Platelet-rich plasma, better known as PRP, has become one of the most talked-about hair loss treatments in South Florida. Med spas and clinics across Palm Beach County advertise it, and you may have also seen a newer variation called PRF.
But what does PRP actually do, how much hair can it realistically bring back, and who is it right for? Here’s a clear look at the evidence, the commitment involved, and how PRP fits alongside other options, including non-surgical hair replacement.
What is PRP for hair loss?
PRP uses your own blood. A small sample is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets and plasma from the rest of the blood. The concentrated plasma is then injected into the scalp where hair is thinning.
Platelets contain growth factors involved in healing. The idea is that delivering them to weakened follicles can help extend the hair’s growth phase and encourage thicker strands from follicles that are still alive.
What about PRF?
PRF, or platelet-rich fibrin, is a related treatment. It’s prepared without the anticoagulant used in PRP and spun differently, so it forms a fibrin matrix that may release growth factors more gradually. Some providers prefer it for that reason, but research comparing the two for hair loss is still limited. For most patients, the practical questions are the same: are you a good candidate, and how long will you keep up treatment?
Does PRP work?
For the right person, PRP can help. According to Cleveland Clinic, PRP is used for male and female pattern hair loss, and results typically start to show after about three months. One Cleveland Clinic dermatologist reports that most of her patients regrow roughly 30% to 40% of lost hair, though results vary widely from person to person.
PRP is not a cure, and it can’t create new follicles. It works by strengthening follicles that are still active, which is why timing matters so much.
Who is a good candidate?
PRP tends to work best for:
- People with early or recent thinning, rather than long-standing baldness
- Pattern hair loss in men and women
- People who are willing to commit to a series of treatments and ongoing maintenance
It’s usually a poor fit for:
- Areas that have been bald for years, where follicles are no longer active
- People taking blood thinners, which affect how platelets work
- Hair loss driven by an untreated medical condition, such as thyroid disease or lupus, until the cause is managed
Some types of hair loss need a different approach altogether. Alopecia areata, for example, is an autoimmune condition that should be diagnosed and managed by a dermatologist. Our article on alopecia hair replacement solutions explains the options for coverage when hair loss is patchy or unpredictable. Shedding triggered by stress is another special case; read about why anxiety hair loss happens and how it usually recovers.
What PRP treatment involves
A typical plan starts with monthly sessions for about three months, followed by maintenance sessions every three to four months. Each visit includes a blood draw, preparation of the plasma, and a series of scalp injections.
Side effects are usually mild, such as tenderness, swelling, or a feeling of pressure at the injection sites. Because PRP is considered cosmetic, insurance generally doesn’t cover it, so ask about the full cost of the initial series and the ongoing maintenance before you start.
Questions to ask before you start PRP
- Who performs the injections, and what are their medical credentials?
- How is the PRP or PRF prepared, and with what system?
- How will we measure progress? Ask for standardized photos at your first visit.
- What will the first year cost, including maintenance sessions?
- What happens if I stop treatment?
PRP vs. other hair loss treatments
PRP is one option among several:
| Option | How it works | Best for | Ongoing commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minoxidil | Topical medication that supports growth | Early thinning | Daily use, indefinitely |
| Finasteride | Prescription pill that lowers DHT | Male pattern hair loss | Daily use, indefinitely |
| PRP or PRF | Injections of concentrated platelets | Early to moderate thinning | Initial series plus maintenance |
| Hair system | Custom hair attached to the scalp | Moderate to advanced loss | Regular maintenance visits |
For a broader look at the choices, see our guide to non-surgical hair loss treatment.
When a hair system makes more sense
PRP can only work with the follicles you have left. If your thinning is advanced, or you want a full, consistent result now rather than gradual improvement over months, a custom non-surgical hair system is often the more practical choice.
Modern systems are made to match your hairline, density, and color, and they can be worn alongside medical treatment if you want to protect the hair you still have. Learn how today’s systems are designed in our article on the science behind modern non-surgical hair replacement.
Talk to us about your options
If you’re weighing PRP against other options in Palm Beach County, start with an honest assessment of how much active hair you have and what result you want. Our Palm Beach Gardens team specializes in non-surgical hair replacement and can help you understand whether a hair system, alone or alongside medical treatment, fits your goals. Book an appointment with Hair Center of Palm Beach today.
This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. Talk to a dermatologist or physician before starting any hair loss treatment.
