PRP, also known as platelet-rich plasma therapy, is a medical treatment that could help boost healing, regeneration, and growth. It’s often used to treat injured tendons, ligaments, and muscles.

PRP therapy is a three-step process. It works by drawing blood, processing it, then injecting it into the affected area.

Research states that PRP injections may benefit hair loss in several ways. For example:

• A 2022 reviewTrusted Source found that PRP may stimulate hair growth and thickness, as well as protect hair follicles from prematurely shedding.
  
• A 2020 reviewTrusted Source of 13 studies found that PRP may help increase hair thickness and density.
  
• A 2018 reviewTrusted Source found that PRP may trigger hair growth by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle.
  This article looks at how PRP therapy works and how it could be used for hair loss treatment.
  

PRP therapy process

PRP therapy injects platelet-rich plasma cells into the affected area of your scalp.

Plasma is the liquid part of your blood. Your blood is also made up of platelets, white cells, and red blood cells.

Platelets play a role in the clotting of your blood, but they also containTrusted Source cytokines and proteins that promote growth, healing, and rejuvenation.

Step 1

Between 10 to 60 milliliters (mL)Trusted Source of your blood is drawn, typically from your arm, and put into a centrifuge. This is a machine that spins rapidly to separate fluids of different densities.

Step 2

After about 10 minutes in the centrifuge, your blood will have separated into three layersTrusted Source:

• platelet-poor plasma
  
• platelet-rich plasma
  
• red blood cells
  

Step 3

The platelet-rich plasma is drawn up into a syringe and then injected into areas of the scalp that need increased hair growth.

According to a 2022 reviewTrusted Source, there isn’t a consensus on the frequency and duration of PRP therapy for hair loss. For example, the studies in the review found benefits for hair growth with PRP treatment ranging from 4 injections every 15 days for 3 months to 3 monthly injections for 6 months.

The authors concluded that the most important part of PRP is the number of platelets. According to a 2021 studyTrusted Source, higher platelet concentrations in PRP have a more pronounced effect on hair density, hair follicle diameter, and terminal hair density.

PRP for hair loss side effects

There’s no risk of contracting a communicable disease with PRP therapy because it involves injecting your own blood into your scalp.

Research from 2022Trusted Source also suggests limited side effects, though you may experience:

• some pain during treatment
  
• headache
  
• itching
  
• swelling
  
• temporary discoloration
  
• Every individual reacts differently to injection therapies. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional about the potential side effects of PRP therapy.
  

Risks of PRP for hair loss

Several factors may increase the risk of side effects occurring during PRP therapy. These may include

• taking certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) within 48 hours of PRP therapy
  
• underlying health conditions, such as low platelet count, sepsis, or platelet dysfunction
  
• some types of cancer, such as bone cancer
  
• smoking
  
• having certain types of steroid injections within 2 to 4 weeks of PRP therapy
  
• fever
  
• anemia
  

It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional about PRP therapy before starting treatment. During your appointment, tell them about all the medications you’re on, including supplements and herbs.

How much does PRP for hair loss cost?

The average estimated price of PRP therapy ranges from $500–$2,500Trusted Source per therapy session for orthopedic purposes. However, the price you’ll pay for hair loss treatment may depend on several factors, such as:

• your geographic location
  
• quality of equipment
  
• the addition of nutritive components
  

It’s important to note that not many insurance companies cover PRP therapy for hair loss. If you have insurance, speak with your provider to see whether they cover it. If you don’t have health insurance, the PRP therapy’s doctor’s office might offer payment plans or reduced fares for self-payers.