Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a non-surgical treatment for hair loss that uses the body’s own biology to stimulate hair growth. The procedure involves drawing a small amount of blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting this plasma into the scalp. Platelets are rich in proteins called growth factors. When injected, these growth factors signal hair follicles to enter and prolong the active growth phase, known as the anagen phase. Understanding the required frequency and commitment is necessary for achieving and maintaining effective results.
The Standard Initial Treatment Protocol
The first phase of PRP therapy is referred to as the induction or “loading phase,” designed to jumpstart the hair regrowth process. Most clinical protocols recommend an initial cluster of treatments to saturate the scalp with the necessary growth factors. This typically involves three to four sessions, with each session spaced approximately four to six weeks apart.
This concentrated schedule is necessary to stimulate dormant hair follicles and establish a robust hair growth cycle. The four-to-six-week interval allows sufficient time for the injected platelets to release their growth factors and for the hair follicles to assimilate this stimulation. Visible improvements, such as reduced hair shedding, may begin to appear after the second or third session. Full assessment of the initial results is usually performed after the entire induction protocol is completed.
Maintenance Schedule and Long-Term Commitment
PRP therapy is not considered a permanent cure for hair loss, so ongoing treatment is required to sustain the benefits. The effects of the stimulating growth factors gradually diminish over time, meaning regular “booster” sessions are needed to prevent the hair from reverting to its pre-treatment state.
Clinical experts generally recommend returning for maintenance sessions every four to twelve months after the initial course is finished. A common maintenance frequency is one session every six to nine months, but this timing depends heavily on the individual patient’s response. Consistency is paramount for protecting the gains made in the initial phase and ensuring continued follicle stimulation.
Factors Influencing Treatment Frequency
The optimal number and spacing of PRP sessions are highly individualized and depend on several biological and therapeutic factors. The severity and duration of hair loss play a significant role, as patients with early-stage thinning often respond more quickly and may require fewer initial sessions than those with more advanced hair loss. Younger patients with active hair follicles also tend to see faster and more robust regrowth, potentially leading to longer intervals between maintenance treatments.
The specific formulation of the PRP is another variable, as differences in the platelet concentration, injection technique, and overall protocol used by the clinic can impact effectiveness and required frequency. Patients who use adjunctive therapies, such as oral medications like finasteride or topical treatments like minoxidil, may be able to extend the time between their PRP maintenance sessions. Overall health, including the presence of underlying medical conditions or lifestyle habits like smoking, can also influence how well and how long a patient responds to the therapy.
Duration of Results and Stopping Treatment
The stimulating effects of PRP are temporary, and the results are not permanent without continued treatment. Once the growth factors from the injected plasma are metabolized by the body, their ability to prolong the hair’s active growth phase decreases. For most patients, the noticeable improvements in hair density and thickness will peak around six to twelve months after the initial induction phase.
If a patient chooses to stop the maintenance schedule, the hair loss process driven by genetics and hormones, known as androgenetic alopecia, will gradually resume. Without the periodic reinforcement of growth factors, the treated hair follicles will slowly revert to their pre-treatment state. This regression typically becomes noticeable within six to twelve months following the last PRP session, highlighting that the therapy is a management strategy rather than a one-time fix.