HAIR GROWTH PRP
(platelet rich plasma)

The most common cause of male and female hair loss is called androgenetic alopecia or hereditary pattern balding. 

The extent of hair loss and patterns of hair loss vary among males and females, but also present very differently among individuals. 

Patchy alopecia is the most common type where there may be patches of hair loss in one or two areas. This could be on the scalp or body.

Some patients have hair loss over their entire scalp and face, or a band of hair loss across the sides and lower back of the scalp. 

Some have unexpected hair loss over the entire scalp and not just in one area.  
Whatever the pattern of hair loss, we can treat it. Hair loss cannot be reversed but can be slowed down to prevent the progression to baldness.

By the time most patients come in to see us, they have noticed changes to their hair many years ago.  Many have not realised there are treatments available, besides a hair transplant or a wig.  Some are too embarrassed to talk about it, or just don’t know where to start and it greatly effects one’s self-esteem and confidence. 

This is the first step in the hair treatment journey- the hair consultation. 

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WHAT CAUSES HAIR LOSS IN WOMEN?

Hair loss generally starts after puberty and is gradual in women. It is likely to begin with thinning on the top of the head or a widening of the part. 

60% of women experience hair loss from age 50 and 45% of this is genetic hair loss. 

There are many factors that cause hair loss in women:
•    Certain hair styles can stress hair follicles leading to a form of hair loss.
•    Hair products using chemicals and treatments can cause hair loss.
•    Nutritional deficiencies e.g. anaemia and vitamin deficiencies of selenium, zinc, B12, Vitamin D, riboflavin. These are all linked to alopecia. 
•    Hormonal changes e.g. menopause, pregnancy, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), strict dieting, contraceptive pill. 
•    Ageing- hair thinning can begin at a young age and increases as we age. 
•    Extreme stress/ traumatic event or illness. 
•    Chemotherapy- most find their hair does grow back so this may only be temporary.
•    Some medications can cause hair loss. 
•    Autoimmune disorders e.g. psoriasis.
•    Medical conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and hypothyroidism. 

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MALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS

Male pattern of hair loss in men is called androgenetic alopecia and is the most common gradual cause of hair loss, resulting in balding. 

Hair loss usually begins at the front and sides of the head and in the middle towards the back of the head.  

It is a natural part of the ageing process and affects half of all Caucasian men (it is less common in men from non- Caucasian backgrounds). 

It becomes more common with age but does affect men at a young age with approximately 20/% of men aged 20 years old and 60% 60 years old experiencing some hair loss. It is also genetic, so if your father is losing his hair the likelihood of you losing it also is high.

 

Common causes of hair loss in men include:
•    Genetics (androgenetic alopecia or male pattern hair loss)
•    Ageing
•    Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or certain medications
•    Stress
•    Hormonal imbalances
•    Thyroid disorders
•    Vitamin D deficiency
•    Illness or surgery
•    Alopecia areata.

SHEDDING OF HAIR

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Hair follicles go through cycles of growth when the hair gets longer, followed by a period of rest and then shedding of the hair. 

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Hair producing cells then shorten the growth phase of the hair cycle, which results in the follicles shrinking and producing shorter and thinner hair until they stop producing hair altogether.  

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Hair shedding reflects the initiation of a new cycle of hair growth and is a normal part of the hair cycle and an ongoing process.  

 

LIFE CYCLES OF HAIR

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Hair grows and dies in 4 phases but many factors influence how much hair is lost such as stress, nutrition, lifestyle, hygiene and daily styling.  During these phases hair is actively growing, transitioning, resting or shedding.  

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Stage 1: Anagen growth phase

The growth phase of the hair cycle is called the anagen phase and this stage is what most of our hair is in now.  This phase is one of lots of growth but it does get shorter with age. The cells in the hair follicles work to grow new hair strands. Hair grows at about 1 cm per month in this anagen phase, until something prevents it from growing.  

Stage 2: Catagen phase

The next phase is the catagen phase where the hair moves from active growth and the strands stop growing. The hair follicle shrinks and it prepares to detach from the scalp. Only 1-2% of your hair follicles are in this stage at this time. 

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Stage 3: Telogen phase

The telogen phase of the hair cycle is the resting phase.  Hairs in this phase mostly become dormant.  A hair strand will be at rest as it prepares to detach from your scalp. 

Stage 4: Exogen Phase. The final stage in the hair cycle

This is where the hair detaches from the follicle and falls out. This allows new hair to grow in the follicle. This phase lasts approx. 2-5 months and is normal to see approx. 50-100 hair strands shedding, depending on your age, genetics, health and lifestyle. 

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Hair growth does take time and many factors influence these cycles and the pattern of hair growth.  

WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE THE TREATMENT?

•    Consultation: A hair consultation is performed first where we discuss your hair loss/ hair thinning areas, review your medical history, and find out more about when you started to lose your hair, what treatments you have tried in the past and gather as much information as possible. 

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•    Treatment: The treatment itself is discussed in detail, and all the associated risks so you can gather all the information needed to make an informed decision.  

•    Appointment booking: We will find a time to book you in for your first hair growth treatment. 

•    Consent: As this is a medical treatment you will also have the opportunity to speak with a doctor who will authorise your prescription and treatment for the PRP.

•    Preparation: Your pre PRP guidelines are given to you at this time and all post care instructions discussed so you can be prepared also. 

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WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED?

The full scalp, beard, moustache, receding hair line, widening or thinning part or any areas of hair thinning. 

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PRP PRE-TREATMENT GUIDELINES

We want you to get the best results out of each treatment so following our pre-treatment recommendations and guidelines is imperative in the lead up to each session.  

These include:
•    Avoiding any corticosteroids 
•    Following a low-fat diet for a few days before (no avocado, seeds, grains or fatty foods or fatty fish
•    Eat green leafy vegetables: these will improve your platelet count. 
•    Washing your hair with a gentle cleanser the day of your treatment (and not putting any products in your hair) 
•    Being well hydrated before you come in and drinking at least 600 mls of water before your scheduled time.  This allows for an easier venepuncture as if you are dehydrated your blood sample may not be obtained so the procedure will be delayed. 
•    Avoiding alcohol and caffeine 24 hours before.
•    No smoking/ vaping for 24 hours before your appointment. 
As we are using your own platelets (from your own blood), your diet and lifestyle will impact the quality and number of platelets received and therefore the outcome of your treatment. Preparing for your PRP hair treatment recommendations are also available on the website.

THE TREATMENT ITSELF

•    Numbing cream is applied to each treatment area for 40 mins and during this time your blood is taken (like a blood test). 

•    Your blood is spun in a centrifuge machine to separate your platelets from the red blood cells. The platelets contain many growth factors and these are what we use to inject.

•    The platelets are injected into the treatment area of loss and thinning.

•    The injections release numerous growth factors upon activation. 

A variety of injecting devices are used to maximise hair growth outcomes. Some areas will be more uncomfortable than others so the injecting devices used will also be tailored according to the area and patients comfort level.

Micro needling (skin needling) is also performed to not only improve collagen and scalp condition but allows for penetration of the product into the hair follicles.

Multi head stamping needle and micro injecting devices are also used.  These are tailored according to the individual and treatment area. 

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WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE TREATMENT AND POST TREATMENT GUIDELINES

•    Post care instructions are given at the time of treatment and also emailed. 

•    These include keeping the area clean and dry and avoiding washing your hair that evening.  The next morning you can wash your hair as usual. These post care instructions can also be found on the website under “Post care instructions for PRP”. 

•    If you do like to wear a hat, please ensure it is a clean hat that has been washed and is not too tight.  

•    Use the scalp massager at least 3 times a day to stimulate your scalp. This is given to you at the time of the treatment. 

•    The treatment area may feel warm like a sunburn and some areas may be red and a little swollen. 

•    Avoid any exercise or a hot shower that night and avoid touching the area.

•    Paracetamol can be taken that evening if you do have a headache.  It can also be taken before your scheduled time as some injections are a little uncomfortable. 

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HOW LONG DOES THE TREATMENT LAST?

•    A series of 3-5 treatments spaced approximately 4-6 weeks apart is the recommended treatment protocol but this does vary among each individual. 

•    The treatment itself takes 2 hours with the numbing cream application, venepuncture, preparing and separating the platelets, and then injecting the areas.

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WHEN SHOULD I EXPECT TO SEE SOME RESULTS?

Results vary greatly among individuals due to the underlying reason for hair loss, medical history, how long it has been since you have noticed hair thinning and hair loss, genetics, diet and individual lifestyle factors.   

We will monitor your hair growth outcomes and adjust the treatment regime according to each individual.  As hair grows slowly it is a treatment that sometimes can see some results from as early as 4 weeks but longer in others. 

Some patients find hair density has peaked at 3 months after completing a course, and some have found it can start to decrease at 6months.  Therefore, to maintain the benefits a treatment of PRP is repeated at 6 months.  

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WHO ISN'T SUITABLE FOR PRP?

This treatment isn’t suitable for everyone.  A hair consultation is required first to review your medical history and discuss the pattern of hair loss and when it began. 

Some medications may also impact the number of platelets so an alternative treatment might be suggested during the hair consultation. 

If obtaining a blood sample from you (when having a blood test) is difficult or if you are needle phobic then this treatment may not be right for you too.  We do have other hair treatments that may be a better option which is the crystal care hair plus skin needling treatment that uses a vibrating pen with very small needles and a growth peptide solution of 64 ingredients to target hair loss and scalp health. This doesn’t require us to take your blood. 

The crystal care hair treatment does work differently to PRP but targets hair in the anagen growth phase.  The benefits of micro needling plus a growth factor, peptide, vitamin, amino acid and mineral complex are used.

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Patients cannot have this treatment if you are taking or undergoing any of these:
•    Anti-inflammatory tables (NSAID’s) have been taken within 48 hours of the treatments.  These also cannot be taken for 2 weeks after the treatment.
•    Any medical condition that causes platelet dysfunction, low platelet count, sepsis or blood disorders.
•    If you are undergoing treatment for cancer
•    If you are immunocompromised
•    If you have been taking antibiotics for a recent illness or fever
•    Steroid injections within 4 weeks either side of the treatment
•    Anaemia

OTHER TREATMENTS TO TARGET HAIR LOSS

Medications, shampoos and scalp treatments are also other treatments to improve blood flow to the hair follicles. Many of these need to be taken continually as when you cease them, the hair growth ceases to grow. 

Hair transplant and wigs can also be used to disguise the balding or hair loss. 

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OTHER TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

The best approach to genetic hair loss is a multi-modality approach.

There are different types of light therapy used for hair loss through LED machines. Red light improves the blood supply and the health of cells that regenerate hair, and help to reduce the local effects of hormones on the hair follicle. This helps to regrow new hairs and reverse damaged hairs. With consistent use they can be incorporated into your hair growth treatment.  

Airyday LED take home masks are available in clinic to use on the scalp that contain red light, blue light and infra-red light. These can be used in your hair treatment protocol but also for skin rejuvenation. For use on the face, neck, decolletage for collagen and skin improvements.

Skin needling has been shown to stimulate hair follicles, which can trigger enhanced hair growth.  This is incorporated into the PRP treatment and also combined with the crystal care hair treatment to target hair loss (as another hair treatment available in clinic).  

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HOW TO BOOK IN FOR HAIR PRP

Book in for a hair consultation first so we can discuss your hair loss and review your medical history.  It is during this appointment we will go over the treatment and also the pre-treatment recommendations that are important to follow to get the most out of your treatment.

 
You will be sent a medical history form so we can get some more information about your pattern of hair loss, when it started, and what treatments you have tried in the past.

 
As we are using your own platelets for the procedure, we ask you to follow a low-fat diet for a few days before hand and also to be well hydrated by avoiding alcohol and caffeine.  These will be given to you before your scheduled PRP procedure and can be found on the website too.

After your hair consultation you can book in online for your first treatment on the web site or contact us to help you with your booking. Tap any book now button and go to “Hair growth/ scalp health” then “PRP -Platelet Rich Plasma +Skin needling”.