Does PRP Really Work for Hair Growth? The Evidence
Let's talk about something nobody wants to discuss at dinner parties: hair loss.
We've all been there. Standing in the shower, watching more strands swirl down the drain than usual. Googling "hair growth vitamins" at 2am. Trying every oil, serum, and supplement that promises to bring back the hair of our youth.
But here's what the wellness industry doesn't tell you: sometimes your follicles don't need another vitamin. They need a proper wake-up call.
Enter PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy – the treatment that's quietly revolutionising how we approach hair loss. And no, it's not just another trend.
The Science Bit (We promise to keep It simple)
Your blood is basically liquid gold when it comes to healing. Hidden within it are platelets – tiny cellular fragments that are absolute powerhouses of growth factors. We're talking about
PDGF (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor): Promotes blood vessel formation
VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor): Increases blood supply to follicles
EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor): Stimulates cell growth and differentiation
IGF (Insulin-like Growth Factor): Regulates normal physiology of hair follicles
A 2022 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that PRP injections increased hair density by an average of 30-40% after just three sessions. That's not marginal – that's transformative.
Why Your Vitamins Aren't Working
Here's the uncomfortable truth. Unless you have an actual deficiency, those hair growth supplements are probably just creating expensive urine.
Your hair follicles exist in cycles
Anagen (growth phase): 2-6 years
Catagen (transition phase): 2-3 weeks
Telogen (resting phase): 2-3 months
When follicles get stuck in the telogen phase or start miniaturising (getting smaller and weaker), no amount of biotin is going to coax them back to life. They need direct stimulation at the cellular level.
Think of it this way - if your follicles are like plants, vitamins are like watering the leaves. PRP is like injecting nutrients directly into the roots.
How PRP Actually Works
The process is surprisingly straightforward:
Blood draw: About 30-60ml of your blood (less than a standard blood test)
Centrifuge spin: Separates the platelet-rich plasma from other blood components
Activation: The concentrated platelets are activated to release growth factors
Injection: Micro-injections deliver PRP directly to the scalp
What happens next is where the magic lives. Those growth factors:
Stimulate dormant follicles
Increase blood supply to the scalp
Prolong the anagen (growth) phase
Thicken existing hair shafts
A landmark 2021 study from Dermatologic Surgery showed that PRP not only increased hair count but also hair thickness – addressing both density and quality.
Who's the Ideal Candidate?
PRP works best for:
Early-stage hair loss (the sooner, the better)
Androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness)
Diffuse thinning
Anyone looking to strengthen existing hair
It's less effective for:
Complete baldness (no follicles to stimulate)
Scarring alopecia (follicles are permanently damaged)
The Results Timeline
Unlike Instagram before-and-afters, real results take time.
Month 1-2 Shedding might increase (don't panic – this is normal as follicles reset)
Month 3 Decreased hair fall, early new growth visible
Month 4-6:Noticeable improvement in density and thickness
Month 6+Optimal results, maintenance phase begins
A 2023 meta-analysis in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery found that 84% of patients showed significant improvement after 3-4 sessions.
The Investment Question
Yes, PRP is more expensive than supplements. But consider this:
Average person spends £300-500 yearly on hair supplements
Most supplements show minimal clinical evidence for hair growth
PRP effects can last 12-18 months with maintenance
It's not about the cost – it's about the cost per actual result.
What the Research Really Says
The evidence is compelling:
A 2022 double-blind, placebo-controlled trial showed PRP increased hair density by 45% compared to placebo saline injections
Research from Stem Cells Translational Medicine demonstrated PRP activates stem cells in hair follicles
Long-term studies show sustained results with maintenance treatments every 6-12 months
The Bottom Line
Your hair loss journey doesn't have to end with accepting defeat or trying every trending supplement. PRP offers a scientifically-backed treatment that works with your body's own healing mechanisms.
Interested in learning more about PRP hair restoration? The Wellness offers comprehensive consultations with our medical team who specialise in personalised hair restoration protocols. Your first consultation is entirely free, message us on +44 7399323620 to get started.
In best health,
The Wellness
