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

March 2017 in “ Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology ”

Salvatore Giordano, Marco Romeo, Petteri Lankinen

platelet-rich plasma androgenetic alopecia hair density hair loss PRP injections PRP AGA

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

This document is a meta-analysis of studies on the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for treating androgenetic alopecia. The analysis found that PRP treatment showed promising results in increasing hair density and reducing hair loss in patients with AGA. However, the evidence is limited due to the small number of patients and differences in treatment methods. The authors suggest that larger randomized studies are needed to verify the effectiveness of PRP injections for androgenetic alopecia.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

16 / 16 results

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 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 Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

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

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can effectively increase hair density and thickness in people with androgenic alopecia, without major 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.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia

107 citations, August 2014 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

PRP injections improve hair thickness for baldness.

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 Platelet-Rich Plasma in Androgenic Alopecia: Myth or Effective Tool

115 citations, January 2014 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a cheap and easy treatment for hair loss, but not suitable for everyone. It also helps in healing ulcers, rejuvenating skin, and improving hair transplants.

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”

PRP injections increase hair density and satisfaction in androgenetic alopecia patients.

research Promotional Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Hair Follicle Reconstitution In Vivo

63 citations, October 2013 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) increases the number of new hair follicles and speeds up hair formation.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection Is Effective and Safe for the Treatment of Alopecia

45 citations, March 2013 in “European Journal of Plastic Surgery”

Injecting platelet-rich plasma is a safe and effective way to treat hair loss.

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

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

People with hair loss feel more depressed and anxious, especially women, and need help managing emotions and beliefs about their condition.

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 Letter: Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treating Male Pattern Baldness

36 citations, December 2012 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can increase hair growth rate and density in male pattern baldness.

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.

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.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 77 results

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 3 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community Evidenced Based Meta-Analyses and Systemic Reviews of Androgenic Alopecia and Treatments

in Research/Science 15 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 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 90 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 What else is good. Besides the big 3.

in Chat 36 upvotes 1 month 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.

community New and Interesting HairLoss Studies/Papers/Reviews

in Treatment 44 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 10 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.

Related Research

9 / 9 results

research Sisaipho Alopecia Areata Treated With Tofacitinib and Oral Minoxidil

1 citations, August 2022 in “JAAD case reports”

Tofacitinib and oral minoxidil may help treat Sisaipho alopecia areata.

Evidence from a Humanized Mouse Model of Androgenetic Alopecia That Platelet-Rich Plasma Stimulates Hair Regrowth, Hair Shaft Diameter, and Vellus-to-Terminal Hair Reconversion In Vivo

research Evidence from a Humanized Mouse Model of Androgenetic Alopecia That Platelet-Rich Plasma Stimulates Hair Regrowth, Hair Shaft Diameter, and Vellus-to-Terminal Hair Reconversion In Vivo

March 2021 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

PRP helps hair regrowth and thickness.

research Disorders of Hair

July 2013 in “DeckerMed Medicine”

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

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

Research cited in this study

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

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

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

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

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

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia

research The Effect of Autologous Activated Platelet Rich Plasma Injection on Pattern Hair Loss: Clinical and Histomorphometric Evaluation

research Platelet-Rich Plasma in Androgenic Alopecia: Myth or Effective Tool

research Study of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia Through a One-Year Period

research Promotional Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Hair Follicle Reconstitution In Vivo

research Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection Is Effective and Safe for the Treatment of Alopecia

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

research The Effect of CD34+ Cell-Containing Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection on Pattern Hair Loss: A Preliminary Study

research Letter: Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treating Male Pattern Baldness

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

research The Role of Platelet Plasma Growth Factors in Male Pattern Baldness Surgery

Related Community Posts Join

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

community Evidenced Based Meta-Analyses and Systemic Reviews of Androgenic Alopecia and Treatments

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

community What else is good. Besides the big 3.

community New and Interesting HairLoss Studies/Papers/Reviews

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?

Related Research

research Sisaipho Alopecia Areata Treated With Tofacitinib and Oral Minoxidil

research Evidence from a Humanized Mouse Model of Androgenetic Alopecia That Platelet-Rich Plasma Stimulates Hair Regrowth, Hair Shaft Diameter, and Vellus-to-Terminal Hair Reconversion In Vivo

research Concentrated Growth Factor from Autologous Platelet Promotes Hair Growth in Androgenetic Alopecia

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

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

research Original Articles: The Application of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

research The Application of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

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

research Disorders of Hair