PRP for Hair Loss: What It Is and What the Evidence Shows

Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.

What kind of doctor provides PRP for Hair Loss?

A dermatologist, a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails, can recommend PRP for hair loss. PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. It is made from a small amount of your blood. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.

What it is

PRP is a treatment in which a small amount of your blood is drawn. The blood is placed into a machine that separates it into parts. One part of the blood, the plasma, is then injected into the area with hair loss. Platelets are a type of blood cell. It is believed that platelets help stimulate your cells to grow hair.

What people use it for

PRP is used as a hair loss treatment. Early research suggests that PRP may help with female-pattern hair loss. If a dermatologist recommends PRP, it can be used alone or given before a hair transplant to improve results.

How to prepare

Effective treatment for hair loss begins with finding the cause. To get an accurate diagnosis, it helps to see a board-certified dermatologist. A dermatologist can tell you what type of hair loss you have. This matters because different types of hair loss need different treatments. A dermatologist can also tell you what results you can expect from treatment.

What happens during it

A small amount of your blood is drawn. The blood is placed into a machine that separates the red blood cells from the plasma. Your plasma is then injected into your scalp. The entire procedure takes about 10 minutes. You will need to return for repeat injections. Most patients return once a month for 3 months and then once every 3 to 6 months.

Recovery

The procedure usually does not require any downtime. Within the first few months of treatment, you may notice that you are losing less or minimal amounts of hair. Soon after, some patients see thickening of their hair or regrowth. PRP is not a permanent solution. Maintenance treatments can help you maintain results.

What the research shows and safety concerns

For hair loss in general, the American Academy of Dermatology says studies show that PRP can be a safe and effective treatment. For female-pattern hair loss in particular, the early findings show promise, but more studies are needed to know whether PRP is a safe and effective treatment.

Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, or fainting.

Who performs it

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. If you want to do something about hair loss, making an appointment to see a dermatologist can be a great place to start.

Common questions

Does PRP work for hair loss?

PRP can help lessen hair loss within a few months. Some patients see thickening of their hair or regrowth soon after. For female-pattern hair loss, more studies are needed to know whether PRP is safe and effective.

How long does a PRP session for hair loss take?

The entire procedure takes about 10 minutes.

How many PRP sessions will I need?

You will need to return for repeat injections. Most patients return once a month for 3 months and then once every 3 to 6 months.

Is PRP a permanent fix for hair loss?

No, PRP is not a permanent solution. Maintenance treatments can help you maintain results.

How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?

A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.

Sources

  1. American Academy of Dermatology - Hair loss: Diagnosis and treatment
  2. American Academy of Dermatology - What is male pattern hair loss, and can it be treated?
  3. American Academy of Dermatology - Thinning hair and hair loss: Could it be female pattern hair loss?

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.