Skip to main content

Trichology · UK

PRP for hair loss - a real diagnosis first, then a real course - not a monthly membership.

PRP scalp injections for androgenetic alopecia and selected other hair-loss patterns, delivered by a consultant trichologist or dermatologist. A proper diagnosis with dermoscopy and blood work first, minoxidil and finasteride in the plan, and objective measurement of what changes.

See indicative pricing
A radiographer guides a patient onto the bed of an advanced 3 Tesla MRI scanner in a London imaging suite

Indicative pricing

What private PRP for hair loss costs in the UK.

Indicative ranges across our trichology and dermatology partners.

In short

£350–£900, with a 3–4 session induction over 3–4 months.

OptionIndicative range
Trichology consultation + dermoscopy + bloods£220–£450
PRP scalp session - single£350–£900
PRP induction - course of 3 sessions£950–£2,400
PRP induction - course of 4 sessions£1,300–£3,000
PRP maintenance (per session)£300–£800
Combined with microneedling£450–£1,100
FUE hair transplant (comparator)£4,500–£12,000

Prices vary by clinic, by consultant seniority and by whether combined visits or extra work-up is needed.

The problem

A hair-loss diagnosis before a hair-loss injection.

Not every thinning scalp is androgenetic. Telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, scarring alopecias and iron or thyroid deficiency all look similar in the mirror - and need different treatments.

  • Trichoscopy, blood work, photographs

    Dermoscopy of the scalp, iron studies, ferritin, TSH, vitamin D and - where relevant - androgen profile. Baseline standardised photos of every zone. Without those we are guessing.

  • PRP works with minoxidil and finasteride

    The best evidence is for PRP as part of a combined programme. On its own it can help; combined it helps more, in more patients, for longer.

  • Not for scarring alopecia

    Frontal fibrosing alopecia and lichen planopilaris need a dermatologist and immunomodulation - PRP has no established role there.

When it helps

The hair-loss patterns where PRP earns a try.

The situations where PRP has real evidence - plus the red flag that means a dermatologist first, not an injection clinic.

  • Male androgenetic alopecia

    Norwood II–V pattern loss - best evidence for PRP alongside oral finasteride and topical minoxidil.

  • Female pattern hair loss

    Ludwig I–II thinning with widened part - PRP alongside minoxidil (± spironolactone or oral minoxidil where prescribed).

  • Telogen effluvium (post-partum, post-illness)

    Where hair regrowth is slow after the trigger has resolved and blood work is optimised.

  • Alopecia areata (limited)

    A supporting role in patchy alopecia areata, usually alongside intralesional corticosteroid - dermatologist-led.

  • Post-transplant support

    PRP after FUE or FUT hair transplant to support graft take and native hair - a considered add-on.

  • Traction alopecia (early, reversible)

    Where the trigger (tight styling) has been stopped and there is still living follicle to stimulate.

  • Eyebrow thinning (selected)

    For thinning eyebrows in the absence of scarring - a niche but growing use.

  • Red flag: patchy loss with scaling or scarring

    Scaling, scarring, follicular loss on dermoscopy or eyebrow/lash loss can point to lichen planopilaris, FFA or lupus. A dermatologist first, not an injection.

Treatment options

PRP is one lever - the whole plan is what moves the needle.

What PRP does, and what the other medical and surgical hair options add.

  • PRP alone

    Suitable for well-motivated patients who cannot or will not use minoxidil and finasteride. Effect is real but smaller than combined therapy.

  • PRP + topical minoxidil

    The standard baseline combination. Minoxidil 5% daily supports the PRP-driven response.

  • PRP + oral finasteride (male)

    The strongest evidence combination for male androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride 1 mg daily, discussed carefully around side effect profile.

  • PRP + oral minoxidil (female)

    A growing off-label combination for female pattern loss, prescribed cautiously by a dermatologist.

  • PRP + microneedling

    Microneedling channels precede or follow PRP application - mechanistic rationale is sound and small studies support it.

  • Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)

    Home-use caps or in-clinic devices - a modest independent effect, often layered with PRP.

  • FUE / FUT hair transplant

    The definitive answer for stable, permanent pattern loss where medical therapy has plateaued. PRP does not replace surgery - it complements it.

  • Exosome therapy

    A newer regenerative option - expensive, less regulated in the UK, and the evidence base is still catching up.

Safety and recovery

undefined

undefined

  • Scalp tenderness for 24–48 hours

    Aches, tightness and mild bruising are common. Paracetamol for two weeks - no NSAIDs.

  • Minor pinpoint bleeding

    Small dots at each injection site for a few hours. Cover with a soft hat if you are heading straight to work.

  • Headache in some

    Roughly one in ten reports a mild headache on the day. Rest, fluids and paracetamol.

  • Infection is very rare

    Sterile technique brings the risk under 1 in 500. Any spreading redness, warmth or fever needs same-day review.

  • Do not shampoo for 24 hours

    And no swimming pool, sauna or steam room for 48 hours. Minoxidil resumes at 24 hours.

  • Realistic timeline

    Shedding may worsen briefly at 2–4 weeks (the "telogen release"), stabilise from 6–8 weeks, and improve visibly at 3–6 months. Photographs at each visit tell the truth.

  • Not for active infection or scalp condition

    Active folliculitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis flare or psoriasis on the injection zone needs treatment first.

  • Not for scarring alopecia

    FFA, LPP and CCCA need dermatologist-led immunosuppression; PRP is not their treatment.

  • Non-responder rate

    Roughly one in three does not respond meaningfully. We measure objectively and stop courses that do not deliver.

Reading your trichology record

Your hair PRP record in four parts. Read the last one first.

The trichoscopy diagnosis, treatment plan, session record and outcome measures - the parts a good clinic sends after every visit.

A UK consultant reviewing a patient record

A quiet reminder

Photographs without a ruler and consistent lighting are marketing, not measurement. We insist on standardised images.

Ask your care team to explain anything that is unclear.

  1. 01Diagnosis

    Pattern, blood work, dermoscopy

    The precise hair-loss diagnosis, contributing blood-work findings and dermoscopic features (miniaturisation, yellow dots, peripilar signs).

  2. 02Plan

    Combined medical and PRP programme

    Which medications you are on, the PRP schedule, and the photography schedule for objective outcome measurement.

  3. 03Session

    PRP kit, volume, zones injected

    The kit used, blood volume drawn, PRP volume and the exact scalp zones and depth of injection.

  4. 04Impression

    Expected response and next step

    Read this first: expected trajectory, next session date, when maintenance kicks in and when a hair transplant becomes worth considering.

Recognised by major UK insurers

BupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealix

Hair PRP is not routinely covered by UK insurance - treated as cosmetic. We are transparent about self-pay costs from day one.

Frequently asked

Everything we get asked about PRP for hair loss.

Quick answers on cost, safety, recovery and how we compare with the NHS pathway.

  • Does PRP actually regrow hair?

    For androgenetic alopecia, meta-analyses show a real but modest increase in hair count and density - best when combined with minoxidil and (in men) oral finasteride. Expect thickening of existing hair and slowing of loss more than dramatic regrowth of long-bald areas.

  • How many sessions will I need?

    An induction of 3–4 monthly sessions, then maintenance every 3–6 months where the response justifies it. If there is no measurable change by 6 months, we stop.

  • Does it hurt?

    Mild-to-moderate stinging for the injection minutes despite topical anaesthetic. Most people rate it 3–4 out of 10. Scalp aches for 24–48 hours after.

  • How much does hair PRP cost in the UK?

    A single session is typically £350–£900. A 3-session induction runs £950–£2,400 and a 4-session induction £1,300–£3,000. Maintenance is £300–£800 every 3–6 months.

  • Is it available on the NHS?

    No - hair PRP is classified as cosmetic on the NHS and is not routinely available. Almost all UK PRP for hair is private.

  • Should I still take minoxidil and finasteride?

    Almost always yes. PRP works best on top of medical therapy - minoxidil for everyone who can tolerate it, and finasteride for men (with a careful conversation about side effects). Stopping medication when starting PRP tends to give a smaller, shorter result.

  • Is PRP a substitute for a hair transplant?

    No. PRP thickens what is there and slows loss. A transplant relocates permanent follicles to bald areas. They complement each other - many patients use PRP before and after a transplant to protect native hair and support grafts.

  • When will I see results?

    Expect a brief shedding phase at 2–4 weeks, stabilisation at 6–8 weeks and visible thickening at 3–6 months. Standardised photographs at each visit make the change measurable rather than subjective.

Related treatments

Looking for something else?