Combination Therapy with Platelet-Rich Plasma and Minoxidil Leads to Better Clinical Results Than Monotherapy in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

January 2022 in “ International Journal of Trichology ”

EPakhomova Elena, OSmirnova Irina

platelet-rich plasma minoxidil androgenetic alopecia hair density hair shaft diameter vellus hair telogen hair PRP Rogaine AGA

TLDR Using both PRP and minoxidil together works better for treating hair loss in men than using either one alone.

The study evaluated the efficacy of minoxidil, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and their combination in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in 69 men. Participants were divided into three groups: 25 received both minoxidil and PRP, 22 received only PRP, and 22 received only minoxidil. Results showed that the combination therapy significantly improved hair density by 32%, hair shaft diameter by 26%, reduced vellus hair by 30%, and decreased telogen hair by 39%, outperforming the monotherapies. The findings suggest that PRP and minoxidil enhance each other's effects, making their combined use a promising treatment for AGA.

View this study on ijtrichology.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

14 / 14 results

research A Study to Compare the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Minoxidil Therapy for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

18 citations, January 2019 in “International Journal of Trichology”

PRP therapy works better than minoxidil for treating hair loss.

research Evidence-Based Guideline for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women and Men – Short Version

145 citations, November 2017 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Use minoxidil for hair loss treatment; assess results after 6 months.

Platelet-Rich Plasma in Combination With 5% Minoxidil Topical Solution and 1 mg Oral Finasteride for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study

research Platelet-Rich Plasma in Combination With 5% Minoxidil Topical Solution and 1 mg Oral Finasteride for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study

19 citations, May 2017 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Combining platelet-rich plasma with 5% minoxidil solution improves hair regrowth in androgenetic alopecia patients.

A Comparative Study of Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma Plus Topical Minoxidil (5%) and Topical Minoxidil (5%) Alone in Androgenetic Alopecia

research A Comparative Study of Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma Plus Topical Minoxidil (5%) and Topical Minoxidil (5%) Alone in Androgenetic Alopecia

48 citations, January 2017 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma and minoxidil improves hair growth more than just minoxidil in men with hair loss.

research Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix for Androgenetic Alopecia

25 citations, May 2014 in “Facial Plastic Surgery”

PRFM may help treat hair loss, especially in mild cases.

research The Effect of Autologous Activated Platelet Rich Plasma Injection on Pattern Hair Loss: Clinical and Histomorphometric Evaluation

183 citations, January 2014 in “BioMed Research International”

AA-PRP injections effectively increase hair count and thickness for male pattern hair loss.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma in Androgenic Alopecia: Myth or Effective Tool

115 citations, January 2014 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a cheap and easy treatment for hair loss, but not suitable for everyone. It also helps in healing ulcers, rejuvenating skin, and improving hair transplants.

research Study of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia Through a One-Year Period

164 citations, January 2014 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

PRP injections increase hair density and satisfaction in androgenetic alopecia patients.

research Letter: Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treating Male Pattern Baldness

36 citations, December 2012 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can increase hair growth rate and density in male pattern baldness.

research Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Potential Therapeutic Tool for Promoting Hair Growth

270 citations, March 2012 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma can potentially promote hair growth by stimulating cell growth and increasing certain proteins.

research S1 Guideline for Diagnostic Evaluation in Androgenetic Alopecia in Men, Women, and Adolescents

151 citations, August 2010 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Guidelines for diagnosing common hair loss include detailed history, clinical examination, and various diagnostic techniques.

research Hair Growth and Rejuvenation: An Overview

81 citations, June 2010 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

The document concludes that minoxidil and finasteride are proven for hair growth, herbal remedies show promise, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

research Prevalence of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss in Maryborough

193 citations, August 2005 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

Hair loss common in Australia; men affected earlier, more often than Asians; women less concerned.

research Sulfation of Minoxidil by Human Platelet Sulfotransferase

39 citations, November 1987 in “Clinica Chimica Acta”

Human platelets change minoxidil to minoxidil sulfate, helping blood vessels widen.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 79 results

community Most Recent Interesting Hairloss Studies: 10% Minox vs 5% Minox / Radio Rrequency Treatment for AA / Topical Ketoconazole / PRP+Minox vs Minox vs PRP / Alopecia as a systemic disease

in Treatment 88 upvotes 4 years ago

Treatments for hair loss, such as topical minoxidil, platelet-rich plasma therapy with or without minoxidil, ketoconazole, non-abative radio frequency, natural products, finasteride and cortexolone 17 alpha propionate. The post evaluates the efficacy and safety of these treatments in various studies.

community Evidenced Based Meta-Analyses and Systemic Reviews of Androgenic Alopecia and Treatments

in Research/Science 14 upvotes 4 years ago

Evidence-based treatments for androgenic alopecia, such as minoxidil, finasteride, low-level laser light therapy, dutasteride, platelet-rich plasma, and topical ketoconazole. It discusses the efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action of these treatments, as well as future developments in understanding this polygenic condition.

community What else is good. Besides the big 3.

in Chat 34 upvotes 2 months ago

Key treatments for hair preservation include minoxidil, finasteride/dutasteride, and microneedling, with additional options like specific shampoos, oils, biotin, zinc, tretinoin, clascoterone, and low-level laser therapy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reducing stress, and addressing nutrient deficiencies can also support hair health.

community New and Interesting HairLoss Studies/Papers/Reviews

in Treatment 42 upvotes 4 years ago

Hair loss treatments discussed include Dutasteride with Ketoconazole, tissue engineering strategies, and androgenetic alopecia therapies. Massage doubles follicular retention, improving treatment effectiveness.

community If you can give one advice to your younger self then what that would be?

in Research/Science 2720 upvotes 5 months ago

Users discussed hair loss treatments, specifically minoxidil and finasteride. They shared personal experiences and advice on starting these treatments early.

community 2024 Official beginner guide for “I’m losing my hair, what can I do?”

in General 726 upvotes 4 months ago

For hair loss, start with Finasteride, Minoxidil, Ketoconazole shampoo, and Microneedling. For severe cases, consider Dutasteride, oral Minoxidil, or hair transplants.

Related Research

5 / 5 results

research Combination Therapy with Platelet-Rich Plasma and Minoxidil Leads to Better Clinical Results Than Monotherapy in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

January 2022 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Using both PRP and minoxidil together works better for treating hair loss in men than using either one alone.

research Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Treating Alopecia: Focusing on Efficacy, Safety, and Therapeutic Durability

24 citations, January 2021 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a safe and potentially effective way to treat hair loss, especially when combined with minoxidil.

Comparative Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of PRP Therapy, Minoxidil, and Their Combination with Immunohistochemical Study of the Dynamics of Cell Proliferation in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

research Comparative Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of PRP Therapy, Minoxidil, and Their Combination with Immunohistochemical Study of the Dynamics of Cell Proliferation in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

13 citations, September 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

PRP therapy and minoxidil combo works best for male hair loss.

research Use and Misuse of PRP: Clinical Trial Proposal to Determine PRP’s True Efficacy

January 2018 in “Journal of dermatological research”

The document suggests a clinical trial to accurately determine if PRP is an effective treatment for a common type of hair loss in men.

research Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp Due to Topical Minoxidil 5%

3 citations, January 2018

A woman had an unusual allergic reaction to a hair loss treatment, which cleared up after stopping the treatment and using a different medication.