Intense and demanding living conditions can directly affect hair health, one of the body's structures most exposed to the external environment. Today, many people—regardless of gender—may experience hair loss or a decline in hair quality. Genetic predisposition, stress management, hormonal balance, and environmental factors can contribute to the weakening of hair follicles, triggering the hair loss process. Modern medical aesthetic treatments offer options to support hair health without the need for surgical intervention.
Among these methods, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy primarily aims to support the body's natural regenerative potential. Injecting platelet-rich plasma, obtained from the individual's own blood and enriched with growth factors, into the scalp helps nourish the hair follicles. Regular sessions planned under the supervision of a qualified physician may contribute to slowing the rate of hair loss while promoting healthier, stronger, and more vibrant-looking hair. Thanks to its natural composition, PRP is considered an effective complementary approach for supporting and improving hair health.
Medical Aesthetics Specialist Dr. Lida Çiteli explains what Hair PRP (Hair Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatment is, how it is performed, how many sessions it typically involves, its advantages, and the important points to consider after the procedure.
What Is Hair PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)?
Hair PRP is a treatment method based on applying platelet-rich plasma obtained from the individual's own blood to the scalp. The primary goal of PRP therapy is to stimulate hair follicles at the cellular level and support the natural hair growth cycle. Through this natural support, the following objectives are aimed for:
- Supporting the nourishment and strengthening of weakened hair follicles.
- Helping control the rate of hair loss.
- Encouraging thicker hair strands and promoting healthier hair growth.
What Are the Basic Facts About Hair PRP?
Hair PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a non-surgical treatment procedure performed using platelet-rich plasma to help slow hair loss, revitalize weakened hair follicles, and thicken existing hair strands. Since it is performed entirely using plasma derived from the individual's own blood, it does not cause allergic reactions and carries no risk of immune-related side effects.
How Is Hair PRP Performed?
- Blood Collection: First, approximately 10 to 20 mL of blood is drawn from the patient.
- Centrifugation: The collected blood is processed in a laboratory using a centrifuge.
- Separation: The red blood cells are separated, leaving the clear platelet-rich plasma containing growth factors.
- Injection: This platelet-rich plasma is injected into the targeted areas of the scalp using fine needles.
- Duration: The entire procedure is generally completed within a session lasting approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
What Is the Hair PRP Treatment Schedule and How Long Do the Effects Last?
- Number of Sessions: The number of Hair PRP sessions is planned according to the individual's needs. It is generally performed in four to six sessions at intervals of 15 to 30 days.
- Initial Results: Within the first month after treatment, many individuals may notice healthier-looking hair and a significant reduction in hair shedding.
- Visible Results: More noticeable improvements and visible thickening of the hair generally begin to appear by the end of the third month.
- Maintenance: To help maintain the effects of Hair PRP treatment, a maintenance session once a year may be recommended.
Who May Be Suitable for Hair PRP Treatment?
Hair PRP (Hair Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatment is designed to support improved hair quality and help reduce hair loss, making it suitable for a broad range of individuals. However, its effectiveness depends on the condition of the existing hair follicles. Rather than creating new hair, PRP focuses on supporting the function of existing hair follicles.
For this reason, the best outcomes are generally observed in individuals whose hair follicles are still active or weakened but have not completely disappeared. Its effectiveness may be limited in completely bald areas where the follicles are no longer present and the scalp surface is smooth. This treatment may be particularly suitable for the following individuals:
- Individuals Experiencing Genetic or Seasonal Hair Loss
It may help slow the progression of hair loss in individuals who have started to experience hair thinning and increased shedding.
- Individuals with Thin and Weak Hair
It aims to improve hair quality in individuals experiencing thinning hair, dullness, and loss of volume.
- Individuals Seeking Support After Hair Transplantation
It may be preferred after hair transplantation to support the adaptation of transplanted grafts and help preserve existing hair.
- Individuals Experiencing Hair Loss Related to Stress or Nutrition
It may help support hair follicles weakened by temporary external factors.
Who Is Not Suitable for Hair PRP?
- It is not performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- It is not recommended for individuals who require blood-thinning medication or who have blood clotting disorders.
- It is not suitable for individuals with an insufficient platelet count.
- PRP is not performed in individuals with open wounds or active infections on the scalp.
- Additionally, PRP treatment is not performed in patients with cancer to avoid influencing tumor growth.
What Are the Main Benefits of Hair PRP?
- Strengthens Hair Follicles: It aims to stimulate dormant and weakened hair follicles and support their revitalization.
- Reduces Hair Loss: It helps delay the hair loss phase and may significantly reduce the rate of hair shedding.
- Thickens Hair: It supports the thickening of fine, weakened, and miniaturized hairs while helping restore lost volume.
- Supports Hair Transplantation: In individuals who have undergone hair transplantation, it may help support graft retention and contribute to the overall treatment process.
- Hair Regrowth: PRP supports the repair of existing hair follicles. However, it is not effective for completely bald areas or inactive follicles and cannot generate new hair growth in such regions.
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.
Hair PRP (Hair Platelet Rich Plasma) Hakkında Sıkça Sorulan Sorular
The positive effects of the treatment generally become apparent after the 3rd session. Its effect continues for 6–12 months; in some cases, periodic maintenance sessions may be required.
The application is performed with local anesthetic cream or ice application; therefore, pain is usually minimal during the procedure. Some individuals may experience a slight stinging or discomfort.
Most people can return to their daily activities immediately after the PRP injection. It is recommended to avoid contact and not to wash the hair for the first 24 hours against the risk of infection.
PRP is generally suitable for individuals experiencing hair loss whose hair follicles are still viable. It may not be suitable for individuals with active infections, blood clotting disorders, or certain systemic diseases.
PRP slows down hair loss and strengthens existing hair follicles; however, it may not completely stop shedding caused by genetic or hormonal reasons. The treatment mostly yields the best results when combined with other methods.
