An article in the September/October 2015 issue of Hair Transplant Forum International highlighted results of a 6-month study of platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatment in a 23-year-old male diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia (common male pattern baldness) ((Kahen, John (ISHRS 2015). “The Use of Platelet Rich Plasma in Treating Hair Loss.” Hair Transplant Forum International. 25 (5): 189)). The study showed a significant increase in hair density and decrease in miniaturized follicles, as well as an apparent darkening of hair pigmentation.

The patient, who was instructed not to use hair loss medications such as Propecia (finasteride) or Rogaine (minoxidil), was given several treatments of PRP solution in a single session. At six months after the treatment, digital densitometry was used to assess any changes to the scalp compared to pre-treatment. He noted fewer follicles in a miniaturized state and an increase in hair density.

Another clinical observation was a change in the patient’s hair color from light brown to dark brown. The author hypothesized that this change in pigmentation may be due to significant numbers of hairs rapidly transitioning to the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. As a result of this shift, there was an increase in hair shaft diameter and an apparent darkening of the patient’s hair color.

This study has several limitations: it is not a peer-reviewed, controlled study; it is an assessment of only one patient; and no empirical data on the hair growth was recorded. However, this research joins a number of other studies which appear to show that PRP therapy may be an effective, and safe, treatment for androgenetic alopecia.

Read more about Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment for Hair Loss

• Viviscal May Boost Hair Regrowth
• Viviscal Research Suggests the Treatment Increases Hair Volume, Thickness
• Long-Term Study Sees Benefits in PRP Therapy for Hair Loss
• Androgen Treatment May Boost Hair Regrowth in Women
• Survey Finds Red, Low-Level, Laser Light Therapy is an Effective, Alternate Treatment for Androgenic Alopecia