Platelet rich plasma for the management of hair loss: Better alone or in combination?

Eduardo Anitua PhD, MD, DDS, Ander Pino MSc, Pedro Jaén PhD, MD, Mª Rogelia Navarro MD

First published: 14 June 2018 https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12683

Summary

Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) and autologous protein‐based treatments have recently emerged as a potential therapeutic approach for hair loss‐related disorders including androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. The safety and efficacy of repeated intradermal injections of PRP has proved to promote hair growth in a number of randomized clinical trials. Biologically active proteins and cytokines released upon platelet activation have shown to induce folliculogenesis and activate the anagen growing phase of dormant bulbs. Interestingly, further studies have revealed that combining PRP with other hair loss‐related products may enhance the final performance of the treatment. These synergistic approaches include Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs such as finasteride or minoxidil, bioactive macromolecules and cell‐based therapies. Here, recent research involving alone or combined therapy with platelet‐rich plasma for the management of hair loss‐related disorders are outlined and future prospects are discussed.