Most patients return to work the same day or the next morning after PRP hair treatment. PRP requires minimal downtime, involves no surgical incisions or bandages, and leaves no visible signs that coworkers would notice. The entire appointment takes 30 to 60 minutes, making it easy to fit into a workday schedule.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
What PRP Recovery Actually Looks Like
PRP is one of the least disruptive hair loss treatments available. Unlike a hair transplant that requires 7 to 14 days of visible recovery, PRP recovery is almost entirely invisible to others. Understanding what happens to your scalp after treatment helps you plan your return to work with confidence.
After PRP injections, you can expect:
- Scalp tenderness: A mild soreness at the injection sites that lasts 24 to 48 hours. It feels similar to a light bruise and is only noticeable when you touch or press the treated area
- Redness: Small red dots at each injection site that fade within 1 to 2 days. These are hidden beneath your existing hair and not visible in normal social interactions
- Minimal swelling: Slight puffiness in the treated area that resolves within hours to a day. Forehead swelling is uncommon with PRP (unlike hair transplant surgery) since the injections are delivered directly into the scalp tissue
There are no bandages, no shaved patches, no sutures, and no scabbing. Your hair looks the same after PRP as it did before you walked into the clinic.
Visibility Concerns by Hair Length
| Hair Length | Visibility of Treatment Signs |
|---|---|
| Buzzed or very short (less than 1/4 inch) | Small red dots at injection sites may be faintly visible for 1-2 days |
| Short to medium | Injection sites completely hidden by hair |
| Long hair | No visible signs whatsoever |
If you wear your hair very short or have a shaved head, the injection site redness may be slightly more apparent. In this case, wearing a loose-fitting cap for a day is enough to conceal any evidence of treatment.
Return-to-Work Timeline by Job Type
Your job type determines how quickly you can comfortably return to full duties after PRP.
Desk and Office Work
You can return to desk work the same day as your PRP session. Many patients schedule their appointment during a lunch break or late afternoon and go right back to their desk. Sitting at a computer, attending meetings, talking on the phone, and other standard office activities do not affect your recovery or treatment results.
The only adjustment to consider is avoiding headphones or headsets that press tightly against the treated areas of your scalp for the first 24 hours, as this can be uncomfortable on tender injection sites.
Customer-Facing Roles
Retail workers, salespeople, and others in client-facing positions can return to work immediately. PRP leaves no visible signs that a customer or client would notice. If your role involves wearing a hard hat or protective headgear, switch to a soft alternative for the first 24 hours if possible.
Physical Labor and Outdoor Work
For jobs involving heavy lifting, intense physical exertion, or prolonged outdoor exposure, plan to take the rest of the treatment day off. Strenuous activity on the day of PRP increases blood pressure and can aggravate swelling and tenderness. You can return to physical work the next day for moderate tasks. Wait 48 hours before resuming very demanding labor, hot environment work, or activities that involve sustained bending with your head below your heart.
Healthcare and Clean Environments
If you work in a sterile or clinical environment where you wear surgical caps or hair covers, PRP will not interfere with your duties. You can wear a surgical cap the next day without issue. Just avoid anything that creates significant pressure or friction on the scalp for the first 12 to 24 hours.
Scheduling PRP Around Your Work Week
Since PRP has minimal downtime, most patients do not need to take time off. However, strategic scheduling can make the experience even smoother.
Best Times to Schedule
- Friday afternoon: Gives you the weekend for any tenderness to fully resolve before Monday
- End of workday: Return home and rest for the evening, be fully ready for the next workday
- Before a rest day: If you have a non-traditional work schedule, plan your session before your days off
Planning for Multiple Sessions
Results from PRP become visible after 3 to 4 sessions, typically over 3 to 6 months. Sessions are usually spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart during the initial loading phase, followed by maintenance sessions every 3 to 6 months. Since each session has the same minimal downtime, you can establish a predictable scheduling pattern that works with your job.
Each session costs between $500 and $2,000. See our PRP cost guide for detailed pricing and tips on managing the investment over time.
Understanding your current Norwood stage helps you and your provider determine the right number of sessions and the areas to prioritize during treatment.
Get Your Personalized Assessment
Curious whether PRP fits your schedule and hair loss treatment plan? Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze to get an AI-powered evaluation of your current hair loss stage and personalized treatment recommendations that factor in your goals and lifestyle.