Hair thinning isn’t just a “hair” issue, it can chip away at how you feel walking into work, out to dinner, or into the gym. If you’re noticing more hair in the shower, a widening parting, or a ponytail that feels lighter than it used to, you’re far from alone. At Dr Janice Brown Aesthetics & Skin, just outside Belfast in Hillsborough, we offer PRP hair treatment, a regenerative, needle-precision therapy that uses your own platelets to nudge follicles back into a healthier growth cycle.

This guide puts women first (postpartum shedding, perimenopause, PCOS-related thinning and beyond), while also sharing practical guidance for men who may benefit from PRP.

What is PRP and Why Does it Help Hair?

PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma. We take a small sample of your blood, spin it in a medical centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and then place those platelets, rich in growth factors exactly where they’re needed in the scalp. Those growth factors support better blood supply and a healthier environment around each follicle. In plain English: you’re using your own biology to help hair behave more like it did a few years ago.

Key benefits of PRP for hair:

• Natural and drug-free: nothing synthetic is added, just your own plasma.
  
• Scalp health first: supports the micro‑environment that keeps follicles active.
  
• Low downtime: most patients return to normal activities the same day.
  
• Complements other options: can be paired with evidence‑based at‑home care.

PRP is a medical treatment. At our clinic it is performed by an experienced medical aesthetic practitioner with a safety‑first protocol and sterile technique.

Who is a Good Candidate? (Women first, but not only)

While anyone concerned about thinning can be assessed, we most commonly see:

Women

• Postpartum hair loss (telogen effluvium): shedding that typically peaks a few months after birth. PRP can support recovery once hormones settle.
  
• Perimenopause/menopause: fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone may change hair density and texture; PRP helps maintain follicle function.
  
• Female‑pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia): widening part, reduced ponytail volume; PRP can slow shedding and improve calibre.
  
• PCOS‑related thinning: where appropriate, PRP may be part of a combined plan.
  

Men

• Early frontal or crown thinning: PRP can be useful when surgery is too soon or not desired. We’ll outline realistic expectations and a full plan.

Who may need to wait or avoid PRP: pregnancy or breastfeeding; active scalp infections; certain blood or autoimmune conditions; significant scarring alopecia (may respond, but requires careful assessment). We’ll discuss suitability during consultation.

What Happens at Your Appointment?

We keep the experience clear, calm, and clinical:

1. Medical consultation: Dr Janice will examine your scalp, take a medical history, and importantly identify the likely cause of your hair loss. If lab tests, dermatology referral or changes to haircare are needed first, we’ll say so. A correct diagnosis protects your time and results.
   
2. Blood draw & centrifugation: A small sample is taken and spun to separate platelet‑rich plasma from red blood cells. We prepare PRP in a controlled, sterile manner.
   
3. Mapping & micro‑injections: Using fine, precise injections (with topical anaesthetic available), PRP is placed across the areas of concern. Sessions typically take 30–45 minutes.
   
4. Aftercare & plan: You’ll leave with clear advice to minimise scalp irritation and to integrate any supportive at‑home measures.

How Many Sessions and When Will I See Change?

Because hair grows in cycles, PRP works best as a course. A typical plan is:

• Initial build: 3–4 sessions, 4–6 weeks apart
  
• Maintenance: every 4–6 months (tailored to your response)

Timeframes to watch for:

• Weeks 4–8: reduction in shedding for many patients
  
• Months 3–6: improved hair calibre and density
  
• Month 6+: visible volume change, easier styling, and better “grip” to hairstyles

Results vary with the cause of hair loss, genetics, hormones and overall health. A medically led plan helps set realistic goals from the start.

Evidence, Expectations & Honesty

PRP has grown in popularity because it’s autologous (from your own blood) and increasingly supported as a helpful adjunct for common thinning patterns. It is not a hair transplant, and it won’t change your genetics but for many women it can reduce shedding, improve thickness, and extend the life of miniaturising hairs.

For balanced background information on hair loss in general, the NHS overview is a useful starting point: NHS – Hair loss (alopecia). This is not specific medical advice; your suitability for PRP is assessed in our clinic.

Why Choose Dr Janice Brown in NI?

• 15+ years in private practice delivering medical aesthetics with a conservative, natural ethos.
  
• Master’s Degree in Aesthetic Medicine (Distinction) advanced training that underpins treatment planning and safety.
  
• Dental Surgeon background: precise anatomical knowledge of vasculature, nerves and tissue planes for accurate, comfortable injections.
  
• ACE Group member: commitment to recognised complication management pathways and best practice.
  
• Boutique, doctor‑led clinic in Hillsborough (near Belfast): unhurried consultations, tailored plans, and direct aftercare.

“Natural, not overdone” is our signature, your hair should look like your hair, just healthier and fuller.

PRP vs Other Options: What’s the Difference?

At‑home & prescription options

• Minoxidil (topical): Suitable for many women; can be paired with PRP. Needs consistent, ongoing use; early shedding can occur as follicles reset.
  
• Low‑level laser therapy (LLLT): Home devices may support scalp health; consistency is key.
  
• Nutrition & lifestyle: Address iron, vitamin D, protein intake, stress and sleep, foundations matter.
  
• Prescription medications: In select cases (and with GP/dermatology input), options like spironolactone may be considered for women.

Surgical options

• Hair transplant: Best for specific patterns and stable loss; PRP may still play a supportive role pre‑ and post‑op.

Where PRP fits

It’s a clinic‑based, regenerative treatment that can complement home routines. Many patients prefer starting with PRP because it’s needle‑precision, drug‑free and led by a medical professional.

What does PRP cost in NI and what’s the commitment?

We believe in transparency. PRP for Hair Loss from £310 per session (package options are available; your plan will be confirmed after assessment). Expect an initial course of several sessions and then spaced maintenance. Think of PRP less like a one‑off “fix” and more like a fitness programme for your follicles.

Value beyond the session: you’re also paying for careful diagnosis, safety processes, and aftercare that keeps your scalp on track.

Aftercare: How to Get the Best from PRP

• Avoid vigorous exercise, hot yoga/saunas and swimming for 24–48 hours.
  
• Skip harsh scalp treatments, tight hairstyles and heavy styling products for a few days.
  
• Pause retinoid or acid‑based scalp serums for 3–5 days unless advised.
  
• Don’t wash hair for 24 hours (then use a gentle, fragrance‑free shampoo).
  
• Prioritise protein, iron‑rich foods, hydration and good sleep hygiene.
  
• Protect your scalp from sunburn; consider a loose hat outdoors initially.

We’ll provide a bespoke aftercare sheet suited to your hair and scalp.

Real Voices From our Clinic

• “Relatively pain‑free and extremely fast… nothing to worry about at all!” – Jake, PRP patient
  
• “A transformative experience… I wholeheartedly recommend it.” – Andreea, PRP therapy patient
  
• “Extremely reassuring, professional and knowledgeable.” – Shannon, PRP skin rejuvenation & injectables patient

Consistent themes in our reviews: clear communication, natural results, and feeling genuinely cared for, before, during and after treatment.

FAQs

Does PRP hurt?
Most people find it very tolerable. You’ll feel pressure/tingling with short bursts of sensitivity.

How quickly will I see results?
Expect reduced shedding in weeks, visible improvements typically from 3–6 months with a course.

Can I do PRP while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. We postpone until after pregnancy/breastfeeding.

Will PRP work on severe or long‑standing bald patches?
PRP is best for thinning and miniaturising hairs rather than areas with no follicles. We’ll assess your pattern honestly.

Can men have PRP here too?
Yes – many do. The consultation and plan are tailored to male patterns; we’ll discuss realistic goals and maintenance.

Will I need to change my shampoo or supplements?
Sometimes. We’ll recommend gentle care and only evidence‑guided supplements when appropriate.

Why Medically Led PRP Matters

PRP is widely offered but it is not a beauty treatment. It is a medical procedure that benefits from anatomical expertise, sterile preparation, and a safety net should anything unexpected occur. Dr Janice’s Dental Surgeon background, Master’s in Aesthetic Medicine (Distinction) and membership of the Aesthetic Complications Expert Group (ACE) underpin everything we do: from injection mapping to follow‑up.

Ready to talk about PRP hair treatment in NI?

If you’re in Belfast or anywhere in Northern Ireland and your hair is thinning, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Book a private consultation with Dr Janice Brown in Hillsborough. We’ll diagnose thoughtfully, plan conservatively, and treat safely, so you can feel more like yourself again.