PRP for Thicker Hair: How Does It Work?

Noticing more hair in your brush? You’re not alone. Hair loss is incredibly common, affecting millions of people nationwide. While there’s no magic fix for hair regrowth, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has become popular for those seeking thicker, healthier hair. 

But how exactly does PRP work? 

That’s what Kathleen J. Smith, MD, and our Dermatology Specialists of Atlanta team are here to answer.

What is PRP therapy?

PRP therapy uses your body’s natural growth factors to stimulate hair follicles. It’s commonly used in regenerative medicine for injuries and healing, but it’s gained attention and popularity in recent years for its potential to improve hair thickness and density.

The process involves drawing a small amount of your blood, spinning it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets, and injecting that concentrated plasma directly into your scalp.

The platelets are packed with growth factors that help promote cell repair, improve blood flow, and ultimately stimulate dormant hair follicles.

How does PRP help with hair growth?

Hair loss occurs when hair follicles become weak or inactive. PRP therapy targets these struggling follicles and helps “wake them up.” The growth factors in PRP promote:

• Increased blood supply to hair follicles, delivering more nutrients and oxygen
• Stronger, thicker hair strands for improved volume
• Prolonged growth phases in the hair cycle
• Reduced hair shedding

While PRP isn’t a miracle cure, it’s particularly effective for individuals with early-stage hair thinning, androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness), or those experiencing hair loss from stress, hormonal changes, or medical conditions.

PRP therapy is ideal for individuals experiencing:

• Thinning hair but still with active hair follicles
• Early signs of hair loss rather than advanced baldness
• Hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia, stress, or hormonal changes

PRP may be less effective for those with severe baldness or scarring conditions that permanently damage the hair follicles. Dr. Smith can assess your scalp and determine if PRP is an option.

What should I expect from PRP therapy?

PRP therapy is a relatively quick and painless procedure we perform right in our office. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

We start with a simple blood draw, similar to routine lab work. Then, we place the sample in a special machine that spins it at high speeds. This process separates the plasma, which is rich in growth factors, from the red blood cells.

Finally, we use a thin needle to carefully inject PRP into targeted areas of your scalp where hair thinning is most noticeable. 

The process typically takes about 30-60 minutes, with little to no downtime afterward. Some patients may experience mild scalp tenderness or redness, but these side effects are temporary and usually resolve within a day or two.

Timeline

It’s important to note that PRP isn’t a one-and-done treatment. Most patients benefit from a series of 3-4 treatments spaced about 4-6 weeks apart for best results. After that, maintenance sessions every 4-6 months can help sustain your results.

Remember that PRP doesn’t provide overnight results, but with patience, you can see noticeable improvements.

Most people start noticing reduced hair shedding and increased hair thickness within 3-6 months after their initial treatments. Results improve gradually as hair follicles become stronger and healthier. PRP works gradually by strengthening hair follicles and improving overall scalp health.

Maximizing results

You can maximize your results by pairing PRP with other hair restoration methods. In addition to PRP, we can also recommend combining it with:

• Medications
• Topical treatments that nourish the scalp
• Lifestyle changes to improve hair and scalp health

This combination approach can maximize your results and keep your hair looking fuller and healthier.

Schedule an appointment to explore your options

PRP therapy is a revolutionary and promising option for those with hair thinning or early-stage hair loss. By harnessing your body’s natural healing power, PRP can help restore thicker, healthier hair with a minimally invasive procedure. 

If you’re noticing changes in your hair and want to explore your options, call or click to schedule a consultation with the team at our Decatur, Georgia, office today.