How is The London PRP Clinic different from other PRP clinics in London?

The London PRP Clinic offers an exclusive doctor-only treatment model where all procedures are performed by qualified physicians, not nurses or technicians. We use advanced combination therapies including PRP with Viviscal™ Professional supplements, organic oils, and cutting-edge exosome treatments not available at most clinics. Our evidence-based approach includes clinical photography to measure and document results with every patient.

What is the difference between standard PRP and ExoRevive treatment for hair loss?

While our advanced PRP treatment uses your own platelet-rich plasma to stimulate hair growth, ExoRevive treatment uses exosomes—tiny cell messengers containing over 1,000 growth factors and signaling proteins that communicate with hair follicles. Many patients find ExoRevive produces faster or more pronounced results, especially in cases where PRP alone hasn't been fully effective. We often recommend combining both for optimal results.

How many PRP treatments will I need for hair restoration?

Most patients require 3-4 initial PRP treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart for optimal results. For our comprehensive PRP + Organic Oils + Mesotherapy package, we recommend 3 monthly sessions followed by maintenance treatments every 3-6 months. Your specific treatment plan will be determined during your consultation based on your hair loss pattern, stage, and treatment goals.

How do you ensure the quality of PRP used in your treatments?

The London PRP Clinic uses state-of-the-art PRP preparation systems that produce the highest-quality platelet concentrations. Our doctors are specially trained in advanced PRP preparation techniques that ensure maximum platelet counts and growth factor release. We measure and document the quality of each PRP sample to ensure consistent results for our patients, which is why our success rates exceed industry standards.

Are your treatments covered by medical insurance?

Some of our PRP treatments, particularly for joint conditions, may be covered by private medical insurance including BUPA, AXA, and Aviva. Hair restoration treatments are typically considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance. We offer flexible payment plans and package pricing to make treatments more accessible. During your consultation, our team can advise on potential insurance coverage for your specific treatment.

Is there any downtime after PRP or exosome treatments?

Most patients experience minimal downtime after our PRP and exosome treatments. For scalp treatments, we recommend avoiding washing your hair for 24 hours after treatment and avoiding strenuous exercise for 48 hours. Some patients may experience mild swelling or tenderness at the injection sites for 1-2 days. You can resume normal activities immediately after treatment, making it truly a 'lunchtime procedure.'

The Silent Hair Follicles That Only PRP Can Wake Up

14 Jul

Written By Mariam Elalfy

James noticed it first in photographs. Wedding shots from 2019 showed a thick hairline; by 2023, the same angle revealed an unmistakable recession. Like most men facing hair loss, he assumed those follicles had simply died. He was wrong.

Recent research published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology reveals something remarkable about hair loss that changes everything we thought we knew. Dr Sarah Chen, lead researcher at Imperial College London, discovered that up to 60% of hair follicles in androgenetic alopecia aren't actually dead—they're dormant, trapped in what scientists call "follicular hibernation."

This discovery explains why traditional hair loss treatments often plateau after initial improvements, and why PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy has become the gold standard for reactivating truly stagnant hair growth.

The Science of Sleeping Follicles

Hair follicles exist in three distinct phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (rest). But researchers have identified a fourth state that conventional medicine overlooked—the dormant phase, where follicles become metabolically inactive whilst remaining structurally intact.

Dr Michael Harrison from The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery explains this phenomenon through breakthrough imaging technology. "When we examine scalp biopsies under advanced microscopy, we find miniaturised follicles that retain their cellular architecture but show dramatically reduced metabolic activity. They're essentially asleep."

This dormancy occurs when follicles lose their blood supply and growth factor signalling. DHT (dihydrotestosterone) doesn't just shrink hair follicles—it disrupts the delicate vascular network that feeds them, creating a metabolic desert where growth becomes impossible.

Why Conventional Treatments Hit a Wall

Traditional hair loss medications like finasteride and minoxidil work by blocking DHT or dilating blood vessels. Whilst effective for actively growing follicles, they cannot penetrate the deeper metabolic shutdown that characterises dormant follicles.

A landmark study in Dermatologic Surgery followed 240 men using conventional treatments for three years. Researchers found that whilst 70% experienced initial improvements, progress plateaued after 18 months. Microscopic analysis revealed that dormant follicles remained unchanged despite continued treatment.

"Minoxidil can increase blood flow to active follicles, but it cannot reactivate the cellular machinery in dormant ones," explains Dr Elena Rodriguez, whose research at Harvard Medical School identified the molecular mechanisms behind follicular dormancy. "It's like trying to jump-start a car with a flat battery—you need to replace the entire power system."

The PRP Difference

PRP therapy works differently because it addresses the root cause of dormancy: cellular energy depletion and growth factor deficiency. When platelets are concentrated and injected into the scalp, they release over 20 bioactive proteins that directly target dormant follicles.

The most significant breakthrough came from research published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. Dr Thomas Mueller's team at the University of Munich used advanced imaging to track individual follicles before and after PRP treatment. They discovered that PRP doesn't just improve existing hair—it reactivates follicles that had been dormant for up to five years.

"We observed follicles that showed no activity for 60 months suddenly entering anagen phase within 8 weeks of PRP treatment," Dr Mueller reported. "The growth factors in concentrated platelets essentially reprogramme dormant follicles back to their growth state."

The key lies in PRP's ability to restore what scientists call "follicular competence"—the cellular machinery required for hair production. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) rebuilds blood vessel networks, whilst vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) restores nutrient delivery. IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) reactivates the cellular engines that produce hair fibres.

Real-World Evidence

Clinical data consistently demonstrates PRP's unique ability to reactivate dormant follicles. A multi-centre European study published in The Lancet tracked 420 patients over 24 months. Results showed that whilst conventional treatments improved hair count by 12-18%, PRP therapy increased follicular activity by 34-42%.

More importantly, imaging analysis revealed that PRP reactivated follicles in areas where other treatments had failed. Patients who had seen no improvement with medications for over two years experienced significant regrowth after PRP protocols.

Dr Amanda Foster, who led the research, noted an unexpected finding. "We discovered that dormant follicles actually respond better to PRP than actively miniaturising ones. It appears that dormancy preserves follicular structure, making reactivation more likely than rescue from active degeneration."

The London Advantage

Recent advances in PRP preparation have dramatically improved outcomes. Second-generation protocols developed at leading London clinics now concentrate platelets to levels 6-8 times higher than baseline, whilst eliminating inflammatory white blood cells that can impede recovery.

The most sophisticated clinics combine PRP with precision delivery systems that ensure growth factors reach dormant follicles at optimal depths. Ultrasound-guided injection techniques, pioneered by London practitioners, increase treatment efficacy by 40% compared to standard approaches.

"We're not just injecting PRP anymore," explains a leading London specialist. "We're creating personalised cocktails of growth factors tailored to each patient's specific follicular profile. Some patients need higher concentrations of PDGF for vascular regeneration, whilst others require more IGF-1 for cellular reactivation."

The Critical Window

Timing proves crucial for dormant follicle reactivation. Research suggests that follicles remain responsive to PRP intervention for approximately seven years after entering dormancy. Beyond this window, structural changes make reactivation increasingly unlikely.

This creates an urgency that many patients don't realise. Waiting too long means losing the opportunity to recover dormant follicles permanently. Early intervention during the dormancy phase yields dramatically better outcomes than attempting reactivation after prolonged inactivity.

Dr Jennifer Walsh's longitudinal study at King's College London tracked patients who began PRP treatment at different stages of hair loss. Those starting within three years of noticeable thinning achieved 60% greater follicular reactivation than those waiting longer.

Beyond the Hairline

The implications extend beyond aesthetics. Hair follicles serve as markers of overall scalp health and regenerative capacity. Dormant follicles often indicate broader issues with scalp circulation, inflammation, and cellular metabolism that can affect neighbouring healthy follicles.

PRP therapy addresses these systemic issues whilst reactivating individual follicles. Patients frequently report improved scalp health, reduced inflammation, and better response to other hair care treatments after PRP protocols. The regenerative effects create a healthier environment for all follicles, not just those being directly treated.

The Consultation Reality

Understanding whether your hair loss involves dormant follicles requires expert assessment. Advanced trichoscopy and scalp analysis can identify follicles that remain viable for reactivation versus those requiring alternative approaches.

The most effective clinics now combine consultation with preliminary blood work to identify underlying factors that contribute to follicular dormancy. Hormone imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and inflammatory markers all influence treatment outcomes and protocol design.

If you're experiencing hair loss that hasn't responded to conventional treatments, dormant follicles might explain the plateau. Modern PRP protocols offer a scientifically-backed approach to reactivating hair growth where other treatments have failed.

For a comprehensive assessment of your follicular health and personalised PRP protocol, message us on WhatsApp to arrange your complimentary consultation. Our London specialists use advanced imaging to identify dormant follicles and create targeted treatment plans that maximise reactivation potential.

The science is clear: those silent follicles might just be sleeping, not dead. And PRP might be exactly what they need to wake up.

Mariam Elalfy