Priorities
Thinning hair
A widening part, a receding hairline, or a thinning crown, treated while the follicles are still active.
Pattern thinning usually develops gradually: more scalp showing at the crown, a part that’s wider than it used to be, or a hairline that’s slowly receding. It’s common in both men and women, and treatment works best when it starts early.
We treat pattern thinning in areas where the follicles are still alive. A scalp that has already gone smooth won’t respond, so we don’t treat it.
What we'd want you to know
PRP can thicken what's there, but it can't regrow a bald scalp
If your crown, part, or hairline is thinning with hair still growing there, we’d suggest PRP injections. Our nurse practitioners will draw your blood, spin it, and inject the platelet layer about a centimeter apart across the thinning area. You’ll start with three monthly sessions, then move to maintenance.
PRP works alongside minoxidil or finasteride, not instead of them, because it doesn’t block the hormone driving the loss. If you’re not using either, we’ll discuss your options at your consult.
Is PRP right for your thinning hair?
We’ll part your hair and take a close look at the follicles. Short, fine hairs where thick ones used to be mean the follicle is still alive. A smooth, shiny scalp means it’s gone. Sudden shedding, patches, or scalp symptoms are different conditions, and for those, we’ll refer you to a dermatologist.
For pattern thinning with living follicles, we recommend PRP hair restoration. The evidence is real, though modest. A 2023 meta-analysis of 9 randomized trials found increased hair density at 3 and 6 months versus placebo, but no significant difference in hair count or diameter, per the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. PRP plus minoxidil beat either alone in a 6-study meta-analysis of 343 participants, per Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. No PRP product is FDA-approved for hair loss.
The schedule a Cleveland Clinic review proposes from the trials: monthly for three months, then months 6, 9 and 12, per the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. Shedding slows by month two or three, and we’ll assess density at month six. Results fade without maintenance. Individual results vary.
Women get the same protocol for a widening part, and a network meta-analysis found better responses in younger and female patients. Sudden loss in women is often related to thyroid or iron, so we’ll ask about your labs first.
Your questions, answered
Can I go back to work after a session?
Yes. There’s no dressing, just a tender scalp and pinpoint marks that are hard to see. Skip workouts for 24 to 48 hours, and wait until the next day to wash your hair.
How do I schedule this around training or a big event?
Avoid heavy sweating for 24 to 48 hours after each session, so if you train regularly, book sessions after a long or intense workout rather than before one. If you have an event coming up, start five to six months ahead so the added density has time to show.
What does the crown look like at month three?
Most people notice less shedding by month two or three, and the crown may look slightly denser under overhead light by month three. Month six is the most meaningful comparison photo. If there’s no change by then, we’ll recommend stopping. Our Botox for men guide covers another common treatment for men.
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