After PRP Treatment: Care Instructions

After PRP treatment, your primary job is to let the concentrated growth factors do their work by keeping the scalp clean, avoiding activities that increase blood pressure, and following your provider's medication guidelines for the first 48 hours. PRP recovery is straightforward compared to surgical procedures, but following a few key steps will help you get the most out of each session.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your treating physician.

Immediate Post-Treatment Care (First 24 Hours)

The first day after PRP is the most important window for aftercare. The injected platelet-rich plasma needs time to settle into the scalp tissue and begin releasing growth factors. Disrupting this process through heat, pressure, or chemical exposure can reduce the treatment's effectiveness.

What to Do Right After Your Session

• Go home and rest: You do not need bed rest, but keep your activity level low for the remainder of the day
• Leave your scalp alone: Do not touch, scratch, or rub the treated areas. Mild itching at injection sites is normal and will pass
• Stay upright: Keep your head elevated and avoid lying flat for the first 3 to 4 hours after treatment. This minimizes swelling
• Apply ice if needed: If you experience swelling, a cold compress wrapped in a cloth can be applied near (not directly on) the treated area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time
• Avoid hats and helmets: Tight headwear puts pressure on injection sites. If you need to cover your head, use a loose-fitting cap

What to Avoid on Day One

Medications After PRP Treatment

Medication management around PRP requires attention because certain common drugs can interfere with platelet function, potentially reducing the effectiveness of your treatment.

Medications to Avoid

Your provider will likely advise you to avoid the following medications for a specified window before and after PRP:

• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin): These anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit platelet aggregation, which is the opposite of what PRP treatment aims to achieve. Most providers recommend stopping NSAIDs 3 to 7 days before treatment and avoiding them for at least 48 hours afterward
• Blood thinners: If you take prescription anticoagulants, discuss this with both your PRP provider and your prescribing physician. Adjusting these medications requires medical supervision
• Corticosteroids: Oral steroids can suppress the inflammatory response that PRP relies on to stimulate tissue repair. Topical steroids applied to the scalp should also be paused around treatment

Safe Pain Relief Options

For post-treatment soreness, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally the recommended choice. It manages pain without affecting platelet function. Typical dosing is 500 to 1000 mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed. Do not exceed 3000 mg in a 24-hour period, and follow the directions on the product label.

If your soreness is significant enough that acetaminophen does not provide relief, contact your provider. Persistent or worsening pain beyond 48 hours is uncommon and may warrant evaluation.

Continuing Your Hair Loss Medications

If you are currently taking finasteride, dutasteride, or using topical minoxidil for hair loss, ask your provider about when to resume these after PRP. Many providers allow patients to continue these medications without interruption, as they work through different mechanisms than PRP. However, some prefer a brief pause around treatment day, particularly with topical minoxidil, to avoid irritation at injection sites.

Days 2 Through 7: Recovery Phase

By the second day, most patients feel essentially normal. The scalp tenderness that follows PRP typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours, and any redness at injection sites fades within 1 to 2 days.

Hair Washing Guidelines

You can wash your hair the day after PRP treatment. For the first few washes:

• Use lukewarm water, not hot
• Choose a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo
• Pat the scalp gently rather than scrubbing vigorously
• Avoid medicated shampoos (ketoconazole, salicylic acid) for the first 48 hours
• Let your hair air-dry rather than using a blow dryer on high heat

By day 3 or 4, you can return to your normal hair washing routine including any medicated shampoos you typically use.

Scalp Symptoms That Are Normal

During the first week after PRP, you may notice:

• Mild flaking or dryness: The injection sites may produce small flakes as they heal. This is superficial and resolves on its own
• Brief tingling or tightness: Some patients feel a mild tightness across the treated area for a few days as the tissue responds to the growth factors
• Temporary increased shedding: A small number of patients notice slightly more hairs in the shower drain during the first 1 to 2 weeks. This is not cause for concern and does not indicate the treatment is failing

When to Contact Your Provider

While complications from PRP are rare, contact your clinic if you experience:

• Persistent pain that worsens after 48 hours
• Significant swelling that does not improve within 2 to 3 days
• Signs of infection such as warmth, pus, or spreading redness at any injection site
• Fever following treatment

Weeks 2 Through 12: Building Toward Results

PRP is not an overnight solution. The growth factors released by the platelets work gradually, stimulating follicle activity over weeks and months. Visible results typically appear after 3 to 4 sessions, with most patients noticing meaningful changes between 3 and 6 months into their treatment protocol.

Supporting Your Results Between Sessions

You can support your PRP investment between sessions by:

• Maintaining good nutrition: Adequate protein, iron, vitamin D, zinc, and biotin support the biological processes that PRP initiates. If your provider identified any nutritional deficiencies in pre-treatment bloodwork, address them consistently
• Managing stress: Chronic stress triggers telogen effluvium, a form of diffuse shedding that can counteract PRP benefits. Consistent sleep, exercise, and stress management all contribute to a healthier hair growth environment
• Protecting your scalp from sun: UV exposure damages scalp skin and can impair the healing response. Use a hat or SPF product on exposed scalp areas
• Avoiding smoking: Smoking constricts blood vessels and reduces oxygen delivery to the scalp, directly working against the vascular improvements PRP provides

Tracking Your Progress

Take consistent photos under the same lighting conditions before each PRP session. Hair changes happen gradually, and without documentation, it can be difficult to appreciate progress. Many clinics photograph patients at each visit, but keeping your own records helps you evaluate results on your own terms.

Understanding where you fall on the Norwood scale helps frame realistic expectations for PRP outcomes. Patients at earlier stages of hair loss (Norwood 2 to 3) tend to see the most noticeable improvements from PRP, while those at advanced stages may see stabilization rather than significant regrowth.

Budgeting for Ongoing Care

PRP is a maintenance treatment. After the initial loading phase of 3 to 4 sessions, most patients transition to maintenance sessions every 3 to 6 months. Each session costs between $500 and $2,000. For a complete cost breakdown and tips on getting the best value, see our PRP cost guide.

Get Your Personalized Assessment

Not sure where to start with PRP or how it fits into your overall treatment plan? Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze to get an AI-powered assessment of your hair loss stage, treatment options, and a personalized recommendation based on your specific pattern and goals.