Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Management of Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Evidence

September 2025 in “ Dermatology and Therapy ”

Eduardo Anitua, Roberto Tierno, Mohammad Hamdan Alkhraisat

platelet-rich plasma alopecia hair density hair loss activated PRP non-activated PRP placebo clinical outcomes patient satisfaction hair thickness conventional treatments activation status PRP formulations PRP

TLDR Activated PRP effectively increases hair density and reduces hair loss in alopecia.

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the safety and efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for alopecia, analyzing 43 randomized controlled trials with 1,877 participants. The study found that activated PRP effectively increased hair density and reduced recurrence compared to placebo, while non-activated PRP had more adverse effects. PRP improved clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and decreased hair loss, but did not significantly affect hair thickness. The efficacy of PRP was often comparable or superior to conventional treatments, with activation status influencing response. Despite moderate evidence supporting PRP's safety and effectiveness, further high-quality trials are needed to confirm these findings and explore the impact of PRP formulations.

View this study on link.springer.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

62 / 62 results

Analyzing Efficacy of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil, Topical Minoxidil, and Platelet-Rich Plasma with Topical Minoxidil Combination in Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Controlled Observer Blinded Trial

research Analyzing Efficacy of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil, Topical Minoxidil, and Platelet-Rich Plasma with Topical Minoxidil Combination in Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Controlled Observer Blinded Trial

February 2025 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

Combining PRP with topical minoxidil is most effective for hair growth in androgenetic alopecia.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma: Advances and Controversies in Hair Restoration and Skin Rejuvenation

February 2024 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

PRP shows promise for hair and skin treatment, but more research is needed for standard practices.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma in Dermatology: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Action

3 citations , December 2023 in “Biomedicines”

PRP therapy helps skin heal and improve by promoting cell growth and repair.

research A Comprehensive Review on Platelet-Rich Plasma Activation: A Key Player in Accelerating Skin Wound Healing

2 citations , November 2023 in “Curēus”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) speeds up skin wound healing and has potential in medical and cosmetic uses.

A Randomized Control Trial Comparing the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma and 5% Topical Minoxidil for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

research A Randomized Control Trial Comparing the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma and 5% Topical Minoxidil for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

September 2023 in “PubMed”

Platelet-rich plasma therapy works better than minoxidil for hair loss treatment in the tested group.

research Use of Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma on Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

March 2023 in “Aesthetic Surgery Journal”

Activated platelet-rich plasma is effective and safe for treating hair loss.

research Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy Versus Topical Minoxidil in Men With Moderate Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Open-Label Trial

February 2023 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

Minoxidil and PRP both help with hair growth, but Minoxidil has higher satisfaction and fewer side effects.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

1 citations , January 2023 in “PubMed”

PRP might help with hair growth, but the evidence is weak.

research Comparative Efficacy of Topical Minoxidil Alone Against Combination of Topical Minoxidil and Platelet Rich Plasma in Women with Female Pattern Hair Loss - A Pilot, Open Randomized Trial

January 2023 in “PubMed”

Minoxidil alone is as effective as combining it with PRP for treating female pattern hair loss.

research Mapping the Hair Density, Thickness, and Volume in Normal and Androgenetic Alopecia Subjects With the Digital Microscope

December 2022 in “JEADV Clinical Practice”

Hair density and thickness decrease in specific scalp areas in people with androgenetic alopecia.

research An Overview of the Genetic Aspects of Hair Loss and Its Connection with Nutrition

49 citations , October 2022 in “PubMed”

Hair loss is influenced by genetics, diet, and lifestyle, but more research is needed on nutrition's role.

research Activated Platelet Rich Plasma Versus Non-Activated Platelet Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

2 citations , October 2022 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Activated and non-activated PRP are equally safe and effective for treating alopecia areata.

research Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Asians With Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

September 2022 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Female Patients with Chronic Telogen Effluvium: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind, Pilot Clinical Trial

research Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Female Patients with Chronic Telogen Effluvium: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind, Pilot Clinical Trial

2 citations , April 2022 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

Platelet-rich plasma is a promising and safe treatment for increasing hair density and thickness in women with chronic telogen effluvium.

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 A Comparative Study of Efficacy of 5% Minoxidil and 5% Minoxidil Plus Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Same Patient for Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

1 citations , January 2022 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

Combining 5% minoxidil with platelet-rich plasma is more effective for hair loss than minoxidil alone.

research Topical Treatment for Scarring and Non-Scarring Alopecia: An Overview of the Current Evidence

19 citations , May 2021 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

Minoxidil and finasteride are the best for non-scarring hair loss; more research is needed for scarring hair loss treatments.

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.

Comparison of 5% Minoxidil Lotion Monotherapy Versus Its Combination with Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma in Androgenetic Alopecia in One Hundred Males

research Comparison of 5% Minoxidil Lotion Monotherapy Versus Its Combination with Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma in Androgenetic Alopecia in One Hundred Males

3 citations , February 2021 in “Medical journal, Armed Forces India”

Combination therapy promotes better hair growth and density.

Evaluation of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Hair Regrowth and Lesional T-Cell Cytokine Expression in Alopecia Areata: A Randomized Observer-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Split-Head Pilot Study

research Evaluation of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Hair Regrowth and Lesional T-Cell Cytokine Expression in Alopecia Areata: A Randomized Observer-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Split-Head Pilot Study

9 citations , December 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Platelet-rich plasma may help restore immune balance in bald patches, but its effectiveness in treating hair loss is limited.

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.

Autologous Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Growth: A Pilot Study in Male Androgenetic Alopecia with In Vitro Bioactivity Investigation

research Autologous Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Growth: A Pilot Study in Male Androgenetic Alopecia with In Vitro Bioactivity Investigation

4 citations , September 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

PRP treatment significantly increased hair density and thickness in 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.

research The Utility of Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Alopecia

6 citations , June 2020 in “Journal of Drugs in Dermatology”

PRP can help regrow hair in people with alopecia.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Therapy for Androgenic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

15 citations , May 2020 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

PRP treatment increases hair density and thickness in androgenetic alopecia by 79%.

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.

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 Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study

8 citations , January 2020 in “Acta dermato-venereologica”

PRP injections did not significantly improve hair growth.

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 Dermoscopic Assessment of Microneedling Alone Versus Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma in Cases of Male Pattern Alopecia: A Split-Head Comparative Study

5 citations , January 2020 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Microneedling alone is as effective as microneedling with platelet-rich plasma for male pattern baldness.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma Effect on Androgenetic Alopecia and Female Pattern Hair Loss

1 citations , December 2019 in “Journal of skin and stem cell”

PRP shows promise for short-term hair growth, especially in young men.

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.

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.

Advances in Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy in Androgenic Alopecia and Hair Loss: Wnt Pathway, Growth Factor, and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Signaling Impact Analysis on Cell Growth and Hair Follicle Development

research Advances in Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy in Androgenic Alopecia and Hair Loss: Wnt Pathway, Growth Factor, and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Signaling Impact Analysis on Cell Growth and Hair Follicle Development

136 citations , May 2019 in “Cells”

Stem cell therapy, particularly using certain types of cells, shows promise for treating hair loss by stimulating hair growth and development, but more extensive trials are needed to confirm these findings.

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.

research The Mechanism of Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma Supernatant Promotion of Hair Growth by Cultured Dermal Papilla Cells

14 citations , March 2019 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Activated platelet-rich plasma helps hair growth by boosting growth factors and cell growth pathways in hair cells.

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

18 citations , January 2019 in “International Journal of Trichology”

PRP therapy works better than minoxidil for treating hair loss.

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.

Platelet-Rich Plasma in Combination With 5% Minoxidil Topical Solution and 1 mg Oral Finasteride for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study

research Platelet-Rich Plasma in Combination With 5% Minoxidil Topical Solution and 1 mg Oral Finasteride for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study

19 citations , May 2017 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Combining platelet-rich plasma with 5% minoxidil solution improves hair regrowth in androgenetic alopecia patients.

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.

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 Therapeutic Advances in Trichology

20 citations , January 2017 in “Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas”

Recent advances in hair loss treatments show significant progress.

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”

Platelet-rich plasma injections can effectively treat male pattern hair loss, improving hair density and quality with high patient satisfaction.

A Comparative Study of Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma Plus Topical Minoxidil (5%) and Topical Minoxidil (5%) Alone in Androgenetic Alopecia

research A Comparative Study of Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma Plus Topical Minoxidil (5%) and Topical Minoxidil (5%) Alone in Androgenetic Alopecia

48 citations , January 2017 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma and minoxidil improves hair growth more than just minoxidil in men with hair loss.

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

62 citations , October 2016 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

PRP more effective than minoxidil 5% for treating alopecia areata.

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”

PRP shows potential for treating female hair loss, but more research needed.

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”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was found not effective in treating male-patterned hair loss.

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 Platelet-Rich Plasma Microneedling Versus 5% Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Patterned Hair Loss

13 citations , January 2016 in “Journal of the Egyptian Women's Dermatologic Society (Print)”

Minoxidil works faster and is more cost-effective for treating hair loss, but platelet-rich plasma microneedling can be an alternative for those who can't use minoxidil.

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 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.

research An Overview of Alopecias

53 citations , March 2014 in “Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine”

The document explains different types of hair loss, their causes, and treatments, and suggests future research areas.

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.

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.

What Women Want: Quantifying the Perception of Hair Amount - An Analysis of Hair Diameter and Density Changes with Age in Caucasian Women

research What Women Want: Quantifying the Perception of Hair Amount - An Analysis of Hair Diameter and Density Changes with Age in Caucasian Women

61 citations , April 2012 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Caucasian women's hair appears thickest in their 20s, with perceived thinning after mid-30s due to both decreasing density and diameter.

research Secondary Cicatricial and Other Permanent Alopecias

20 citations , July 2008 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

The document says that treating the root cause of hair follicle damage is crucial to prevent permanent hair loss, and treatment options vary.

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

research Platelet-Rich Plasma Effect on Androgenetic Alopecia and Female Pattern Hair Loss

1 citations , December 2019 in “Journal of skin and stem cell”

PRP shows promise for short-term hair growth, especially in young men.

research Pathobiology of Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss

218 citations , January 2013 in “The Lancet Oncology”

Chemotherapy causes hair loss by damaging hair follicles and stem cells, with more research needed for prevention and treatment.

research Towards a Molecular Understanding of Hair Loss and Its Treatment

236 citations , July 2001 in “Trends in Molecular Medicine”

Future hair loss treatments should aim to extend hair growth, reactivate resting follicles, reverse shrinkage, and possibly create new follicles, with gene therapy showing promise.