Whether you’re a man or woman, dealing with hair loss can be upsetting and difficult, especially for those who start losing hair at a young age. It’s not something we typically plan for, and more often than not, the hair loss presents some serious style challenges. You have to find new ways to style your hair, or lack thereof, that you haven’t tried before. Balding is more common than most people realize. In fact, roughly 70% of men will deal with hair loss and/or thinning at some point in their lives. PRP is an effective treatment for hair growth.

Those who are balding may struggle with the physical aspect of hair loss and/or thinning, but more importantly, the emotional aspect. It’s difficult coming to terms with losing something that signifies youth for so many people. Fortunately, there are ways to address hair loss and/or thinning. First, let’s take a look at the causes behind hair loss and/or thinning.

What Causes Hair Loss And/Or Thinning?

Unfortunately, there are many types of hair loss and/or thinning, which makes it difficult to pinpoint the cause. The medical term for hair loss is known as alopecia, and typically, it’s a result of predetermined genetic factors and/or aging. When we reach our 30s and 40s, hair loss becomes more likely. However, some potential causes of hair loss and/or thinning may include:

• Emotional trauma
• Protein deprivation (from strict dieting)
• Menopause
• Puberty
• Pregnancy

In addition, there are several different health conditions that can result in hair loss and/or thinning, such as:

• Iron deficiency anemia
• Thyroid disease
• Secondary syphilis

What is PRP Therapy for Hair Loss?

PRP, also known as platelet-rich plasma, is a type of therapy that involves a three-step medical treatment designed to help promote regrowth and/or restoration in the event of hair loss. Essentially, the three-step medical treatment involves drawing and processing a person’s blood, then injecting it into the scalp. Since the 1980s, PRP therapy has been used for the purpose of helping to increase hair growth. It’s also been used for healing injured ligaments, muscles, and tendons.

So how does this procedure claim to help promote regrowth and/or restoration in the event of hair loss? Many medical professionals believe that upon injecting the blood into the scalp, the blood supply to the hair follicle is boosted, and thus, natural hair growth is triggered to occur. This procedure may or may not be combined with other medications and/or procedures designed to treat hair loss. 

The Science Behind PRP Therapy…

It’s believed that drawing and processing a person’s blood, then injecting it into the scalp triggers natural hair growth. But how does it actually work? Essentially, blood is comprised of two main components: plasma and red blood cells. The plasma is filled with white blood cells, as well as platelets, which are small colorless disk-shaped cell fragments that don’t have a nucleus. They’re high in growth factors – allowing them to signal skill cells to function.

This is why growth factors are essential for treating a range of health issues, including but not limited to arthritis and various signs of aging. They promote new hair growth as they stimulate the activity within hair follicles. Ultimately, PRP therapy will, in theory, allow for an increase in terms of hair count, thickness, and the growth phase of the hair cycle.

What Does the Process Look Like?

Similar to any medical procedure, there is a process that’s performed very carefully when it comes to PRP therapy for hair growth. The three-step medical treatment is outlined below.

Step 1

First and foremost, blood is drawn from the patient’s arm. The blood will be put into a machine that spins rapidly, in order to separate fluids (the red blood cells from the plasma). This machine is known as a centrifuge.

Step 2

After approximately 10 minutes in the centrifuge, the patient’s blood will be separated into three layers: red blood cells, platelet-poor plasma, and platelet-rich plasma. This ensures the right materials will be available for the next step.

Step 3

The platelet-rich plasma will be used to inject areas of the scalp showcasing hair loss and/or thinning. When this platelet-rich plasma is injected, the provider will ensure it’s put at the level of the hair follicles for optimal results.

How Much Does PRP Therapy for Hair Loss Cost?

You can expect to undergo three treatments over the course of one or two months. In addition, you may opt for maintenance treatments twice a year. An injection can range in price, but typically, you’ll pay around $400 – $500 per treatment. However, these ranges depending on:

• Your location
• Any nutritive components added to the treatment
• The equipment used during the treatment
• And various other factors

Although many insurance plans will not cover PRP therapy for hair loss, you may find that yours does. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider prior to booking an appointment.