Faculty Opinions Recommendation of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Potential Therapeutic Tool for Promoting Hair Growth
TLDR Platelet-rich plasma can potentially increase hair growth and density, but more trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.
In 2012, Li ZJ and colleagues explored the potential of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a therapeutic tool for promoting hair growth. PRP, a preparation of platelets in concentrated plasma, was known for its wound healing properties and was being used in dermatology to improve hair density and stimulate hair growth, despite the mechanisms behind its effectiveness being unclear. The study demonstrated that PRP induced the proliferation of dermal papilla cells, increased cell growth and survival markers, and delayed hair follicle progression from anagen to catagen phase. It also showed that PRP could induce hair regrowth in a mice model. However, the authors noted significant variability in PRP preparation and usage methods, making results difficult to evaluate objectively. They called for well-designed clinical trials to establish the efficacy and safety of PRP.
