COMMERCIAL FEATURE
PRP IN HAIR RESTORATION
Dr Kai Rajeswaran explains why standardisation is the future of regenerative aesthetics
Few treatments are discussed more widely or understood less consistently than platelet-rich plasma.
Demand for non-surgical hair restoration continues to grow, particularly among menopausal women and those using GLP-1s, who are experiencing diffuse thinning. The question is no longer whether PRP works, but whether clinics are delivering the same biological treatment when they offer “PRP”.
From my perspective, the answer is often no. Regenerative medicine needs to be grounded in reproducible biology and validated protocols, not broad marketing claims.
WHY MENOPAUSAL HAIR LOSS REQUIRES A DIFFERENT APPROACH
One of the most common presentations I see is female pattern hair loss in peri and postmenopausal patients.
Follicles are usually still present but progressively miniaturising. The growth phase shortens, more hairs shift into the shedding phase, and patients notice diffuse thinning and widening through the central scalp.
Hormonal change is a major driver. As oestrogen declines, the relative influence of androgens becomes more pronounced in genetically susceptible follicles. However, hair loss is frequently multifactorial. Iron deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, stress and nutritional deficiencies all need consideration.
One of the biggest mistakes clinicians can make is treating hair loss solely for aesthetic reasons without investigating the underlying biology.
Unlike scarring alopecias where follicles are permanently destroyed, female pattern hair loss often remains biologically active. That is where PRP becomes clinically valuable.
PRP IS NOT SIMPLY “SPUN BLOOD”
Evidence supporting PRP for androgenetic hair loss has become increasingly encouraging, with studies demonstrating improvements in density, calibre and quality, particularly where follicles remain viable.
What makes PRP appealing is that it is autologous. We use the patient’s own platelets and growth factors to stimulate follicular activity and support tissue regeneration.
Once injected, platelets release signalling proteins including PDGF, VEGF, IGF-1 and TGF-ß. These support angiogenesis, cellular repair, stem cell activation and prolongation of the anagen phase.
Clinically, I often see reduced shedding early, followed by gradual improvements in thickness and density. Results tend to look progressive and natural.
However, PRP is still sometimes presented as though all preparations are biologically equivalent, when they are not. The biological composition depends heavily on preparation method.
THE STANDARDISATION PROBLEM
Standardisation is one of the biggest challenges facing PRP. Clinics may all advertise PRP, but there can be huge differences in platelet concentration, plasma purity, red blood cell contamination and centrifugation technique.
A common issue is confusion between revolutions per minute (RPM) and relative centrifugal force (RCF). Many practitioners program centrifuges solely by RPM without accounting for rotor radius. Two machines at the same RPM may generate very different separation forces and produce different concentrates.
Excessive force damages platelets, while inadequate separation results in poor yield. Reproducible outcomes require reproducible preparation methods.
WHY CENTRIFUGE TECHNOLOGY MATTERS
The industry needs to pay closer attention to PRP preparation technology. Many clinics rely on basic laboratory centrifuges never designed for medical PRP preparation, but the biologic product is only as good as the system used to create it.
When selecting a platform for my practice, I wanted one aligned with evidence around optimal preparation. The Arthrex Horizon 24 Flex AH system uses a horizontal swing-out rotor design that achieves cleaner layer separation while minimising cellular trauma.
Protocol control is hugely important. Precisely adjusting both RPM and RCF enables clinicians to follow evidence-based methods accurately. The braking system matters equally. Aggressive deceleration can remix separated layers, contaminating plasma with red blood cells.
Patients are paying for a biologic treatment, not simply a blood draw and injection. They should feel confident the product is prepared using validated, medical-grade technology designed for regenerative medicine.
THE VALUE OF PATIENT SELECTION
Even with excellent protocols, PRP is not appropriate for every patient.
The best outcomes occur in patients with early to moderate thinning where follicles remain biologically active. Patients with stable hormone levels, healthy ferritin, good nutrition and no untreated thyroid dysfunction respond more predictably.
Clinicians sometimes underestimate the importance of realistic expectations. PRP is not an instant transformation. It is a regenerative process intended to progressively improve hair quality, density and follicular function over time.
The future of PRP will depend less on whether clinics offer the treatment and more on whether they deliver reproducible, evidence-based preparations using systems designed for regenerative medicine.
DR KAI
Dr Kai is an experienced General Practitioner with specialist interests in skin and hair health, supported by advanced dermatology and trichology qualifications. She is passionate about delivering evidence-based, patient-centred care with a holistic approach to both medical and aesthetic wellbeing.
Alongside her clinical work, Dr Kai has a strong interest in teaching and education, supporting the development of future healthcare professionals and promoting patient education as part of long-term health management. Her areas of interest also include lifestyle medicine and menopause care, with a focus on helping patients achieve confidence and wellbeing from the inside out.