Plasma Protein (PRP) for Hair
PRP, or Plasma Protein therapy, is a non-surgical hair restoration treatment that uses your own blood. A small draw is spun to concentrate the platelet-rich plasma, which is injected into thinning areas of the scalp, where its growth factors reawaken dormant follicles and improve density. Sessions take 45 to 60 minutes with no downtime.
What is PRPfor hair?
Platelet-rich plasma therapy, which we call Plasma Protein therapy, starts with a small draw of your own blood. It is spun in a centrifuge to separate out the golden-colored plasma, the fraction dense with platelets and their growth factors: PDGF for blood vessel and cell growth, VEGF for blood flow to the follicles, FGF for tissue repair, and EGF for skin and follicle cell health.
After a topical numbing cream, that concentrate is placed back into the thinning areas of your scalp with fine micro-needle injections in a grid pattern. The growth factors go to work reawakening dormant follicles, improving scalp health and blood supply, and extending the growth phase of each hair.
Because the treatment is made from your own blood, the risk of an allergic reaction is very low, and there is no downtime afterward. PRP is an autologous treatment and is not FDA approved for hair restoration, so its use for hair loss is off label, which your provider reviews with you at your consultation. A typical plan starts with three to four sessions spaced four to six weeks apart, then a maintenance visit every four to six months.
Who is PRP for?
PRP is for hair loss caught early, while the follicles are weakened but still alive.
The honest answer comes from a scalp exam. Our physician-led team assesses your pattern of loss and tells you whether PRP, exosomes, SmartGraft, or a combination will actually move the needle. Advanced baldness with complete follicle loss is beyond what PRP can treat.
Your loss is early to moderate
PRP works on follicles that are weakened but intact, which makes early pattern loss in men and women the ideal case.
You want a natural, non-surgical option
The treatment is your own plasma, nothing else. It also suits patients who cannot tolerate oral or topical hair loss medications.
Shedding followed stress or childbirth
Telogen effluvium and postpartum shedding respond well to growth factor support while the scalp recovers.
You are thinning with age
Age-related thinning can be slowed and thickened with a consistent treatment series and maintenance.
You have had a hair transplant
PRP supports graft survival and healing after a transplant and helps maintain the surrounding native hair.
The biology of hair regeneration
Hair growth follows a cycle: anagen, the growth phase; catagen, the transitional phase; and telogen, the resting phase. When a follicle is damaged or goes dormant through aging or a hormonal shift, it spends more time resting and less time growing.
Plasma protein therapy targets that imbalance by infusing the scalp with bioactive compounds. They revive weak follicles, restore the conditions for growth, and extend the anagen phase, so hair grows thicker, healthier and stronger.
Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Promotes the growth of blood vessels and cells.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Improves blood flow to the follicles.
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF). Stimulates tissue repair and regeneration.
Epidermal growth factor (EGF). Enhances the health of skin and hair follicle cells.
Your treatment journey
A session takes 45 to 60 minutes including preparation. Most patients start with three to four sessions spaced four to six weeks apart, then one maintenance treatment every four to six months. Improvements in density, texture and growth generally begin within the first three months, with more significant change by month six to nine.
Your provider performs a detailed scalp examination, reviews your health history, and identifies the underlying causes of your hair loss.
A small sample is drawn from your arm, just like a routine lab test.
Your blood is spun to isolate the plasma rich in healing proteins and platelets.
A numbing cream is applied to keep the injections comfortable.
Using a micro-needle, the plasma is injected into the targeted areas of the scalp in a grid pattern.
You receive aftercare instructions and a plan for follow-up treatments. Wait at least 8 to 12 hours before washing your hair so the plasma fully absorbs, and hold off on dyes and harsh chemicals for three to five days.
See PRP at our office
The old-fashioned proof is on film. These are real PRP hair treatments from our own channel: how the treatment works, and patients' before and after results walked through step by step.
If you would rather talk it through, a consultation covers everything you see here, for your hair.
Whatto expect.
Book a consultationCost varies with session count, the extent of loss, and any combined treatments. PRP is elective and not covered by insurance; package pricing and financing plans are available.
Each session covers the blood draw, centrifuge separation, topical numbing, and the scalp injections. You are in and out within about an hour.
Back to your day immediately. Expect possible mild swelling, redness, or tenderness at the injection sites; wait 8 to 12 hours to wash your hair and 3 to 5 days before dye or harsh chemicals.
Shedding typically slows first, with visible improvement starting around month three and more significant density by months six to nine. Maintenance every four to six months preserves the result.
Frequently asked questions
Is Plasma Protein therapy the same as PRP?
Yes. Plasma Protein therapy is our name for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment. Same procedure, same science.
Does PRP actually work for hair loss?
Clinical studies support PRP for androgenetic alopecia, the common male and female pattern loss. It works best in early to moderate thinning, while follicles are weakened but still intact.
Does it hurt?
A topical numbing cream is applied before the injections, so most patients feel only mild pressure. Any tenderness afterward fades quickly.
When will I see results?
Most patients notice reduced shedding first, then visible improvement in thickness and density between three and six months, with more significant change by month six to nine.
How many sessions do I need?
A typical plan is an initial series of three to four sessions spaced four to six weeks apart, followed by maintenance every four to six months. Consistency matters for a progressive condition.
Is PRP safe?
Because the treatment uses your own blood, the risk of an allergic reaction is very low, and infection risk is low when the injections are done under sterile technique. Side effects are usually limited to mild swelling, redness, or tenderness at the injection sites. PRP is an autologous treatment that is not FDA approved for hair restoration, so its use for hair loss is off label. We go over that with you before you start.
Is there any downtime?
No. You can return to normal activities immediately. Wait 8 to 12 hours before washing your hair and 3 to 5 days before coloring it or using harsh chemicals.
Does PRP work for women?
Yes. PRP is effective for female pattern hair loss, postpartum shedding, and age-related thinning, and it is a popular option for women who prefer to avoid daily medications.
Can shedding get worse before it gets better?
A temporary shock loss is possible after the first session as follicles reset into a new growth cycle. It is short-lived and followed by healthier regrowth.
How should I prepare for a session?
Avoid alcohol, smoking, blood thinners, and anti-inflammatory medications for 48 hours before and after treatment. Any prescription blood thinners are discussed at your consultation first.
Can PRP be combined with other treatments?
Yes. We often pair PRP with microneedling for deeper growth factor penetration, and it is an excellent support therapy before and after SmartGraft transplant procedures, including post-transplant recovery.
Is PRP covered by insurance?
No. It is an elective cosmetic treatment, so insurance does not cover it. We offer package pricing for multi-session plans and financing options.
Where to next
Related treatment
SmartGraft Hair Restoration
Minimally invasive follicle transplant.
Explore the treatmentRelated concern
Thinning Hair & Hair Loss
A widening part or receding hairline
Start from the concernWorth reading
How to Treat Hair Loss with Plasma Protein Therapy
Discover how Plasma Protein Therapy in Cincinnati, Ohio can treat hair loss and promote hair regrowth naturally.
Read the answerAsk about hair restoration.
Tell us how long you have noticed thinning and what you have tried. We will come back with realistic options, from in-office treatments to SmartGraft.
Your details go straight to our Montgomery Road front desk and are never shared. A team member replies during office hours, usually the same day.
Ready when you are.
Book a consultation at our Montgomery Road office, or call and we will help you decide where to start.
Medically reviewed by Shalini Gupta, MD, Harvard-trained dermatologist and founder of The Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center. Last reviewed September 2026. This page is for education and is not a substitute for a personalized medical consultation.