Noticing more hair fall while combing, washing or styling your hair can be worrying. If you have started exploring treatment options for thinning hair, you may have come across platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.

PRP is a procedure in which a small amount of your blood is collected and processed to concentrate platelets in a portion of the plasma. This platelet-rich preparation is then injected into selected areas of the scalp.

Although the procedure is relatively straightforward, many people have questions before their first appointment. Does it involve drawing blood? How is the plasma prepared? Are injections painful? How many sessions are needed?

Let's walk through the process so you know what to expect.

1. What Is PRP Hair Treatment?

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Platelets are components of blood that play an important role in normal clotting and tissue repair. They also contain growth factors and signalling proteins involved in healing processes.

In PRP therapy, a concentrated platelet-containing portion of your own blood is prepared and administered to the scalp. Researchers are studying how these growth factors may influence the environment around hair follicles and support hair growth in some people.

PRP is most commonly discussed as an option for selected cases of androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern hair loss. It may be considered as part of a broader hair-loss management plan rather than a replacement for every other treatment.

2. Who May Be Suitable for PRP?

PRP may be considered for some people with early or moderate pattern hair thinning, where hair follicles are still present but may be producing thinner strands.

It is not suitable for every type of hair loss. Sudden shedding, patchy hair loss, scalp infections, scarring alopecia and hair loss related to nutritional or medical conditions need different assessment and management.

A dermatologist may consider PRP when:

• There is a diagnosis of pattern hair loss.
• Hair thinning is present but follicles remain in the affected areas.
• PRP may be useful as an additional treatment alongside an appropriate medical plan.
• The person's health history and scalp condition allow the procedure to be considered.

3. What Happens Before Your First PRP Session?

Your treatment journey should begin with a consultation rather than going straight to injections. The dermatologist needs to understand the pattern and duration of your hair loss and determine whether PRP is appropriate.

Hair and scalp assessment

The dermatologist may examine your scalp, hair density, hairline and areas of thinning. They may also ask when the shedding began, whether it is progressing and whether there is a family history of hair loss.

Medical history and investigations

Your medical history, current medicines, previous hair treatments and general health may be reviewed. Depending on your symptoms and examination, blood tests may be recommended to investigate possible contributing factors such as iron deficiency or thyroid problems.

Discussing the treatment plan

If PRP is suitable, the dermatologist will explain the proposed number of sessions, expected costs, possible discomfort, limitations and follow-up schedule. You should also discuss whether other treatments, such as topical medication, may be appropriate.

4. What Happens During PRP Hair Treatment? A Step-by-Step Guide

The procedure involves three main stages: collecting your blood, separating the platelet-rich plasma and administering it to the scalp.

5. How Long Does a PRP Hair Treatment Session Take?

The duration depends on the clinic's preparation method, the size of the treatment area and the number of injections required.

The blood collection and centrifugation are only part of the appointment. Consultation, scalp preparation, injections and post-treatment instructions also take time. Many appointments can be completed within approximately 30 to 60 minutes, although the exact duration varies.

Your clinic should explain how much time to set aside for your specific session.

6. Does PRP Hair Treatment Hurt?

PRP involves multiple small injections into the scalp, so some discomfort is possible. People describe the sensation differently: some experience brief pinpricks, while others notice pressure, stinging or tenderness during the injections.

The level of discomfort can depend on the injection technique, the treatment area and individual sensitivity. A clinic may use cooling, topical numbing cream or other appropriate measures to improve comfort.

It is helpful to tell your dermatologist if you are anxious about needles or have previously experienced significant discomfort during injections.

7. What Happens Immediately After PRP Treatment?

Most people can return to routine activities relatively soon, but the scalp may feel different for a short period after the injections.

Aftercare instructions

Your dermatologist will provide instructions based on the procedure and your scalp condition. These may include:

• Avoid scratching, rubbing or vigorously massaging the scalp immediately after treatment.
• Follow the clinic's advice on when to wash your hair.
• Avoid applying unapproved hair oils, styling products or irritating scalp treatments immediately after the session.
• Follow the recommended guidance for strenuous exercise, swimming and heat exposure.
• Do not stop prescribed hair-loss medication unless your doctor advises you to do so.
• Contact your clinic if you develop increasing redness, warmth, severe pain, discharge or fever.

8. How Many PRP Sessions Are Needed for Hair Loss?

PRP is generally planned as a series of treatments rather than a one-time procedure. The schedule depends on the diagnosis, preparation method, treatment protocol and response.

For androgenetic alopecia, Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) recommendations describe an initial course of at least three to five sessions, often spaced about a month apart. Some clinical protocols use three initial monthly sessions followed by maintenance sessions every three to six months.

These are examples of published protocols, not a fixed schedule for everyone. Your dermatologist should determine the number and spacing of sessions based on your individual needs.

9. When Can You Expect to See Results?

Hair growth is a gradual process, so improvement is not usually visible immediately after a PRP session.

Standardised photographs taken before treatment and at follow-up visits can help assess changes more objectively than relying on memory or day-to-day observations.

10. Does PRP Work for Every Type of Hair Loss?

No. PRP is not a universal treatment for hair loss, and its evidence varies according to the condition being treated.

11. Can PRP Be Combined With Other Hair Loss Treatments?

In selected cases, PRP may be used alongside other treatments as part of a broader hair restoration plan. Depending on the diagnosis, this may include topical minoxidil, certain prescription medicines or other procedures.

PRP does not necessarily address the hormonal or genetic processes involved in pattern hair loss. For this reason, it should not automatically replace established treatments that your dermatologist has prescribed.

Some patients may also be considered for PRP as an adjunct to hair transplantation. The timing and suitability of combination treatment should be discussed with the treating specialist.

Learn more about the clinic's PRP hair treatment and hair loss treatment options.

12. What Should You Ask Before Booking PRP?

Before deciding on treatment, consider asking your dermatologist:

• What is the likely cause of my hair loss?
• Am I a suitable candidate for PRP?
• What improvement is realistic in my case?
• How is the PRP prepared, and what sterile procedure is followed?
• How many sessions are being recommended and why?
• Will I need to continue other hair-loss treatments?
• What are the possible side effects and aftercare requirements?
• How will we monitor whether the treatment is working?

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

PRP hair treatment involves collecting a small amount of your blood, separating the platelet-rich plasma and injecting it into selected areas of the scalp. The procedure is usually completed as an outpatient appointment, but the treatment plan generally involves multiple sessions and follow-up.

Although PRP may help some people with pattern hair loss, it does not work for every cause of hair fall and results vary. A proper diagnosis, realistic expectations and an individualised treatment plan are essential before starting.