PRP for men — plasma for hair loss (AGA) and tired-looking skin

What PRP is, and why it works on hair

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. We draw a small amount of your own blood — a few millilitres — and the lab spins it down to separate the platelets from the rest. The resulting concentrate, rich in growth factors, goes exactly where it's needed: into the scalp, over the weakened follicles. Because the material comes from you, allergic reactions are ruled out.

Growth factors in the platelets — including PDGF, VEGF and IGF-1 — stimulate dormant follicles into activity, improve blood supply to the scalp and extend the hair's growth phase (anagen). The effect isn't immediate. This isn't a "trick" — it's a series of biochemical signals that the follicle needs to receive and respond to. That's why PRP works as a series, not as a single session.

AGA — how to recognise it

Male pattern baldness follows a characteristic pattern, classified by dermatologists using the Hamilton-Norwood scale. For most men, it starts with a receding hairline at the temples or thinning at the crown — or both at once. Follicles don't die suddenly. Under the influence of DHT, they gradually miniaturise: the hair grows thinner, shorter, lighter, until it eventually stops growing altogether.

• Early stage (Norwood I–III): the hairline is slightly receded, the crown is full or only lightly thinned — the best moment for PRP. The follicles are still active and respond to stimulation.
• Mid stage (Norwood IV–V): a clear bald patch at the crown, connecting with the receded hairline — PRP can still slow progression and stabilise what remains.
• Advanced stage (Norwood VI–VII): extensive baldness, no active follicles — PRP won't rebuild follicles that are already gone. This is where a transplant comes into play.

What a PRP series for the scalp actually involves — no sugar-coating

There's no point pretending: injections into the scalp aren't pleasant. The scalp is well innervated — you'll feel the blood draw, then a series of precise injections across the area of hair loss. The discomfort is tolerable, but it would be dishonest to say you won't feel anything.

The standard protocol is a series of three to four sessions a few weeks apart, followed by a maintenance session roughly once a year. After each session, the scalp may feel slightly sensitive for a day or two. Zero downtime — you return to work the same day. There are no special restrictions, other than skipping the gym and sauna for the first 24 hours.

Results start to show after the second or third session: fewer hairs on the pillow and brush, a sense of "density" at the roots. You'll see the full picture — thicker hair, stabilised shedding — after completing the series, a few months from the start. PRP doesn't work overnight. It works on biology, and biology has its own rhythm.

PRP for the face — a second life for tired skin

The same mechanism that works on the scalp also works on the face and neck — and more and more men choose to combine both treatments in a single visit. Tired-looking facial skin is a common issue for men: greyish complexion, loss of elasticity after age 35, enlarged pores, uneven texture. The growth factors in PRP stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen — skin becomes denser, better hydrated, visibly more "alive".

For men who don't want fillers or Botox, PRP is often the first choice — because it improves skin quality without changing your features. The effect is subtle but noticeable: less greyness, a more even tone, better bounce. No one asks "what did you do" — you simply look better rested.

PRP alone or combined with other methods

PRP works best as part of a comprehensive approach to AGA, not as a standalone tactic. If hair loss is fast and severe, your doctor may recommend combining it with pharmacological therapy (such as minoxidil or finasteride) or with scalp mesotherapy. There's no single formula — a good protocol takes into account your Norwood stage, the rate of progression and your lifestyle.