PRP for Hair Loss: Is It Worth the Money?

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy is one of the most talked-about hair loss treatments right now. Dermatologists offer it, clinics charge a premium for it, and men are spending thousands hoping it’ll bring their hair back.

But is it actually worth the money — or is it an expensive gamble?

Here’s the honest breakdown.

What Is PRP?

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. It’s a treatment where a small amount of your own blood is drawn, spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, then injected directly into your scalp.

Platelets contain growth factors — proteins that signal the body to repair tissue. The theory is that injecting a concentrated dose into hair follicles stimulates them to grow again.

It’s not a new concept. PRP has been used in sports medicine and wound healing for years. Hair loss just happens to be one of its newer applications.

How Does PRP Work for Hair Loss?

The growth factors in PRP — including PDGF, VEGF, and IGF — are thought to:

• Increase blood supply to hair follicles
• Stimulate dormant follicles into the active growth phase (anagen)
• Prolong the growth cycle so hairs stay longer before shedding

In short, it’s not regrowing dead follicles. It’s waking up the ones that are still alive but underperforming.

This is why it works best early — when follicles are thinning, not gone.

How Many Sessions Do You Need?

Most clinics recommend a course of 3 sessions, 4–6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions every 3–6 months.

You won’t see results overnight. The typical timeline:

Milestone	Timeframe
Reduced shedding	2–3 months
Visible regrowth	4–6 months
Peak results	6–12 months

Some men notice results faster; others need longer. If you’ve seen nothing by 6 months, PRP probably isn’t working for you.

What Does PRP Cost in the UK?

This is where it gets painful.

• Per session: £300–£500 (London clinics often charge more)
• Initial course (3 sessions): £900–£1,500
• Yearly maintenance (2 sessions): £600–£1,000

Over 2 years, you’re looking at £1,500–£2,500+. That’s a serious investment for a treatment that’s still considered “experimental” in some circles.

Some clinics bundle packages. Always check what’s included — consultation fees, follow-ups, etc.

Who Does PRP Work For?

PRP gives the best results for:

• Men in the early to mid stages of male pattern baldness (Norwood 1–3)
• Men with diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp
• Men who’ve already had a hair transplant and want to improve density
• Men with alopecia areata (patchy hair loss)

It’s much less effective for:

• Advanced baldness (Norwood 5–7)
• Completely bald areas — follicles need to be present to respond
• Men whose hair loss is driven by severe hormonal imbalance

If you’re shiny bald on top, save your money. PRP can’t resurrect dead follicles.

What Does the Research Say?

PRP for hair loss has solid-but-not-overwhelming evidence behind it.

A 2019 meta-analysis in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reviewed 19 randomised controlled trials and found PRP significantly increased hair count, thickness, and patient satisfaction compared to placebo.

A 2021 review in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology confirmed PRP outperformed placebo in most studies, though noted variability in protocols makes comparison difficult.

In short: it works for many people, but results vary. The quality of the PRP (how concentrated the platelets are), the injector’s technique, and your biology all play a role.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Uses your own blood — no synthetic drugs or foreign substances
• No systemic side effects (unlike finasteride)
• Can be combined with minoxidil, finasteride, or hair transplants
• Downtime is minimal (most men return to work the same day)

Cons:

• Expensive and not covered by the NHS
• Results aren’t guaranteed
• Requires ongoing maintenance sessions
• Some discomfort during injections (needles into the scalp)
• Evidence is still building — not yet gold-standard

PRP vs Other Treatments

PRP isn’t a replacement for proven treatments — think of it as a complement.

• Finasteride blocks DHT (the hormone that shrinks follicles) and has strong evidence behind it. Costs around £15–25/month. Read our finasteride guide here.
• Minoxidil directly stimulates follicle growth and is the most widely used topical treatment. See our minoxidil breakdown.
• Hair transplants are the permanent solution but cost £3,000–£15,000+. Full guide here.

PRP works well alongside finasteride or minoxidil. Many clinics recommend combining them.

What to Expect at a Session

1. Blood draw (usually from your arm) — takes 5–10 minutes
2. Centrifuge spin to separate and concentrate platelets — 10–15 minutes
3. Local anaesthetic applied to your scalp (or numbing cream)
4. PRP injected across the thinning areas via multiple small injections
5. Total time: 45–60 minutes

Some redness and mild soreness for 24–48 hours afterwards. Avoid washing your hair for 24 hours and skip the gym for a day or two.

How to Find a Good Clinic

This matters. PRP results vary massively based on technique and equipment.

• Look for a dermatologist or plastic surgeon with specific hair loss experience
• Ask about their PRP concentration protocol — higher platelet concentration generally means better results
• Avoid clinics that can’t show you before/after photos of their own patients
• Be wary of very cheap sessions — they may be cutting corners on centrifuge quality or platelet concentration

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Bottom Line

PRP works — for the right person, at the right stage of hair loss, done by the right clinic.

If you’re in early-to-mid stage thinning and willing to invest £1,500–£2,500 over the first couple of years, it’s a legitimate option worth exploring. If you’re already significantly bald, your money is better spent elsewhere.

It’s not a magic cure, and it’s not cheap. But for men who respond well to it, the results are real.

Start with the proven basics — minoxidil and finasteride — before adding PRP to your stack. If those aren’t giving you enough, PRP is a solid next step.