PRP, PRF, and Stem Cell Therapies for Hair Treatment, Which is for You? by Laila Lawson

Ever heard the saying, “Your body is a temple”? In recent years, the idea of using the body’s own materials to heal and regenerate has gained popularity in modern medicine. This approach of utilizing the body’s natural ability to repair has expanded beyond traditional medical treatments and has made its way into dermatology and hair restoration. Treatments like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF), and Stem Cell therapies are now prominent options for those experiencing hair loss or thinning. 

What are PRP, PRF, and Stem Cell Treatments? (Definitions & Mechanism of the Treatments)

PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is a treatment that utilizes a person’s own platelets to stimulate hair growth. First, blood is drawn from the patient and placed in a centrifuge, a machine that separates substances by density and particle size, rotating at rapid speeds. The platelet-rich plasma portion is extracted for usage. After being extracted, it is injected into the scalp via a needle. According to Harvard Health, “Platelets promote cell growth and regeneration... platelets are generally about five times more concentrated in PRP than in regular blood. This concentration of platelets is useful because platelets secrete growth factors that are thought to assist in wound healing and tissue regrowth.”

PRF, or platelet-rich fibrin, has a similar procedure for extraction, although it is centrifuged at lower speeds. Unlike PRP, which contains platelets and growth factors, PRF contains platelets, growth factors, and fibrin. Fibrin is a key protein in blood clotting and plays a crucial role in growth and tissue repair by forming a scaffold that promotes cell migration, growth factor release, and tissue regeneration. 

Chelsea Samo-Lipman is a certified Physician Assistant, Aesthetic Injector, and the owner of Custom Beauty Med Studio in DC. Her medical spa offers an array of cosmetic treatments, including treatments that address hair regrowth. When asked about her preference for PRP vs PRF, she stated, “I prefer to use PRF because with an anticoagulant in the tube, the fibrin remains in the product. Ideally, this helps clot the material after injection, providing a matrix to trap the platelets and growth factors where we want them”.

Stem cell treatment uses harvested stem cells to promote hair restoration. What makes stem cells so unique is their ability to develop into varying types of cells (differentiation). The body uses stem cells to substitute damaged or injured cells, allowing for natural healing. One process involves autologous tissue (tissue from one’s own body). Once extracted, stem cells are then spun through a centrifuge to purify the sample and create a cell suspension. This suspension solution is then injected into the scalp, where the stem cells go into the follicular cells. These stem cells interact with existing follicles—repairing them, stimulating hair growth, and promoting the regeneration of hair follicles.

Another stem cell process involves Wharton’s Jelly. Wharton’s Jelly is a gelatinous substance that is derived from the umbilical cord. In the case of hair restoration, Wharton’s jelly can be utilized for wound healing and tissue repair. One study observed the results of a single injection of Mesenchymal cells extracted from Wharton’s jelly into the alopecia foci of four patients. The results showed hair growth in all patients “...by an average of 67% at the sites where the cell suspension was administered”. They also observed greater hair growth 3 months following the initial injection, with an average increase of 52.2%.

It is important to note that none of the mentioned treatments are FDA-approved to treat hair loss, but are still offered in many medical settings. It is highly recommended to consult your medical professional to determine if any of the mentioned treatments are appropriate for you. 

Drawbacks & Limitations 

All three mentioned treatments have drawbacks, including minor side effects like swelling, redness, and bruising around the area of injection. There is also a risk of infection, depending on the individual. Another consideration is the multiple sessions that must be done for optimal results, which can be inconvenient and expensive. 

Benefits & Effectiveness

While the fibrin in PRF may enhance its regenerative effects over PRP, studies continue to demonstrate PRP’s effectiveness in promoting hair growth and improving follicle health. A review of PRP treatment by the NIH highlights that a meta-analysis found that 84% of all six studies “...reported a positive effect of PRP, 50% demonstrated a statistically significant improvement while 34% showed hair density and hair thickness improvement…”. Stem cell therapy is still relatively new, but studies highlight its success with individuals suffering from hair loss. One study cites that 11 people between the ages of 38 and 61 reported a 30% increase in hair density after treatment. 

Who is a Good/Bad Candidate?

Good candidates for these treatments may be those who experience early thinning or hair loss and have healthy hair follicles. These treatments work by stimulating existing follicles to promote hair growth, so having active, functional follicles is essential for success. Those on blood thinners or immunosuppressive medications may not be ideal candidates because PRP contains anticoagulants to prevent blood clotting. Since blood thinners already reduce clotting ability, they can interfere with the treatment’s effectiveness and increase the risk of excessive bleeding or bruising. Contraindications for PRF include platelet dysfunction syndrome, hemodynamic instability (the body’s inability to maintain adequate blood flow throughout vital organs), and susceptibility to sepsis (overreaction to an infection from the body’s immune system). Relative limitations include those who are heavy smokers, drug or alcohol users, and patients with chronic liver pathology. In regard to stem cell therapy, those with local skin disease, inflammation, autoimmune conditions, pregnancy, or cancer should avoid this treatment. 

Cost & Accessibility 

The cost of PRP, PRF, and stem cell therapy for hair restoration varies but typically ranges from $500 to $2,500 per session, depending on factors including, but not limited to, location and provider expertise. Multiple sessions are usually required for optimal results, making the total expense higher. These treatments are considered cosmetic, so they are not covered by insurance, which may make affordability an issue. PRP is the most widely available at many dermatology and hair restoration clinics. PRF is growing in popularity, while stem cell therapy is still largely in clinical trials aimed at fully understanding its benefits and contributing factors but may be found with some providers.

Conclusion

Choosing the right hair restoration treatment depends on various factors, including the severity of hair loss, budget, and personal health considerations. PRP, PRF, and stem cell therapy each offer promising results, but their effectiveness varies from person to person. Consulting with a dermatologist and or hair restoration specialist is the best way to determine which option aligns with your needs and goals. Investing in the right treatment can help you take proactive steps toward healthier, fuller hair.

References

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“Stem Cells: What They Are and What They Do.” Mayo Clinic, 23 Mar. 2024, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-transplant/in-depth/stem-cells/art-20048117.

Rogers, Ian, and Robert F. Casper. “Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells.” Current Opinion in Rheumatology, vol. 17, no. 6, 2004, pp. 682–687, 18 Dec. 2004, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15582545/.

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Arora, Ritika, and Sagrika Shukla. “Injectable-Platelet-Rich Fibrin-Smart Blood with Stem Cells for the Treatment of Alopecia: A Report of Three Patients.” Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 11 June 2019, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6580805/.

Alves, Rubina, and Ganesh Krishnan. “Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia.” Dermatologic Surgery, vol. 48, no. 2, 2022, pp. 147–153, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8922312/.

Evangelista, Dominic, et al. “PRP and PRF in Hair Loss Treatment: A Review.” Journal of Clinical Medicine, vol. 10, no. 21, 2021, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8664174/.

Aesthetics Medspa Marketing. “PRF Hair Treatment.” Aesthetics Medspa, 18 July 2023, https://aestheticsmedspa.com/prf-hair-treatment/.

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“Am I a Candidate for PRP Hair Restoration?” Krauss Dermatology, https://www.kraussdermatology.com/blog/am-i-a-candidate-for-prp-hair-restoration/.

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Shah, Khalid, et al. “Comparison Between PRP and PRF in Regenerative Dentistry: A Review Article.” Journal of Solid State Communications, 2022, https://brieflands.com/articles/jssc-60143.

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