What to Expect During Your First PRP Session

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy uses your own blood''s growth factors to stimulate weakened follicles. It is one of the most widely studied in-clinic options for early-to-moderate pattern hair loss, and because the active ingredient comes from your own body, it carries a low risk of reaction. Here is exactly what a first session looks like, from preparation to results.

Before the session

Arrive with clean, product-free hair. Avoid caffeine and anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen for 24 hours beforehand, as both can affect platelet activity, and drink plenty of water the day before — good hydration makes the blood draw easier. Plan for about 60–75 minutes in the clinic. If you take any regular medication, mention it during your consultation so the protocol can be adjusted safely.

During the session

A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm — similar to a routine lab test — and spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets into a golden plasma layer. After a numbing cream takes effect, the PRP is delivered into the scalp across the thinning areas using a fine needle. Most patients describe the sensation as mild pressure or brief stinging rather than pain, and many scroll their phone through the whole thing.

After the session

Expect mild tenderness, tightness, or pinkness in the treated areas for a day or so. Skip hair washing, heavy exercise, swimming, saunas, and styling products for 24 hours, and avoid colouring treatments for about a week. There is no real downtime — most patients return to work the same day.

The realistic timeline

A typical protocol is three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions every six to twelve months. Reduced shedding is often the first change patients notice, within the first several weeks. Visible density improvements typically appear around the three-to-six-month mark as new anagen hairs mature. Photographic comparisons at each visit matter — day-to-day mirror checks hide gradual progress.

Who PRP works best for

PRP performs best when follicles are miniaturised but still alive — which is why it is most effective in early to moderate thinning, and why it is often combined with microneedling, topical therapy, or nutritional correction for a compounding effect. It cannot resurrect follicles that have been dormant for many years, which is one more argument for acting early. A trichoscopy assessment before you commit will show whether you are a good candidate — results are gradual and cumulative, and consistency matters more than any single session.