When it comes to non-surgical hair restoration, two cutting-edge treatments are gaining significant attention: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF). Both therapies leverage the body’s natural healing properties to stimulate hair growth, but they differ in several key ways. At Nurse Nyma Aesthetics, we offer both PRP and PRF treatments in-clinic to help our clients achieve thicker, fuller hair. But what’s the real difference between PRP and PRF, and how do they work for hair regrowth?
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the science behind these treatments and explain which option might be right for you.
What is PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)?
PRP therapy has been a staple in the aesthetic and medical community for years. It involves drawing a small amount of your own blood, which is then processed in a centrifuge to isolate the plasma. The plasma is rich in platelets—cells that play a key role in tissue repair, healing, and growth. This concentrated plasma is then injected into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles, encouraging them to enter a growth phase and promoting thicker, healthier hair.
How PRP Works for Hair Regrowth:
1. Blood Draw: A blood sample is taken from your arm (similar to a typical blood test).
2. Centrifugation: The blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The result is a plasma that contains a higher concentration of platelets than your normal blood.
3. Injection: The platelet-rich plasma is then injected into areas of the scalp where hair thinning or hair loss is occurring.
4. Hair Follicle Stimulation: The growth factors in the platelets stimulate dormant or miniaturized hair follicles, promoting new hair growth.
PRP works primarily by enhancing the function of your hair follicles, increasing blood supply, and promoting tissue repair. It’s a safe, natural approach to tackling hair thinning caused by genetics, aging, or other environmental factors.
What is PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin)?
PRF is a newer advancement in the realm of regenerative medicine, and while it shares some similarities with PRP, it offers several key advantages. Like PRP, PRF involves using your own blood to create a concentrated solution that can be injected into the scalp for hair regrowth. However, there are significant differences in how the blood is processed and how the final product is used.
How PRF Works for Hair Regrowth:
1. Blood Draw: Just like PRP, a blood sample is taken from your arm.
2. Centrifugation: The blood is spun in a specialised centrifuge at a slower speed than the one used for PRP. This slower process allows for a more natural concentration of platelets and a higher volume of fibrin (a protein involved in blood clotting and healing).
3. Injection: The resulting PRF, which contains not only platelets but also a higher concentration of white blood cells and fibrin, is injected into the scalp. The fibrin creates a "scaffold" that provides a slow release of growth factors.
4. Hair Follicle Stimulation: The growth factors in PRF stimulate hair follicles, promoting new hair growth and improving hair density.
Because PRF contains a higher concentration of fibrin and other growth factors, it has a longer-lasting effect than PRP. The fibrin acts like a matrix that helps maintain the regeneration of tissue and hair follicles over time.
Key Differences Between PRP and PRF for Hair Regrowth
1. Platelet Concentration and Composition
PRP: Platelets are concentrated but there is less fibrin and fewer white blood cells in PRP, meaning the growth factors are released more quickly.
PRF: PRF contains not only more platelets but also higher levels of white blood cells and fibrin. This allows for a more sustained release of growth factors, leading to potentially longer-lasting effects.
2. Processing Technique:
PRP: Blood is spun at a higher speed to separate platelets from other blood components, which can sometimes result in a higher concentration of platelets but less overall growth factors.
PRF: Blood is spun at a slower speed, resulting in a more natural, balanced concentration of platelets, white blood cells, and fibrin. The slower process ensures a more regenerative matrix for hair follicles.
3. Duration of Effect:
PRP: While PRP can be effective, the results often require regular maintenance treatments (typically every 4-6 months) to sustain hair growth and thickness.
PRF: The increased concentration of growth factors in PRF tends to lead to longer-lasting effects. Many patients report seeing noticeable improvements in hair density with fewer follow-up treatments.
4. Injection Sensation and Healing:
PRP: Since PRP is generally more liquid, it may spread more evenly when injected, but this can also mean that the effects may not be as sustained.
PRF: The fibrin matrix in PRF may cause the injections to feel slightly thicker, which can promote a more gradual and sustained release of growth factors into the scalp.
Which Treatment is Right for You?
Both PRP and PRF offer excellent potential for hair regrowth, but the ideal choice depends on your unique needs and hair loss concerns.
If you’re looking for quicker results with less downtime, PRP might be a great starting point. It’s well-established, proven to be effective, and works for a wide range of hair thinning issues.
If you’re seeking longer-lasting effects with fewer follow-up treatments, PRF may be the better option. Its slower, sustained release of growth factors makes it an excellent choice for those who want to optimise their hair restoration results over time. However, PRF requires more skill in preparation by the clinician therefore it is important to find a clinic you can trust.
Why Choose Nurse Nyma Aesthetics?
At Nurse Nyma Aesthetics, we offer both PRP and PRF treatments in a comfortable, medically-supervised environment. Nurse Nyma brings years of expertise in non-surgical aesthetic treatments, ensuring that each patient receives personalised care tailored to their specific needs. We are committed to helping you achieve natural, beautiful results, whether you choose PRP or PRF for hair regrowth.
If you’re interested in learning more about these treatments or want to schedule a consultation, contact Nurse Nyma Aesthetics today. Our team will work with you to determine the best treatment option for your hair restoration journey!
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