Seeing more hair in your brush, a widening part or more scalp at the crown can be upsetting, and thinning hair is common in both women and men. If you're researching PRP for hair loss in Toronto, this guide explains what platelet-rich plasma is, what a session involves and what's realistic to expect. It also covers the step that comes before any treatment: finding out why your hair is thinning.
What is PRP for hair loss?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Platelets are tiny cell fragments in your blood that help with clotting, and they also carry growth factors, proteins involved in healing and repair. To make PRP, a small sample of your own blood is spun in a machine called a centrifuge, which separates and concentrates the platelets.
In PRP hair restoration, that concentrate is placed into the scalp to help strengthen existing hair follicles and support new growth. It's a non-surgical option for early to moderate thinning. Outside the scalp, PRP for skin is used to improve texture and fine lines, and it's sometimes part of acne scar treatment.
First, find out why your hair is thinning
Thinning hair has many possible causes, and some call for a different kind of care altogether. Common contributors include:
- pattern hair loss that runs in families, often showing as a widening part or thinning at the crown
- hormonal changes, such as after pregnancy or around menopause
- thyroid conditions or low iron
- stress, illness, surgery or a high fever, which can trigger shedding a few months later
- some medications, restrictive dieting, or tight hairstyles that pull on the hair
- scalp conditions, or autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata
PRP can't correct low iron or a thyroid problem, so it makes sense to rule those out first. Depending on your history, Sophie may suggest checking in with your family doctor, who can arrange blood tests if needed.
What a PRP hair treatment involves
Every new client starts with a consultation and medical assessment with Sophie Gatward, NP, a Nurse Practitioner. She'll ask about your hair history, health and medications, look closely at your scalp and explain whether PRP is a reasonable option for you. If it is, a treatment appointment typically takes about 45–60 minutes:
- Blood draw: a small amount of blood is taken from your arm, much like a routine blood test.
- Processing: the sample is spun in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelet-rich plasma.
- Preparation: your scalp is cleansed, and ways to keep you comfortable are discussed.
- Treatment: the PRP is placed into the thinning areas of your scalp with a series of small injections.
- Aftercare: you'll receive instructions for the next few days, including when you can wash and style your hair.
Downtime is minimal. Mild scalp tenderness is common, and you may have a small bruise where blood was drawn. Call the clinic at 416-604-0040 if you notice increasing pain, redness, warmth or discharge, which can be signs of infection. For severe symptoms, call 911.
Sessions, maintenance and timeline
PRP for hair isn't a one-time treatment. It usually starts with a series of sessions about a month apart, followed by maintenance sessions every several months to help keep results going. Your schedule is planned with you at your consultation.
Hair grows slowly, so patience matters. Any improvement tends to show gradually, over about 3–6 months. Photos taken in the same light every month or two make changes easier to see than checking the mirror each day.
PRP can also be combined with at-home therapies. Sophie can talk you through whether any are suitable for you.
Realistic expectations
Results vary from person to person, and research on PRP for hair is still developing. Some people notice less shedding or fuller-looking hair over time; others see little change. A clear, honest picture is part of every consultation.
- It needs active follicles. PRP can't regrow hair where follicles are no longer working, such as smooth, long-standing bald areas.
- It's aimed at early to moderate thinning. It isn't designed for advanced hair loss.
- It doesn't switch off the underlying process. Pattern thinning tends to continue over time, which is why maintenance is part of the plan.
- It doesn't replace finding the cause. If something like low iron is contributing, that needs attention too.
Who may not be a candidate
PRP isn't right for everyone. Treatment may not be suitable, or may need to wait, if you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- have a blood or platelet disorder, or take blood thinners (never stop a prescribed medication on your own)
- have a scalp infection or an inflamed, irritated scalp
- are receiving cancer treatment or have certain other medical conditions
- have hair loss that hasn't been assessed, or a type that needs specialist care, such as scarring hair loss
That's why your full health history is reviewed before any treatment begins.
Start with a consultation
Next step: If thinning hair is on your mind, a consultation at our clinic at 2461 Bloor Street West, Unit 4, near Jane subway station, is the place to begin. Sophie will look at the whole picture, including possible causes, and help you decide whether PRP hair restoration fits your goals. You can book a consultation online, by phone or by text.
Frequently asked questions
Does PRP for hair hurt?
Most people feel some stinging or pressure during the scalp injections, and the scalp can feel tender afterwards. Ways to keep you comfortable are discussed before your treatment begins.
Can PRP help with shedding after pregnancy?
Shedding after pregnancy is common and often settles on its own with time. If it continues, PRP may be considered after an assessment. If you're breastfeeding, ask about timing, as treatment may need to wait.
What happens if I stop PRP treatments?
Stopping PRP doesn't cause hair loss. But conditions such as pattern thinning tend to continue over time, so without maintenance, any improvement may gradually fade.
Do I need blood tests before starting PRP?
Not always. If the cause of your thinning isn't clear, Sophie may suggest seeing your family doctor, who can order tests, for example to check iron or thyroid levels, before you start.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Every treatment at Bloor West Medspa starts with a consultation and medical assessment with Sophie Gatward, NP, to confirm what is right for you. Individual results vary.