PRP treatment for hair loss is a minimally invasive procedure that harnesses the healing potential of a patient's own blood to stimulate hair follicle activity. Using a concentrated preparation of platelet-rich plasma, injected directly into the scalp, PRP has gained significant interest in UK dermatology and trichology as a potential option for those experiencing hair thinning — particularly androgenetic alopecia. This article explains how PRP works, who may be suitable, what the procedure involves, the current evidence base, safety considerations, and how to access treatment responsibly in the UK.

What Is PRP Treatment and How Does It Work for Hair Loss

PRP treatment uses growth-factor-rich plasma isolated from the patient's own blood, injected into the scalp to hypothetically stimulate dormant follicles, improve blood supply, and prolong the hair growth cycle — though precise mechanisms are not fully established.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a concentrated preparation of a patient's own blood to stimulate hair follicle activity. The treatment has attracted considerable interest in dermatology and trichology as a potential option for individuals experiencing hair thinning or loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss).

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The procedure begins with a small blood draw, typically from the arm. The blood is placed into a centrifuge, which spins at high speed to separate its components. This process isolates the platelet-rich plasma — a fraction of blood containing a significantly higher concentration of platelets than normal circulating blood. These platelets are rich in growth factors, including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1).

When injected into the scalp at the level of the hair follicles, these growth factors are hypothesised to:

• Stimulate dormant or weakened follicles into an active growth phase (anagen)

• Improve blood supply to the follicular unit

• Reduce localised inflammation that may contribute to follicle miniaturisation

• Prolong the hair growth cycle

It is important to note that these mechanisms remain theoretical; the precise biological effects are not fully established and are likely to vary between individuals and preparations.

Because PRP is derived from the patient's own blood, it is considered an autologous treatment, which reduces the risk of allergic reaction or immune rejection. From a UK regulatory perspective, PRP is an autologous biological procedure rather than a licensed medicine regulated by the MHRA. The kits and devices used to prepare PRP should be UKCA- or CE-marked. Clinics providing PRP should meet relevant Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards where regulated activities are undertaken, and practitioners should adhere to applicable UK clinical governance requirements.

It is also worth noting that PRP preparation protocols are not standardised. Differences in centrifugation speed, platelet concentration, leucocyte content (leucocyte-rich versus leucocyte-poor preparations), and activation methods mean that outcomes can vary considerably between clinics and studies. Patients seeking further information may find the NHS hair loss pages and British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) patient information leaflets a useful starting point.

Who May Be Suitable for PRP Hair Treatment in the UK

PRP is most suitable for adults with early to moderate androgenetic alopecia who still have functioning follicles; a GP or dermatologist should assess and investigate hair loss before any procedure is considered.

PRP treatment is not appropriate for everyone experiencing hair loss, and a thorough clinical assessment is essential before proceeding. In the UK, a GP or dermatologist should lead the diagnostic assessment and arrange appropriate investigations. A qualified trichologist may provide a supportive role, but it is important to note that trichologists are not statutorily regulated healthcare professionals and cannot prescribe medicines or order NHS investigations independently.

Conditions where PRP may be considered include:

• Androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern hair loss) — the most commonly treated condition, and where the strongest evidence exists for early to moderate disease

• Alopecia areata — evidence is limited and heterogeneous; first-line treatment in the UK typically involves intralesional corticosteroids or topical immunotherapy, not PRP

• Telogen effluvium — diffuse shedding often triggered by stress, illness, or nutritional deficiency; evidence for PRP in this condition is limited and it is not considered standard care

PRP tends to produce the best outcomes in individuals who still have functioning, albeit weakened, hair follicles. Those with long-standing, complete baldness where follicles are no longer viable are unlikely to benefit significantly.

Red flags requiring prompt GP referral or dermatology assessment include:

• Suspected scarring (cicatricial) alopecia — irreversible follicle destruction requires urgent specialist evaluation

• Suspected tinea capitis (scalp ringworm), particularly in children

• Hair loss in children or adolescents

• Rapid or widespread progression

• Associated systemic symptoms (fatigue, weight change, joint pain)

• Signs of hyperandrogenism in women (e.g., irregular periods, acne, hirsutism)

These presentations should be assessed and managed before any cosmetic procedure is considered.

Certain individuals may not be suitable for PRP, including those who:

• Have active scalp infections or inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis at the treatment site

• Are taking anticoagulant medications (e.g., warfarin) or antiplatelet therapy, which may affect platelet function or bleeding risk

• Have platelet disorders, thrombocytopaenia, anaemia, or other haematological conditions

• Have uncontrolled diabetes or are significantly immunosuppressed

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding (due to insufficient safety data)

• Have a history of certain cancers, particularly haematological malignancies, or active malignancy in the treatment area

Before pursuing PRP, it is advisable for patients to have relevant blood tests guided by their clinical history. These may include a full blood count (FBC), serum ferritin, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and vitamin B12/folate where clinically indicated. Vitamin D testing is not routinely recommended for hair loss unless there is a specific clinical reason. Addressing reversible causes of hair loss — such as iron deficiency or thyroid dysfunction — may reduce or eliminate the need for procedural interventions. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries (CKS) on male and female pattern hair loss and alopecia areata provide useful guidance on assessment and first-line management in the UK.

What to Expect During and After a PRP Procedure

A PRP session takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes; the scalp is injected with processed plasma under topical anaesthesia, and visible improvements in hair density are typically observed after three to six months.

Understanding what the PRP process involves can help patients make an informed decision and manage their expectations appropriately. A typical PRP session for hair loss takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes from start to finish.

During the procedure:

• A small volume of blood (usually 15–60 ml) is drawn from the patient's arm

• The blood is centrifuged to isolate the platelet-rich plasma

• The scalp is cleansed and a topical anaesthetic cream applied to minimise discomfort

• The PRP is then injected into the scalp using a fine needle, targeting areas of thinning

• Some practitioners use a microneedling device to deliver PRP more evenly across the scalp, though the evidence base for this approach is still evolving and practice varies between clinics

Most patients describe the injections as mildly uncomfortable rather than painful, particularly once topical anaesthesia has taken effect. The scalp may feel tender, tight, or slightly swollen immediately after the procedure, and some redness or minor bruising at injection sites is common.

After the procedure, patients are generally advised to:

• Avoid washing the hair for at least 24 hours

• Refrain from vigorous exercise or excessive sweating for 24–48 hours

• Avoid anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen for several days after treatment, as these may theoretically blunt the platelet response — however, this advice is precautionary and based on limited evidence. Patients must not stop any prescribed medicines (including antiplatelets or NSAIDs) without first seeking advice from their GP or prescriber

• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours

• Avoid hair dyes, bleach, or harsh chemical treatments for at least 48–72 hours

Results are not immediate. Most clinicians recommend an initial course of three to four sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments every three to six months. However, treatment schedules are not standardised and should be tailored to the individual's response. Visible improvements in hair density and reduced shedding are typically observed after three to six months of treatment, though individual responses vary considerably.

Effectiveness and Current Evidence for PRP in Hair Loss

Systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials support PRP's effectiveness for early to moderate androgenetic alopecia, but significant heterogeneity in protocols limits direct comparison, and neither NICE nor the NHS recommends it as standard care.

The evidence base for PRP in hair loss is growing, though it remains an area of active research and some clinical uncertainty. Patients should approach the available data with realistic expectations.

A number of randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews have reported statistically significant improvements in hair density, hair shaft diameter, and reduction in hair shedding following PRP treatment, particularly for androgenetic alopecia. More recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2020 and 2023 have broadly supported these findings, whilst consistently highlighting the significant heterogeneity in PRP preparation protocols, injection techniques, activation methods, leucocyte content, and outcome measures across studies — making direct comparison between trials challenging.

Key findings from the current evidence suggest:

• PRP appears most effective for early to moderate androgenetic alopecia

• Results are generally not permanent and maintenance sessions are required

• PRP may be used as a standalone treatment or as an adjunct to licensed therapies such as topical minoxidil or finasteride

• Evidence for conditions such as alopecia areata is less robust and more heterogeneous; PRP is not a first-line treatment for this condition in the UK

• Evidence for telogen effluvium is limited and PRP is not considered standard care

When considering PRP alongside licensed treatments, it is important to note the UK prescribing context:

• Topical minoxidil is available over the counter for both men and women and is a licensed first-line option for pattern hair loss

• Finasteride 1 mg is a prescription-only medicine licensed for male pattern hair loss in men only; it is not licensed for use in women and is contraindicated in women of childbearing potential due to teratogenic risk

• Oral minoxidil for hair loss is currently unlicensed in the UK and would be prescribed off-label

Neither NICE nor the NHS currently recommends PRP as a standard treatment for hair loss, and it is not routinely available on the NHS. Patients should be counselled that while results can be encouraging, PRP is not a cure for hair loss and individual responses vary considerably.

Risks, Side Effects and Safety Considerations

PRP is generally safe when performed by a qualified practitioner; common side effects such as scalp tenderness and redness resolve within 24 to 72 hours, though rare risks include infection, vasovagal episodes, and nerve injury.

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PRP treatment is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and experienced practitioner, largely because it uses the patient's own biological material. However, as with any invasive procedure, there are potential risks and side effects that patients should be aware of before consenting to treatment.

Common, mild side effects include:

• Temporary scalp tenderness, redness, or swelling at injection sites

• Minor bruising or pinpoint bleeding

• A sensation of tightness or pressure in the scalp

• Mild headache following the procedure

These effects typically resolve within 24 to 72 hours without intervention.

Less common but more significant risks include:

• Infection at injection sites — rare but possible if sterile technique is not maintained

• Vasovagal episodes (feeling faint) during or shortly after the procedure

• Reactions to local anaesthetic agents used during the procedure

• Nerve or vascular injury — extremely rare with proper technique

• Calcification at injection sites — reported in isolated cases

• Keloid or hypertrophic scarring in individuals with a known predisposition

• Temporary increase in hair shedding in the weeks following treatment, which usually resolves

When to seek urgent medical attention: Patients should contact their GP or seek urgent care if they experience signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, swelling, discharge, or fever), severe or spreading pain, uncontrolled bleeding, significant allergic symptoms, or any other unexpected or worsening symptoms following the procedure.

From a patient safety perspective, individuals should ensure their treatment is carried out by a qualified healthcare professional with appropriate training. Patients are advised to:

• Verify that the practitioner holds current statutory registration with the GMC, NMC, or GDC as appropriate

• Check whether the clinic is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) where regulated activities are provided

• Consider practitioners listed on recognised professional registers such as the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) or Save Face

• Ensure the clinic follows appropriate infection control protocols and uses UKCA- or CE-marked PRP preparation kits

• Request a full consultation and medical history review before treatment

If you experience a suspected adverse effect or have concerns about a medical device used during your procedure, you can report this through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.

Accessing PRP Treatment in the UK and Costs Involved

PRP is a private procedure costing approximately £200–£600 per session in the UK; patients should consult a GP first, verify the practitioner's statutory registration, and confirm CQC registration before proceeding.

PRP treatment for hair loss is not currently available on the NHS and is considered a private, elective procedure. Patients in the UK seeking PRP will need to access it through private dermatology clinics, trichology practices, or aesthetic medicine centres.

Cost considerations:

• A single PRP session typically costs between £200 and £600 in the UK, depending on the clinic, location, and practitioner expertise

• An initial course of three to four sessions may therefore cost between £600 and £2,400

• Ongoing maintenance sessions add to the long-term financial commitment

• Some clinics offer package deals for multiple sessions, which may reduce the per-session cost

Given the recurring nature of maintenance treatment, patients should carefully consider the long-term financial commitment before proceeding.

When selecting a provider, patients should look for practitioners with current statutory registration (GMC, NMC, or GDC as appropriate) and check whether the clinic holds CQC registration where regulated activities are provided. Practitioners listed on the JCCP or Save Face registers have met defined professional standards for cosmetic practice. Membership of a recognised professional body such as the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) or the Institute of Trichologists may also provide reassurance.

Before committing to PRP, it is sensible to:

• Consult a GP to rule out underlying medical causes of hair loss and arrange appropriate blood tests

• Seek a consultation with a dermatologist for a formal diagnosis, particularly if the cause of hair loss is unclear or if any red flags are present

• Consider whether evidence-based, licensed treatments should be tried first — topical minoxidil is available over the counter for both men and women; finasteride 1 mg is prescription-only and licensed for men only (it is not licensed for women and carries a teratogenic risk)

• Request before-and-after photographs and realistic outcome expectations from the treating clinician

• Discuss the opportunity cost of ongoing maintenance treatment as part of shared decision-making

PRP may represent a useful adjunctive option for suitable candidates, but it should be considered as part of a broader, individualised hair loss management plan rather than a standalone solution. The NHS hair loss pages and BAD patient information leaflets provide reliable, evidence-based information to help patients make informed decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions