The Future of Hair Regeneration

Emerging Technologies:

  • Exosome therapy (cell-derived growth factors)

  • Hair follicle cloning (experimental)

  • Gene therapy (early research)

  • Advanced stem cell protocols

These may eventually surpass PRP, but aren't clinically proven yet.

Our Approach at The London PRP Clinic

We offer PRP because:

  • Strong clinical evidence supports it

  • Results are reproducible

  • Safety profile is excellent

  • It's appropriately regulated

  • We can honestly stand behind outcomes

We don't currently offer "stem cell" treatments for hair because the evidence doesn't support charging patients for experimental protocols.

Making Your Decision

Choose PRP If:

  • You want proven, evidence-based treatment

  • You're looking for realistic improvement

  • Budget is a consideration

  • You prefer established protocols

Consider Waiting for Stem Cells If:

  • You're interested in experimental treatments

  • Budget isn't a concern

  • You understand it's unproven

  • You've exhausted other options

Book PRP Consultation

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Get honest advice on the best treatment for your hair loss.

FAQ

Is stem cell better than PRP?

Not currently—PRP has more evidence for hair loss. Stem cell may become superior in future as research advances.

Why do some clinics offer "stem cell hair treatment"?

Marketing. Many "stem cell" treatments are actually PRP or similar. Always ask exactly what's being injected.

Should I wait for stem cell treatment?

Hair loss progresses. Treating now with PRP can preserve hair while you wait for future options.

The London PRP Clinic. Evidence-based hair restoration.

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