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

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

Carmen Farid, Rania Abdelmaksoud

platelet-rich plasma microneedling 5% topical minoxidil patterned hair loss hair density alopecia minoxidil PRP scalp irritation hair shedding rate Rogaine

TLDR 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.

In 2015, a study involving 40 patients with patterned hair loss compared the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) microneedling and 5% topical minoxidil. Both treatments were found to be similarly effective in improving hair density and alopecia grade after 12 and 28 weeks. However, minoxidil acted significantly faster. The study concluded that minoxidil should be the first-line treatment due to its efficacy, tolerability, and lower cost, while PRP with microneedling could be a second-line therapy for those intolerant or unfit for minoxidil. The minoxidil group showed a higher percentage of improvement (65%) than the PRP group (45%), but this was not statistically significant. Patient satisfaction was higher in the PRP group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Normalization of daily hair shedding rate was significantly higher in the minoxidil group (95%) than in the PRP group (65%). Adverse effects included scalp irritation in 30% of the minoxidil group and pain during injection in the PRP group.

View this study on login.wolterskluwer.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

26 / 26 results

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia

107 citations, August 2014 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

PRP injections improve hair thickness for baldness.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: An Evidence-Based Treatment Update

151 citations, May 2014 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

Effective treatments for male pattern baldness include oral finasteride and topical minoxidil, while topical minoxidil is best for female pattern baldness.

research The Female Pattern Hair Loss: Review of Etiopathogenesis and Diagnosis

35 citations, January 2014 in “BioMed Research International”

Female pattern hair loss involves hormonal factors, genetics, and may be linked to low ferritin levels.

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 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.

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 A Randomized Evaluator Blinded Study of Effect of Microneedling in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Pilot Study

136 citations, January 2013 in “International Journal of Trichology”

research Androgenetic Alopecia: An Update

88 citations, January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

Minoxidil and finasteride effectively treat 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 Pattern Hair Loss in Men: Diagnosis, Genetic Link, Clinical Features, and Treatments

58 citations, September 2012 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Male pattern hair loss caused by follicular miniaturization; early diagnosis and treatment can reduce psychological burden.

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.

A Randomized, Single-Blind Trial of 5% Minoxidil Foam Once Daily Versus 2% Minoxidil Solution Twice Daily in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

research A Randomized, Single-Blind Trial of 5% Minoxidil Foam Once Daily Versus 2% Minoxidil Solution Twice Daily in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

100 citations, June 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% minoxidil foam once daily works as well as 2% minoxidil solution twice daily for female hair growth and is more convenient.

research S1 Guideline for Diagnostic Evaluation in Androgenetic Alopecia in Men, Women, and Adolescents

151 citations, August 2010 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Guidelines for diagnosing common hair loss include detailed history, clinical examination, and various diagnostic techniques.

research Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing 5% and 1% Topical Minoxidil for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Japanese Men

29 citations, July 2009 in “Journal of Dermatology”

5% minoxidil works better for hair growth than 1% minoxidil.

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 A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil Solutions in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

219 citations, March 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% and 2% minoxidil solutions effectively promote hair growth and reduce hair loss, with 5% being slightly more effective but having more side effects.

research Epidermal Growth Factor as a Biological Switch in Hair Growth Cycle

94 citations, July 2003 in “Journal of biological chemistry/The Journal of biological chemistry”

EGF controls hair growth by regulating hair follicles' growth phases.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

269 citations, August 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% minoxidil works better for hair growth and density, with minor irritation.

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.

research Hair Density, Hair Diameter, and the Prevalence of Female Pattern Hair Loss

234 citations, February 2001 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

FPHL affects hair density and diameter, causing visible hair loss in older women.

Changes in Hair Weight and Hair Count in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia After Application of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil, Placebo, or No Treatment

research Changes in Hair Weight and Hair Count in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia After Application of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil, Placebo, or No Treatment

115 citations, November 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil increases hair weight and count temporarily in men with hair loss.

research The Biology of Hair Follicles

1113 citations, August 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Hair follicle biology advancements may lead to better hair growth disorder treatments.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in the Female

82 citations, March 1994 in “Archives of Dermatology”

2% topical minoxidil effectively treats female hair loss with minimal side effects.

research Use of Topical Minoxidil Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

58 citations, October 1993 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil helps hair growth and reduces shedding in women.

research Treatment of Female Androgenetic Alopecia with Minoxidil 2%

43 citations, November 1992 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil 2% effectively treats female hair loss, promoting growth and density.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 79 results

community Reddit’s amatorial meta analysis of 17 already avaliable hair loss prevention treatments that were found to be effective in clinical studies but are not FDA approved for MPB. PROS and CONS. (2022 Guide if Finasteride and Minoxidil are not working/ give you sides/are not enough) 77 studies linked!

in Research/Science 586 upvotes 2 years ago

The post and conversation are about hair loss treatments that have been found to be effective in studies. There are 19 different treatments mentioned, including oral minoxidil, oral dutasteride, topical finasteride, RU58841, and more. The best treatment for an individual depends on factors like availability, cost, side effects, and personal preferences.

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 88 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 34 upvotes 2 months 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 Micro needling 25 days progress. I’ve been on fin and min for 6 months but micro needling has done SO much more to actually restore my hairline

in Progress Pictures 569 upvotes 9 months ago

A user shared a 25-day progress picture showing significant hairline restoration attributed to microneedling, in addition to using minoxidil and finasteride for 6 months. Other users discussed needle length, frequency, and whether the effects of microneedling are permanent.

community 2024 Official beginner guide for “I’m losing my hair, what can I do?”

in General 726 upvotes 4 months ago

For hair loss, start with Finasteride, Minoxidil, Ketoconazole shampoo, and Microneedling. For severe cases, consider Dutasteride, oral Minoxidil, or hair transplants.

community When are we getting a cure to hair loss?

in Chat 1 year ago

Potential treatments for hair loss, including Minoxidil, finasteride, RU58841 and various upcoming pharmaceuticals, gene editing and cloning. It is suggested that a cure, if found, would be highly profitable due to the large number of people affected by hair loss globally.

Related Research

7 / 7 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.

research A Study to Compare the Efficacy and Safety of Platelet Rich Plasma and Topical Minoxidil Fortified with Finasteride in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia in Male Patients

June 2022 in “IP Indian journal of clinical and experimental dermatology”

Both treatments were equally effective in promoting hair growth.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Hair Loss

12 citations, January 2021 in “Springer eBooks”

research The Efficacy of Topical Minoxidil for Non-Scarring Alopecia: A Systematic Review

1 citations, February 2019 in “PubMed”

Minoxidil is effective in treating various types of hair loss and can improve quality of life, with combination therapies showing increased effectiveness.

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 Hair Growth by the Treatment of Various Alopecia Using Sequential Treatment, Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection, Followed by Mesotherapy

January 2013 in “프로그램북(구 초록집)”

The treatment promoted hair growth safely and effectively.

research Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

80 citations, October 1983 in “BMJ”

Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in alopecia patients, with 16 having good results and no side effects.