PRP Hair Shedding: Understanding Temporary Shedding After PRP Treatment

Considering Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy for hair loss? You might be wondering, “Can PRP make my hair loss worse?” The good news is, definitively no. While some individuals notice temporary hair shedding after undergoing PRP treatment, this is almost always a positive indicator that the therapy is working and is not a sign of your hair loss actually worsening. In fact, this temporary shedding is often a stepping stone to new, healthier hair growth.

PRP therapy stands out as a highly effective and safe treatment option for both male and female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). This innovative, minimally invasive procedure utilizes your body’s own blood, making it an autologous and naturally therapeutic choice. Although experiencing hair loss *as a result* of PRP is extremely rare, temporary hair shedding *after* PRP is a possibility. This temporary shedding typically occurs as weaker, older hair follicles are naturally released to pave the way for stronger, revitalized hair growth.

Want to delve deeper? Learn more about platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on Wikipedia. For evidence of its effectiveness, explore research studies demonstrating the success of PRP for hair restoration.

Decoding PRP Hair Shedding: Why Does it Happen Temporarily?

When you undergo PRP treatment to combat hair loss, temporary shedding can occur. This is primarily linked to a couple of key mechanisms through which PRP works to rejuvenate hair follicles:

 
1. Rare Temporary “Shock Loss” Following PRP: While uncommon, affecting only about 0.2% of patients, PRP injections can occasionally induce a temporary phenomenon known as “shock loss.” Imagine it as a brief pause or reset button for the hair follicles in the treated area. This PRP shock loss is always temporary and resolves itself naturally and quickly. Typically, individuals experience complete hair recovery and noticeable new growth within approximately 3 to 4 months after the PRP treatment. It is essential to understand that this type of shedding is not a reason for alarm and does not indicate that the PRP treatment has failed. In fact, it is often a transient stage before positive results emerge.

 

2. Growth Factor Induced Hair Shedding: A Positive Sign of PRP Working: Platelet-rich plasma is a powerhouse of potent growth factors. These growth factors are the cornerstone of PRP’s effectiveness in hair restoration. They function by intensely stimulating hair follicles that are dormant or weakened. This stimulation encourages these follicles to transition from a resting phase into the active growth phase of the hair cycle, scientifically known as the anagen phase. As these follicles transition to the anagen phase and ramp up new hair production, older, weaker hairs are naturally and systematically pushed out to make space for the new, robust hairs to grow. This natural process can manifest as a temporary increase in visible hair shedding.

   This shedding is actually a highly encouraging sign! It’s a clear indication that the PRP treatment is actively and effectively working to recalibrate your hair growth cycle towards a state of active growth and renewal. By jumpstarting the anagen phase, PRP effectively shortens the overall hair cycle in the treated area and initiates faster, stronger hair regrowth (supported by research like Arora & Arora, 2020). Therefore, while you might observe temporary increased hair shedding, it is not negative “shock loss” but rather a visual confirmation that your hair follicles are being revitalized and are shifting gears towards the production of healthy, new hair. This growth factor-induced shedding is a key part of the PRP hair restoration process.

To summarize, while observing increased hair shedding after PRP treatment can be initially concerning, especially if unexpected, it’s crucial to recognize that in the majority of instances, particularly in cases of growth-factor induced shedding, it is a temporary and ultimately positive sign. It signifies that the PRP therapy is proactively stimulating your hair follicles and laying the foundation for a healthier, fuller head of hair. If you have any concerns about hair shedding following PRP, it’s always recommended to consult with your experienced PRP treatment provider for personalized assessment, reassurance, and professional guidance.

Shock Loss: Not Just a PRP Phenomenon – It’s Common Across Hair Restoration

It’s crucial to recognize that temporary hair “shock loss” is not an issue unique to Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. The reality is, any hair restoration procedure designed to stimulate new hair growth or influence the hair cycle carries the potential to trigger temporary shedding, or shock loss. This phenomenon is a well-recognized aspect of various effective hair loss treatments, and understanding it can help manage expectations.

For instance, shock loss is a commonly observed and documented occurrence following hair transplantation procedures (as evidenced by research from Kerure et al., 2020). Similarly, it has been identified as a potential temporary side effect associated with minoxidil treatment for hair loss (research by Alsantali & Shapiro, 2009). Interestingly, studies have indicated that women undergoing hair transplant surgery may be particularly predisposed to experiencing the shock loss phenomenon (Rogers, 2014). Therefore, while the term “shock loss” might sound alarming initially, it’s important to view it within the broader context of hair restoration. It is generally a temporary and often expected response of hair follicles to different forms of stimulation and treatment interventions, not solely associated with PRP.

Key Takeaway: Patience is Key – Assess PRP Results After 6-8 Months. It’s vital to remember that the true effectiveness of PRP hair treatments should be properly evaluated after allowing sufficient time for the hair cycle to respond. Typically, a comprehensive assessment of PRP therapy outcomes is recommended at the 6 to 8-month mark. This timeframe allows for the hair follicles to fully respond to the PRP stimulation and for new hair growth to become visibly apparent.

Understanding How PRP Hair Therapy Works: A Regenerative Approach

To fully grasp why temporary shedding, or even rare shock hair loss, can occur after PRP therapy, it’s helpful to understand *how* PRP works to stimulate hair growth. PRP therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that has gained significant traction and has been successfully applied to a wide range of medical and aesthetic conditions. Its applications extend to addressing various types of hair loss, including both male and female pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) and alopecia areata, demonstrating its versatility in hair restoration.

In the context of treating hair loss with PRP, the process involves utilizing a sample of the patient’s own blood. This blood sample is carefully processed in a specialized device called a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins the blood at high speed to effectively separate its components. This separation process isolates the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) layer from other blood components such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelet-poor plasma. The concentrated platelet-rich plasma, rich in growth factors, is then meticulously injected into targeted areas of the scalp where hair thinning is apparent.

The effectiveness of PRP hinges on the powerful growth factors concentrated within the platelet-rich plasma. These growth factors play a critical role in hair follicle rejuvenation by:

• Boosting Blood Flow to the Scalp: Improving nutrient and oxygen supply to hair follicles.
• Encouraging Cellular Growth and Proliferation: Stimulating hair follicle cells to become more active and productive.
• Enhancing Collagen Production: Contributing to a healthier scalp environment, which is essential for robust hair growth and follicle strength.

Collectively, these beneficial actions triggered by PRP therapy result in a significant, multi-pronged improvement in overall hair health. Patients undergoing PRP treatment can typically expect to see:

• Noticeable Reduction in Hair Loss: PRP helps to curb excessive shedding and hair fall.
• Increased Hair Thickness and Density: Individual hair strands become thicker, and overall hair volume improves.
• Strengthened Hair Follicles: Hair follicles become more robust, leading to better hair retention and reduced breakage.
• Increase in Hair Count: Over time, the number of hairs in treated areas increases, contributing to fuller coverage.

A fundamental aspect of PRP treatment’s effectiveness lies in its ability to encourage dormant or weakened hair follicles to transition into the active growth phase, known as the anagen phase. This critical transition is the engine of hair regeneration. To initiate this process, the hair bulbs – located at the base of each hair follicle – must naturally release and shed older, weaker hair strands. This shedding is essential as it clears the way for the development of new, stronger hair growth from follicles now primed to produce thicker and healthier hair. This is the primary reason why some individuals may observe temporary, increased hair shedding after undergoing PRP treatment – it’s a necessary and positive step within the natural hair follicle regeneration process stimulated by PRP.

Individual Hair Growth Rates and the Hair Cycle: What to Expect After PRP

It’s important to understand that the rate at which new hair emerges and grows from the roots is not uniform and varies considerably from person to person. This individual variability is due to the fact that each hair follicle operates on its own consistent, but cyclical, “on-and-off” growth pattern. Several personal factors play a significant role in influencing an individual’s hair growth cycle. These key factors include:

• Age: Hair growth patterns naturally change with age.
• Genetic Predisposition: Genetics significantly influences hair growth rates and patterns.
• Lifestyle Factors: Diet, stress levels, and overall lifestyle choices impact hair health and growth.
• Current Health Conditions: Underlying health issues can affect hair growth cycles.

To fully appreciate why temporary hair shedding is not only common but often a reassuring and *positive* indicator following PRP treatments, it’s imperative to gain a comprehensive understanding of *how* PRP injections strategically interact with and profoundly influence your natural, cyclical hair growth process.

Decoding the Three Essential Stages of Hair Production: Anagen (Growth), Catagen (Regression), and Telogen (Resting)

Hair production, within each individual hair follicle, is not a continuous, uninterrupted process. Instead, it operates as a dynamic and finely-tuned cycle, gracefully progressing through three distinct yet intrinsically interconnected phases: Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen. Each of these phases orchestrates a specific aspect of hair follicle activity, playing a vital and irreplaceable role in overall hair health, growth, and renewal:

1. Anagen Phase: The Vigorous Growth Engine Driving Hair Length and Thickness

The Anagen phase is universally recognized as the active and extended growth phase of the hair cycle. During this crucial stage, vibrant and robust new hairs are continuously generated and elongated, originating directly from the hair follicles nestled deep within the scalp’s dermis. This is precisely where the therapeutic power of PRP therapy becomes most evident. PRP’s fundamental role during the Anagen phase is to act as a potent bio-stimulatory growth catalyst, actively revitalizing hair follicles and extending their productive growth period. PRP achieves this remarkable feat through several key mechanisms:

• Stimulating Angiogenesis: The Foundation of Follicular Nourishment: PRP potently stimulates the formation of new, microscopic blood vessels in a process called angiogenesis. This induced vascularization dramatically enhances the crucial blood supply to the hair follicles. An enriched blood supply ensures a more efficient and abundant delivery of vital nutrients, life-sustaining oxygen, and a cascade of growth factors *directly* to the follicular cells. This optimized nutrient and oxygen delivery is paramount for fueling active hair follicle metabolism and sustained growth.
• Activating Dermal Papilla Cells: The Architects of Hair Follicle Regeneration: The highly concentrated platelets within PRP actively stimulate the proliferation and division of dermal papilla cells (scientifically supported by Li et al., 2012). These specialized dermal papilla cells are not merely structural components; they serve as critical regulatory centers, orchestrating hair follicle growth, cycling, and regeneration. By stimulating these cells, PRP effectively jumpstarts and significantly accelerates the natural processes of hair follicle revitalization, leading to renewed and intensified hair production.

Understanding Shedding as a Positive Sign in Anagen: It is crucial to recognize that this robust and *positive* growth stimulation inherent to the Anagen phase can, in some instances, lead to a temporary increase in hair shedding – a phenomenon often initially misinterpreted as negative. However, this shedding is, in fact, a highly encouraging indicator that the PRP therapy is actively working. As newly stimulated, vigorous hair growth cycles commence, older, weaker hair strands that were already present within the existing hair shafts are naturally and systematically pushed out and shed. Envision this process as the necessary clearance – making room and allocating resources for the emergence of a new, healthier, and denser generation of hair. This shedding signals that previously dormant or underactive hair follicles are undergoing a beneficial “awakening” triggered by the PRP, actively transitioning into this productive and prolonged growth stage. Furthermore, robust clinical research has demonstrated that PRP hair therapy effectively extends the Anagen phase duration (as evidenced by Schiavone et al., 2014). This elongation of the Anagen phase translates to hair follicles spending a significantly longer time in this active growth mode, culminating in more substantial, sustained, and visually noticeable hair production over time.

2. Catagen Phase: A Necessary but Brief Transitional Regression Towards Rest

The Catagen phase represents a relatively short-lived regression phase or carefully controlled transitional stage within the overall hair cycle. During the Catagen phase, hair follicles temporarily suspend active cellular multiplication and growth. Simultaneously, and critically, the essential blood supply to the scalp, particularly in the immediate vicinity of these follicles, undergoes a natural and temporary reduction. This intentional decrease in blood flow acts as a biological signal, instructing the hair follicle to begin a controlled shrinkage process in preparation for the subsequent resting phase and eventual natural shedding of the existing hair shaft. However, PRP injections introduce a valuable protective element during this delicate phase. PRP exerts a pronounced and beneficial anti-apoptotic effect on hair follicle cells. In simpler terms, PRP acts as a cellular safeguard, helping to shield vulnerable hair follicle cells from undergoing premature programmed cell death (apoptosis). Consequently, consistent PRP hair therapy treatments contribute to a significant delay in the onset and progression of the Catagen phase of the hair growth cycle (as rigorously demonstrated by Elghblawi’s 2017 research). This strategic delay in Catagen directly translates to a valuable prolongation of the active growth period of hair follicles, effectively counteracting premature follicle regression and mitigating the common concerns associated with hair thinning and decreased hair density.

3. Telogen Phase: The Follicle’s Essential Dormant Resting Period – Priming for Renewed Growth

The Telogen phase marks the final, and essential, resting phase within the cyclical hair growth process. During the Telogen phase, hair follicles enter a period of complete dormancy and quiescence. While the existing hair shafts remain anchored in place, the hair follicles themselves become biologically inactive, signifying that there is no active, measurable new hair growth occurring during this period. It’s clinically significant to note that, prior to commencing PRP injections for hair restoration, a considerable proportion of hair follicles in individuals experiencing various forms of hair loss are often observed to be arrested in this Telogen (resting) phase. This follicular stagnation in Telogen is a major contributing factor to the visible symptoms of reduced hair density, overall hair thinning, and increased scalp visibility. However, PRP’s therapeutic intervention provides a transformative shift during this phase. The precise administration of platelet-rich plasma injections directly into the scalp tissues initiates a remarkably potent signaling cascade. This cascade effectively directs hair follicles to transition decisively *away* from the unproductive and dormant Telogen phase and decisively *into* the actively productive Anagen phase – the phase of robust growth and regeneration. This strategically induced phase transition represents the fundamental mechanism driving PRP’s hair restoration capabilities and is intrinsically linked to the temporary shedding phenomenon. As hair follicles transition into the Anagen growth phase, they naturally and efficiently expel the existing hair shafts, which are often miniaturized, weakened, and representative of the Telogen dormancy period. This controlled shedding is not a loss, but rather an essential preparatory step, creating both physical space and metabolic resources for the subsequent growth of entirely new hair shafts. These newly generated hairs are destined to be longer, substantially thicker, and significantly healthier than those shed. Critically, Telogen shedding following PRP treatment is most frequently observed and typically concentrated within the initial 8 weeks after commencing the therapy regimen (a clinically relevant timeframe well-documented by Lolli et al., 2017). This established timeline provides patients with valuable insight and helps to proactively manage expectations regarding the anticipated timeframe for temporary hair shedding and subsequent hair regrowth.

In Conclusion: Embrace Temporary Shedding as a Step Towards Hair Restoration with PRP

Experiencing some degree of hair shedding following PRP hair therapy is not only a recognized occurrence, but also very often a positive indication that the treatment is actively initiating hair follicle regeneration. It’s essential to understand that this temporary increase in hair shedding is virtually never permanent and should not be interpreted as a worsening of your underlying hair loss condition. Instead, view this transient shedding as a natural and necessary phase in the rejuvenation process. During this phase, newly stimulated, healthier, and ultimately thicker hair follicles are effectively pushing out older, weaker, and often miniaturized hair shafts to pave the way for robust new growth. This “clearing out” process is a hallmark of hair follicle revitalization driven by PRP’s potent growth factors.

While growth factors released by platelets are indeed the primary biological trigger for this temporary hair shedding in PRP therapy, it’s also important to acknowledge that other factors can influence the hair growth cycle and shedding patterns. Notably, heightened emotional stress can unfortunately exacerbate existing alopecia symptoms and potentially make temporary hair shedding appear more pronounced or prolonged. To mitigate the impact of stress and optimize the outcomes of your PRP hair therapy, prioritizing your overall well-being is highly recommended. Ensuring your health is as optimal as possible through stress management techniques, a balanced diet, and healthy lifestyle choices can positively support your hair restoration journey and contribute to the long-term success of PRP treatment. By understanding that temporary shedding is a normal and often positive step, and by focusing on overall wellness, you can confidently navigate the PRP hair restoration process and look forward to the benefits of healthier, fuller hair growth.

References

Alsantali, A., & Shapiro, J. (2009). Androgens and hair loss. Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity, 16(3), 246–253.

Arora, G., & Arora, S. (2021). Platelet‐rich plasma—Where do we stand today? A critical narrative review and analysis. Dermatologic Therapy, 34(1), e14343.

Elghblawi, E. (2018). Platelet‐rich plasma, the ultimate secret for youthful skin elixir and hair growth triggering. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(3), 423–430.

Kerure, A. S., Agrawal, S. M., Dhurat, R., & Ginzburg, A. (2020). Donor area acute effluvium following follicular unit extraction—Trichoscopic simulator of alopecia areata: Series of four cases. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 13(1), 31.

Li, Z. J., Choi, H., Choi, D., Sohn, K., Im, M., Seo, Y., Lee, Y., Lee, J., & Lee, Y. (2012). Autologous platelet‐rich plasma: A potential therapeutic tool for promoting hair growth. Dermatologic Surgery, 38(7pt1), 1040–1046.

Lolli, F., Pallotti, F., Rossi, A., Fortuna, M. C., Caro, G., Lenzi, A., Sansone, A., & Lombardo, F. (2017). Androgenetic alopecia: A review. Endocrine, 57, 9–17.

Rogers, N. E. (2014). Medical therapy for female pattern hair loss (FPHL). 24(3), 81–88.

Schiavone, G., Raskovic, D., Greco, J., & Abeni, D. (2014). Platelet-rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia: A pilot study. Dermatologic Surgery, 40(9), 1010–1019.

Real-World Clinical Evidence: PRP Hair Shedding is Temporary, Leading to Stronger, Denser Hair

To illustrate how PRP hair shedding is indeed a temporary phase that paves the way for significant hair improvement, let’s examine a compelling clinical example. This data demonstrates key parameters measured before and after Advanced PRP hair treatment, providing valuable insights into the hair regeneration process and how temporary shedding fits into the picture:

 
1. Hair Count per cm²: (Slight Temporary Decrease – Not a Concern):
   • Initial Measurement (2023-12-09): 139 hairs per square centimeter were counted.
   • Follow-Up Measurement (2024-02-11): 137 hairs per square centimeter were counted.

   Implication: A very slight decrease of 2 hairs per cm² might initially seem concerning, but within the context of PRP treatment, this is often indicative of minimal, temporary hair shedding. It’s crucial to understand that a slight dip in hair count *during* the early stages of PRP is not necessarily negative, especially when other hair quality metrics show improvement (as seen below).

 

2. Average Hairs per Follicular Unit: (Positive Density Increase):
   • Initial Measurement: 1.4 hairs per follicular unit.
   • Follow-Up Measurement: Increased to 1.6 hairs per follicular unit.

   Implication: This statistically significant *increase* in average hairs per follicular unit is a strong positive indicator of improved hair density. It strongly suggests that PRP treatment has been effective in either stimulating the growth of new hairs within existing follicular units or promoting the development of entirely new hairs within the treated area. This density improvement is a key goal of PRP hair restoration.

 

3. Average Hair Width (µm): (Significant Hair Thickening):
   • Initial Measurement: 55.7 micrometers.
   • Follow-Up Measurement: Increased substantially to 74.1 micrometers.

   Implication: The remarkable *increase* in average hair width – nearly 20 micrometers thicker on average – is a highly significant and visually noticeable sign of improved hair health and robustness. Hair thickening is a hallmark of successful PRP treatment, indicating that individual hairs are becoming stronger, more resilient, and less prone to breakage. This thickening contributes significantly to a fuller, healthier hair appearance.

 

4. Follicular Units per cm²: (Contextual Decrease – Not Necessarily Negative):
   • Initial Measurement: 105 follicular units per square centimeter.
   • Follow-Up Measurement: Decreased to 85 follicular units per square centimeter.

   Implication: A decrease in follicular units per cm² might, in isolation, seem like a negative trend. This *could* indicate some shedding of hair groupings. However, crucially, when viewed in conjunction with the significant increase in hair thickness and density *within* each follicular unit, this reduction becomes less concerning. If individual hairs are becoming thicker and healthier (as evidenced by the increased hair width and hairs per follicular unit), a slight reduction in the *number* of follicular units per area may be less clinically significant and could even be a temporary phase of follicle remodeling. It’s not a negative sign when hair quality is improving substantially.

 

5. Inter Follicular Mean Distance (mm): (Minimal Change – Stable Hair Distribution):
   • Initial Measurement: 1.21mm.
   • Follow-Up Measurement: Increased marginally to 1.23mm.

   Implication: The extremely slight increase in inter-follicular mean distance is a negligible change and likely simply reflects the slight shift in follicular unit density mentioned above. This minimal change suggests that the overall distribution of hair follicles remains relatively stable after PRP treatment.

Decoding the Color Key: Understanding Hair Thickness Categories: The color key displayed on the left side of the clinical data image is crucial for visualizing the different categories of hair thickness being measured. The colors represent:

• Large Terminal Hairs (Thickest): Representing mature, healthy, and fully developed hairs.
• Intermediate Terminal Hairs: Hairs of moderate thickness, indicating good but potentially improvable health.
• Small Terminal Hairs: Thinner terminal hairs, possibly representing early or less robust growth.
• Vellus/Miniaturized Hairs (Thinnest): Fine, downy hairs, often associated with hair loss and follicle miniaturization.

Visual analysis of the full clinical report, alongside these metrics, would further reveal the distribution of hair counts across these thickness categories and how PRP treatment shifts the balance towards thicker, healthier terminal hairs.

Clinical Data Summary: Quality Over Quantity – PRP Drives Hair Improvement. In summary, while the clinical data demonstrates a very minor and likely transient decrease in overall hair count per cm², the overwhelming trend is towards significant improvement in key hair quality indicators. The average thickness of individual hairs has substantially increased, and hair density within follicular units has also improved. These are robust and positive indicators strongly associated with successful PRP hair restoration treatments. These results convincingly suggest a noteworthy enhancement in overall hair quality, even if there is a negligible and temporary fluctuation in hair quantity. This clinical example effectively illustrates that temporary hair shedding in PRP is often a precursor to improved hair health, density, and thickness – the ultimate goals of effective hair restoration.