What is PRP?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a substance drawn from your own blood and can be a wonderful non-surgical option for men and women who are experiencing hair loss and thinning*. Plasma is full of platelets which contain endless goodness – it also contains growth factors which support and enrich your own hair follicles to help stimulate hair growth.  

 The PRP Process

Just like a blood test, I take a small amount of blood (less than 50 ml) which is then spun in a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells from the plasma.

 You will then undertake three treatments, spaced one month apart, with a one off treatment every six months to maintain results. Results can be seen around 4-6 months, depending on your hair regrowth cycle. With my hair, I saw results around the three month mark (check out my Insta posts to see the progress). 

 Hair grows in three very distinct cycles:

1. Anagen is the active phase of new hair formation and hair growth that lasts for 2-5 years. The rapidly growing hair pushes the old hair in the follicle out as it grows
2. Catagen is a transitional phase (2-3 weeks) where hair growth stops and the outer root sheath detaches from the follicle wall
3. Telogen is the resting phase and lasts for about 100 days for scalp hair. Hair can be either pulled out or shed at this stage

 Taking a multimodal approach to your treatment is also worthwhile, which is why I highly recommend incorporating supplements to assist in hair growth and strengthening. There are certain amino acids and minerals that are essential to the hair growth process, which are all contained in the fantastic Propaira Hair Booster Plus Capsules I have in clinic! 

 Here are some key facts on the essential ingredients for hair and what they can do: 

 Cysteine – this amino acid supports healthy hair growth, strengthens your hair, and enables it to withstand the daily rigors of manipulation and styling. Cysteine also helps reverse hair loss as it transports two essential minerals (iron and zinc) that are vital nutrients for hair regrowth.

Methionine  – helps prevent hair loss, thanks to its sulfur content. Like cysteine, sulfur helps strengthen hair and reduce risks of breakage. Methionine contains properties that protect hair from free radicals, so they don’t harm your hair’s structure.

L-lysine – has a role in collagen formation, which is useful in hair production and regrowth. Its deficiency can impact calcium production and allow for excess DHT production. DHT is the most potent hormone and is known to hinder hair growth and cause hair loss if left untreated 

My PRP Hair Growth Story

I’m several months in and what I’ve noticed with my own hair is that I am able to style it better, it feels thicker and I have loads of baby hairs framing my face. What my hairdresser reported back to me that it is longer, thicker and is more dense around my hairline.

See you in clinic x

 * Please note: This treatment is not suitable if you have already lost hair in a certain area or if you have an underlying medical or autoimmune condition. However, I have specialists in this area I can  recommend for this.