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

March 2022 in “ Drug design, development and therapy ”

Anon Paichitrojjana, Anand Paichitrojjana

platelet-rich plasma PRP androgenetic alopecia female pattern hair loss alopecia areata cicatricial alopecia hair transplantation

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

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment, which involves injecting a patient's own concentrated platelets into the scalp, has been found to be potentially effective for various types of hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia, female pattern hair loss, and alopecia areata. The effectiveness of PRP depends on the concentration of platelets, with optimal outcomes requiring concentrations two to six times higher than normal. PRP has also shown promise in treating some types of cicatricial alopecia and enhancing hair density and thickness when used in combination with hair transplantation. However, the effectiveness can be influenced by factors such as the volume of PRP injected and the frequency of treatment. More research is needed to determine the optimal treatment regimen for PRP. The treatment is considered safe with minimal side effects.

View this study on dovepress.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

61 / 61 results

research The Effects of Lower vs Higher Cell Number of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Hair Density and Diameter in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo, Parallel-Group Half-Scalp IRB-Approved Study

6 citations , May 2021 in “Aesthetic Surgery Journal”

Higher cell number PRP improves hair density and diameter more than lower cell number PRP.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma and Cell Therapy

11 citations , May 2021 in “Dermatologic clinics”

PRP and cell therapies may help with hair loss, but more research is needed.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma in Female Androgenic Alopecia: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

7 citations , May 2021 in “Frontiers in Pharmacology”

PRP shows promise for treating female hair loss but needs more research.

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.

Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenic Alopecia: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study and Combined Mice Model Experiment

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenic Alopecia: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study and Combined Mice Model Experiment

6 citations , March 2021 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

PRP injections promote hair growth and increase hair density in androgenic alopecia.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata: A Review

15 citations , October 2020 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) could potentially help regrow hair in people with Alopecia Areata, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

research Trichoscopy as an Evaluation Method for Alopecia Areata Treatment: A Comparative Study

12 citations , September 2020 in “Journal of cosmetic dermatology”

Trichoscopy is useful for diagnosing and monitoring alopecia areata treatment.

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.

Comparison Between Single- Versus Double-Spin Prepared Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection in Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss: Clinical Effect and Relation to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

research Comparison Between Single- Versus Double-Spin Prepared Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection in Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss: Clinical Effect and Relation to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

10 citations , September 2020 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

Both methods improve hair density and thickness; double-spin may be more effective.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia: Efficacy Differences Between Men and Women

10 citations , August 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

PRP improves hair thickness for both genders, but only increases hair density in men.

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.

research A Systematic Review of the Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

11 citations , June 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

PRP treatment improves hair density and diameter in women with androgenetic alopecia.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma and Its Use for Cicatricial and Non-Cicatricial Alopecias: A Narrative Review

12 citations , June 2020 in “Dermatology and therapy”

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) can promote new hair growth and increase hair density, but its effectiveness varies depending on the type of hair loss.

research Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Saline Solution as a Preservation Solution for Hair Transplantation

13 citations , June 2020 in “Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open”

PRP preservation improves hair transplant results better than saline.

Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma Use in Androgenetic Alopecia Compared with Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Adult Stem Cell-Based Therapy

research Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma Use in Androgenetic Alopecia Compared with Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Adult Stem Cell-Based Therapy

65 citations , April 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

PRP injections may be a safe, effective alternative for hair loss treatment compared to minoxidil and finasteride.

research Successful Treatment of Alopecia Areata Barbae with Platelet-Rich Plasma

6 citations , April 2020 in “Cureus”

Platelet-rich plasma injections can effectively treat alopecia areata barbae.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Hair Restoration

16 citations , March 2020 in “Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America”

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), a substance from a patient's own blood, can stimulate hair regrowth in people with Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) who haven't had success with other treatments, but more research is needed to optimize its use.

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 A Comparative Study of Therapeutic Response to Intralesional Injections of Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Triamcinolone Acetonide in Alopecia Areata

8 citations , January 2020 in “Indian Dermatology Online Journal”

PRP works faster and is a safe alternative to steroids for treating alopecia areata.

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.

A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Trial Comparing Platelet-Rich Plasma to Topical Minoxidil Foam for Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia in Women

research A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Trial Comparing Platelet-Rich Plasma to Topical Minoxidil Foam for Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia in Women

22 citations , October 2019 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Both Platelet-Rich Plasma and Minoxidil foam increase hair count in women with hair loss, but Minoxidil is more effective. However, women were more satisfied with Platelet-Rich Plasma treatment.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study

9 citations , September 2019 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

PRP injections improve hair density in male hair loss.

research Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Pattern Hair Loss: A Systematic Review

18 citations , August 2019 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

PRP therapy may increase hair density in pattern hair loss without serious side effects, but more research is needed.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treatment-Resistant Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Case Report

15 citations , August 2019 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may help treat hair loss in patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia who don't respond to other treatments.

Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Comparative Study in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata of Scalp

research Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Comparative Study in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata of Scalp

7 citations , July 2019 in “International journal of research in dermatology”

Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide is more effective than platelet-rich plasma for treating scalp alopecia areata.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma and Its Utilities in Alopecia: A Systematic Review

21 citations , June 2019 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment has been found effective in promoting hair growth for alopecia patients, with minimal side effects like temporary pain and redness.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treating Androgenic Alopecia: A Systematic Review

27 citations , June 2019 in “Aesthetic Plastic Surgery”

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment may increase hair growth for genetic hair loss, but more research is needed to confirm this.

research Evaluation of Platelet-Rich Plasma vs Intralesional Steroid in Treatment of Alopecia Areata

19 citations , May 2019 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Platelet-rich plasma is a safe and effective treatment for hair loss, with fewer relapses than steroid treatment.

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 Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review of the Literature and Proposed Treatment Protocol

45 citations , September 2018 in “International Journal of Women's Dermatology”

PRP shows promise for hair loss treatment, with three initial monthly injections and maintenance every 3-6 months.

research Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Cicatricial Alopecia

28 citations , August 2018 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) may help improve hair density in primary cicatricial alopecias (PCAs) patients, but more trials are needed to confirm its benefits.

research Cicatricial Alopecia: Overview and Treatment Recommendations

23 citations , April 2018 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft”

Permanent hair loss from cicatricial alopecia is treated by reducing inflammation and managing symptoms, but regrowth in scarred areas is unlikely.

research A Systematic Review of Topical Finasteride in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men and Women

23 citations , April 2018 in “PubMed”

Topical finasteride reduces hair loss and promotes hair growth in men and women.

research Alopecia and Platelet-Derived Therapies

23 citations , November 2017 in “Stem cell investigation”

Platelet lysate is more effective than activated autologous platelet-rich plasma or saline in improving hair growth after hair restoration surgery.

research Correlation Between Individual Inflammation Genetic Profile and Platelet-Rich Plasma Efficacy in Hair Follicle Regeneration: A Pilot Study Reveals Prognostic Value of IL-1α Polymorphism

4 citations , November 2017 in “PubMed”

Your genes, especially IL-1a, can predict how well a hair growth treatment with platelet rich plasma will work for you.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Aesthetic Surgeon

27 citations , July 2017 in “Facial Plastic Surgery”

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) shows promise for hair growth and skin improvement in aesthetic surgery.

research A Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma: History, Biology, Mechanism of Action, and Classification

348 citations , July 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Platelet-rich plasma shows promise for skin and hair treatments but needs more research and standardization.

research Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review of the Literature

53 citations , June 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders”

PRP treatment helps hair growth in most cases, but more research needed.

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 Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia: Does It Work? Evidence from Meta-Analysis

64 citations , March 2017 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

PRP treatment may increase hair density and reduce hair loss, but more research is needed.

Evaluation of Non-Activated and Activated PRP in Hair Loss Treatment: Role of Growth Factor and Cytokine Concentrations Obtained by Different Collection Systems

research Evaluation of Non-Activated and Activated PRP in Hair Loss Treatment: Role of Growth Factor and Cytokine Concentrations Obtained by Different Collection Systems

136 citations , February 2017 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

PRP treatment improves hair growth, and the device used can affect results, with some being more effective.

research A Mechanistic Model of Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia

60 citations , September 2016 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

PRP treatment may stimulate hair growth by promoting blood vessel formation, increasing growth factors, and preventing cell death.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Novel Treatment for Lichen Planopillaris

29 citations , March 2016 in “Dermatologic therapy”

Platelet-rich plasma may successfully treat lichen planopillaris, as shown by one patient's symptom regression.

Outcome of Intra-Operative Injected Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy During Follicular Unit Extraction Hair Transplant: A Prospective Randomized Study in Forty Patients

research Outcome of Intra-Operative Injected Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy During Follicular Unit Extraction Hair Transplant: A Prospective Randomized Study in Forty Patients

39 citations , January 2016 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

Injecting platelet-rich plasma during hair transplant surgery improves hair regrowth rate, speeds up skin recovery, and enhances hair quality.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma Combined with Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide for the Treatment of Alopecia Areata: A Case Report

15 citations , November 2015 in “Journal of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery”

Mixing platelet-rich plasma with triamcinolone acetonide can potentially improve hair regrowth in alopecia areata patients.

research Successful Treatment of Corticosteroid-Resistant Ophiasis-Type Alopecia Areata with Platelet-Rich Plasma

30 citations , August 2015 in “JAAD case reports”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections successfully treated a woman's steroid-resistant hair loss, causing hair to regrow within a month.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Clinical and Pathophysiological Review

91 citations , August 2015 in “Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia”

Female Pattern Hair Loss affects women's self-esteem and needs more research for better treatment.

research Systematic Review of the Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Aesthetic Dermatology

113 citations , July 2015 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Platelet-rich plasma may help with hair growth and skin quality but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

research Platelet Preparations for Use in Facial Rejuvenation and Wound Healing: A Critical Review of Current Literature

66 citations , June 2015 in “Aesthetic Plastic Surgery”

Platelet preparations generally show positive effects on wound healing and facial rejuvenation, but more thorough research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

research Role of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Chronic Alopecia Areata: Our Centre Experience

61 citations , January 2015 in “Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma treatment could potentially be an effective way to treat chronic alopecia areata with minimal side effects.

research Therapeutic Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma and Polydeoxyribonucleotide on Female Pattern Hair Loss

54 citations , December 2014 in “Wound Repair and Regeneration”

PRP injections may improve hair thickness and density in female hair loss patients.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo- and Active-Controlled, Half-Head Study to Evaluate the Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Alopecia Areata

research A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo- and Active-Controlled, Half-Head Study to Evaluate the Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Alopecia Areata

205 citations , April 2013 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Platelet-rich plasma treatment significantly increased hair regrowth and decreased discomfort in alopecia patients, making it a potentially better and safer treatment option.

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”

Injecting CD34+ cell-containing platelet-rich plasma into the scalp can improve hair count and thickness in people with pattern hair loss.

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

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

Use minoxidil for hair loss; finasteride and dutasteride for men, dutasteride for women.

research Alopecia Areata Update

391 citations , January 2010 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Half of people with Alopecia Areata may see hair regrowth within a year without treatment, but recovery is unpredictable.

research Medical Treatments for Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

212 citations , September 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil and finasteride treat hair loss in men, while minoxidil treats hair loss in women.

Expression Patterns of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Neurturin, Their Cognate Receptors GFRα-1, GFRα-2, and Common Signal Transduction Element c-Ret in Human Skin Hair Follicles

research Expression Patterns of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Neurturin, Their Cognate Receptors GFRα-1, GFRα-2, and Common Signal Transduction Element c-Ret in Human Skin Hair Follicles

18 citations , January 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Certain proteins and their receptors are more active during the growth phase of human hair and could be targeted to treat hair disorders.

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”

Using platelet plasma growth factors in baldness surgery can increase the number of hair follicles.

research Control of Hair Growth and Follicle Size by VEGF-Mediated Angiogenesis

520 citations , February 2001 in “Journal of Clinical Investigation”

VEGF helps hair grow and determines follicle size by increasing blood vessel growth.

Related Research

3 / 3 results

The Role of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Comprehensive Narrative Review