PRP Hair Treatment in Richmond: Does It Really Work?

By Mr Xavier Chalhoub · Xavier On The Hill, Richmond

Hair loss affects approximately one in four men and one in six women in the UK. For many, it's more than a cosmetic concern — it impacts confidence and wellbeing. That's why you'll increasingly see PRP (platelet rich plasma) advertised as a solution for hair restoration. But the question everyone asks is: does it actually work?

At Xavier On The Hill, we believe in honest conversations about what treatments can and can't do. PRP for hair loss is a real treatment, backed by emerging science, but it's not a miracle cure. In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly how PRP works, what the evidence shows, and whether it might be right for your situation.

What is PRP Hair Treatment?

PRP stands for platelet rich plasma — a concentration of your own blood platelets and growth factors. Here's how it works in practice:

We draw a small amount of your blood, similar to a routine blood test. This blood is then placed in a centrifuge, which spins it at high speed to separate the platelets and growth factors from the rest of the blood cells. What results is a golden-coloured liquid rich in platelets — up to five to ten times more concentrated than normal blood.

This PRP is then carefully injected into the areas of your scalp where you're experiencing hair thinning or loss. The growth factors and other biologically active compounds in the PRP are thought to stimulate dormant hair follicles, improve blood flow to the scalp, and reduce inflammation — all of which may slow or reverse hair loss.

The entire process — from blood draw to treatment — takes around 45 to 60 minutes and is performed under local anaesthetic, so discomfort is minimal.

The Science Behind PRP for Hair Loss

How can plasma drawn from your own blood potentially help regrow hair? The mechanism centres on growth factors.

Platelets are rich in growth factors — particularly platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). When concentrated and injected into the scalp, these factors may:

• Stimulate dormant hair follicles, pushing them from a resting phase into an active growth phase
• Improve blood flow to hair follicles, delivering more nutrients and oxygen
• Reduce inflammatory markers in the scalp, which can contribute to hair loss
• Strengthen the dermal papilla — the structure within the follicle responsible for hair growth

The evidence for PRP in hair loss is encouraging but still evolving. Multiple peer-reviewed studies show improved hair count, hair thickness, and reduced hair shedding in patients treated with PRP — typically within 3 to 6 months. However, the quality of evidence varies, and larger, longer-term studies would strengthen the case further.

One key point: PRP works best on follicles that still exist but are dormant or miniaturised (shrunk). It cannot regrow hair where follicles have been completely destroyed, which is why the stage of your hair loss matters significantly.

Who Is a Good Candidate for PRP Hair Treatment?

Early to moderate hair thinning. PRP works best when you still have functioning hair follicles, even if they've reduced in size. If you're noticing increased shedding, a receding hairline in its early stages, or crown thinning, you're likely a good candidate.

Pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). Whether male or female pattern baldness, PRP can help slow progression and improve the thickness of existing hair. Many patients combine PRP with other treatments like minoxidil or finasteride for better results.

Both men and women. Hair loss doesn't discriminate, and neither does PRP. We treat both male and female patients, and results can be equally good in both groups.

Those seeking an alternative to medication. Some patients prefer a biological approach over long-term oral or topical medications. PRP offers that option, though the two approaches can work well together.

Who May Not Benefit from PRP

Complete baldness or extensive hair loss. If you have no hair follicles remaining in the affected area, PRP cannot create new ones. Advanced male or female pattern baldness with entirely smooth scalp skin is not suitable for PRP treatment.

Scarring alopecia. Conditions like lichen planopilaris or discoid lupus cause permanent destruction of follicles through scarring. In these cases, PRP is unlikely to help because the follicles themselves are gone.

Recent or active hair loss. If your hair loss is ongoing and rapid due to an acute condition (such as telogen effluvium from stress or illness), it's worth investigating the underlying cause first. Once the cause is addressed, PRP can help with regrowth.

What to Expect During Your PRP Hair Treatment

The appointment is straightforward and happens in one session.

Step 1: Blood Draw (5 minutes). We take a small blood sample — roughly 10 to 15ml, similar to a standard blood test.

Step 2: Centrifugation (10–15 minutes). Your blood spins in a medical-grade centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets. You can relax during this time.

Step 3: Local Anaesthetic (5 minutes). We apply a numbing solution to your scalp so you're comfortable during injection.

Step 4: PRP Injection (15–20 minutes). Using a fine needle, we carefully inject the PRP throughout the treatment area. Most patients describe it as feeling slight pressure rather than pain.

Step 5: Aftercare (immediate). There's no downtime. You can return to normal activities immediately. We recommend avoiding vigorous exercise and very hot showers for 48 hours to allow the PRP to settle.

PRP Hair Treatment Results: What's the Timeline?

Weeks 1–4: You may notice very little change initially. This is normal — the growth factors are working at a cellular level, stimulating dormant follicles to transition into a growth phase.

Weeks 4–8: Some patients report reduced hair shedding. You might notice fewer strands in the shower or when brushing.

Weeks 8–12: New, finer hairs may begin to appear in treated areas. These are new hairs entering the growth phase.

3–6 months: More noticeable improvement. Hair density typically improves, existing hairs become thicker and stronger, and many patients see visible reduction in thinning areas.

6 months onwards: Maximum benefit is usually evident by 6 months, though hair continues improving as follicles strengthen. Some patients see benefits extending to 9–12 months.

It's important to have realistic expectations. PRP typically adds density and thickness to existing hair — it won't recreate a full head of hair if you've experienced significant loss, but it can make a meaningful difference in how full and healthy your remaining hair appears.

How Many Sessions Do You Need?

Initial course: 3 sessions. Most protocols recommend three PRP sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. This gives your follicles multiple stimulations as they progress through growth cycles.

Maintenance: 2–3 times per year. After your initial course, we typically recommend maintenance treatments every 4 to 6 months. This keeps stimulating your follicles and prevents regression. Many patients find that twice-yearly treatments maintain their results effectively.

Individual variation: Some people see results faster and need fewer sessions; others benefit from additional treatments. We monitor your progress and adjust the plan based on your response.

PRP Hair Treatment Pricing at Xavier On The Hill

£300 per session — this includes the consultation, blood draw, centrifugation, local anaesthetic, and full PRP injection treatment. No hidden fees.

For a typical initial course of three sessions, you're looking at an investment of around £900 over 12 to 18 weeks, plus maintenance treatments thereafter.

Combining PRP With Other Hair Loss Treatments

PRP doesn't have to stand alone. In fact, combining it with other proven treatments often yields better results than either alone.

PRP + Minoxidil (Rogaine). Minoxidil extends the growth phase of hair and increases blood flow to follicles. Used alongside PRP, this combination addresses hair loss from multiple angles.

PRP + Finasteride (Propecia). Finasteride blocks the hormone responsible for pattern hair loss in genetically susceptible people. Many patients use both PRP and finasteride, particularly if they have early-stage pattern baldness and want the best chance of stopping progression and regrowing hair.

PRP + Topical treatments. Scalp serums, shampoos, and conditioners designed to support hair health complement PRP well, giving your follicles everything they need to thrive.

We discuss these combinations during your consultation and can advise on what works best for your specific situation.

Is PRP Hair Treatment Right for You?

If you're in the early to moderate stages of hair loss, still have functioning hair follicles, and want to try a treatment based on your body's own healing factors, PRP is worth considering. It's a safe procedure with minimal side effects, no downtime, and growing evidence of effectiveness.

That said, it's not a quick fix, and it's not suitable for everyone. The best way to know whether PRP is right for you is to have a proper assessment from an experienced practitioner who understands both the science and the limitations of the treatment.

Mr Xavier Chalhoub

Plastic Surgery Registrar · GMC Registered · Harley Academy Level 7