Proper preparation for PRP hair treatment starts 7 days before your appointment and directly affects how well the concentrated platelets perform once injected. Patients who follow pre-treatment protocols report better outcomes and fewer side effects than those who walk in unprepared.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
How PRP Treatment Works
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy for hair loss is a three-step process performed in a clinic setting with no surgery and no downtime. The entire session takes 45 to 90 minutes.
| Step | What Happens | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Blood draw | A small sample (20-60ml) is drawn from your arm | 5-10 minutes |
| Centrifuge processing | Blood is spun to separate and concentrate platelets | 10-15 minutes |
| Scalp injection | Concentrated plasma is injected into thinning areas | 15-30 minutes |
The concentrated platelet solution contains growth factors (PDGF, VEGF, TGF-beta) that stimulate dormant hair follicles and increase blood supply to the scalp. A standard treatment protocol involves 3 to 4 initial sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions every 3 to 6 months.
One Week Before Your Session
Starting 7 days before your PRP appointment, make the following adjustments.
Medications to Stop
Certain medications reduce platelet function and can diminish the effectiveness of PRP therapy. Discuss any changes with your prescribing doctor before stopping medications.
| Medication Type | When to Stop | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| NSAIDs | 5-7 days before | Ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen |
| Blood thinners | 5-7 days before (doctor approval required) | Warfarin, heparin |
| Corticosteroids | 2-3 weeks before (if possible) | Prednisone, cortisone |
| Herbal supplements | 7 days before | Fish oil, vitamin E (high dose), ginkgo biloba |
Do not stop prescription blood thinners without your doctor's explicit approval. Some patients on long-term anticoagulants may not be suitable candidates for PRP.
Supplements to Continue
- Biotin and standard multivitamins are fine to continue
- Iron supplements are fine and may actually help if you tend to have lower iron levels
- Zinc and vitamin D do not interfere with PRP
48 Hours Before Treatment
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol thins the blood and reduces platelet quality. Avoid all alcoholic beverages for at least 48 hours before your session. Even moderate alcohol consumption can decrease platelet aggregation and lower the concentration of growth factors in your PRP preparation.
Stay Hydrated
Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water in the two days leading up to treatment. Proper hydration makes your blood draw easier and faster, reducing the chance of bruising at the draw site. It also improves the quality of the plasma separation during centrifuge processing.
Avoid Intense Exercise
Skip heavy workouts in the 24 hours before your appointment. Intense exercise can temporarily alter platelet counts and blood composition. Light activity such as walking is fine.
Day of Treatment
What to Eat
Eat a balanced meal 2 to 3 hours before your appointment. A combination of protein and complex carbohydrates helps maintain stable blood sugar during the blood draw. Patients who arrive on an empty stomach are more likely to feel lightheaded or dizzy during the procedure.
Good pre-appointment meals include:
- Eggs with whole grain toast and fruit
- Chicken or fish with rice and vegetables
- Oatmeal with nuts and banana
What to Wear
Wear a button-down shirt or loose-fitting top. The blood draw is taken from your arm, so you need easy access to the crook of your elbow. Avoid anything you need to pull over your head, as your scalp will be sensitive after treatment.
Hair and Scalp
- Wash your hair the night before, not the morning of
- Do not apply any styling products, gels, or sprays
- Arrive with a clean, product-free scalp
- No hats or tight headwear that compresses the scalp
During the Procedure
What to Expect
The blood draw feels like a standard lab blood test. Once the blood is processed in the centrifuge, your provider will apply a topical numbing cream to your scalp for 20 to 30 minutes before injections begin.
The injections are administered using a fine needle at multiple points across the thinning areas. Most patients describe the sensation as a series of small pinches. The treatment targets areas where follicles are miniaturizing but not yet dead, which is why PRP works best for patients at Norwood stages 2 through 4.
Pain Management Options
| Method | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Topical numbing cream | Applied 20-30 minutes before, reduces surface sensation |
| Local nerve block | Injected anesthetic that numbs larger scalp regions |
| Ice application | Applied between injection passes to reduce discomfort |
| Vibration device | Placed near injection site to distract nerve signals |
Most patients tolerate PRP with topical numbing alone. Ask your provider about nerve blocks if you have a low pain threshold.
After Treatment: First 48 Hours
Immediate Aftercare
- Do not wash your hair for at least 24 hours
- Avoid touching, scratching, or rubbing the treated area
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated the first night
- Apply ice packs (wrapped in cloth) if swelling is uncomfortable
- Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain; avoid ibuprofen and aspirin
Activity Restrictions
| Activity | When to Resume |
|---|---|
| Showering (body) | Same day |
| Hair washing (gentle) | After 24 hours |
| Return to work | Same day or next day |
| Light exercise | After 48 hours |
| Intense exercise/swimming | After 72 hours |
| Hair coloring or chemical treatments | After 1 week |
| Sauna, steam room, hot tub | After 1 week |
Mild redness at the injection sites is normal and typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours. Some patients notice small bumps at the injection points that flatten within a day.
Setting Realistic Expectations
PRP therapy produces an average hair density increase of 30 to 40% over the full treatment course of 3 to 4 sessions. Results are not immediate. Most patients begin noticing reduced shedding within 4 to 6 weeks, with visible density improvement at 3 to 6 months.
Each session costs between $500 and $2,000 depending on your location and provider. Read the full PRP cost guide for a detailed pricing breakdown by region.
PRP works best as an early intervention. Patients with extensive baldness (Norwood 5 and above) typically see limited benefit from PRP alone, as most follicles in those areas have fully miniaturized.
Get Your Personalized Treatment Plan
Not sure whether PRP is the right treatment for your hair loss pattern? Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze to receive an AI assessment of your current Norwood stage and a personalized recommendation on whether PRP, medication, transplant, or a combination approach fits your situation.