PRP for hair in men — when a receding hairline and crown start losing density

Why men lose hair — and what it has to do with PRP

Male pattern baldness has a specific mechanism. DHT (dihydrotestosterone) binds to receptors in hair follicles and gradually shrinks them. Hair grows thinner and shorter until the growth cycle stops and the follicle switches off. The hairline and crown carry more of these receptors than the sides and back — hence the characteristic pattern of loss.

PRP doesn't block DHT — it's important not to expect the same effect as finasteride. It works differently: it delivers concentrated growth factors to the follicles, improving their blood supply and nourishment, and potentially extending the hair growth phase. Follicles that are still alive and producing thin, weak hair tend to respond better. Follicles that have completely switched off don't. That's why timing matters.

What does the treatment involve? Step by step

It starts with a blood draw from the elbow vein — a standard sample, just like a routine blood test. The tube goes into a centrifuge, which separates the blood into fractions. The result is a clear, yellowish plasma rich in platelets — this is PRP, and it's about to go back into you.

1. 01

   Blood draw

   A standard venous blood draw. It takes a few minutes — identical to a routine blood count.

2. 02

   Centrifugation

   The blood goes into a centrifuge, which separates it into fractions. This takes around ten to fifteen minutes and happens right there in the salon.

3. 03

   Scalp preparation

   Your scalp is cleansed. The specialist may apply local anaesthesia or a numbing cream — depending on your comfort and the planned area.

4. 04

   PRP injection

   The plasma is injected into the scalp across the thinning area — a series of small injections. You'll feel pressure and slight stinging. Rarely more than that.

5. 05

   Finished — back to your day

   No bandaging, no lying down afterwards. You can leave straight away — just avoid washing your hair, saunas or intense exercise for 24 hours.

When it's worth it — and when PRP isn't enough

PRP works best when hair loss is still active and not advanced — when the thinning area still has living follicles producing weak, thin hair. This is exactly the moment when the hairline is "creeping" forward, or when the crown's density starts to visibly lag behind the sides.

What to expect — no sugar-coating

Honestly: PRP doesn't guarantee results for everyone. Many men see slower hair loss, and some notice a clear thickening of existing hair along with stronger hair structure. For others, the effect is subtle or hard to judge by eye. Photo documentation taken before and after the series shows the difference where subjective impressions fall short.

What PRP is unlikely to do: it won't regrow hair on bald patches with no active follicles left. It won't replace pharmacological treatment if hair loss is intense and fast-progressing. The best results often come from combining PRP with other methods, in agreement with your doctor.

After the treatment — a short guide

PRP is a zero-downtime treatment in the sense that you're not confined at home. You go back to your normal day as soon as you leave the salon. A few things are worth bearing in mind during the first 24 hours, though:

• Don't wash your hair for 24 hours — let the plasma work undisturbed.
• Avoid saunas, jacuzzis and intense exercise for 24 hours — heat and increased circulation can speed up absorption and spread the preparation beyond the treated area.
• Skip alcohol for the day — for the same reasons as with other injection-based treatments.
• Mild scalp sensitivity for a few days — normal and temporary.
• Sun protection — wear a hat in the sun after the treatment, as with any skin procedure.

Who is PRP for — and when to start thinking about it

Statistically, men react too late — they come in once hair loss is already advanced, and non-surgical options are severely limited. The moment when PRP makes the most sense is before you tell yourself "I think I'm balding" — when your barber starts using a different word for your temples, or photos taken from above start to catch you off guard.

Age isn't a barrier — PRP is used in men from early adulthood, when male pattern baldness first appears, right through to older men looking to slow a long-running process. What matters is whether the follicles are active — and that's assessed by a doctor, not by the age on your passport.