Key takeaways
- In pattern hair loss, follicles shrink with each cycle. Hair becomes thinner and shorter until it stops growing.
- PRP and GFC deliver growth factors from your own blood into the scalp to push shrinking follicles back into an active phase.
- They work best on thinning hair. They cannot regrow hair on a scalp that is already bald and shiny.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and GFC (growth factor concentrate) are injections of growth factors prepared from your own blood, used to slow pattern hair loss and thicken thinning hair.
Pattern baldness is the most common reason for hair thinning in both men and women. In men it shows as a receding hairline and a thinning crown. In women it is usually a widening parting with the hairline preserved.
Over and above the topical and oral medications, PRP and GFC are the injectable treatment options used for it.
What are PRP and GFC?
- Platelet Rich Plasma. Your blood is drawn and spun so the platelets concentrate. It contains platelets and cells. The growth factors are released gradually as the platelets break down when injected.
- Growth Factor Concentrate. Also from your own blood, but with a higher and more consistent concentration of growth factors.
- Session time is about 45 minutes. Numbing cream is applied first. Then PRP/GFC is injected uniformly over the affected areas at a specific depth.
How many sessions are needed?
- Starting phase. 4 to 6 sessions, one every 3 to 4 weeks.
- Maintenance. One session every 3 to 6 months. Hair loss is ongoing, so repeat sessions matter most.
- Neither of them is a standalone treatment. They work far better alongside topical and oral medication. Correction of iron, vitamin D and thyroid levels is also essential.
Does it work differently in men and women?
- In men, the crown and mid scalp respond best. A hairline that has receded for many years responds poorly and may be better suited to a transplant.
- In women, diffuse thinning over the top of the scalp responds well. Density and parting width improve.
When will I see results?
- Hair fall reduces first, usually by the end of the first month.
- New hair growth starts around 2 to 3 months.
- Visible improvement in density is seen at 4 to 6 months.
- Photographs at every visit are the only reliable way to judge progress.
What ruins results
- Stopping after a few sessions because nothing has changed yet.
- Skipping the oral and topical medications and supplements.
- Dropping maintenance sessions once the hair looks better.
Book a consultation
Not sure whether PRP or GFC suits your scalp? A consultation with trichoscopy tells us where you stand before you commit to sessions.
Medical disclaimer. This article is for general education only. It is not a substitute for a consultation and examination by a qualified doctor who knows your medical history. Do not start, stop or change any medicine without medical advice.