Does PRP Help With Hair Quality and Texture?

Hair loss isn’t just about density. Many patients still have reasonable coverage but their hair has become thin, brittle, and lifeless, causing significant psychological distress. 

PRP therapy doesn’t just address hair count, it fundamentally improves the quality and texture of existing hair through concentrated growth factor delivery.

Understanding Hair Quality vs Hair Density

Hair quality refers to the structural characteristics of individual strands, not just how many you have. Most patients notice texture and calibre changes before visible thinning occurs.

• Hair shaft diameter (thickness of individual strands)
• Structural integrity (strength and resistance to breakage)
• Surface quality (shine, smoothness, manageability)
• Growth cycle health (how long hair grows before shedding)

Does PRP Actually Improve Hair Texture?

Clinical studies consistently demonstrate significant improvements in hair shaft characteristics. Research shows PRP increases individual hair shaft diameter by 15 to 25% within three to six months.

Evidence for Hair Shaft Thickening

PRP-treated hair shows measurably increased thickness on trichoscopy examination. Patients report that their hair feels more substantial when running fingers through it or styling. This improvement in calibre creates the perception of greater volume even without dramatic density increases.

Increased Resistance to Breakage

Hair becomes stronger and more resilient after PRP treatment. Patients notice less hair in their brush during styling and improved ability to grow hair to longer lengths. The enhanced tensile strength reduces daily shedding and breakage during normal handling.

Improved Shine and Surface Quality

PRP enhances scalp health which supports better cuticle formation along the hair shaft. This results in improved light reflection and a healthier appearance. Patients often receive compliments about their hair looking “healthier” before they notice density changes.

Extended Growth Phase Duration

PRP extends the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. Each strand grows for longer before entering the resting phase, allowing hair to achieve better length and fullness. This effect compounds over multiple treatment sessions as more follicles synchronise into active growth.

How PRP Improves Hair Quality

PRP contains concentrated platelets that release growth factors including PDGF, VEGF, and IGF-1. These signal molecules work together to improve follicular function and hair shaft production.

Growth Factors and Blood Supply Enhancement

PDGF and IGF-1 stimulate dermal papilla cells at the base of follicles, increasing cell proliferation and protein synthesis. VEGF promotes neovascularisation with new blood vessel formation around follicles improving nutrient delivery and oxygen supply. This enhanced microenvironment creates optimal conditions for producing thicker, healthier hair shafts.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Chronic inflammation around follicles contributes to progressive miniaturisation. PRP’s anti-inflammatory cytokines reduce this inflammation and protect against oxidative stress. This creates optimal conditions for reversing miniaturisation and restoring normal hair calibre.

Stem Cell Activation

PRP activates hair follicle stem cells in the bulge region. These cells are responsible for regenerating the follicle and producing each new hair shaft. Enhanced stem cell activity supports the transition from fine, miniaturised hairs back to normal terminal hairs.

Timeline for Hair Quality Improvements

Understanding when to expect results helps set realistic expectations. Improvements typically follow a predictable pattern over the first year.

Weeks 2-6: Early Changes

Many patients notice decreased daily hair fall within the first month representing the earliest sign that PRP is influencing the hair cycle. The reduction in shedding often precedes visible texture improvements. Existing hair starts feeling marginally stronger though changes remain subtle at this stage.

Months 2-6: Visible Texture Improvements

Hair becomes noticeably stronger and more manageable between two to six months post-treatment. Trichoscopy reveals increased hair shaft diameter whilst patients notice their hair looks substantially healthier. This is typically when friends and family begin commenting on improvements in appearance and texture.

Months 6-12: Peak Results

Maximum quality improvements are achieved around 9 to 12 months with proper maintenance treatment schedules. The combination of thicker shafts and improved growth phase duration creates noticeable fullness. Regular maintenance sessions help preserve these gains long-term, preventing regression as androgenic processes continue.

Comparing PRP to Other Hair Loss Treatments

Different treatments address hair quality through distinct mechanisms. Understanding these differences helps determine the best approach for individual patients.

Treatment	Hair Quality Impact	Timeline to Results	Maintenance Required
PRP	15-25% shaft thickening	3-6 months	Every 9 months
Minoxidil	Minimal quality change	6-9 months	Daily ongoing use
Finasteride	Prevents miniaturisation	6-12 months	Daily ongoing use
PRP + Minoxidil	20-30% improvement	2-4 months	Combined protocol
PRP + Exosomes	25-35% improvement	2-3 months	Every 12 months

Who Benefits Most from PRP for Hair Quality?

Certain patient profiles respond particularly well to PRP treatment. Early intervention typically produces superior outcomes compared to advanced miniaturisation.

Early-Stage Thinning and Miniaturisation

Patients in Norwood II-III (men) or Ludwig I-II (women) often see dramatic improvements in hair calibre. Women experiencing diffuse thinning with maintained density are also ideal candidates as PRP addresses ongoing miniaturisation before follicles become dormant. The earlier PRP is started, the better the long-term quality preservation.

Combined Medical and PRP Therapy

Those using finasteride or spironolactone see superior quality improvements when PRP is added. The medications slow DHT-related miniaturisation whilst PRP actively stimulates regeneration. This combination approach addresses both prevention and restoration simultaneously for optimal outcomes.

Post-Transplant Hair Enhancement

FUE transplant recipients benefit from PRP for both graft survival and native hair quality. PRP improves the quality of transplanted hairs whilst supporting surrounding natural hair. Understanding what to expect after treatment helps patients prepare for optimal results.

Treatment Protocols at Rejuvence Clinic

We’ve designed our protocols to maximise hair quality improvements based on published research. Our three-tiered system ensures effective treatment at various price points.

Level I: Neogenesis PRP (£295/session)

Entry-level system using 30ml blood draw to produce 2-4ml PRP. Achieves 2-3 times platelet concentration using swing-out centrifuge technology. Suitable for mild to moderate quality decline in budget-conscious patients.

Level II: Magellan TruPRP (£600/session)

High-end automated system using 60-120ml blood draw to produce 6-12ml PRP. Guarantees platelet concentrations exceeding five times baseline through density scanning technology. Ideal for androgenic alopecia and post-transplant care requiring superior results.

Level III: Angel Arthrex (£850/session)

Gold-standard system using 60-180ml blood draw to produce 6-18ml PRP. Allows customisation of cellular constituents including red blood cell percentage adjustment. Best for all hair loss types, particularly severe or treatment-resistant cases.

Level IV: Exosmart Autologous Exosome Therapy (Advanced Regeneration)

Premium regenerative system that isolates and concentrates autologous exosomes from the patient’s own PRP using ultrafiltration technology. Specifically enhances VEGF and IGF-1 signalling beyond standard PRP, optimising follicular blood supply, hair shaft calibre, and anagen phase duration for faster and superior hair quality restoration.

Treatment Schedule and Injection Technology

Three initial sessions spaced four to six weeks apart establish the foundation with a booster treatment at six months. Maintenance sessions every nine months preserve long-term quality improvements. Our U225 automated injector delivers PRP at precise depths ensuring consistent distribution and optimal absorption with less discomfort than manual injection.

Combining PRP with Complementary Therapies

PRP delivers excellent results independently but combining it with other treatments often produces superior outcomes. We tailor combination protocols based on individual patient needs.

PRP with Oral Medications

Oral minoxidil (1-2.5mg daily) increases follicular blood flow and extends the growth phase. Finasteride (men) or spironolactone (women) blocks DHT-driven miniaturisation whilst PRP actively reverses existing miniaturisation. This dual approach prevents further decline whilst restoring lost quality simultaneously.

PRP with Advanced Regenerative Therapies

Rejuvence Clinic is the first in the UK to offer Exosmart technology which concentrates exosomes from your PRP using ultrafiltration. This delivers 10-50 times more regenerative particles than standard PRP alone. Patients combining this approach see faster quality improvements, often within two to three months.

PRP with Topical Mesotherapy and Supplements

This approach compares favourably when evaluating mesotherapy versus standard PRP protocols. Skintide PRF with copper peptides enhances collagen production and reduces inflammation. Replenology supplements target 21 causes of hair loss, providing both topical and systemic follicular support when combined with PRP.

Why PRP Quality Varies Between Clinics

Not all PRP treatments deliver equivalent results. Understanding these differences helps patients make informed decisions.

Platelet Concentration and Volume Standards

Research demonstrates that PRP must achieve four to five times baseline concentration to be effective whilst most clinics using basic centrifugation achieve only two to three times. 

Standard clinics draw 10-30ml blood producing 2-4ml PRP whilst we draw 60-180ml producing 6-18ml high-concentration PRP. 

A single Rejuvence treatment delivers more PRP than three to four sessions combined at typical clinics.

Equipment Quality and Certification

Automated, CE-certified systems maintain platelet viability through density scanning and controlled centrifugation. Manual systems often damage platelets during processing, reducing growth factor availability. 

Our Angel Arthrex and Magellan TruPRP systems guarantee concentrations exceeding five times baseline whilst exclusively using certified medical devices meeting European regulatory standards.

Evidence-Based Treatment Protocols

Clinics recommending only one to two treatments rarely achieve lasting results. Our protocols follow published research with three initial sessions, six-month booster, and nine-month maintenance. 

This evidence-based approach maximises and sustains quality improvements over time through consistent, scheduled intervention.

Safety and Regulatory Standards

PRP uses your own blood, eliminating risks of allergic reactions or disease transmission. Temporary redness and mild scalp tenderness for 24-48 hours are the most common effects.

• CQC-registered facility ensuring clinical governance standards
• CE-certified medical devices meeting European regulatory requirements
• GMC-registered medical oversight by Dr Sam Ghani
• JCCP guideline adherence for cosmetic procedures
• NHS-equivalent safety protocols despite private classification

Conclusion

PRP offers scientifically validated improvements in hair shaft thickness, strength, and overall quality for patients experiencing miniaturisation. 

At Rejuvence Clinic in Canary Wharf, our three-tiered approach with advanced systems delivers measurable results backed by clinical evidence. 

Book your consultation to discuss treatment options and whether PRP can restore the hair quality you remember.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will PRP make my hair shinier?

Many patients report improved shine within three to four months as PRP enhances scalp health and supports better cuticle formation. Whilst PRP isn’t specifically a cosmetic treatment, these aesthetic improvements commonly occur. The improved hair quality naturally results in better light reflection and overall appearance.

How much thicker will my hair become?

Clinical studies show 15-25% increase in average hair shaft diameter after three to six months. Trichoscopy measurements at Rejuvence Clinic consistently demonstrate measurable thickening in responding patients. This percentage makes a significant visual difference in overall hair appearance and volume perception.

Can PRP help if my hair is fine but I haven’t lost much?

Yes, this represents an ideal scenario for PRP intervention. Early treatment when follicles are miniaturising but still producing hair offers the best opportunity for quality restoration. Many patients respond excellently to optimised PRP protocols despite maintaining reasonable density.

Is cheaper PRP as effective as premium systems?

Hair quality improvements depend directly on platelet concentration requiring sophisticated equipment. Clinics offering PRP under £300 typically achieve only 2-3 times concentration using basic systems. Our Magellan TruPRP and Angel Arthrex systems guarantee greater than 5 times concentration producing consistently superior results.

How long do improvements last after stopping treatment?

Results typically persist for 9-16 months without maintenance but quality gradually declines as follicles return to their previous miniaturised state. Regular maintenance sessions every nine months help preserve gains achieved during initial treatment. This ongoing approach prevents regression and maintains improvements long-term.

Can I colour my hair during PRP treatment?

Yes, but timing matters for optimal results. Avoid hair dye or chemical treatments for one week before and two weeks after PRP sessions. Once established on a maintenance schedule, normal hair care and colouring can resume between treatments without impacting effectiveness.