What Is PRP Hair Treatment?
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is a non-surgical treatment that uses your own blood to stimulate hair growth. A small sample of blood is drawn, processed to concentrate the platelets, then injected into the scalp. The growth factors in the plasma are thought to reactivate dormant follicles and improve hair density.
Updated March 2026 · 6 min read
How PRP Works
The theory behind PRP is straightforward. Platelets in your blood contain growth factors: proteins that promote tissue repair and cell growth. By concentrating these platelets and injecting them directly into the scalp, the treatment aims to stimulate underperforming hair follicles and encourage new growth.
PRP has been used in medicine for years (in orthopaedics and wound healing, for example). Its application in hair restoration is more recent, with growing clinical interest over the past decade.
What Happens During a Session
A typical PRP session takes around 45 to 60 minutes:
- Blood draw: A small amount of blood is taken from your arm (similar to a standard blood test).
- Centrifuge processing: The blood is placed in a centrifuge, which spins it at high speed to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the red blood cells.
- Numbing: A topical anaesthetic cream is applied to the scalp (and sometimes local anaesthetic injections for more sensitive areas).
- Injection: The concentrated plasma is injected into the scalp at multiple points across the thinning areas, using a fine needle.
There's no real downtime. Most people go back to work the same day. You might have mild soreness or redness at the injection sites for a day or two.
What the Evidence Shows
PRP for hair loss has a growing body of research, but the evidence is mixed. Several studies report improvements in hair density and thickness, particularly for androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss).
However, study sizes tend to be small, and treatment protocols vary between clinics (different concentrations, injection depths and session frequencies). This makes it hard to draw firm conclusions about exactly how effective PRP is compared to other treatments.
The honest takeaway: PRP shows promise, but it's not a guaranteed fix. It tends to work best for early-stage thinning and as a complement to other treatments (particularly finasteride or post-transplant recovery). If you're expecting a dramatic transformation on its own, you may be disappointed.
Cost in the UK
- Single session: £200 to £500
- Initial course (3 to 4 sessions): £600 to £2,000
- Annual maintenance (2 to 4 sessions): £400 to £1,000
PRP is not available on the NHS for hair loss. It's considered a cosmetic treatment. Some clinics offer package discounts when you book the full initial course upfront.
Who Is PRP For?
- People with early to moderate hair thinning (not advanced baldness)
- Those wanting a non-surgical, drug-free option to support hair growth
- Post-transplant patients looking to improve graft survival and density
- People already taking finasteride or minoxidil who want an additional boost
- Both men and women with androgenetic alopecia
PRP is unlikely to produce significant results on completely bald areas. It works on follicles that are still present but underperforming, not on areas where follicles have been lost entirely.
How to Choose a Clinic
- Medical setting. PRP involves blood processing and injections. Look for clinics with qualified medical professionals (doctors, nurses or registered practitioners).
- Equipment quality. The centrifuge and preparation kit matter. Ask what system they use. More advanced kits produce a higher platelet concentration.
- Honest expectations. Be wary of clinics that promise dramatic results. A trustworthy clinic will explain the evidence honestly and set realistic expectations.
- Before-and-after photos. Ask to see results from their own patients, not stock images.
Find PRP Clinics Near You
Compare clinics offering PRP treatment across the UK. Read reviews and book a consultation.
Browse PRP ClinicsFrequently Asked Questions
Does PRP actually work for hair loss?+
The evidence is promising but not definitive. Several studies show improvements in hair density and thickness, particularly for androgenetic alopecia. However, results vary between individuals and the research base is still growing. PRP tends to work best as a supporting treatment alongside medication or other therapies, rather than a standalone solution.
How many PRP sessions do I need?+
Most clinics recommend an initial course of 3 to 4 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. After that, maintenance sessions every 3 to 6 months help sustain results. You'll typically see initial improvements after 2 to 3 months.
Is PRP painful?+
The treatment involves multiple injections into the scalp, which most people describe as uncomfortable but tolerable. Many clinics apply a topical numbing cream before the injections to reduce discomfort. The blood draw at the start feels like a standard blood test.
How much does PRP cost in the UK?+
Individual sessions typically cost £200 to £500. An initial course of 3 to 4 sessions runs £600 to £2,000. Some clinics offer package deals for the full course. Ongoing maintenance sessions add roughly £400 to £1,000 per year.
Are there any side effects?+
Because PRP uses your own blood, allergic reactions are extremely unlikely. Common side effects are mild: soreness at injection sites, minor swelling and occasional temporary headache. These usually resolve within a day or two. Serious complications are very rare.