Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy has become one of the most sought-after non-surgical options for treating hair loss. We spoke with two of our Medical Advisors, Dr. Michael Wolfeld (board-certified plastic surgeon and hair restoration surgeon) and Dr. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip (board-certified dermatologist and hair loss expert), to unpack hair loss, who benefits most from PRP, how it works, and where it fits among today’s growing list of hair restoration options.

Firstly, we know hair loss is emotional for our clients. What do you see in your practice?

Dr. Ip: Hair loss can be extremely emotional for both men and women. Several studies have actually shown and quantified that individuals with significant hair loss may suffer from decreased self-esteem. There are even studies that show that individuals with severe hair loss may experience social isolation akin to those who have chronic illnesses. In other words, hair loss matters to my patients socially, emotionally, and culturally.

Who makes a great candidate for PRP—and who doesn’t?

Dr. Wolfeld: The ideal candidate for PRP (platelet rich plasma) treatment is someone who has early to moderate thinning of their hair. PRP can be beneficial in helping to stabilize and thicken the existing hair. So, the earlier someone comes in for treatment, the more hair which can be preserved and thickened. People that have more advanced hair loss and balding of the scalp will not realize as much benefit from PRP. The reason is that PRP does not regrow hair that has been lost and does not grow new hair on a bald scalp. PRP is generally not indicated for patients with alopecia areata or scarring alopecia.

“The earlier someone comes in for PRP treatment, the more hair can be preserved and thickened.”
— Dr. Michael Wolfeld

How exactly does PRP work to help with hair loss?

Dr. Wolfeld: PRP, or platelet rich plasma, is obtained from drawing blood, then placing it in a centrifuge to separate the plasma, and the platelet rich plasma portion is concentrated. Platelets release specific growth factors which can be beneficial for hair stabilization and thickening. The exact mechanism is not completely known; however, it seems that the growth factors can interact with the dermal papilla cells and other cells in the hair follicle. This may then increase the anagen or growth phase of the hair cycle, which can lead to longer and thicker hair.

Can PRP be used on its own, or does it work best in combination with other treatments?

Dr. Wolfeld: I believe that PRP can work best in conjunction with other medical modalities for hair loss. For instance, topical minoxidil is FDA approved for men and women and can be beneficial to stabilize and thicken hair as well. Oral finasteride is FDA approved for men only and can also be beneficial to stabilize and thicken hair. Using PRP in conjunction with these other medical modalities can enhance the benefit of all the treatments because they work by different mechanisms. Patients can also elect to undergo PRP as a solo treatment if they are not interested in other medical modalities, and still see benefits.

What treatment protocol tends to produce the best results?

Dr. Wolfeld: There is not one set protocol for PRP administration. Some clinics offer PRP treatments more frequently early on and then space it out after a period, and some clinics may do the opposite. I have performed PRP injections for hair loss for over 10 years, and my personal protocol is to perform three PRP treatments in the first three months; and then evaluate at six months for possible benefits. If it appears that there is benefit in terms of stabilizing thinning hair and/or thickening hair, then the PRP treatments would continue every six months thereafter.

What types of improvements can patients expect to see from PRP?

Dr. Wolfeld: PRP has the advantages of both stabilizing hair which is actively thinning and possibly thickening the hair shaft as well. The width of the hair shaft can increase, and the hair can grow longer. PRP likely will not regrow hair that’s been lost or grow new hair in areas where there is not hair already, but the potential of thickening existing hair will give the appearance of more hair volume.

How does PRP compare to treatments like minoxidil or finasteride?

Dr. Wolfeld: Some people may prefer PRP because it is not a medical treatment that needs to be used daily. Minoxidil and finasteride are daily topical or oral treatments, which can both be beneficial, but require daily maintenance and may have potential side effects.

Are you seeing more patients with hair loss today than in the past?

Dr. Wolfeld: We are seeing more people presenting with concerns of hair loss than in the past. Some people have just recently become aware that there are multiple medical treatments available, such as PRP, and that the surgical treatments have significantly advanced in recent years as well.

Dr. Ip: Yes. I am seeing many more hair loss patients daily. I do not think that this is because the burden of disease is growing but rather I believe that it is because new treatments make hair loss feel more manageable to patients. They are not just hearing “there is nothing we can do.” I also think that social media has helped increase awareness about hair loss which leads many cases of hair loss to be detected in earlier, more treatable stages.

“Great Many presents an accessible option for expert care in a relaxing, non-intimidating environment.”
— Dr. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip

How can a clinic like Great Many make hair restoration more accessible?

Dr. Ip: In the past, hair loss was often deemed difficult or impossible to treat. So many patients report that they have seen several providers and have been told that there is nothing that can be done for their hair loss. At best, they are told to buy Rogaine and use it for the rest of their lives and at worst they are told to just deal with it. I think another factor that complicates the hair loss space is that people often don’t know who to see to treat their hair loss. Most people tend to present the problem to their hair stylist or their PCP, and for those who seek a dermatologist’s care they may find it hard to get an appointment. Great Many presents an accessible option for expert care in a relaxing, non-intimidating environment.

What advice did you share with Great Many as an advisor?

Dr. Ip: As a physician who treats hair loss every day, it was important to me to make sure that Great Many stays grounded in the medical. Hair loss is a medical condition and we want to make sure that a good scientific process sets the foundation for all treatment recommendations. We work hard to make sure that our providers understand the nuances of hair loss and recognize that hair restoration is not a one size fits all. I think this allows Great Many to deliver a customized and individualized approach to address each client’s concerns.

What are some common treatments for hair loss that simply don’t work?

Dr. Ip: There are so many ineffective treatments out there. I’ve heard of everything. Many people take over-the-counter hair and nails supplements that contain mega-doses of biotin. Biotin can be helpful for nail issues but it does not help hair loss. There is also a lot of misinformation about the role that essential oils play in hair growth. While some oils have evidence-based medicine behind them, such as rosemary oil, the vast majority do not. In fact, certain oils may worsen hair loss by promoting an inflammatory scalp condition called seborrheic dermatitis. Lastly, cutting your hair does not address hair loss. A trim may help to address mild hair breakage, but it will not make a bald area regrow.