You have tried medicated shampoos, supplements, maybe even minoxidil — and your hair is still thinning. You are looking for something that goes beyond maintenance, something that actively stimulates regrowth. PRP hair treatment is the most widely researched regenerative therapy for hair loss, and for the right patient, it delivers measurable results. But the version of PRP you receive, who delivers it, and whether it is part of a proper diagnostic pathway makes the difference between a treatment that works and an expensive injection that doesn’t.
At Hair GP, we use an advanced form of PRP called fluid PRF — processed through the Arthrex ACP system — which releases growth factors gradually over days rather than in a single burst. Every patient receives a full diagnostic consultation before treatment, because PRP only works when you know what you are treating. This page explains how PRP hair treatment works, who benefits most, what the evidence says, and what to expect at our London clinic.
- – PRP hair treatment injects concentrated growth factors from your own blood
- – Clinical studies report 30–40% improvement in hair density
- – Our clinic uses the Arthrex ACP system for fluid PRF
What Is PRP Hair Treatment?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma — a concentrate derived from your own blood that is rich in growth factors involved in tissue repair. During a PRP hair treatment session, a small blood sample is drawn, processed in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich layer, and then injected directly into areas of thinning across the scalp.
The science is straightforward. Platelets contain proteins including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). When injected into the scalp, these proteins stimulate dormant hair follicles, extend the active growth phase (anagen), and increase blood supply to the follicular unit. A 2019 meta-analysis published in Dermatologic Surgery found that PRP treatment for hair loss produced statistically significant improvements in hair count and hair thickness compared with placebo (Giordano et al., 2019).
PRP hair treatment is not a hair transplant and does not involve surgery. It is a regenerative therapy that works with your body’s own biology — making it particularly appealing for women who want to address thinning without committing to long-term medication or undergoing a surgical procedure.
PRP vs PRF: What We Actually Use
You will see clinics advertising both PRP and PRF (platelet-rich fibrin). The distinction matters because it affects how growth factors are delivered to your follicles.
Traditional PRP uses an anticoagulant during processing. This prevents clotting but means the growth factors are released in a rapid burst that dissipates within hours. PRF — specifically fluid PRF — is processed without anticoagulant. This allows the blood to form a natural fibrin matrix: a biological scaffold that holds growth factors in place and releases them gradually over days to weeks.
At Hair GP, we use the Arthrex ACP (Autologous Conditioned Plasma) system, which produces what is technically classified as fluid PRF. Research by Wang & Miron (2019) demonstrated that fluid PRF stimulates greater cell migration, proliferation, and collagen synthesis compared with standard PRP — which is why we chose this system for our patients.
The Arthrex ACP system uses no additives, achieves 2–3× platelet concentration within the optimal therapeutic range, and processes in just five minutes to preserve growth factor integrity. The closed double-syringe design ensures maximum sterility. For patients, the practical difference is a more comfortable treatment (neutral pH, no stinging) and sustained follicle stimulation rather than a single burst.
When you see “PRP hair treatment” used across this page, we are referring to this advanced PRF protocol — the terminology is interchangeable in clinical practice, and most patients search for PRP regardless of what the clinic actually delivers.
Who Gets the Best Results from PRP Hair Treatment?
PRP hair treatment works by revitalising miniaturised but still-living follicles. This means it is most effective when there is still follicular activity beneath the scalp — not in areas of complete baldness or scarring.
The women who respond best to PRP at our clinic typically present with one of the following:
Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) — the most common indication. PRP can slow progression and improve density in early-to-moderate stages, particularly when combined with medical treatments such as topical minoxidil or spironolactone.
Telogen effluvium recovery — women recovering from a shedding episode triggered by stress, illness, surgery, or postpartum changes can benefit from PRP to accelerate the return to normal growth cycling.
Hormonal hair loss — thinning driven by perimenopause, menopause, PCOS, or HRT changes often responds well, particularly when the underlying hormonal trigger is being managed alongside treatment.
Pre- and post-hair transplant — PRP optimises the scalp environment before surgery and supports graft survival and healing afterwards.
Who Will Not Benefit from PRP Hair Treatment
PRP is not a universal solution, and we are transparent about its limitations. This treatment will not help if:
Your hair loss is caused by a scarring alopecia such as frontal fibrosing alopecia or lichen planopilaris. Once follicles have been destroyed and replaced by scar tissue, no injection can regenerate them. PRP cannot create new follicles — it can only revitalise existing ones.
You have complete baldness in the treatment area. PRP works on miniaturised follicles that are still producing some hair, even if that hair is thin and short. Where follicles have been inactive for many years, the likelihood of meaningful response is very low.
You have a blood-clotting disorder, are on anticoagulant therapy, or have a history of certain cancers. These are medical contraindications.
You are pregnant or breastfeeding. We do not perform PRP during pregnancy or breastfeeding as a precaution, although the treatment uses only your own blood with no medications or additives.
In our experience, approximately 20–30% of patients who are otherwise good candidates see modest benefit or no change. This is why a thorough diagnostic consultation before starting treatment is essential — it ensures PRP is the right intervention for your specific type of hair loss, rather than an expensive gamble.
Get clarity before deciding
If you're tired of guessing what's causing your hair loss or whether treatment would help, a consultation gives you clear, medically grounded answers.
You'll leave knowing:
- What type of hair loss you have
- What's driving it
- Whether treatment would make a difference
- What your realistic options are
- What not to waste time on
What Does the Evidence Say? PRP Hair Treatment Success Rates
Patients rightly want to know: does PRP hair treatment actually work? The evidence base has strengthened considerably over the past decade.
A systematic review of 11 randomised controlled trials published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that PRP produced a mean increase of approximately 33% in hair density compared with baseline (Defined Health, 2020). The Giordano meta-analysis in Dermatologic Surgery confirmed statistically significant improvements in both hair count and thickness across multiple trials (Giordano et al., 2019).
Key findings from the research: hair count increases of 20–40% are consistently reported for androgenetic alopecia. PRP appears to extend the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, meaning existing hairs grow for longer before shedding. Combination therapy — PRP alongside minoxidil or anti-androgen medication such as spironolactone — tends to outperform either approach alone. Response rates are higher when treatment begins earlier in the hair loss journey, before significant miniaturisation has occurred.
In our clinic, approximately 70–80% of appropriately selected patients see meaningful improvement. We define “appropriately selected” deliberately — that selection happens during a proper diagnostic consultation, not at the point of booking a PRP session.
What Happens During a PRP Hair Treatment Session
A PRP session at our London clinic takes 30–60 minutes. There is no downtime, and most patients return to work the same day.
The process begins with a blood draw — a small sample taken from your arm, exactly like a routine blood test. This takes around five minutes. Your blood is then placed into the Arthrex ACP system, which separates the platelet-rich layer from red blood cells using a closed double-syringe centrifuge in approximately five minutes.
The concentrated PRF is then injected into the scalp using fine needles across the areas of thinning. We use a vibration device to help with the discomfort throughout. Most patients describe the sensation as mild pressure rather than pain. The injection phase takes 5-10 minutes depending on the size of the treatment area.
Aftercare is simple. Avoid vigorous exercise and hair washing for 24 hours. There is no visible wound, scarring, or recovery period.
How Many Sessions Do You Need?
We recommend an initial course of 3–4 PRP sessions spaced one month apart to establish a strong foundation. This loading phase allows cumulative growth factor stimulation — each session builds on the previous one.
After completing the initial course, a maintenance session every 4-6 months helps sustain results. Some patients choose to combine maintenance PRP with their regular follow-up consultations to monitor progress with scalp microscopy.
The timeline for visible results is typically: reduced shedding in months one to two (often the first sign of response), early improvement in hair texture and thickness by months three to four, and noticeable improvement in density and coverage from month six onwards.
Patients who combine PRP with medical treatments such as oral minoxidil or finasteride often see faster and more substantial results than with either approach alone.
PRP vs Other Hair Loss Treatments
How PRP compares with other treatment options available at Hair GP.
| Treatment | How It Works | Best For | Evidence | UK Cost Range | Available at Hair GP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRP / PRF (Arthrex ACP) | Injected growth factors stimulate follicles | FPHL, TE recovery, hormonal thinning | Strong (multiple RCTs) | £500/session | ✓ Doctor-delivered |
| Topical minoxidil | Vasodilator extends anagen phase | FPHL, diffuse thinning | Strong | £10-£15/month | ✓ Prescribed |
| Oral minoxidil | Systemic vasodilator at low dose | Diffuse thinning, poor topical tolerance | Moderate | £10-£15/month | ✓ Prescribed |
| Spironolactone | Anti-androgen blocks DHT effects | Hormonal / androgen-driven loss | Moderate | £10-£15/month | ✓ Prescribed |
| Finasteride | 5-alpha reductase inhibitor | Androgen-driven loss (selected women) | Moderate (women) | £10-£15/month | ✓ Prescribed |
| Low-level light therapy | Photobiomodulation stimulates follicles | Adjunct to other treatments | Moderate | £200–£600 (device) | ✓ Recommended |
| Mesotherapy | Injected vitamin/mineral cocktail | General scalp health | Weak | £150–£300/session | ✗ Not offered (weaker evidence) |
| FUE hair transplant | Surgical follicle relocation | Stable loss, donor availability | Strong | £4,000–£10,000+ | ✓ Available |
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PRP Hair Treatment Cost
Our PRP hair treatment is priced at £500 per session. A full initial course of 3–4 sessions therefore costs £1,500–£2,000.
This reflects the cost of the medical-grade Arthrex ACP system, doctor-led treatment (not delegated to a therapist), and the clinical setting in which the procedure is performed. We do not use generic PRP kits — the Arthrex system is specifically designed for optimal platelet concentration and growth factor preservation.
It is worth noting that PRP is not available on the NHS for hair loss. Some clinics offer sessions for as little as £150–£200, but this usually indicates use of a basic centrifuge, lower platelet yield, and non-specialist delivery. The quality of the PRP preparation directly impacts outcomes — this is not a treatment where cutting costs serves the patient well.
For a full breakdown of our pricing across all treatments, see our prices page.
What Patients Say
What to Expect at Hair GP
We do not offer PRP as a standalone cosmetic treatment. Every patient who has PRP at our clinic has first been through a proper diagnostic pathway — because PRP only works when the underlying cause of hair loss has been identified and is being addressed.
Your first step is a £300 consultation with our specialist doctor — not a trichologist, but a doctor-led service with prescribing authority. The consultation includes scalp microscopy (trichoscopy), a clinical history assessment, and blood tests ordered in the same visit. You leave with a diagnosis, a personalised treatment plan, and a clear recommendation on whether PRP is appropriate for your type of hair loss.
If PRP is recommended, your first session can be booked at the same appointment or scheduled separately. Follow-up monitoring tracks your response to treatment with repeat scalp microscopy, so you can see objective evidence of progress rather than relying on subjective impressions alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients describe it as mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. We use a vibration device during the injections, and the Arthrex ACP system produces a neutral-pH solution that does not sting — unlike some standard PRP preparations that use acidic anticoagulants.
Results are maintained with ongoing sessions. After the initial course of 3 treatments, most patients need a top-up every 3-4 months. Without maintenance, the benefits gradually diminish over 12–18 months as the natural hair loss process continues.
No. PRP works by stimulating miniaturised follicles that are still alive but producing thinner, shorter hairs. In areas where follicles have been permanently destroyed — through scarring conditions such as frontal fibrosing alopecia or long-standing complete baldness — PRP cannot regenerate new follicles.
Yes, and we generally recommend it. PRP combined with minoxidil, spironolactone, or finasteride often produces better results than any single treatment alone. Your treatment plan is determined during your consultation.
Standard PRP uses an anticoagulant, releasing growth factors in a single burst. PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) is processed without anticoagulant, forming a natural fibrin scaffold that releases growth factors gradually over days. At Hair GP, we use the Arthrex ACP system which produces fluid PRF — offering the sustained release advantage within a PRP-style treatment protocol.
We do not perform PRP during pregnancy or breastfeeding as a precaution, although the treatment uses only your own blood with no medications or additives.
PRP uses your own concentrated growth factors. Mesotherapy involves injecting a cocktail of vitamins, minerals, and sometimes medications into the scalp. PRP has a substantially stronger evidence base in peer-reviewed literature for hair loss treatment, which is why we offer PRP and not mesotherapy at our clinic.
If PRP is recommended as part of your treatment plan, your first session can be booked 2 weeks later as is best practice as a cooling off period. However, we always wait for blood test results before confirming the full treatment approach, to ensure nothing underlying is being missed.
Book a Consultation
If your hair is thinning and you want to know whether PRP hair treatment is right for you, the first step is a proper diagnosis. Our consultation gives you a clear explanation of what is causing your hair loss and whether PRP — or another treatment — is the best approach.
Book your consultation today — £300 including assessment, trichoscopy, and treatment plan.
See our pricing page for full details.
Understand what's causing your hair loss
A 50-minute consultation with Dr Amy includes scalp microscopy, and a personalised treatment plan—giving you definitive answers rather than continued guessing.
Book Your Hair Loss Assessment£300 consultation | Parsons Green, London
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