Platelet-Rich Plasma and Stem Cells for Hair Growth: A Review of the Literature

May 2019 in “ Aesthetic Surgery Journal ”

Nina Semsarzadeh, Shilpi Khetarpal

Platelet-Rich Plasma PRP stem cell therapy hair growth androgenetic alopecia AGA alopecia areata AA hair count hair density hair diameter stem cells hair loss hair thinning

From the encyclopedia

Platelet-Rich Plasma →

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

Alopecia Areata →

autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss

Studysummary This review highlights new treatment options for hair restoration, including platelet-rich plasma and stem cell therapy, which have shown efficacy in increasing hair count and density for androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata, but presents no original clinical data. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

In 2019, a review explored the use of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy for hair growth. The review found that PRP, a preparation of concentrated platelets in plasma, increased hair count and density when injected into the scalps of patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and alopecia areata (AA). This was supported by numerous randomized controlled trials. Stem cell therapy also showed promising results in early studies for both AGA and AA. However, the ideal protocol for PRP preparation for hair restoration was still unclear. The review also cited studies that showed significant increases in hair count and density in patients with AGA after PRP treatment. Some studies also showed significant increase in hair diameter and density after treatment with stem cells. Despite promising results, more randomized placebo-controlled trials with larger sample sizes and longer follow up periods were needed.

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research Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Androgenetic Alopecia Patients

14 citations , November 2018 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

In this study, patients with androgenetic alopecia treated with platelet-rich plasma showed increased hair density and improved hair quality over six months, with no notable adverse effects, indicating that PRP may be an effective treatment option for this condition.

Review of Human Hair Follicle Biology: Dynamics of Niches and Stem Cell Regulation for Possible Therapeutic Hair Stimulation for Plastic Surgeons

research Review of Human Hair Follicle Biology: Dynamics of Niches and Stem Cell Regulation for Possible Therapeutic Hair Stimulation for Plastic Surgeons

22 citations , October 2018 in “Aesthetic Plastic Surgery”

This review discusses the latest understanding of androgenetic alopecia, including stem cell niches in hair follicles, and highlights emerging treatments like growth factors and platelet-rich plasma without new clinical findings.

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”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma significantly increased hair count, density, and the percentage of anagen hairs in patients with androgenetic alopecia, but these improvements did not correlate with platelet or growth factor levels.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Different Platelet-Rich Plasma Regimens for Management of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Single-Center, Blinded, Randomized Clinical Trial

research Evaluating the Efficacy of Different Platelet-Rich Plasma Regimens for Management of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Single-Center, Blinded, Randomized Clinical Trial

46 citations , May 2018 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

In this study, subdermal platelet-rich plasma injections significantly increased hair count and shaft caliber in individuals with androgenetic alopecia, with monthly treatments potentially offering greater benefits.

research Cellular Therapy with Human Autologous Adipose-Derived Adult Cells of Stromal Vascular Fraction for Alopecia Areata

45 citations , May 2018 in “Stem Cell Research & Therapy”

In this study, patients receiving adipose-derived stromal vascular cell transplantation for alopecia areata experienced significant hair regeneration, increased growth, and improved hair quality after 3 and 6 months, indicating potential efficacy of this stem cell-based therapy for hair loss.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma on Female Androgenetic Alopecia: Tested on 10 Patients

25 citations , April 2018 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma injections improved hair density and diameter in women with androgenetic alopecia not responding to other treatments over 24 weeks, with no adverse events reported.

research Synergistic Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections and Scalp Lifting in Androgenetic Alopecia

5 citations , March 2018 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

This study found that combined platelet-rich plasma injections and suture embedding significantly improved scalp thickness, blood flow, and hair diameter in patients with androgenetic alopecia.

Introducing Platelet-Rich Stroma: Platelet-Rich Plasma and Stromal Vascular Fraction Combined for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

research Introducing Platelet-Rich Stroma: Platelet-Rich Plasma and Stromal Vascular Fraction Combined for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

40 citations , March 2018 in “Aesthetic Surgery Journal”

This study found that a single injection of platelet-rich stroma significantly increased hair density in men with androgenetic alopecia within 6 to 12 weeks, with no reported side effects.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenic Alopecia Treatment: A Comprehensive Review

16 citations , January 2018 in “Dermatology Online Journal”

This review discusses platelet-rich plasma treatment for androgenic alopecia, summarizing current understanding of the disease and the need for standardized clinical trials, but it reports no new results.

research Comparison of the Efficacy of Homologous and Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treating Androgenic Alopecia

24 citations , November 2017 in “Aesthetic Plastic Surgery”

In this study, researchers found that homologous PRP (h-PRP) significantly increased hair density more than both nonactivated (n-PRP) and activated (a-PRP) autologous PRP in patients with androgenetic alopecia, suggesting h-PRP as a potentially more effective treatment option for hair loss.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma with Microneedling in Androgenetic Alopecia Along with Dermoscopic Pre- and Post-Treatment Evaluation

36 citations , August 2017 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

In this study, patients with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia who received platelet-rich plasma injections with microneedling showed improvements in hair growth and thickness, as well as high satisfaction, over a three-month period compared to conventional therapy non-responders.

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

348 citations , July 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders”

This review discusses the use of platelet-rich plasma in dermatology for various applications such as tissue regeneration and wound healing, but it reports no new clinical results and calls for clearer guidance on suitable treatments.

Stem Cells from Human Hair Follicles: First Mechanical Isolation for Immediate Autologous Clinical Use in Androgenetic Alopecia and Hair Loss

research Stem Cells from Human Hair Follicles: First Mechanical Isolation for Immediate Autologous Clinical Use in Androgenetic Alopecia and Hair Loss

86 citations , June 2017 in “Stem cell investigation”

This study reported that using human follicle stem cells isolated from hair bulge areas increased hair density by about 29% over baseline in patients with androgenetic alopecia, with significant improvements observed 23 weeks after the last treatment.

research Hair Regeneration Therapy: Application of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

55 citations , May 2017 in “Current stem cell research & therapy”

In this study, Japanese patients treated with adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium for hair regeneration showed positive outcomes, suggesting it may be an effective new therapy for alopecia.

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”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma injections significantly improved hair density, thickness, and patient satisfaction in women with female pattern hair loss compared to a placebo.

research The Effect of Plasma Rich in Growth Factors on Pattern Hair Loss: A Pilot Study

70 citations , February 2017 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This study reports that plasma rich in growth factors appeared to improve hair follicle regeneration and patient satisfaction in individuals with androgenetic alopecia, though further trials are 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”

This study observed that autologous platelet-rich plasma treatment improved hair count and density in areas with androgenetic alopecia compared to placebo, with differing outcomes based on the PRP collection device used.

research A Split Head Study of Efficacy of Placebo Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

33 citations , January 2017 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

This study found that PRP injections improved hair density, quality, and thickness in males with androgenic alopecia compared to placebo, with reported high patient satisfaction and no major side effects.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Minoxidil 5% in Treatment of Alopecia Areata: A Trichoscopic Evaluation

62 citations , October 2016 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma was more effective for treating alopecia areata than topical 5% minoxidil, leading to earlier hair regrowth and reduction in hair abnormalities.

research Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study on the Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Women With Female Androgenetic Alopecia

87 citations , September 2016 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma did not significantly improve hair mass index or hair count in women with female androgenetic alopecia, though some patients perceived benefits in hair quality.

research Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Androgenetic (Male-Patterned) Alopecia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

61 citations , September 2016 in “Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma was not effective in treating androgenetic alopecia in men with grade 4–6 hair loss.

research Stem Cell Therapy as a Novel Therapeutic Intervention for Resistant Cases of Alopecia Areata and Androgenetic Alopecia

39 citations , August 2016 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

This study observed that autologous bone marrow derived mononuclear cells and follicular stem cells were both safe and effective for improving resistant alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia, with no serious adverse events.

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”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma significantly increased hair density and anagen hair proportions in androgenetic alopecia patients, suggesting potential as an adjuvant therapy.

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

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

This study found that platelet-rich plasma injections significantly increased hair count and density in patients with male pattern hair loss without major side effects, suggesting it may be a safe and effective treatment option.

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

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

This review discusses the cosmetic applications of platelet-rich plasma in dermatology, highlighting its potential benefits and the need for more controlled studies.

research Hair Regrowth in Alopecia Areata Patients Following Stem Cell Educator Therapy

55 citations , April 2015 in “BMC medicine”

This study found that the Stem Cell Educator therapy improved hair regrowth and quality of life in patients with severe alopecia areata by restoring immune balance and protecting hair follicles from autoimmune damage.

research Clinical Use of Conditioned Media of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells in Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Retrospective Case Series Study

83 citations , March 2015 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This retrospective study found that adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned media increased hair density and thickness in women with female pattern hair loss over 12 weeks, with no severe adverse effects reported.

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

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

This study found that platelet-rich plasma may have a role in treating chronic alopecia areata, but more long-term follow-up studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and success rate.

research Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

74 citations , January 2015 in “Asian Journal of Transfusion Science”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma injections led to improvements in hair counts, thickness, and strength in patients with androgenic alopecia, showing promise as an effective treatment with no major adverse effects.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia

107 citations , August 2014 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This pilot study suggests injecting platelet-derived growth factors into the scalp may offer some clinical benefits for androgenetic alopecia, though further randomized trials are needed for confirmation.

research Potential Targets in the Discovery of New Hair Growth Promoters for Androgenic Alopecia

59 citations , May 2014 in “Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets”

This review discusses current therapeutic targets and treatments for androgenic alopecia but reports no clinical results; the authors highlight the challenge of developing multi-target drugs for effective treatment.

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 Stem Cell Dynamics in the Hair Follicle Niche

135 citations , December 2013 in “Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology”

This review examines the literature on the molecular and cellular makeup of the hair follicle niche and how it influences stem cell behavior during hair regeneration, but does not provide new experimental results.

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”

In this study, platelet-rich plasma significantly increased hair regrowth and reduced symptoms of alopecia areata compared to triamcinolone acetonide or placebo, with no observed side effects.

research Health Status, Coping Strategies, and Alexithymia in Subjects with Androgenetic Alopecia

40 citations , February 2013 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

This study found that people with androgenic alopecia, particularly women, are more prone to anxiety and depression, often adopting avoidant coping strategies, which are linked to emotional and psychological impacts rather than clinical severity.

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

166 citations , August 2011 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This study found that PRP combined with dalteparin and protamine microparticles may enhance hair growth by increasing hair thickness compared to PRP alone.

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 Androgens and Alopecia

165 citations , December 2002 in “Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology”

This study found that finasteride improves scalp hair growth in men with male pattern hair loss by reducing scalp dihydrotestosterone levels, but it did not benefit postmenopausal women with female pattern hair loss.