.png)
PRP for Androgenetic Alopecia: What It Is and How It Works
Androgenetic alopecia, more commonly known as male or female pattern hair loss, is the most common cause of hair thinning we see at Cheshire MediGlow. It's gradual, it's genetic, and for a lot of people it can feel like there's not much to be done about it beyond accepting it or looking into surgery. PRP offers a middle ground worth understanding before you rule anything out.
What Is Androgenetic Alopecia?
Androgenetic alopecia is a hereditary condition where hair follicles become increasingly sensitive to a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Over time, DHT causes the follicles to shrink, a process known as miniaturisation. Hairs grow back finer and shorter with each cycle, until eventually some follicles stop producing hair altogether.
In men, this typically shows up as a receding hairline and thinning at the crown. In women, it tends to present as diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp, with the parting gradually widening. It can start as early as your twenties, though it becomes more common with age.
Where PRP Fits In
PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma, is a treatment that uses your own blood. A small sample is taken and spun in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets, which are then reintroduced into the scalp via a series of fine injections.
Platelets contain growth factors that play a role in tissue repair and cell signalling. When concentrated and delivered directly to the scalp, the theory, and a growing body of clinical research, suggests they can help support the hair follicle environment, potentially improving blood supply to the follicle and encouraging hairs to spend longer in the active growth phase.
It's worth being clear about what PRP does and doesn't do. It isn't a cure for androgenetic alopecia, and it won't bring back follicles that have stopped producing hair entirely. What it aims to do is support the follicles that are still active, particularly those in the earlier stages of miniaturisation, which is why timing matters.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Because androgenetic alopecia is progressive, the earlier it's addressed, the more follicles there generally are to work with. This is one of the main reasons we encourage clients not to wait until thinning is significant before booking a consultation. A scalp assessment early on gives us a much clearer picture of what's realistic and how a PRP protocol might be tailored to you.
What a Course of Treatment Looks Like
PRP for hair loss isn't a single-session treatment. Most protocols involve an initial course of sessions spaced a few weeks apart, followed by maintenance appointments every few months to sustain results. This is because hair growth happens in cycles, and consistent stimulation over time tends to produce a more meaningful response than a one-off treatment.
At Cheshire MediGlow, we often combine PRP with complementary treatments depending on what's driving someone's hair loss. That might include:
PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin), a related treatment that releases growth factors more gradually
Polynucleotides, to support overall scalp health and repair
DHT blocker treatments, to address the hormonal driver of pattern hair loss directly
Calecim, a stem cell-derived formula sometimes layered into a hair protocol for added support
Combining treatments this way means we're not just targeting the symptoms of androgenetic alopecia, but working on the underlying scalp environment and hormonal factors at the same time.
Is PRP Right for You?
PRP tends to suit people in the earlier to moderate stages of androgenetic alopecia, where follicles are miniaturising but still active. It's a good option for those who want a non-surgical route, or who are looking for something to try before considering a hair transplant. It's not typically effective on areas of the scalp that are completely bald, as there needs to be a follicle present for PRP to support.
Every case is different, which is why we don't recommend starting a protocol without a proper consultation. We'll look at your pattern of thinning, how long it's been progressing, and your medical history before suggesting a plan.
If you've noticed thinning, a receding hairline or a widening parting and want an honest opinion on your options, we'd recommend starting with a consultation at Cheshire MediGlow in Altrincham. We'll assess your scalp, talk through what's realistic, and build a plan around your specific pattern of hair loss.
You can book online or get in touch by phone or WhatsApp on 0161 706 2106.
Individual results vary. A full consultation and scalp assessment is required before any treatment plan is agreed.
Comments