Male Pattern Baldness & PRP Hair Treatment: A Complete Guide
Understand how androgenetic alopecia develops, how platelet-rich plasma (PRP) helps, what results to expect, and the exact treatment plan we use at Santi London.
Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) affects the majority of men over their lifetime. It’s driven by a combination of genetics and sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), leading to gradual follicle miniaturisation. PRP can help stabilise loss and improve hair calibre when viable follicles remain.
What is Male Pattern Baldness?
The biology in brief
- DHT sensitivity shortens the growth (anagen) phase.
- Miniaturisation produces finer, shorter hairs over time.
- Patterned progression at temples, mid-scalp and crown.
Earlier intervention typically yields better outcomes because more follicles remain salvageable.
Typical presentation
- Receding hairline (temporal peaks) and thinning crown.
- Family history is common but not essential.
- Often combined with increased shedding in early phases.
How PRP Helps in MPB
PRP concentrates your own platelets and growth factors, which are injected into thinning areas. These signals can support follicle function, improve hair shaft thickness, and extend the growth phase.
Uses your own blood
Tenderness 24–48h
Works best with a plan
Maintenance needed
Why maintenance matters
MPB is progressive. PRP can slow and improve quality, but benefits fade if treatment halts. We map a maintenance rhythm to keep gains.
Treatment Protocols & Frequency
We individualise plans, but most patients follow an induction series followed by maintenance:
| Phase | Frequency | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Induction | 1× per month × 3 months | Jump-start follicular signalling |
| Early maintenance | At month 4–5 | Consolidate early gains |
| Long-term | Every 4–6 months | Sustain density and calibre |
Response varies by age, severity, comorbid scalp issues, and whether treatments are combined.
Who Is (and Isn’t) a Good Candidate?
Often suitable
- Early–moderate thinning with visible miniaturised hairs
- Stable health, no bleeding disorders
- Willing to follow a maintenance plan
More limited benefit
- Shiny, fully bald areas (few viable follicles)
- Active scalp disease (treat first)
- Inability to repeat sessions
Results & Timeline
- 6–12 weeks: shedding stabilises; early texture changes
- 4–6 months: visible improvement in density/coverage
- 9–12 months: best result when on maintenance
Results vary. We document with standardised photos and, where helpful, trichoscopy counts.
Risks, Side Effects & Safety
- Tenderness, pinpoint swelling or redness for 24–48 hours
- Transient headache; rare bruising
- Infection risk is very low with proper asepsis
Because PRP is autologous (your own blood), allergic reactions are exceedingly rare.
Optimising Your Outcome
Before your session
- Avoid NSAIDs for 48–72h unless medically required
- Arrive well-hydrated and fed
- Clean scalp; avoid heavy styling products
Aftercare
- No vigorous scalp manipulation for 24h
- Delay harsh actives for 48–72h
- Resume topicals/orals as advised
FAQs
How many sessions will I need?
Most patients start with 3 monthly sessions, followed by maintenance every 4–6 months. We personalise this to response.
Does PRP hurt?
Sensitivity varies. We use local anaesthetic and cooling for comfort. Expect mild tenderness for 24–48 hours.
Will I lose hair again if I stop?
Because MPB is progressive, gains tend to regress if all treatment stops. Maintenance helps preserve improvements.
How soon do results show?
Early changes appear by 6–12 weeks; more visible coverage typically at 4–6 months with maintenance.
How we do PRP at Santi
- Clinical protocol refined for MPB patterns
- Photography & progress tracking
- Personalised maintenance rhythm