Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia Compared to Placebo and Topical Minoxidil: A Systematic Review

December 2022 in “ Scientia Pharmaceutica ”

Julia Maria Borowiecka, Bartosz Dalewski, Łukasz Pałka

platelet-rich plasma androgenic alopecia topical minoxidil hair density saline injections 5% topical minoxidil PRP AGA Rogaine

TLDR PRP is more effective than minoxidil and placebo for treating hair loss.

This systematic review assessed the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in treating androgenic alopecia (AGA) compared to placebo and topical minoxidil, including 435 patients aged 18 to 85 across various studies. Results showed that PRP significantly improved hair density compared to saline injections and was more effective than 5% topical minoxidil. A combination of PRP and minoxidil also yielded beneficial outcomes. Despite the unclear mechanism of PRP's action, it is a promising alternative or complementary therapy for AGA, especially for patients who do not respond well to minoxidil alone or experience its side effects.

View this study on mdpi.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

19 / 19 results

research Platelet Rich Plasma and Its Use in Hair Regrowth: A Review

18 citations, March 2022 in “Drug design, development and therapy”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may help with various hair loss types, but more research is needed to find the best use method.

research Investigating the Safety and Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment for Female Androgenetic Alopecia: Review of the Literature

8 citations, March 2021 in “Medicina-lithuania”

PRP treatment may promote hair growth and improve hair density in women with AGA, but more research is needed.

research A Narrative Review of the Research Progress and Clinical Application of Platelet-Rich Plasma

10 citations, March 2021 in “Annals of palliative medicine”

PRP shows promise in healing but needs a standardized, safe preparation method.

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 Evaluation of Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

33 citations, July 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

PRP treatment improves hair density and thickness for alopecia, but needs more research.

research The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Female Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

18 citations, July 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

PRP injections improve hair density and thickness in women with hair loss.

Growth Factor Concentrations in Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia: An Intra-Subject, Randomized, Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Pilot Study

research Growth Factor Concentrations in Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia: An Intra-Subject, Randomized, Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Pilot Study

13 citations, January 2020 in “Experimental Dermatology”

PRP growth factor concentrations vary, no significant hair growth difference found.

research Comparison of Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy With or Without Topical 5% Minoxidil in Male-Type Baldness: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo Control Trial

26 citations, December 2019 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

PRP combined with minoxidil is the most effective and safe treatment for male pattern baldness.

Treatment of Male Pattern Alopecia with Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Double-Blind Controlled Study with Analysis of Platelet Number and Growth Factor Levels

research Treatment of Male Pattern Alopecia with Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Double-Blind Controlled Study with Analysis of Platelet Number and Growth Factor Levels

57 citations, October 2018 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Platelet-rich plasma treatment can significantly increase hair count and density in men with pattern baldness, and these improvements can last up to 3 months.

research Mechanical and Controlled PRP Injections in Patients Affected by Androgenetic Alopecia

24 citations, January 2018 in “Journal of Visualized Experiments”

PRP injections effectively promote hair growth in androgenetic alopecia patients.

Androgens Trigger Different Growth Responses in Genetically Identical Human Hair Follicles in Organ Culture Reflecting Their Epigenetic Diversity in Life

research Androgens Trigger Different Growth Responses in Genetically Identical Human Hair Follicles in Organ Culture Reflecting Their Epigenetic Diversity in Life

19 citations, October 2017 in “The FASEB Journal”

Male hormones cause different growth in identical human hair follicles due to their unique epigenetic characteristics.

The Effect of Autologous Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection on Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study

research The Effect of Autologous Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection on Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study

52 citations, May 2017 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

PRP injections improve hair density and thickness in women with hair loss.

research The Effectiveness of Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

178 citations, April 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil, finasteride, and low-level laser light therapy effectively treat hair loss.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: An Update Of Treatment Options

110 citations, August 2016 in “Drugs”

Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved topical drug for treating male or female pattern hair loss, and other medications like finasteride and dutasteride can also increase hair growth.

Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study to Assess the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

research Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study to Assess the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

136 citations, April 2016 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

PRP treatment helps hair growth and density in androgenetic alopecia patients.

research The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Regrowth: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

214 citations, September 2015 in “Stem Cells Translational Medicine”

Platelet-rich plasma injections significantly improved hair regrowth and thickness in patients with hair loss.

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 Prostaglandin D2 Inhibits Hair Growth and Is Elevated in Bald Scalp of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

205 citations, March 2012 in “Science Translational Medicine”

PGD2 stops hair growth and is higher in bald men with AGA.

research Enhanced Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Containing a New Carrier on Hair Growth

166 citations, September 2011 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma with a new carrier significantly increases hair thickness without serious side effects.

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 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.

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 1.5 years fin plus almost 3 years min, I think I’ve definitely made progress but I’m still not where I want to be, advice?

in Progress Pictures 130 upvotes 11 months ago

The user has been using finasteride for 1.5 years and minoxidil for almost 3 years for hair loss, and has seen some maintenance of hair but not significant regrowth. Suggestions from others include switching to dutasteride, trying oral minoxidil, and considering microneedling or hair fibers for better appearance.

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.

Related Research

7 / 7 results

A Survey of Patient Attitudes Towards Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Hair Loss

research Disorders of Hair

July 2013 in “DeckerMed Medicine”

The document's conclusion cannot be provided because the document is not readable or understandable.

Effect of Minoxidil on Hair Growth in Androgenic Alopecia in Women