Noticing more hair than usual in the shower drain, on your pillow, or in your brush is unsettling. For many people, thinning hair can quickly become an experience that affects confidence.
If you’ve been researching your options, you’ve likely come across PRP; platelet rich plasma therapy. It’s one of the most evidence-supported, non-surgical treatments available for both men and women experiencing hair thinning or early hair loss, and it’s a treatment we offer at Healthy Skin Centre at our New Westminster clinic.
What Is PRP and How Does It Work for Hair Loss?
PRP stands for platelet rich plasma. Platelets are naturally occurring components in your blood that carry growth factors, which are proteins that signal the body to repair, regenerate, and renew tissue.
During a PRP hair treatment, a small amount of your own blood is drawn and placed in a centrifuge, where it is spun at high speed to isolate and concentrate the platelets. The resulting plasma, which is rich in these growth factors, is then injected into the areas of the scalp where thinning is most evident.
At the follicle level, those growth factors work to:
- Stimulate dormant or weakened hair follicles back into an active growth phase
- Improve blood supply and nutrient delivery to the follicle
- Increase the thickness and calibre of existing hair strands
- Slow the progression of thinning over time
Because PRP uses your own biology, there is no risk of allergic reaction. It is physician-administered at Healthy Skin Centre, and every treatment plan begins with a thorough assessment of your hair loss pattern and overall health history.
Who Is a Good Candidate for PRP Hair Treatment?
PRP works best when hair follicles are still present but have been weakened or miniaturized, which is why earlier intervention produces better results. It is a well-suited option for:
- Men and women experiencing androgenetic alopecia (pattern of hair loss)
- Those in the early-to-mid stages of thinning, before significant follicle loss has occurred
- Patients who prefer a non-surgical, medication-free approach
- Those looking to complement existing treatments such as minoxidil or finasteride
- Patients who have had a hair transplant and want to support graft survival and density
PRP is less effective when follicles are no longer active or present. A physician assessment is the only way to determine whether PRP is appropriate for your specific type and stage of hair loss.
What to Expect: The Treatment Process, Sessions, and Timeline
The treatment itself is straightforward, and most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable it is.
Treatment begins with the application of a topical numbing cream to the scalp to help ensure comfort during the procedure. A small blood sample is then collected and processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. Once prepared, the platelet rich plasma is carefully injected into areas affected by hair thinning. The appointment typically takes 45 to 60 minutes to complete, and patients can resume their normal activities immediately afterward.
We typically recommend an initial series of 3 to 4 treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. As with all hair restoration treatments, results will develop gradually; this is a biological process, and your follicles need time to respond. Many patients will begin to notice improvements in density and texture around the 3-month mark, with continued improvement over the following 6 to 12 months.
Following the initial treatment series, maintenance sessions are typically recommended every 6 to 12 months. Because hair loss is often an ongoing process, periodic maintenance treatments help support the results achieved and promote long-term improvements in hair density and quality.
Understanding PRP Hair Treatment Cost
In British Columbia, the cost of PRP hair treatment varies and is influenced by several factors. At Healthy Skin Centre, we have consciously priced our PRP hair loss treatment with accessibility in mind. The cost of a single PRP hair treatment is $850, or $2450 for a series of 4 treatments. Schedule a consultation with our clinic to receive a personalized quote following an assessment.
We consider the following when outlining a tailored treatment plan:
- Number of sessions: The initial series is the largest upfront investment. Maintenance sessions are less frequent and spaced further apart.
- Provider expertise: Physician-administered PRP reflects a higher level of clinical assessment, precision, and accountability than treatment delivered by a non-physician.
- Treatment area: More extensive thinning may require more PRP volume per session.
In comparison, hair transplant surgery in Canada typically costs $8,000 to $20,000 or more, and involves a surgical recovery period. Topical minoxidil costs less per month but requires daily use indefinitely. PRP sits in a practical middle ground; it’s more targeted than topicals, significantly less invasive and costly than surgery.
PRP for hair loss is not covered by provincial health insurance in BC.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many PRP sessions are needed for hair loss?
Patients complete 4 sessions in the initial series, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Maintenance treatments every 4 to 12 months are then recommended to preserve results over time.
How long does it take to see results from PRP?
Most patients notice improved hair density and texture around 3 months post-treatment, and results continue to develop over 4 to 12 months. Starting earlier in the hair loss process consistently produces stronger outcomes.
Is PRP for hair loss painful?
A topical numbing cream is applied to the scalp prior to treatment. Most patients describe the injections as mild pressure or brief discomfort. No significant downtime is required, and patients can return to their normal routine the same day.
Does PRP work for both men and women?
Yes. PRP is effective for both men and women experiencing androgenetic alopecia. The treatment approach is the same, though the areas treated will differ based on each patient’s hair loss pattern.
Can PRP be combined with other hair loss treatments?
Yes. PRP pairs well with topical minoxidil, oral medications, and medical-grade scalp care products. It is also commonly used following hair transplant surgery to support graft survival and improve density. Your physician will recommend the combination approach best suited to your goals.
Book a PRP Consultation at Healthy Skin Centre
Hair loss is worth addressing early. Our physicians assess each patient individually . During your consultation, we will look at the type, pattern, and stage of hair loss before making any treatment recommendations.
If you’ve been noticing increased shedding or thinning and want to understand your options, we invite you to book a consultation. The earlier you start the conversation, the more options you have.