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| 5520 McNeely Drive, #203 - Raleigh, NC 27612

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PLATELET-RICH PLASMA & HAIR LOSS

Understanding PRP for Hair Loss

What Platelet-Rich Plasma Is and How It Is Used in Hair Restoration

Platelet-rich plasma, commonly called PRP, is prepared from a small sample of your own blood. The blood is processed to concentrate the platelet-rich portion, which is then used in targeted areas of the scalp as part of a personalized hair-restoration approach.

PRP has been studied for certain types of hair thinning, and treatment plans can vary based on the individual. Ongoing research continues to refine how PRP is used, including treatment protocols and timing.

PRP is not FDA-approved specifically for the treatment of hair loss. Individual results vary.

HOW PRP WORKS

From a Small Blood Draw to Platelet-Rich Plasma

PRP begins with a small sample of your own blood. The sample is processed to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the red blood cells, creating a concentrated portion that can be used in targeted areas of the scalp.

01

Blood Is Collected

A sample of blood is drawn, much like a routine blood draw. This sample is used to prepare the platelet-rich plasma.

Illustration of a routine blood draw used to collect a sample for PRP preparation

02

Platelets Are Concentrated

The blood is processed in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the red blood cells and other components.

Illustration of blood samples being processed in a centrifuge to separate platelet-rich plasma

03

PRP Is Applied to the Scalp

The prepared PRP is administered into targeted areas of the scalp based on the individual treatment plan.

Illustration of platelet-rich plasma being injected into targeted areas of the scalp

WHAT TO EXPECT

A Thoughtful, Comfort-Focused PRP Process

PRP treatment involves a series of small injections across the areas being treated. At Jernigan’s, we use several comfort measures throughout the appointment to help make the process more manageable.

Local Numbing

A ring block is performed around the treatment area to help numb the scalp before PRP injections begin.

Added Comfort During Treatment

PRP may be combined with lidocaine, and a vibration device to help reduce discomfort.

PRP Is Prepared for Use

After the platelet-rich portion is separated, calcium chloride may be added before treatment.

Targeted Scalp Injections

The prepared PRP is administered across the planned treatment areas using a series of small injections.

The exact treatment approach may vary depending on the individual and the areas being treated.

Prepared PRP syringes containing platelet-rich plasma

PRP TREATMENT SCHEDULE

What a Typical PRP Treatment Plan May Look Like

PRP is generally performed as a series rather than a single treatment. The exact schedule can vary depending on the individual, but a structured treatment plan allows progress to be reviewed over time.

Initial Series

PRP treatment begins with a series of three sessions, with each appointment spaced about one month apart.

Follow-Up

A follow-up visit approximately three months after the initial series to review progress and discuss next steps.

Maintenance

Maintenance treatments may be recommended about every six months, depending on the individual treatment plan.

Ongoing Evaluation

Hair and scalp changes can be monitored over time so the treatment plan can be adjusted when appropriate.

Treatment schedules are individualized and may vary based on clinical evaluation and response.

WHO MAY CONSIDER PRP

Is PRP Appropriate for Everyone?

PRP is not used the same way for every type of hair loss. Hair loss pattern, current density, scalp health, medical history, and other factors should be considered before determining whether PRP belongs in an individual treatment plan.

Early or Progressive Thinning

PRP may be discussed for people experiencing thinning in areas where hair is still present and changes are beginning to become noticeable.

Pattern Hair Loss

PRP has been studied most often in people with common forms of pattern hair loss affecting areas such as the crown, part, or top of the scalp.

Looking for a Non-Surgical Option

Some people explore PRP because it does not involve transplant surgery and can be incorporated into a broader hair-restoration plan.

Able to Follow a Treatment Plan

PRP is typically performed as a series of treatments rather than a one-time procedure, with follow-up and maintenance considered over time.

Hair loss can have many causes, an evaluation is important before deciding whether PRP or another approach makes sense.

A PERSONALIZED APPROACH

PRP May Be One Part of a Larger Plan

Hair loss does not always have a single cause, and PRP does not have to be considered on its own. Depending on the individual, a hair-loss plan may include scalp care, at-home treatments, light-based therapy, medical treatment, or surgical hair restoration.

Hair & Scalp Evaluation

Understanding the pattern of hair loss and the condition of the scalp helps determine which options may be appropriate to consider.

Non-Surgical Options

PRP may be discussed alongside other non-surgical approaches, with recommendations based on the individual’s hair loss, goals, and medical history.

Hair Transplant Planning

For someone considering a hair transplant, PRP can be discussed separately as part of the overall conversation about existing hair and long-term hair-restoration planning.

The goal is not to fit everyone into the same treatment plan, but to understand the available options and choose an approach based on the individual.

COMMON QUESTIONS

PRP for Hair Loss FAQs

PRP contains a concentrated amount of platelets from your own blood. Platelets contain naturally occurring proteins and growth factors that are involved in normal healing, tissue signaling, and repair processes throughout the body.

A small blood sample is collected and processed in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelet-rich portion before it is used on the scalp.

At Jernigan’s, a typical starting plan may include three treatments about one month apart, followed by a later evaluation and maintenance when appropriate.

PRP contains a concentrated amount of platelets from your own blood. Platelets release naturally occurring proteins and growth factors involved in tissue signaling and repair. When PRP is injected into targeted areas of the scalp, it is used with the goal of supporting the environment around existing hair follicles. Individual response varies, and PRP is not FDA-approved specifically for the treatment of hair loss.

No. Hair loss pattern, existing hair, scalp health, medical history, and other individual factors can all influence whether PRP is considered and how someone responds.

Depending on the individual, PRP may be discussed as one part of a broader hair-restoration plan that includes other non-surgical or surgical options.

Platelets contain several naturally occurring growth factors and signaling proteins, including PDGF, VEGF, EGF, TGF-β, FGF, and IGF. These substances are involved in normal cellular signaling and tissue-repair processes.

PRP has been studied most extensively in androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male- or female-pattern hair loss. Treatment recommendations and individual response can vary depending on the type and extent of hair loss.

PRP is not FDA-approved specifically for the treatment of hair loss. Individual results and treatment recommendations vary.

SCHEDULE A HAIR & SCALP CONSULTATION

Sources & Further Reading

International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) — PRP for Hair Loss: Procedure, Benefits & Costs

Kieling L, et al. — Is autologous platelet-rich plasma capable of increasing hair density in patients with androgenic alopecia? Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 2024.