Hair PRP (Hair Platelet Rich Plasma)

Intense and exhausting living conditions can directly affect hair health, which is one of the structures of the body most open to the outside world. Today—regardless of gender—many people may face the problem of hair loss or a decrease in hair quality. Genetic predisposition, stress management, hormonal balances, and environmental factors can prepare the ground for the weakening of hair follicles and trigger the shedding process. Modern medical aesthetic applications offer options regarding the protection of hair health in this process without the need for surgical intervention.

Among these methods, the Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) application essentially aims to support the body's own repair potential. Injecting plasma, obtained from the person's own blood and enriched in terms of growth factors, into the scalp helps nourish the hair follicles. Regular sessions planned under expert control can contribute to slowing down the rate of hair loss and helping hair strands gain a healthier, more resistant, and vibrant appearance. Standing out with its natural content, PRP can be evaluated as an effective complementary method in the process of protecting and improving hair health.

Medical Aesthetic Specialist Dr. Lida Çiteli explained what Hair PRP application is, how it is performed, how many sessions it consists of, the advantages it provides, and the important points to consider after treatment.

What is Hair PRP (Hair Platelet Rich Plasma)?

Hair PRP application is a treatment method based on the principle of applying platelet-rich plasma, provided from the person's own blood, to the scalp. The main goal of PRP treatment is to support the hair cycle by stimulating hair follicles at a cellular level. Thanks to this natural support;

• It is aimed to nourish and strengthen weakened hair follicles.
• It helps take the rate of hair loss under control.
• It encourages the thickening of hair strands in diameter and their entry into a healthier growth process.

How is Hair PRP Applied to the Individual?

Platelets (blood particles) are cellular components that play an important role in tissue repair thanks to the growth factors they contain. The application process begins by subjecting a small amount of blood taken from the individual to a centrifuge process under special conditions. With this process, the blood is separated into its components, and plasma rich in terms of platelets and growth factors is obtained.

This concentrated plasma obtained is applied to the scalp where the hair follicles are located using the micro-injection technique. This process can contribute to more effective nourishment of the hair follicles, a reduction in hair loss, and the stronger and healthier growth of hair strands.

How Many Sessions of Hair PRP (Hair Platelet Rich Plasma) are Applied and How Long Does it Take?

The effectiveness of Hair PRP treatment is closely related to the regular application of sessions and personalized planning. Although the application process usually proceeds within the framework of a specific protocol, it may vary according to the needs and expectations of the individual.

Number of Sessions: The standard application plan mostly varies between 3 to 6 sessions. However, in cases where hair loss is intense or hair follicles need more stimulation, the number of sessions can be increased upon expert evaluation.

Session Intervals: Sessions can generally be applied at intervals of 2 to 4 weeks. This period provides a suitable timeframe for the scalp to renew itself and for the biological effects of the applied plasma to emerge.

Application Time: Each session; including blood collection, obtaining plasma by centrifuge, and the application stages, can take an average of 30 to 45 minutes.

Personalized Planning: The type and severity of hair loss and the current state of the hair follicles are the fundamental elements determining the treatment plan. After the initial application process is completed, "reminder (maintenance) sessions" may be recommended at certain intervals to protect the results obtained. This approach is considered a complementary alternative that ensures the long-term maintenance of hair health.

Who is Hair PRP Application Suitable For?

Hair PRP treatment can be applied to a wide group of patients, aiming to increase hair quality and provide support for reducing hair loss. However, the effect of the procedure depends on the current state of the hair follicles. Rather than being a process that directly ensures new hair formation, PRP focuses on supporting the function of existing hair follicles.

For this reason, the best results are observed in cases where the hair follicles have not completely disappeared and are in an active or weakened state. In areas where follicles have completely disappeared and the skin surface is visibly smooth, its effectiveness may remain limited. This application can be a suitable option especially for the following patients:

• Those Experiencing Genetic or Seasonal Hair Loss

It can contribute to slowing down the process in individuals who have started to experience thinning in their hair and observe an increase in shedding.

• Those with Thin and Weak Hair Structure

It aims to improve hair quality in individuals experiencing thinning, dullness, and loss of volume in hair strands.

• Those Seeking Support After Hair Transplantation
• In the period after hair transplantation, it can be preferred to support the adaptation process of the transplanted grafts and contribute to the protection of existing hair.
• Those Experiencing Shedding Due to Stress or Nutrition

It can provide benefits in supporting hair follicles that have weakened due to temporary external factors.

What are the Main Advantages of PRP Hair Treatment?

PRP hair treatment is a completely natural and safe treatment aimed at stopping hair loss and strengthening existing hair follicles. This method prevents the shrinking of hair follicles, ensuring hair strands are thicker, shinier, and more vibrant. At the same time, by increasing capillary circulation in the scalp, it supports the tissues to renew themselves and the hair follicles to strengthen in a healthy environment. The benefits of PRP hair application can be listed as follows:

• Thanks to intense growth factors, it shortens the resting (telogen) phase of the hair and supports the growth (anagen) phase. Thus, hair loss is taken under control.
• It targets thinned and fuzz-like hair strands (miniaturized roots). By accelerating the metabolism of hair follicle cells, it increases the diameter of the hair strands and ensures the hair looks more vibrant and shiny.
• It prepares the ground for new vessel formation in the area where it is applied; in this way, the increased blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles.
• It helps in the rapid repair of tissue damage in the donor and transplantation areas. It increases the adaptation and survival rate of the transplanted grafts.
• Since it is obtained from the patient's own blood, there is no risk of allergic reaction or tissue rejection. It offers a completely biocompatible treatment since no external chemical substances are given to the body.

What are the Things to Consider After PRP Hair Application?

The First 24 Hours

The period immediately following the PRP application is the most important time for the injection areas to heal and for the plasma to be absorbed by the hair follicles. It is essential to avoid contact, not to wash, and to be careful with pillow selection. Within this framework;

• Touching, scratching, or massaging the scalp may increase the risk of infection.
• Not washing your hair for the first 24 hours supports the plasma remaining under the skin and the closing of the pores.
• Keeping your head slightly elevated (for example, with double pillows) on the first night helps prevent slight swelling.

The First 3 Days

The scalp is still sensitive in this stage; therefore, precautions such as temperature control, protection from the sun, and avoiding sweating are important. In this context;

• Turkish baths, saunas, steam baths, or very hot water can dilate the vessels and increase the risk of bleeding or edema.
• The scalp is sensitive to the sun after the procedure. You can prefer a loose hat that does not squeeze the scalp when going out.
• Heavy exercises can lead to increased pressure on the scalp and sweating, reducing the effect of PRP.

Medication and Habit Management

PRP treatment works by activating the body's natural healing and inflammation mechanism. In this process, medication use and lifestyle habits can affect the effectiveness of the treatment. Therefore;

• Some painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs may suppress platelet activity. In case of pain, a specialist must be consulted.
• Smoking and alcohol negatively affect blood circulation and oxygen levels, reducing the effectiveness of the treatment. It is recommended to avoid them for at least 3 days before and after the procedure.

Care and Cosmetics

In hair care after application, chemical products should be avoided and a gentle wash should be performed. In this direction;

• Dyeing the hair or using products with chemical content such as gels or sprays should be avoided for the first 1 week after PRP application.
• Be careful during the first wash; a pH-balanced shampoo, preferably one recommended by the specialist, should be chosen.

How are Hair PRP (Hair Platelet Rich Plasma) Treatment Prices Determined?

Prices for Hair PRP treatment vary according to the scope of the treatment and the quality of the materials used. The size of the area to be treated and the number of sessions needed are the main criteria affecting the price. In addition, the quality of the PRP kits used, the experience of the physician performing the procedure, and the technological infrastructure of the clinic are important factors determining the safety and success of the treatment. It is the most accurate approach to obtain information directly from the relevant health center for price information.

In Which Provinces Does Dr. Lida Çiteli Provide Hair PRP Treatment Services?

Medical Aesthetic Specialist Dr. Lida Çiteli provides hair PRP services in her clinic in Istanbul to patients coming from different provinces of Turkey as well as to international patients coming within the scope of health tourism.