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

January 2019 in “ International Journal of Trichology ”

Kuldeep Chand Verma, GR Tegta, Ghanshyam K Verma, Mudita Gupta, Ajeet Negi, Reena Sharma

platelet-rich plasma minoxidil androgenetic alopecia hair pull test hair growth questionnaire platelet counts PRP Rogaine AGA

From the encyclopedia

Platelet-Rich Plasma →

growth factors taken from your blood and injected into your scalp to stimulate hair

Minoxidil →

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Studysummary This study found that PRP therapy resulted in better hair growth and patient satisfaction than minoxidil therapy in men with androgenetic alopecia over six months, and patients with higher platelet counts in PRP experienced greater improvement. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study compared the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and minoxidil therapy for treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in 40 patients, with 20 in each group. After 6 months, results indicated that PRP therapy had better outcomes than minoxidil therapy based on global photography, hair pull test, hair growth questionnaire, and patient satisfaction scores. Higher platelet counts in PRP correlated with better clinical improvement. PRP therapy had minimal side effects and showed promise as a valuable alternative to minoxidil for AGA treatment.

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Research cited in this study

12 / 12 results

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”

This study reported that AA-PRP injections significantly increased hair count and density in individuals with pattern hair loss compared to baseline, demonstrating their potential for enhancing hair growth.

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

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

In this study, PRP injections increased hair count and reduced hair loss in patients with androgenic alopecia not responding to minoxidil and finasteride, with high patient satisfaction reported.

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”

This study found that PRP injections may improve hair density and reduce hair loss in patients with androgenetic alopecia without significant side effects, but further research is needed to confirm efficacy.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: An Update

88 citations , January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

This article reviews recent advancements in understanding and treating androgenetic alopecia, focusing on new genetic insights, stem cell roles, and diagnostic tools, without reporting new clinical results.

research The Effect of CD34+ Cell-Containing Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection on Pattern Hair Loss: A Preliminary Study

88 citations , December 2012 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study found that interfollicular injection of autologous CD34+ cell-containing PRP preparation improved hair count and thickness in patients with pattern hair loss, with better results than placental extract treatment.

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

270 citations , March 2012 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This study found that autologous platelet-rich plasma increased hair growth potential by enhancing dermal papilla cell proliferation and stimulating key signaling pathways in both cell cultures and mice models.

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

198 citations , October 2011 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft”

This article discusses the development of an evidence-based guideline for treating androgenetic alopecia and reports no new research results.

research Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing 5% and 1% Topical Minoxidil for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Japanese Men

29 citations , July 2009 in “Journal of Dermatology”

This study confirmed that 5% topical minoxidil is more effective than 1% in increasing hair density in Japanese men with androgenetic alopecia, with no significant difference in adverse event rates.

research Diagnosis of Hair Disorders

73 citations , March 2009 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

This article reviews various diagnostic tools for hair disorders, describing methods ranging from invasive to noninvasive, but reports no new research findings or clinical results.

research The Role of Platelet Plasma Growth Factors in Male Pattern Baldness Surgery

251 citations , October 2006 in “Plastic and reconstructive surgery/PSEF CD journals”

In this study, platelet plasma growth factors from patients' autologous plasma improved follicular unit yield in baldness surgery by 15.1% compared to control areas.

research The Natural History of Androgenetic Alopecia

12 citations , January 2005 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This review discusses the natural progression of androgenetic alopecia and potential factors influencing its long-term prognosis, reporting no new clinical results.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

269 citations , August 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that 5% topical minoxidil significantly increased hair regrowth and improved psychosocial perceptions of hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia compared to 2% topical minoxidil and placebo over 48 weeks.