Hair restoration guide

PRP and PRF are regenerative hair-loss treatments prepared from a patient’s own blood. Both deliver platelets and signalling proteins to the scalp, but they differ in how the blood is processed, whether an anticoagulant is used, and the composition of the final injectable.

The short answer: PRP has the larger body of clinical evidence for androgenetic alopecia, while injectable PRF is a newer, additive-free option with a fibrin-rich composition and promising early evidence. Neither treatment is automatically “better” for everyone. The right choice depends on the diagnosis, stage of hair loss, blood count, scalp health, treatment history and the specific preparation system—not simply whether the label says PRP or PRF.

Important: “PRP” and “PRF” are broad categories, not standardized doses. Platelet concentration, total delivered platelet dose, blood volume, red- and white-cell content, centrifuge settings and injection technique can differ substantially between systems and clinics.

What Is PRP Hair Treatment?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is made by drawing blood into a sterile collection system containing an anticoagulant and centrifuging it to separate plasma and platelets from other blood components. The prepared PRP is then injected into targeted areas of the scalp.

Platelets release signalling proteins involved in tissue repair and vascular activity. In hair restoration, PRP is used to support miniaturized but still-living follicles and may help improve hair density in appropriately selected patients. A 2024 meta-analysis of 10 randomized trials found that PRP improved hair density compared with controls, although it did not find a statistically significant improvement in hair diameter. The studies also varied considerably in their preparation and injection protocols.

• Uses the patient’s own blood
• Usually includes an anticoagulant during processing
• Can be prepared as lower- or higher-concentration PRP
• Can be customized for different platelet and leukocyte profiles
• Has a larger clinical evidence base for androgenetic alopecia than PRF

What Is PRF Hair Treatment?

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is also prepared from the patient’s blood, but it is generally processed without an anticoagulant. Because natural clotting is not chemically delayed, preparation and injection must be carefully timed. Injectable or fluid PRF is administered before it forms a clot.

The final product contains platelets and a fibrin-forming matrix. Laboratory research suggests that fibrin may influence how growth factors are retained and released, but this should not be translated into a guarantee of longer-lasting or better hair growth. A 2024 systematic review found injectable PRF promising for alopecia, but only three alopecia studies were included and the authors called for larger controlled trials and standardized protocols.

• Uses the patient’s own blood
• Typically prepared without an anticoagulant
• Forms a natural fibrin network after preparation
• Requires precise timing and protocol control
• Has encouraging early evidence, but fewer hair studies than PRP

How Do PRP and PRF Support Hair Growth?

PRP and PRF do not create new follicles, and they cannot revive follicles that have been permanently destroyed by scarring. Their role is to support existing, viable follicles. Proposed effects include:

• Supporting follicle activity: platelet-derived signals may encourage miniaturized follicles to remain in, or return to, the active growth phase.
• Supporting blood-vessel activity: vascular endothelial growth factor and related signals are involved in the follicle’s blood supply.
• Supporting dermal papilla cells: these cells help regulate the hair-growth cycle.
• Improving the environment around viable follicles: the goal is better density, reduced shedding or stronger growth—not the creation of an entirely new hairline.

Results vary. Diagnosis matters more than marketing language: androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, traction alopecia and scarring alopecia are different conditions and should not be treated as if they were interchangeable.

Advanced PRP and PRF Systems Available at LMC

The preparation device matters because it affects the volume and composition of the final product. LMC – Laser Medical Clinic uses multiple systems so the treatment can be selected around the patient rather than forcing every patient into one protocol.

Which Option Is Best: RegenLab, ACP PRF, ACP Max or Angel PRP?

There is no credible basis for declaring one system best for every patient. More concentrated is not automatically better. A high platelet concentration may be useful in a carefully selected protocol, but total dose, injection volume, leukocyte profile, scalp diagnosis and treatment consistency also matter.

What Does the Research Actually Show?

PRP has the stronger evidence base. Multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses report improvements in hair density in androgenetic alopecia, but the certainty of evidence is limited by small studies, inconsistent protocols and variable follow-up. Some reviews found improvements in density without a clear improvement in hair-shaft diameter.

PRF research is developing. Early studies report improvements in hair density and growth, but the number of participants is much smaller and there are not enough high-quality head-to-head trials to conclude that PRF is superior to PRP.

Bottom line: both treatments may be reasonable for appropriately selected patients, but no responsible clinic should promise a fixed percentage of regrowth or claim that platelet concentration directly equals hair growth.

Who May Be a Good Candidate?

PRP or PRF may be considered for adults with early-to-moderate pattern hair loss, diffuse thinning or miniaturized follicles that remain viable. A consultation should assess the cause of hair loss before treatment. Bloodwork or medical referral may be appropriate when shedding could be related to iron deficiency, thyroid disease, hormonal changes, medication, illness or another underlying condition.

These treatments may be unsuitable or require medical clearance for people with certain blood or platelet disorders, active scalp infection, uncontrolled medical conditions, use of some blood-thinning medications, pregnancy, or a history of specific cancers or systemic illness. Eligibility must be determined individually.

How Many PRP or PRF Sessions Are Needed?

A common starting plan is a series of three to five sessions spaced approximately four to eight weeks apart, followed by maintenance based on response and progression. Some patients may need maintenance every three to six months, while others may be treated less often. The schedule should be based on diagnosis, standardized photographs or trichoscopy, response and the clinician’s protocol.

Hair grows slowly. Changes are usually assessed over several months, not days or weeks. Consistent lighting, positioning and magnification are essential when comparing progress. At LMC, HairMetrix AI hair analysis can be used to measure factors such as hair density, shaft calibre and terminal-to-vellus hair ratio.

Side Effects and Downtime

Because PRP and PRF are autologous, allergic reactions to the injected blood product are uncommon. Expected short-term effects may include scalp tenderness, pinpoint bleeding, swelling, redness, bruising, tightness or headache. Infection and injury to nerves or blood vessels are uncommon but possible with any injection procedure.

Patients should disclose medical conditions, allergies, supplements and medications before treatment. Do not stop prescribed medication unless the prescribing clinician tells you to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PRF better than PRP for hair loss?

Not necessarily. PRF offers an additive-free, fibrin-rich preparation, but PRP currently has more published clinical evidence for androgenetic alopecia. The better option depends on the patient and the exact protocol.

Does higher platelet concentration mean better hair growth?

No. Concentration is only one variable. Total delivered dose, platelet function, injection volume, red- and white-cell composition, diagnosis, treatment schedule and individual biology also affect outcomes.

Can PRP or PRF regrow a completely bald area?

They work by supporting viable follicles. They are unlikely to restore hair where follicles have been permanently destroyed or where an area has been smooth and bald for a long time. Hair transplantation may be more appropriate in those cases.

Can PRP or PRF replace minoxidil or finasteride?

They are often used as part of a broader hair-loss plan, not automatically as replacements for evidence-based medical treatment. Medication suitability should be discussed with an appropriate prescriber.

Book a Personalized Hair-Loss Assessment in Richmond Hill

The useful question is not simply “PRP or PRF?” It is: What is causing the hair loss, which follicles remain viable, and which preparation delivers an appropriate product for this patient?

LMC – Laser Medical Clinic offers RegenLab PRP, Arthrex ACP fluid PRF, the new Arthrex ACP Max PRP system and customizable Arthrex Angel PRP. Your assessment can include scalp examination, treatment-history review and objective HairMetrix analysis.

Sources

• Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia: A Meta-Analysis
• Platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
• Effectiveness of Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin Therapy in Alopecia and Facial Aesthetics
• Arthrex ACP Max PRF System
• Arthrex ACP Double-Syringe System for Fluid PRF
• Arthrex Angel System
• RegenLab RegenPRP Technology

Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and does not replace medical diagnosis or individualized advice. Results vary, and no specific amount of hair growth can be guaranteed.