PRP hair treatment costs $500 to $2,000 per session in the US in 2026, with the initial treatment course (3-4 sessions) totaling $1,500 to $8,000. Unlike a one-time hair transplant, PRP requires ongoing maintenance sessions every 3-6 months, making the long-term cost an essential part of the decision.
This guide breaks down every cost factor: per-session pricing by city, provider, and PRP system, plus first-year and multi-year cost projections to help you budget accurately.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or medical advice.
Per-Session Cost Breakdown
Cost by Geographic Location
PRP pricing follows the same geographic patterns as most medical cosmetic procedures. Higher cost-of-living areas charge more due to rent, staff salaries, and market demand.
| City/Region | Per-Session Cost | Loading Phase (3-4 sessions) |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | $1,200-$2,000 | $3,600-$8,000 |
| Los Angeles | $1,200-$2,000 | $3,600-$8,000 |
| San Francisco | $1,200-$1,800 | $3,600-$7,200 |
| Miami | $1,000-$1,800 | $3,000-$7,200 |
| Chicago | $900-$1,500 | $2,700-$6,000 |
| Dallas | $700-$1,200 | $2,100-$4,800 |
| Atlanta | $700-$1,200 | $2,100-$4,800 |
| Phoenix | $600-$1,000 | $1,800-$4,000 |
| Denver | $700-$1,200 | $2,100-$4,800 |
| Smaller US cities | $500-$900 | $1,500-$3,600 |
Patients in major metro areas can save 30-50% by traveling to nearby mid-tier cities for their PRP sessions. Since each session takes only 30-60 minutes, a day trip is feasible for many patients.
Cost by Provider Type
The type of practitioner performing PRP significantly affects pricing. All can perform the procedure legally, but experience, training, and overhead vary widely.
| Provider Type | Per-Session Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair restoration surgeon | $1,200-$2,000 | Deep hair loss expertise, can advise on surgical options | Highest cost |
| Dermatologist | $1,000-$1,800 | Medical skin expertise, can diagnose underlying conditions | High cost |
| Plastic surgeon | $1,000-$1,800 | Experienced with aesthetic procedures | May not specialize in hair |
| Med spa (physician-supervised) | $500-$1,000 | Lower cost, convenient locations | Variable quality, may use basic PRP systems |
| General practitioner | $500-$900 | Lower cost | Least hair-specific experience |
For PRP specifically, the provider's experience with the PRP preparation system matters as much as their medical degree. A med spa that processes 20 PRP cases per week on a high-quality system may deliver better platelet concentrations than a dermatologist who does 2 cases per month.
Cost by PRP Preparation System
Not all PRP is created equal. Different systems produce different platelet concentrations, and higher concentrations are associated with better clinical outcomes.
| PRP System | Platelet Concentration | Per-Session Cost Premium | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic manual centrifuge | 1.5-2x baseline | $500-$800 | Lowest cost, lowest concentration |
| Regen Lab (RegenACR) | 1.5-3x baseline | $700-$1,200 | Widely available, moderate quality |
| Eclipse PRP | 3-5x baseline | $800-$1,400 | Good balance of cost and concentration |
| EmCyte Pure PRP | 5-8x baseline | $1,000-$1,800 | Highest concentration, premium pricing |
| Harvest SmartPrep | 3-7x baseline | $900-$1,500 | Flexible concentration options |
Ask your provider which system they use and what platelet concentration they typically achieve. A session that costs $1,200 with a 5x concentration system may deliver better results per dollar than a $600 session with a 1.5x system.
First-Year Cost Projections
Standard Protocol Costs
The first year of PRP therapy is the most expensive because it includes both the loading phase (3-4 sessions over 3-4 months) and the beginning of maintenance.
| Cost Scenario | Loading Phase | Maintenance (remaining year) | Year 1 Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (small city, med spa) | $1,500-$2,700 (3 sessions at $500-$900) | $1,000-$1,800 (2 sessions) | $2,500-$4,500 |
| Mid-range (mid-tier city, dermatologist) | $2,700-$4,800 (3 sessions at $900-$1,200) | $1,800-$3,600 (2-3 sessions) | $4,500-$8,400 |
| Premium (major metro, hair surgeon) | $4,800-$8,000 (4 sessions at $1,200-$2,000) | $3,600-$6,000 (3 sessions) | $8,400-$14,000 |
Adding Enhanced PRP or Combination Treatments
Some clinics offer enhanced PRP formulations with additives that increase cost per session:
| Add-On | Additional Cost Per Session | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| ACell (extracellular matrix) | $200-$500 | May improve follicle regeneration |
| Exosomes | $300-$800 | Growth factor supplementation |
| Biotin injection | $50-$100 | Nutritional support |
| Microneedling (pre-PRP) | $100-$300 | Improves PRP absorption |
| LED light therapy (post-PRP) | $50-$150 | Anti-inflammatory support |
These add-ons can increase per-session costs by $200 to $800. Clinical evidence for most add-ons is still emerging, so evaluate whether the premium is justified based on your provider's experience and published data.
Multi-Year Cost Analysis
5-Year Cost Projection
PRP is an ongoing treatment. Unlike a hair transplant that is a one-time surgical expense, PRP requires continuous investment to maintain results.
| Year | Sessions | Cost Range (Average Market) | Cumulative Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6-7 (loading + maintenance) | $4,500-$8,400 | $4,500-$8,400 |
| Year 2 | 3-4 (maintenance) | $1,500-$4,800 | $6,000-$13,200 |
| Year 3 | 3-4 (maintenance) | $1,500-$4,800 | $7,500-$18,000 |
| Year 4 | 2-3 (maintenance) | $1,000-$3,600 | $8,500-$21,600 |
| Year 5 | 2-3 (maintenance) | $1,000-$3,600 | $9,500-$25,200 |
At average mid-range pricing, most patients spend $10,000 to $15,000 over 5 years on PRP therapy.
PRP vs Hair Transplant: Long-Term Cost Comparison
The cost comparison between PRP and surgical options depends entirely on your time horizon and treatment goals.
| Factor | PRP (5-year) | FUE Transplant | FUT Transplant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $2,500-$8,000 | $8,000-$30,000 | $6,000-$20,000 |
| 5-year total cost | $9,500-$25,200 | $8,000-$30,000 | $6,000-$20,000 |
| 10-year total cost | $15,000-$45,000 | $8,000-$30,000 | $6,000-$20,000 |
| Grows new hair | No (stimulates existing) | Yes (permanent) | Yes (permanent) |
| Downtime | None | 7-14 days | 10-21 days |
| Results duration | Requires maintenance | Permanent | Permanent |
For patients at Norwood 2-3 who want to preserve existing hair without surgery, PRP is cost-effective in the short term. For patients at Norwood 4+ who need significant restoration, a hair transplant delivers better long-term value despite the higher upfront cost.
How to Reduce PRP Costs
Package Discounts
Most clinics offer package pricing that reduces the per-session cost:
| Offer Type | Typical Discount | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 3-session package | 10-15% off | $2,550 instead of $3,000 |
| 4-session package | 15-20% off | $3,200 instead of $4,000 |
| Annual maintenance plan | 10-20% off | $3,600 instead of $4,000 (4 sessions) |
| Prepaid bundles | Up to 25% off | Varies by clinic |
Always ask about package pricing before booking individual sessions. Most clinics do not advertise their best rates upfront.
Financing Options
PRP is rarely covered by insurance since it is classified as cosmetic for androgenetic alopecia. However, several financing options make the cost manageable:
| Financing Option | Interest Rate | Terms |
|---|---|---|
| CareCredit | 0% for 6-24 months (promotional) | Monthly payments, credit check required |
| Prosper Healthcare Lending | 6-15% APR | 24-84 month terms |
| Clinic in-house financing | 0-10% | Varies, often 3-12 months |
| HSA/FSA | N/A (pre-tax dollars) | Rarely applicable for cosmetic PRP |
CareCredit's 0% promotional period is the most cost-effective financing option if you can pay off the balance within the promotional window. After the promotional period, interest rates jump to 26-29% APR.
Geographic Arbitrage
If you live in a high-cost metro area, consider traveling to a mid-tier city for PRP sessions. Since each session takes under an hour, a day trip can save $300-$1,000 per session.
| Scenario | Per-Session Cost | Travel Cost | Net Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYC resident, treat in NYC | $1,500 | $0 | Baseline |
| NYC resident, treat in Philadelphia | $900 | $80 (train) | $520 per session |
| LA resident, treat in LA | $1,400 | $0 | Baseline |
| LA resident, treat in Phoenix | $700 | $150 (flight) | $550 per session |
Over 6 sessions in year 1, geographic arbitrage can save $2,000 to $4,000.
What PRP Pricing Should Include
Standard Inclusions
Your per-session PRP price should cover:
- Blood draw and processing
- PRP preparation using the advertised system
- All scalp injections
- Topical numbing cream
- Post-procedure instructions and follow-up questions
Red Flags in Pricing
Be cautious of clinics that:
- Quote a base price but charge separately for numbing, blood draw, or follow-up
- Advertise very low prices ($200-$400) that likely indicate a basic centrifuge with low platelet concentration
- Require you to purchase a "proprietary supplement protocol" alongside PRP
- Refuse to disclose which PRP preparation system they use
Get Your Cost Estimate
Your total PRP investment depends on your hair loss stage, treatment goals, and geographic market. Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze to get an AI assessment of your Norwood stage and a personalized cost estimate based on your location and treatment needs.
FAQ
How much does PRP for hair loss cost per session?
PRP costs $500 to $2,000 per session in the US in 2026. The average session costs approximately $1,000. Pricing varies by geographic location, provider credentials, and PRP preparation system. Major metro areas like New York and Los Angeles charge $1,200-$2,000, while smaller markets and med spas charge $500-$900.
Does insurance cover PRP for hair loss?
Health insurance does not cover PRP for hair loss in the vast majority of cases. PRP for androgenetic alopecia is classified as a cosmetic procedure by most insurers. Some clinics offer financing through CareCredit, Prosper Healthcare Lending, or in-house payment plans that break costs into monthly installments of $100-$300.
How much does PRP cost over 5 years?
The 5-year cost of PRP hair therapy ranges from $5,500 to $24,000 depending on session pricing and maintenance frequency. Year 1 costs $2,500-$16,000 (loading phase plus maintenance), and years 2-5 cost $1,000-$8,000 annually for maintenance sessions. At average pricing, expect to spend $10,000-$15,000 over five years.