In Short
- PRP and PRF are both made from your own blood and injected into the scalp to support hair follicles that are still present but weakening.
- The main difference is preparation. PRF uses a different centrifugation process and is generally prepared without an anticoagulant.
- PRP has the larger body of hair loss research. The evidence for PRF is earlier and comes mostly from small studies.
- Neither has been shown to be better for every person, so the right choice depends on your assessment.
- Both are used for early to moderate thinning, and results vary.
PRF vs PRP is one of the most common questions we hear from people researching non-surgical hair loss treatment. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) both use a small sample of your own blood to support hair follicles that are still present but weakening. They are prepared differently, and that changes what ends up in the injection. This guide from Hair and Skin Science compares the two side by side, explains what the research shows and covers who each may suit, so you can have a more informed conversation with a qualified practitioner.
PRF vs PRP at a glance
| Feature | PRP (platelet-rich plasma) | PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) |
|---|---|---|
| Made from | Your own blood | Your own blood |
| Anticoagulant | Used during preparation | Generally not used |
| Centrifugation | Separates a platelet-rich layer of plasma | Lower-speed spin that keeps a fibrin matrix |
| What is in the injection | Concentrated platelets in plasma | Platelets, white blood cells and fibrin |
| Growth factor release | Fairly quick after activation | Slower and more prolonged in laboratory studies |
| Hair loss evidence | Larger body, including meta-analyses of controlled trials | Earlier, mostly small studies and case series |
| Surgery | No | No |
| Commonly used for | Early to moderate thinning | Early to moderate thinning |
Which is better for hair loss, PRF or PRP?
There is no proven winner. PRP has the larger body of published research in hair loss, including meta-analyses of controlled trials that report increased hair density in androgenetic alopecia (Gupta et al., 2019; Zhang et al., 2023). PRF has a plausible rationale, because its fibrin matrix may release growth factors more slowly, but the hair loss evidence is earlier and comes mostly from small studies and case series (Mohale et al., 2024).
Direct comparisons are limited. For that reason, the choice between the two should rest on your pattern of hair loss, medical history and goals, and not on a claim that one is superior.
What is PRP?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma, a concentrated fraction of your own blood that is rich in platelets. Platelets carry growth factors that the body uses in wound healing and new blood vessel formation (Hausauer & Humphrey, 2020). A small blood sample is drawn into a tube containing an anticoagulant and spun in a centrifuge. The platelet-rich layer is drawn off and injected into the thinning areas of the scalp, often combined with microneedling (Kaushik & Kumaran, 2020; Jha et al., 2018). Our PRP hair loss treatment page covers the process in more detail.
What is PRF?
What is PRF?
PRF stands for platelet-rich fibrin, sometimes called a second-generation platelet concentrate. Blood is drawn without an anticoagulant and spun at a lower speed before it has a chance to clot. A fibrin matrix then forms in the platelet-rich layer, holding platelets and white blood cells within it. For the scalp, the liquid, injectable form is used shortly after it is prepared (Mohale et al., 2024).
Because the growth factors sit within that matrix, they are thought to release more slowly than they do from PRP, which may support a more sustained response (Mohale et al., 2024). This rationale rests mainly on laboratory work and small clinical studies, and it has not been shown to produce better hair outcomes for everyone.
You can read more on our PRF hair loss treatment page.
What does the research say about PRF and PRP for hair loss?
Among the uses of PRP in dermatology, androgenetic alopecia is one of the applications with the strongest supporting evidence (Hausauer & Humphrey, 2020; Kaushik & Kumaran, 2020). Meta-analyses of controlled trials have reported increases in hair density when PRP is compared with placebo injections (Gupta et al., 2019; Zhang et al., 2023). A systematic review across different types of alopecia reported improvement in a majority of treated patients, though it did not pool the results statistically (Roohaninasab et al., 2021). One meta-analysis found hair diameter improved significantly in both men and women, while the increase in hair density reached statistical significance only in men (Gupta et al., 2020).
The research on PRF is earlier. A 2024 systematic review of injectable PRF in alopecia and facial rejuvenation described preliminary results and noted that more research is needed to confirm them and standardise protocols (Mohale et al., 2024). In a prospective study of 15 people with androgenetic alopecia, a PRF matrix preparation was followed by higher hair density at two and three months. The difference approached, but did not reach, statistical significance at six months (Sclafani, 2014).
In short, PRP is the better studied of the two, and PRF evidence remains preliminary. That gap is the main reason we do not describe either as superior.
Who may suit PRP or PRF?
PRP has been studied most extensively in pattern hair loss. Evidence for PRF and for other forms of hair loss is more limited. Suitability depends on an individual medical assessment. Neither treatment creates new follicles, so areas that have been completely bald for years are unlikely to respond. For more advanced hair loss, hair transplantation may be more relevant.
Before either treatment, an assessment should establish the pattern, stage and likely cause of your hair loss. It should also identify contributing factors that need different management, such as iron deficiency, thyroid disease, medication effects, recent illness or significant stress. Blood testing is often part of that workup. Treatment is for adults aged 18 and over.
Treatment may not be suitable for people with:
- a low platelet count or a platelet or clotting disorder
- an active infection at the treatment site, or significant scalp inflammation
- a severe autoimmune disorder
- pregnancy or breastfeeding, which needs a consultation first
- anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medication (Kaushik & Kumaran, 2020)
What to expect: sessions and results
Both treatments work with the hair cycle, so a single session is not a course. Published PRP protocols generally use an initial series of sessions spaced weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments every several months (Stevens & Khetarpal, 2019). PRF protocols are less standardised (Mohale et al., 2024), so your practitioner should set out a specific plan and explain how progress will be tracked. Our guide to how many PRP sessions you need for hair loss covers the PRP schedule in more detail.
Where there is a response, it is usually noticed first as reduced shedding and improved hair quality, with changes in density appearing later. Most protocols assess results around three to six months after starting a course (Gupta et al., 2021). The effect is not permanent, so ongoing maintenance is generally needed to hold any improvement.
A visit includes a scalp assessment, a blood draw, processing in a centrifuge and injection into the thinning areas with a very fine needle. It is done in a single appointment that usually takes under an hour.
Are PRF and PRP safe? Side effects and risks
Both use your own blood, so neither carries the risk of disease transmission from a donor, and allergic reaction is very unlikely (Kaushik & Kumaran, 2020). PRF is prepared without an anticoagulant, which is one reason it was developed.
Recovery and risks vary. Redness, tenderness, swelling or bruising can occur, and injections also carry risks including bleeding and infection.
Every patient at Hair and Skin Science has a medical evaluation before treatment to check for reasons it may not be suitable.
How do PRP and PRF fit with other hair loss treatments?
Both are one tool among several. They are commonly used alongside medical therapy prescribed by a doctor, low-level laser therapy, correction of nutritional deficiencies and, in some cases, surgical hair restoration. For a closer look at the options, read PRP vs hair transplant: which is right for you? or PRF vs exosomes for hair loss.
How much do PRP and PRF cost?
The cost varies by treatment, clinic, number of sessions and any combined therapies. Hair and Skin Science publishes its pricing and will talk through costs and payment options at your free consultation.
PRF vs PRP FAQs
Is PRF better than PRP for hair loss?
This has not been shown. PRP has the larger evidence base in hair loss, and PRF has a plausible rationale but earlier-stage evidence. Your practitioner can explain which may suit your situation.
What is the main difference between PRP and PRF?
Preparation. PRP is made with an anticoagulant and concentrates platelets in plasma. PRF is made without one, at a lower spin speed, so a fibrin matrix and white blood cells are kept in the final solution.
Does PRF or PRP hurt?
Both involve fine needles in a sensitive area, and discomfort may vary from patient to patient. Comfort measures are discussed before treatment.
Can PRF or PRP regrow hair in a bald patch?
Where a follicle is no longer viable, neither treatment has anything to act on. Both are aimed at supporting follicles that are still cycling, which is why they are generally considered for early to moderate thinning.
How long do the results last?
The effect is not permanent. Maintenance treatments are generally required, with the interval tailored to your response.
PRP and PRF hair loss treatment at Hair and Skin Science
Hair and Skin Science offers PRP and PRF hair treatments at clinics around Australia.
PRP and PRF hair treatments are provided following a medical assessment and under the clinical supervision of a registered medical practitioner. A consultation is required to determine which option, if either, may be appropriate.
Key Takeaways
- PRP and PRF are both made from your own blood. The key difference is how they are prepared.
- PRP has the larger body of hair loss research, and PRF evidence remains preliminary.
- Neither has been shown to be better for everyone, so the choice depends on your assessment.
- Both are used for early to moderate thinning and need ongoing maintenance to hold any improvement.
- An assessment for iron, thyroid, medication and other causes should come first. Results vary and are not guaranteed.
To find out whether PRP or PRF is appropriate for you, book a free consultation at one of our clinics across Australia. You can also read more about our PRP hair loss treatment and PRF hair loss treatment.
References
Gupta AK, Cole J, Deutsch DP, et al. Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia. Dermatol Surg. 2019;45(10):1262-1273. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000001894
Gupta AK, Renaud HJ, Bamimore M. Platelet-rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia: Efficacy differences between men and women. Dermatol Ther. 2020;33(6):e14143.
Gupta AK, Renaud HJ, Rapaport JA. Platelet-rich Plasma and Cell Therapy: The New Horizon in Hair Loss Treatment. Dermatol Clin. 2021;39(3):429-445.
Hausauer AK, Humphrey S. The Physician’s Guide to Platelet-Rich Plasma in Dermatologic Surgery Part I: Definitions, Mechanisms of Action, and Technical Specifications. Dermatol Surg. 2020;46(3):348-357.
Jha AK, Udayan UK, Roy PK, Jha AKA, Chaudhary RKP. Platelet-rich plasma with microneedling in androgenetic alopecia along with dermoscopic pre- and post-treatment evaluation. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018;17(3):313-318. doi:10.1111/jocd.12394
Kaushik A, Kumaran MS. Platelet-Rich Plasma: The Journey so Far! Indian Dermatol Online J. 2020;11(5):685-692.
Mohale SA, Thakare PV, Gaurkar SS, Bharadia G, Acharya S. Effectiveness of Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin Therapy in Alopecia and Facial Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2024;16(6):e62198. doi:10.7759/cureus.62198
Roohaninasab M, Goodarzi A, Ghassemi M, Sadeghzadeh-Bazargan A, Behrangi E, Najar Nobari N. Systematic review of platelet-rich plasma in treating alopecia: Focusing on efficacy, safety, and therapeutic durability. Dermatol Ther. 2021;34(2):e14768. doi:10.1111/dth.14768
Sclafani AP. Platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) for androgenetic alopecia. Facial Plast Surg. 2014;30(2). doi:10.1055/s-0034-1371896
Stevens J, Khetarpal S. Platelet-rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia: A review of the literature and proposed treatment protocol. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2019;5(1):46-51.
Zhang X, Ji Y, Zhou M, et al. Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Cutan Med Surg. 2023;27(5):504-508. doi:10.1177/12034754231191461
This page is general information only and does not substitute individual medical advice. Individual results vary and outcomes are not guaranteed. Any medical procedure carries risks. Seek an assessment from a qualified practitioner to determine whether a treatment is right for you.
