Hair restoration with PRP delivers concentrated growth factors to the scalp to help strengthen existing follicles and support new growth.
It's a non-surgical option for early to moderate thinning in both women and men, and can be combined with at-home therapies.
Ideal for
- Early to moderate thinning
- Widening part
- Post-partum shedding (after assessment)
- Men and women
What to expect
- Consultation & hair assessment: Sophie Gatward, NP, asks about your hair history, health and medications (including pregnancy or breastfeeding) and looks at the pattern of thinning. She'll discuss whether PRP is likely to help and may suggest checking for underlying causes first.
- Treatment day: A small blood sample is drawn and processed to concentrate the platelets, just as for PRP skin treatments. The PRP is then delivered into the scalp across the thinning areas, and the visit usually takes 45–60 minutes.
- Right after: Your scalp may feel tender, tight or slightly swollen, and you may have a small bruise where blood was drawn. Most people return to their usual routine the same day.
- Following months: Hair grows slowly, so changes take time and results vary. If PRP is working for you, a difference typically becomes noticeable after 3–6 months.
- Series & maintenance: Most plans start with a series of monthly sessions, followed by periodic maintenance. Sophie may also suggest at-home therapies to use alongside treatment.
Aftercare tips
- Follow the personalized instructions you receive at your appointment — they take priority over these general tips.
- Wait until the time you're advised, usually the next day, before washing your hair, and use a gentle shampoo.
- Hold off on hair colour, perms, relaxers and other chemical treatments for a few days, or as advised.
- Skip strenuous exercise, saunas, hot tubs and swimming for the first day or two.
- Check with the clinic before taking anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as ibuprofen in the days after treatment, and never stop a prescribed medication without speaking to your prescriber.
- Keep up any at-home therapies you've been recommended, since changes in hair depend on consistency over months.
Possible side effects
- Scalp tenderness, tightness or mild swelling for a day or two.
- A mild headache after treatment.
- Minor bruising, including where your blood was drawn.
- Feeling lightheaded or faint during or after the blood draw — tell us right away if you feel unwell.
- Rare but serious: infection of the scalp. Increasing pain, redness, warmth or swelling after the first couple of days, or a fever, needs prompt medical attention.
If something doesn’t feel right after your treatment, call the clinic at 416-604-0040. For severe symptoms — such as trouble breathing, vision changes, or skin turning white, grey or dusky — call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Frequently asked questions
How many sessions are needed?
Typically 3–4 sessions about a month apart, then maintenance every 4–6 months.
Who is a good candidate?
People with active follicles and early to moderate thinning. A consultation confirms suitability.
Is PRP for hair loss an option for women?
Yes — it's used for early to moderate thinning in both women and men, and a widening part is a common reason women ask about it. Because thinning in women can have hormonal or other medical causes, these may be looked at first.
Why does it take months to see results?
Hair grows slowly and in cycles, so any change in thickness or shedding takes time to show, typically 3–6 months. Photos taken in the same light every few weeks can make progress easier to see.
Does PRP work for every type of hair loss?
No. Hair loss has many possible causes, and some types, such as scarring forms of hair loss or areas where follicles are no longer active, are unlikely to respond. Your assessment looks at the pattern of your thinning and may include checking for underlying medical causes.
Can PRP be combined with other hair-loss treatments?
Often, yes. PRP is frequently used alongside at-home therapies, and Sophie can suggest options that suit your type of thinning and explain how to fit them into your routine.
Individual results vary. All treatments require an in-person consultation and medical assessment to confirm they're right for you. Content on this page is for general information and is not medical advice.
You may also like
Related treatments
Injectables
Botulinum Toxin
Prevent or soften wrinkles by relaxing targeted facial muscles.
Learn moreFrom the journal