As an experienced medical injector, I’ve seen first-hand how distressing hair loss can be for both men and women. Many of my patients – from men in their 40s experiencing thinning hair to women affected by female pattern hair loss – come to me curious about the latest solutions. One therapy generating a lot of buzz is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) hair treatment. (If you’ve been searching online for PRP hair treatment Belfast or PRP hair treatment NI, you’re likely seeking clarity on how effective this therapy really is.) In this post, I’ll share professional insights on PRP for hair loss: the science behind it, how the treatment is done, who it’s best for, how well it works for different people, and how it compares to other options.
Understanding the Science Behind PRP Therapy
PRP therapy is rooted in regenerative medicine and has been applied in fields from orthopedics to dermatology. But how exactly does it help with hair loss? The answer lies in the power of your own blood’s platelets and growth factors. PRP is derived from a small sample of your blood that’s processed to concentrate platelets – cell fragments rich in proteins and growth factors that stimulate healing. When injected into the scalp, these concentrated growth factors can reinvigorate shrunken or dormant hair follicles, encouraging them to enter an active growth phase.
To break it down:
Platelets (a component of blood mainly known for clotting) release growth factors that promote tissue repair and new cell growth. In the context of hair, studies have shown that these growth factors can increase hair follicle activity, leading to thicker, healthier hair strands. Essentially, PRP delivers a “boost” to the scalp’s environment – increasing blood supply to hair follicles, prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle, and reducing inflammation around the follicles. Scientific research suggests that PRP can stimulate dermal papilla cells (the cells at the base of hair follicles responsible for hair growth) and even prolong the survival of hair follicle cells by preventing programmed cell death. By improving circulation and signaling the follicles to grow, PRP therapy aims to reverse the miniaturisation of hairs seen in common balding and thinning patterns.
What does this mean in plain language? If you’re experiencing pattern hair loss, PRP is designed to awaken and strengthen weakened hair follicles. It’s a natural approach, using your body’s own healing components (no synthetic chemicals or drugs), to encourage hair regrowth where it’s starting to thin out.
How PRP Hair Treatment Is Performed
One of the appeals of PRP therapy is that it’s a simple, in clinic procedure with minimal downtime. In fact, I often tell patients that PRP appointments are straightforward and usually take under 30 minutes. The PRP I use is known as iPRF or injectable platelet rich fibrin and is thought to be the most advanced form of PRP. Here’s what you can expect during a typical PRP hair treatment in Belfast:
Blood Draw
We begin by drawing a small sample of your blood (usually 10–20 ml, just like a standard blood test). This is typically taken from your arm. If you’re a bit squeamish, don’t worry – it’s a quick pinch and over in moments.
Centrifugation
The blood sample is then placed into a centrifuge, a machine that spins at high speed. Spinning the blood separates its components by density. After about 10 minutes, the sample separates into layers: at the top, a platelet-poor plasma; in the middle, a golden layer of platelet-rich plasma (this is the PRP we need); and at the bottom, red blood cells. We carefully extract the PRP layer, which contains a concentrated dose of platelets and growth factors.
Scalp Preparation
While the blood is spinning or just after, I clean the areas of your scalp that will be treated. If needed, cooling packs can be applied to ensure you’re comfortable during injections. (Many patients find the injections tolerable with only minor discomfort, described as tiny pinpricks.)
PRP Injections
Using a fine needle, I inject the platelet-rich plasma into the targeted areas of your scalp – typically regions where hair is thinning or receding. The injections are placed across the area in a grid-like pattern to evenly deliver growth factors. Each injection deposits a small amount of PRP into the skin. This process usually only takes a few minutes. Some practitioners also perform microneedling on the scalp before or after injections, creating micro-channels in the skin; this can help the PRP absorb and penetrate more deeply. In my practice, I tailor the technique to each patient’s needs – the overall approach remains minimally invasive.
The Downtime
After the injections, there’s no significant downtime. You might have a bit of scalp soreness, redness, or mild swelling in the treated areas, but this typically resolves within a day or two.. I do advise patients to avoid harsh chemical hair treatments (like colouring or perms) for a couple of days post-procedure and to skip anti-inflammatory medications right before and after treatment (since a little inflammation is part of how PRP signals healing). Other than that, after a PRP session you can go about your day.
PRP sessions are fairly quick. But it’s worth noting – this isn’t a one-and-done fix. Just as one workout won’t sculpt a muscle, one PRP session isn’t likely to produce dramatic hair regrowth. PRP therapy is typically done as a series of sessions to yield the best results. In many cases, I recommend an initial course of three treatments four weeks apart. A single maintenance treatment is required every six months. The need for follow-up maintenance makes sense – we are essentially reminding the follicles to stay in growth mode periodically. Many patients find that after the initial series, one or two PRP “booster” sessions per year can help maintain their improved hair thickness.
PRP for Men Over 40: Tackling Male Hair Loss
Men experiencing male-pattern baldness (also known as androgenetic alopecia) make up a large portion of those interested in PRP. By age 40 and beyond, many men have noticed significant changes in their hair – perhaps a receding hairline, thinning on the crown, or general diffuse thinning on top. As a specialist offering PRP hair treatment NI patients trust, I have worked extensively with men who seek a natural, effective solution to slow or even reverse these early signs of hair loss.
How PRP Helps Male Hair Loss
Male-pattern hair loss is driven by hormones and genetics, leading to progressively finer hair shafts and shorter growth cycles. PRP can intervene in this process by delivering growth factors that counteract some of the follicle miniaturisation. For men over 40 who still have active hair follicles (even if the hairs are thin or sparse), PRP can thicken those hairs and encourage new growth where follicles are in a weakened, “half-dormant” state. It’s important to set realistic expectations: if a man has an area that’s been completely bald (shiny smooth) for many years, that means the follicles in that spot have likely died – no treatment (short of a hair transplant) can resurrect dead follicles.
PRP works best for areas where there is thinning hair, not fully bald skin. In other words, if you still have some hair, PRP can often make a difference by strengthening and enlarging those follicles. I always examine the scalp closely; men over 40 often have a mix of active and dormant follicles across their scalp, and we target the areas we believe have the most potential for revival.
What Results Can Men Expect?
Based on clinical evidence and my own patients’ experiences, men who undergo a series of PRP treatments often notice reduced hair shedding within the first month or two, followed by improvements in hair thickness by about the 3- to 6-month mark. One comprehensive review of studies concluded that the majority of research shows PRP is effective in increasing hair density (number of hairs) and hair thickness in patients with androgenetic alopecia.
In my practice in Belfast, I’ve observed that men in mid-life appreciate the gradual, natural improvement PRP provides. There’s no dramatic overnight change (so it’s subtle and private in that sense), but over several months, many notice they’re not seeing as much scalp shine in the mirror, and their barber comments on more hair to cut. It’s very rewarding to hear a patient say, “I can finally style my hair again without worrying about that thin patch showing.”
Female Pattern Hair Loss
While male pattern hair loss receives much attention, it’s equally important to highlight female pattern hair loss, a condition affecting a significant number of women. Unlike men, women typically experience a gradual thinning across the scalp, particularly noticeable around the parting line and crown area. This diffuse thinning can significantly impact self-confidence and overall quality of life, making women feel anxious or self-conscious about their appearance.
A crucial consideration for women experiencing hair loss is the potential presence of underlying health conditions, notably anaemia and thyroid issues. Women are especially prone to anaemia due to factors such as menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and dietary limitations. Anaemia, characterised by reduced haemoglobin levels in the blood, directly impairs the supply of oxygen and essential nutrients to hair follicles. This diminished nourishment can exacerbate hair loss, weaken existing hair, and hinder effective regrowth.
As a medical injector specialising in PRP hair treatment NI clients rely on, I always advise women experiencing hair thinning to undergo comprehensive blood tests to rule out anaemia and other nutritional deficiencies. Addressing anaemia through dietary changes, supplements, or medical intervention can substantially improve the efficacy of PRP therapy. By treating the underlying issue of anaemia alongside PRP, women often experience more robust and lasting improvements in hair density, strength, and overall scalp health.
Restoring Your Hair with PRP: Next Steps
Hair loss can be a challenging journey, but treatments like PRP offer genuine hope for turning things around. We’ve explored how PRP therapy harnesses your body’s own growth factors to stimulate hair follicles, and the straightforward nature of the treatment process. We’ve also looked at evidence that shows PRP is effective for a majority of patients, while being safe and well-tolerated. I believe in combining the latest science with a compassionate approach, every patient’s hair loss story is personal, and there’s no one-size-fits-all fix. PRP is an exciting piece of the puzzle that, for many, can make a significant difference.
If you’re considering PRP hair treatment in Belfast or anywhere in Northern Ireland, I encourage you to take the next step and book a professional consultation. In a consultation, we can examine your scalp, discuss your medical history, and determine if you’re a good candidate for PRP (or if another approach might complement it). My clinic has become one of the leading providers of this therapy locally – in fact, I’m proud to say we offer the kind of expert PRP hair treatment NI residents can trust for quality and results. During your visit, I’ll answer all your questions, show you before-and-after examples, and craft a tailored plan that fits your needs and schedule.
Every day I see how a fuller head of hair or a filling-in bald patch can put a spring back in someone’s step. Whether you’re a man noticing that widening part or a woman who wants her luscious locks back, PRP might be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
Don’t let hair loss hold you back any longer.
Take control of your hair health by scheduling a PRP hair treatment consultation with us. Together, we’ll develop a personalised strategy to help you regain not just your hair, but also the confidence and youthful vibrancy that come with it. Contact our clinic today to book your appointment – and look forward to putting your best face (and hair) forward with the help of PRP therapy. Your journey to fuller, healthier hair could start now, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
About Dr Janice Brown
Dr Janice Brown is a fully qualified medical injector with over 15 years of clinical experience in non-surgical treatments, including advanced skin therapies and regenerative procedures and a Master’s Degree in Aesthetic Medicine. She has trained extensively in Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) applications and currently specialise in hair restoration therapies here in Northern Ireland. Dr Janice Brown Aesthetics & Skin clinic is based in Hillsborough, where she has worked with hundreds of patients dealing with hair thinning, pattern baldness, and postpartum shedding. All treatments are performed in a clinical setting following UK medical guidelines, and Dr Janice continuously updates her knowledge through accredited training and industry workshops.
Disclaimer
This post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While PRP therapy has shown promising results for many, individual outcomes can vary. If you’re considering this treatment, it’s important to book a consultation with a qualified practitioner to assess your suitability. Always seek advice from a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.
