When Is PRP for Hair Loss Recommended? What You Need to Know Before You Try It
You’ve likely heard about Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy for hair loss—maybe from your dermatologist, an Instagram ad, or even a friend. It sounds promising: use your own blood to stimulate hair growth with no surgery, no pills, and no downtime. But how well does it actually work? And who—if anyone—should consider it?
At Advanced Hair Restoration, we often hear from patients who’ve been told to “try PRP first.” But before you invest time and money into a treatment that may offer only limited results, it’s important to understand what PRP really does—and where it falls short.
But here’s the real question: Does PRP actually work? And if so, when is it worth trying?
At Advanced Hair, we’ve treated thousands of patients—and many come to us after spending time and money on PRP treatments that didn’t deliver. Here’s what you should know before you schedule that injection.
🧪 What PRP Is and How It Works
PRP is a procedure where your blood is drawn, spun in a centrifuge to isolate growth factor-rich plasma, and then injected into your scalp. The theory is that these growth factors stimulate dormant or miniaturizing hair follicles to produce thicker hair.
But here’s the key: PRP only has a chance of working if there are still active, living follicles. That’s why it's sometimes considered for early-stage androgenetic alopecia, particularly in younger patients. Platelets contain growth factors that help heal tissue and stimulate cell regeneration. So, in theory, injecting PRP into the scalp can signal miniaturizing hair follicles to become more active, encouraging stronger, thicker hair.
However, for PRP to work:
You must have active follicles still present (it doesn’t regrow hair where follicles are gone)
You need multiple treatments over time
You must manage expectations: results—if they occur—are typically mild and temporary
✅ When PRP May Be Appropriate
PRP might be worth exploring if:
You're in the early stages of androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness)
You still have visible thinning but not complete loss
You are not ready for surgery or are exploring non-surgical options
You want to try adjunct therapy alongside medications like finasteride or minoxidil
🚫 When PRP Is Not Likely to Help
You’ve already lost significant density in the hairline or crown
You're beyond Norwood stage 3
You're looking for a permanent or transformative result
You want to avoid ongoing, indefinite maintenance treatments
💬 Why So Many Dermatologists Still Recommend PRP
It’s non-surgical, so patients are more likely to say “yes”
It’s a profitable service for aesthetic practices
It appeals to patients looking for a “natural” or low-commitment fix
But that doesn’t make it the best or most effective option.
For some patients, the possibility that it might help — even just a little — is enough to try it. Hope often prevails when facing hair loss, especially if surgery feels intimidating or premature. That’s understandable — but it’s important to balance that hope with realistic expectations and solid clinical guidance.
✔️ Our Take: Don’t Wait for PRP to Work If You’re Ready for Results
At Advanced Hair, we focus on proven, lasting solutions. We offer:
Advanced FUE®, the industry-leading method for hair transplantation
Natural results with your own hair
One-day treatment, minimal downtime
Results that grow for life
Final Word
If you’re experiencing early thinning and want to experiment with non-surgical therapies, PRP may offer a small benefit—but it’s no substitute for a real solution. For most patients, especially those already noticing visible loss, a consultation with an experienced hair restoration surgeon is the fastest way to get answers—and your hair—back.