What to Expect During Your First PRP Hair Treatment: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hair thinning and loss can be incredibly frustrating and often feel out of one’s control. Fortunately, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) hair treatment has become an increasingly popular option for those seeking a non-surgical solution. If you’re considering PRP for hair restoration but are unsure of what the process entails, this guide walks you through each step, helping you know exactly what to expect during your first PRP session.

What Is PRP Hair Treatment?

PRP hair treatment uses your body's own platelet-rich plasma to stimulate hair follicles and encourage natural hair growth. It’s a three-step process involving the extraction of blood, concentration of platelets, and targeted injections into the scalp. The concept is that PRP can enhance cell regeneration, boost blood supply to the hair follicles, and ultimately increase hair growth and density.

With minimal downtime and impressive results for many, PRP has quickly gained popularity in the realm of hair restoration. Here’s what you can expect from your first session.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Assessment

Before your first PRP session, you'll begin with a consultation with a trained provider. This initial meeting is essential for assessing your hair loss pattern, understanding your goals, and determining if PRP is the right approach for you. The provider will review your medical history, discuss any potential allergies or conditions, and go over your hair restoration options.

Expect your provider to take photographs of your scalp for comparison throughout the treatment series. This documentation helps track your progress and determine if additional sessions might be beneficial. If you’re a good candidate for PRP, you’ll move forward with scheduling your first session.

Step 2: Blood Draw

PRP treatment begins with a simple blood draw. A small amount of blood, typically between 10-20 milliliters, is drawn from your arm. This blood sample serves as the source of PRP, which contains the platelets and growth factors essential for promoting hair growth.

While the blood draw might feel like a routine blood test, it is a crucial part of the process. Platelets and plasma in your blood are concentrated to create the growth factor-rich serum that will be injected into your scalp.

Step 3: Centrifugation

Once the blood is drawn, it’s processed in a centrifuge—a specialized machine that spins at high speeds to separate the blood’s components. Through this process, the platelets are isolated and concentrated into a layer of rich plasma, which is then drawn up into a syringe for injection.

The centrifugation step is vital because it concentrates the platelets to a much higher level than normally found in blood. This platelet-rich serum is what gives PRP its regenerative properties, as these platelets contain proteins that can accelerate tissue repair and stimulate hair follicles.

Step 4: Numbing and Preparation of the Scalp

To ensure comfort during the injection process, your provider will apply a numbing cream or local anesthetic to your scalp. This takes a few minutes to take effect, helping to minimize any discomfort during the injections. Some individuals may feel a slight tingling as the numbing cream starts to work, but overall, this step makes the experience more comfortable.

During this time, your provider will also sanitize the injection area to maintain a sterile environment and reduce the risk of infection.

Step 5: PRP Injections

With the numbing in place, it’s time for the PRP injections. Using a fine-gauge needle, the provider injects small amounts of the PRP solution into areas of the scalp experiencing thinning or hair loss. The injection process is typically quick, lasting about 15-20 minutes depending on the treatment area.

Each injection is strategically placed to maximize coverage and deliver the growth factors precisely where they’re needed. Some clients may feel slight pressure or a mild tingling sensation during the injections, but it’s generally well tolerated.

Step 6: Post-Treatment Instructions and Care

Once the injections are complete, your provider will discuss aftercare instructions to ensure optimal results. Typically, you’ll be advised to avoid strenuous activities and any hair treatments, such as coloring or perming, for a few days. You’ll also be encouraged to avoid direct sunlight on the scalp and to refrain from washing your hair for at least 24 hours post-treatment.

Expect some mild tenderness or redness at the injection sites, which usually subsides within a few hours. Most people find that they can resume their normal activities by the next day with minimal disruption.

Step 7: Follow-Up and Monitoring

PRP treatments for hair restoration are often done as a series, with most clients undergoing 3-4 sessions spaced about a month apart. This spacing allows the scalp to fully respond to each treatment while building upon the effects of prior sessions. After the initial series, maintenance treatments may be recommended once or twice a year, depending on individual response and hair growth.

During follow-up visits, your provider will monitor your progress and take updated photographs to document any changes in hair density and thickness. While results vary from person to person, many individuals report visible improvements in hair texture, thickness, and volume within a few months.

What Results Can You Expect?

PRP hair treatment typically yields gradual results, with noticeable improvements in hair thickness, density, and overall health after a few sessions. Many clients report that their hair feels stronger, and shedding decreases over time. Although individual responses vary, PRP is widely considered an effective, non-invasive option for those experiencing early-stage hair thinning or mild to moderate hair loss.

Your first PRP hair treatment can be an enlightening step towards regaining confidence in your hair. With a simple, step-by-step process that uses the healing power of your own platelets, PRP offers a unique approach to hair restoration that’s backed by promising results for many. If you’re seeking a natural, non-surgical treatment for hair loss, PRP may be an ideal solution to help you achieve fuller, healthier-looking hair.