PRP Hair Treatment: Complete Guide to Costs, Side Effects, and Procedure

Are you noticing more hair in your shower drain than usual? 

If hair loss has become a growing concern in your life, you’re definitely not alone.  

Millions of people worldwide face various forms of hair loss, and the emotional impact can be just as significant as the physical changes you see in the mirror. 

While there are countless hair loss treatments available today, one option has been gaining significant attention in recent years: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) hair treatment. 

So, what exactly is PRP treatment, and could it be the solution you’ve been searching for? 

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about PRP hair treatment before making any decisions. 

What Is PRP Hair Treatment?

PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma, and when you break it down, the name actually tells you exactly what this treatment involves.  

It’s a medical procedure that uses a concentrated form of your own blood plasma, which contains a much higher concentration of platelets than what you’d normally find circulating in your bloodstream. 

During the treatment, a medical professional will draw a small amount of your blood, similar to what happens during a routine blood test. This blood then goes through a special processing technique that separates and concentrates the platelets.  

The resulting PRP solution, which looks like a golden-colored liquid, is then carefully injected into areas of your scalp where you’re experiencing hair loss or thinning. 

How Does PRP Treatment for Hair Work?

Understanding how PRP treatment actually works can help you set realistic expectations and make sense of the results you might experience. 

When PRP is injected into your scalp, it doesn’t just sit there waiting for something to happen. Instead, it actively starts working on two main fronts that are crucial for healthy hair growth.  

These biological processes work together to create an environment where your hair follicles have the best possible chance of producing stronger, healthier hair. 

Improved Supply of Blood 

One of the primary ways PRP helps with hair growth is by significantly improving blood circulation to your hair follicles. 

When you’re experiencing hair loss, the blood supply to affected follicles often becomes compromised or reduced. This creates a kind of starvation situation where your follicles aren’t getting enough of the essential nutrients, oxygen, and growth factors they need to function properly.  

The growth factors and proteins in PRP work to stimulate the formation of new blood vessels around your hair follicles, a process called angiogenesis. 

This improved blood supply means your follicles start receiving a more robust delivery of nutrients, oxygen, and other essential compounds. 

Activate Follicle Growth 

The second major mechanism involves directly activating dormant or weakened hair follicles.  

Many people experiencing hair loss still have follicles present in their scalp, but these follicles have essentially gone into a kind of hibernation mode. They’re not dead, but they’re not actively producing hair either.  

This is where the concentrated growth factors in PRP really shine. PRP contains numerous growth factors and cytokines that act like wake-up calls for these sleeping follicles.  

These biological signals tell your follicles to shift from their resting phase back into their active growth phase. 

How Much Does PRP Hair Treatment Cost in India? 

If you’re considering PRP hair treatment, one of your first questions is probably about the cost.  

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to PRP treatment pricing in India.  

The cost can vary significantly depending on multiple factors, and understanding these variables can help you budget appropriately and make informed decisions about where to get your treatment. 

Let’s break down the key elements that determine how much you’ll spend on your PRP treatment: 

• Location: The city and area where you choose to get your treatment play a major role in determining the cost. 

• Reputation of Clinic: Well-established clinics with strong reputations and proven track records often charge premium prices for their services. These clinics have invested years in building their brand, training their staff, and maintaining high success rates, which is reflected in their pricing. 

• Dermatologist’s Expertise: The experience and specialization level of the dermatologist performing your treatment significantly impacts the cost. Doctors with extensive experience in PRP procedures, additional certifications, or those who are considered experts in hair restoration typically charge higher fees. 

• Clinic Infrastructure: The quality of equipment, facility cleanliness, technology used for PRP preparation, and overall clinic amenities all contribute to the treatment cost. 

• Number of Sessions Needed: Most people require multiple PRP sessions to see optimal results, typically ranging from 3 to 6 sessions spaced about 4-6 weeks apart. 

• The Severity of Hair Loss: If you’re dealing with extensive hair loss, you might need more PRP injections per session to cover all the affected areas adequately. Advanced hair loss often requires more intensive treatment protocols, longer session times, and sometimes additional preparatory procedures. 

Step-by-Step PRP Hair Treatment Procedure 

Knowing exactly what happens during a PRP hair treatment can help ease any anxiety you might have about the procedure.  

The entire process is typically completed within 60 to 90 minutes, and while it involves needles, most patients find it much more comfortable than they initially expected.  

Here’s a detailed walkthrough of what you can expect during your PRP treatment session: 

Step 1 – Collection Of Blood Sample 

Your PRP treatment begins just like a routine blood test that you’ve probably had many times before.  

The medical professional will clean your arm with an antiseptic and use a small needle to draw blood from a vein, usually in your inner elbow area. The amount of blood collected is relatively small, typically between 30-60 milliliters, which is roughly equivalent to 2-4 tablespoons. 

Most people barely feel more than a quick pinch during the blood draw, and the entire collection process takes just a few minutes. You don’t need to fast before the procedure, and you can eat and drink normally beforehand. 

In fact, staying well-hydrated and having eaten a light meal can actually make the blood draw easier and help you feel more comfortable throughout the treatment. 

Step 2 – Separation Of Platelets 

Once your blood sample is collected, it goes into a specialized machine called a centrifuge, which is essentially a high-speed spinning device.  

The centrifuge spins your blood sample at thousands of rotations per minute for about 10 to 15 minutes. This spinning motion uses centrifugal force to separate the different components of your blood based on their weight and density. 

During this time, you’ll typically wait in a comfortable room while the technician prepares your PRP. 

This separation is crucial because it allows the medical team to isolate the specific components that will be most beneficial for your hair treatment. 

Step 3 – Extraction and Activation of PRP From the Blood 

After the centrifugation is complete, the medical professional carefully extracts the platelet-rich plasma layer using a sterile syringe.  

This PRP appears as a golden or amber-colored liquid that contains a concentration of platelets that’s typically 3 to 5 times higher than what’s normally found in your bloodstream. The quality and concentration of your PRP can vary based on factors like your overall health, age, and the specific centrifuge protocol used. 

In many cases, the extracted PRP is then activated using calcium chloride or another activating agent.  

This activation process essentially “wakes up” the platelets and triggers them to release their growth factors and healing proteins. 

Step 4 – Insertion Of PRP Into the Affected Area with Injections 

This is the step that most people are curious or nervous about, but it’s generally much more comfortable than you might expect.  

Before the injections begin, your scalp will be thoroughly cleaned and may be numbed with a topical anesthetic or local anesthetic injections to minimize discomfort.  

The doctor will then use a very fine needle to inject small amounts of PRP directly into the areas of your scalp where you’re experiencing hair loss or thinning. 

The entire injection process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated. 

Step 5 – Results 

Immediately after your PRP treatment, you might notice some redness, mild swelling, or tenderness in the treated area, which is completely normal and typically subsides within a few hours to a couple of days.  

You’ll be able to go home right after the procedure, though you might be advised to avoid washing your hair for 24 to 48 hours to allow the PRP to fully absorb into your scalp tissues. 

The real results of PRP treatment don’t appear overnight, and this is important to understand so you don’t get discouraged. Most people start noticing initial improvements around 3 to 4 months after their first treatment, with more significant results becoming visible after 6 to 12 months. 

The full benefits of your PRP treatment series typically become apparent after you’ve completed all recommended sessions and given your hair follicles time to respond to the treatment. 

Hair Loss Concerns Treated by PRP Treatment 

PRP hair treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but it has shown promising results for several different types of hair loss conditions. 

Here are the main types of hair loss that PRP treatment can address: 

• Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Baldness): This genetic and hormonal form of hair loss responds well to PRP treatment because the follicles are usually still present but weakened, making them excellent candidates for growth factor stimulation. 

• Alopecia Areata: This autoimmune condition causes patchy hair loss, and PRP treatment may help reduce inflammation and encourage regrowth in affected areas, though results vary. 

• Telogen Effluvium: This temporary hair loss caused by stress, illness, or hormonal changes responds particularly well to PRP because it helps shift follicles from the resting phase back to the active growth phase. 

• Trichotillomania: This compulsive hair-pulling disorder can benefit from PRP treatment to repair damaged follicles and promote regrowth, though addressing the underlying behavior is equally important. 

• Involutional Alopecia: This age-related hair thinning can be improved with PRP treatment as it provides aging follicles with concentrated growth factors and better blood supply to slow or reverse changes. 

• Scarring Alopecia: This condition causes permanent follicle damage, and while PRP has limited effectiveness for advanced cases, it may help in early stages where some follicle function remains. 

Benefits Of PRP Treatment 

PRP offers several compelling benefits that set it apart from other hair restoration methods, making it an attractive choice for many people dealing with hair loss.  

1. Non-surgical And Non-scarring 

One of the most significant advantages of PRP treatment is that it doesn’t require any surgical incisions or invasive procedures.  

Unlike hair transplant surgery, which involves cutting and moving sections of scalp tissue, PRP uses only small injections that leave no permanent marks or scars. You won’t have to worry about visible scarring, stitches, or extended recovery periods that come with surgical interventions.  

This makes PRP an excellent option if you want to avoid the risks and downtime associated with more invasive procedures. 

2. Natural-Looking Results 

Because PRP works by stimulating your existing hair follicles rather than transplanting hair from other areas, the results tend to look completely natural.  

The new hair growth follows your natural hair patterns, texture, and growth direction, blending seamlessly with your existing hair. You won’t have to worry about obvious transplant lines, unnatural hair directions, or mismatched hair textures that can sometimes occur with other treatments.  

The gradual improvement process also means that changes appear natural to friends and family, without the dramatic overnight transformation that might draw unwanted attention. 

3. Safety 

PRP treatment has an excellent safety profile because it uses your own blood components, virtually eliminating the risk of allergic reactions or rejection.  

Since no foreign substances or synthetic materials are being introduced to your body, the risk of serious adverse reactions is extremely low.  

The procedure itself is minimally invasive, similar to getting a routine vaccination, and complications are rare when performed by qualified professionals. This safety advantage makes PRP suitable for people who might not be good candidates for other hair loss treatments. 

4. Customization 

Every PRP treatment can be tailored specifically to your unique hair loss pattern, scalp condition, and treatment goals.  

Your doctor can adjust the concentration of platelets, the number of injection sites, and the spacing between treatments based on how your hair responds.  

The treatment areas can be precisely targeted to focus on your specific problem zones, whether that’s a receding hairline, crown thinning, or diffuse hair loss throughout your scalp.  

This personalized approach means you’re getting a treatment plan designed specifically for your situation rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. 

5. Convenience 

PRP treatments fit relatively easily into most people’s schedules, with each session typically taking only 60 to 90 minutes from start to finish.  

You can usually return to work and normal activities immediately after treatment, though you might need to avoid washing your hair for a day or two.  

The treatment sessions are spaced weeks apart, so you’re not committing to daily applications or frequent clinic visits like with some other hair loss treatments. 

What Are The Side Effects Of PRP Hair Treatment? 

While PRP hair treatment is generally considered safe, like any medical procedure, it can cause side effects.  

Understanding what to expect can help you prepare for your treatment and know when something might require medical attention.  

The good news is that most side effects are mild and temporary, resolving on their own within a few days. 

Minor Side Effects (Common) 

 These side effects are experienced by many patients and are considered a normal part of the healing process: 

• Pain or Tenderness: You’ll likely experience some discomfort at the injection sites immediately after treatment, similar to the feeling after receiving multiple small vaccinations. This pain typically ranges from mild to moderate and usually subsides within 24 to 48 hours, though some people may feel tenderness for up to a week. 

• Swelling or Redness: The injection sites commonly become red, swollen, or inflamed as your scalp responds to the treatment and begins the healing process. This reaction is actually a positive sign that your body is responding to the PRP, and the swelling and redness typically fade within 2 to 3 days. 

• Scalp Itching: As your scalp heals and responds to the growth factors in PRP, you may experience itching in the treated areas. This itching sensation can be bothersome but is generally mild and indicates that the healing process is underway, usually resolving within a few days. 

• Bleeding: Some minor bleeding or spotting at the injection sites immediately after treatment is completely normal since needles were used to deliver the PRP. The bleeding is typically very minimal and stops quickly, though you might notice small spots of blood on your pillowcase the first night after treatment. 

Major Side Effects (Rare) 

While uncommon, these more serious side effects can occur and require immediate medical attention: 

• Infection: Although rare due to the sterile nature of the procedure and use of your own blood, bacterial infections can potentially develop at injection sites if proper hygiene isn’t maintained. Signs of infection include increasing pain, persistent redness, warmth, pus, or red streaking from the injection sites, and require prompt antibiotic treatment. 

• Allergic Reaction: While extremely unlikely since PRP uses your own blood components, allergic reactions can occasionally occur to topical anesthetics, antiseptics, or other substances used during the procedure. Symptoms might include severe itching, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or throat, which would require immediate emergency medical care. 

• Internal Injury: Very rarely, injections that are too deep or improperly placed could potentially cause damage to blood vessels, nerves, or other structures beneath the scalp. This could result in persistent numbness, unusual pain patterns, or other neurological symptoms that don’t improve within a few days. 

• Scarring: Although PRP treatment is designed to be non-scarring, improper injection technique or individual healing responses could potentially lead to small scars or permanent marks at injection sites. This is extremely rare when the procedure is performed by experienced professionals using proper techniques. 

Who Is the Right Candidate for PRP Therapy? 

PRP treatment is suitable for both men and women experiencing androgenic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness), early hair thinning, or those seeking to enhance the results of hair transplant procedures.  

It’s particularly effective in stimulating hair follicles, promoting hair regrowth, and improving hair density. 

Ideal candidates are generally adults in good overall health without blood disorders or severe scalp conditions. 

The treatment works best when you still have some hair present in the areas you want to treat, even if it’s fine or thinning, as this indicates that viable follicles are still present. 

However, pregnant or nursing women should consult with a medical professional before considering PRP therapy.  

Additionally, if you have any autoimmune conditions, bleeding disorders, or are taking blood-thinning medications, you’ll need to discuss these factors with your doctor to determine if PRP treatment is safe and appropriate for your situation. 

Who Should Avoid PRP Hair Treatment? 

While PRP treatment is generally safe for most people, certain individuals should avoid this therapy or postpone it until their situation changes. Understanding these contraindications is important for your safety and to ensure you get the best possible results from any hair loss treatment you choose. 

• Smoking: If you’re a regular smoker, PRP treatment may be less effective and potentially more risky due to impaired blood circulation and healing capacity. Smoking reduces your body’s ability to heal properly and can significantly diminish the effectiveness of growth factors in PRP, making it advisable to quit smoking before starting treatment. 

• Active Infections: You should avoid PRP treatment if you have any active infections on your scalp, such as fungal infections, bacterial infections, or severe dermatitis. Active infections can spread during the injection process and may interfere with the healing response that PRP is designed to stimulate, potentially leading to complications or treatment failure. 

• Chronic Health Conditions: People with certain chronic conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, blood clotting disorders, or active cancer should avoid PRP treatment without medical clearance. These conditions can interfere with your body’s healing processes and may increase the risk of complications during or after the procedure. 

• Medications: If you’re taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin, aspirin, or other anticoagulants, you may need to avoid PRP treatment due to increased bleeding risk. 

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid PRP hair treatment as there isn’t enough research to confirm its safety during these periods. While PRP uses your own blood components, the injection process and potential stress on the body could pose unknown risks to both mother and baby. 

Conclusion 

PRP hair treatment represents a promising and innovative approach to addressing various types of hair loss. 

However, as you’ve discovered, PRP treatment isn’t suitable for everyone, and success depends on factors like the type and severity of your hair loss, your age, overall health, and commitment to completing the full treatment series. 

If you’re considering PRP hair treatment, choosing the right clinic and experienced practitioner is crucial for maximizing your chances of success.  

The Daily Aesthetics stands out as a premier destination for PRP hair therapy. 

Our team understands that every patient’s hair loss journey is unique, which is why they provide personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and goals. 

Ready to transform your hair and boost your confidence with PRP treatment?  

Contact The Daily Aesthetics today to schedule your personalized consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions 

The Daily Aesthetics Clinic – Redefining Skin & Hair Treatments in Pune

The Daily Aesthetics Clinic is a trusted dermatology and aesthetic center in Pune, offering advanced treatments for acne, pigmentation, hair loss, laser hair removal, Hydrafacials, hair transplants, and personalized skincare.

Under the guidance of Dr. Arshi Rahul, the clinic combines medical expertise with FDA-approved technology to deliver customized treatment plans that focus on restoring skin health, enhancing radiance, and ensuring every patient feels confident and cared for.

With the trust of over 3,500 patients and a 4.9★ rating, The Daily Aesthetics Clinic is known for delivering effective, safe, and personalized care in a calm, welcoming setting.

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