PRP for Hair Loss in Women: A Comprehensive Guide
How platelet-rich plasma may support natural hair regrowth in female hair thinning and pattern loss — what it is, how it works, candidacy, safety and what to expect.
Understanding Hair Loss in Women
Hair loss in women is common and can significantly affect confidence and wellbeing. It may be driven by genetics, hormonal shifts, medical conditions, medications, stress, nutrition, or styling practices that strain the follicle.
Common causes
- Genetics: female pattern hair loss (FPHL) often runs in families.
- Hormones: postpartum, perimenopause/menopause, PCOS and androgen sensitivity can trigger thinning.
- Medical factors: thyroid disease, autoimmune conditions, iron deficiency.
- Medications: certain antihypertensives, antidepressants, chemotherapy.
- Lifestyle & stress: telogen effluvium after illness or major stressors; low-protein diets.
- Traction & processing: tight hairstyles, harsh chemicals, heat damage.
PRP is fully autologous — it uses your own platelets and growth factors, minimising allergy risk while targeting the follicle micro-environment.
How PRP Works for Hair Loss
Platelet-rich plasma concentrates platelets from a small blood draw. Injected into the scalp, these platelets release growth factors that may enhance follicle signalling, blood supply and the hair cycle’s anagen (growth) phase.
PRP extraction
A small sample is centrifuged to separate plasma layers. The platelet-rich fraction is collected under sterile technique.
Targeted injections
Micro-injections are placed across thinning zones to evenly deliver growth factors into the superficial scalp.
Benefits of PRP
- Non-surgical: micro-injections only; no incisions or grafts.
- Low downtime: return to most activities the same day.
- Natural approach: leverages your own biology for subtle, progressive change.
- Quality boost: many report improved hair thickness and texture.
The PRP Treatment Procedure
- Consultation: scalp assessment and medical history to confirm suitability.
- Preparation: small blood draw; PRP prepared in a sterile kit.
- Placement: micro-injections across affected areas; session typically 30–45 minutes.
- Aftercare: mild redness or tenderness may occur for 24–48 hours.
When to expect results: early changes can appear in 8–12 weeks; a series is usually recommended for best outcomes.
PRP vs Other Hair Loss Options
Topicals & medications
Topicals like minoxidil may help but require ongoing use; hormonal therapies aren’t suitable for everyone.
Transplant surgery
Provides redistribution of follicles but involves surgery, cost and recovery. PRP is non-surgical and can be used adjunctively.
Good to know: PRP can be combined with lifestyle optimisation and in-clinic care for a multi-modal plan tailored to you.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Women with early to moderate thinning often respond best. Overall health, the cause of hair loss and expectations are considered during consultation.
Safety & Potential Side Effects
- Common: temporary redness, tenderness, mild swelling at injection sites.
- Uncommon: bruising or headache, typically short-lived.
- Because PRP is autologous, allergy risk is low.
Choosing the Right Provider
Look for an experienced, medically led team who can assess causes of hair loss and recommend a step-wise plan.
Meet our team → Santi Team
Maintaining Your Results
- Schedule maintenance sessions as advised.
- Support scalp health with gentle care, balanced nutrition and stress management.
- Discuss adjunct treatments during review appointments.
Explore our broader approach to wellbeing → Wellness at Santi
The Future of Hair Restoration
Research continues to evolve, with combination protocols and improved preparation methods under study. Your practitioner will tailor a plan to your needs and the latest evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does PRP for hair loss take to work?
Early changes may be noticed from 8–12 weeks. A series of sessions is usually recommended.
How many sessions will I need?
Typical plans start with a short series spaced weeks apart, followed by maintenance as advised at review.
Is PRP safe for hormonally driven hair loss?
PRP is hormone-free and may be considered where appropriate after assessment of cause and medical history.
Considering PRP for hair loss?
Our Aesthetics Clinic can advise on suitability and next steps.