Can PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Treat Androgenetic Alopecia, Alopecia Areata and Cicatrical Alopecia?

The answer is, it depends.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a relatively new therapy for alopecia, hairloss and hair regrowth.  Although the use of PRP remains under investigation, many medical practitioners recommend and use PRP for hair regrowth without quantitative scientific evidence.

What is PRP? PRP is a blood product consisting of platelet-derived growth factors and concentrated platelets.  Platelets are said to be “activated” to release growth-factors. Due to PRP’s purported regenerative, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, PRP is used for a variety of medical conditions.

In dermatology, PRP is promising for skin rejuvenation, chronic ulcers and alopecia.  The exact mechanism for PRP to cause hair regrowth is unknown. Platelet-derived growth factors are said to bind to receptors on a hair follicle stem cell resulting in cell proliferation and hair shaft elongation.

Clinical trial results have demonstrated hair growth, though results varied when comparing two commercially available PRP kits.  Preliminary results regarding the use of PRP for alopecia are promising though larger quantitive studies are still needed.

To learn more, read the article here.