• A first PRP hair treatment appointment at Hair and Skin Science typically takes 60-90 minutes, including the consultation. Subsequent sessions without the consultation component run closer to 45-60 minutes.
• The blood draw is a small sample of around 10-20ml, similar to a routine blood test. The sample is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelet-rich plasma before injection into the scalp.
• A topical numbing agent is applied to the scalp before the injection phase begins. Most patients experience mild pressure or a light stinging sensation during injections, not significant pain.
• Most patients can drive themselves home and return to normal activities the same day. You’ll leave with specific aftercare instructions, and mild redness at the injection sites typically resolves within 24 hours.

Not knowing what an appointment involves is one of the most common reasons people delay booking. This guide walks you through every stage of a first PRP hair treatment at Hair and Skin Science, from what to do the day before to what your scalp will look like when you leave, so there are no surprises.

What should you do before your appointment?

Preparation on the day before and the morning of your appointment makes a practical difference to your comfort and the quality of the treatment.

• Stay hydrated: Drink water consistently in the 24 hours before your appointment. Well-hydrated blood is easier to draw and the centrifugation process works more efficiently.
• Eat a light meal: Don’t arrive on an empty stomach. A small meal or snack 1-2 hours beforehand reduces the chance of lightheadedness during the blood draw.
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior: Alcohol thins the blood and can affect platelet quality.
• Pause blood-thinning supplements: Aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and vitamin E can affect platelet function. Confirm with your practitioner at booking whether any of your regular medications or supplements need to be paused, and for how long.
• Wear comfortable clothing: You’ll need easy access to one arm for the blood draw. Loose sleeves or a short-sleeved top work well.
• Arrive with clean, product-free hair: No dry shampoo, styling products, or oils on the day. The scalp needs to be clean before treatment.

What happens when you arrive at the clinic?

You’ll be checked in and taken through to the treatment room by a member of the clinical team. The environment is a medical clinic, not a salon, and the atmosphere is professional and unhurried.

If this is your first appointment and you haven’t had a prior consultation, the practitioner will review your health history before any treatment begins. If you’ve already had a separate consultation, the appointment moves directly into the treatment phase after a brief check-in on how you’re feeling and any questions you have.

What does the consultation cover?

The consultation assesses whether PRP is appropriate for your specific hair loss pattern and what a realistic treatment plan looks like. Your practitioner will:

• Examine your scalp and assess the pattern and stage of hair loss
• Review your medical history and any current medications
• Discuss what PRP may and may not achieve for your individual situation
• Outline the recommended number of sessions, spacing, and maintenance plan
• Answer any questions about the procedure before it begins

A good consultation gives you an honest picture of your candidacy and what to expect, not a guaranteed result. For background reading before your appointment, see the Complete Guide to PRP for Hair Loss.

How does the blood draw work?

The blood draw is the first step of the treatment itself, and it’s straightforward. A small sample of around 10-20ml is taken from a vein in your arm using a fine needle, much the same as a standard blood test.

The sample goes straight into a medical centrifuge, where it’s spun for several minutes to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the red blood cells and other components. While the centrifuge runs, you wait comfortably in the treatment room. This phase takes around 15 minutes.

Lightheadedness after a blood draw is uncommon, but possible. Tell your practitioner if you feel unwell at any point. There’s no need to push through.

What happens during scalp preparation and numbing?

Once the PRP solution is ready, the scalp is cleansed and a topical numbing agent is applied across the treatment area. The numbing cream needs around 10-15 minutes to take effect before injections begin.

This step makes a real difference to comfort. Most patients report that injections feel like mild pressure or a light sting rather than sharp pain, once the numbing agent has worked. If you’ve been anxious about the needle component, the numbing stage is typically where that concern resolves.

What does the injection phase feel like?

The prepared PRP is injected into the scalp across the areas of thinning or hair loss using a fine needle. Your practitioner works methodically across the treatment area, which takes around 15-20 minutes.

You can expect to feel:

• Mild pressure as each injection is administered
• Occasional light stinging, particularly in areas where the scalp is more sensitive
• A mild tightness or warming sensation across the scalp as the treatment progresses

You’re expected to communicate throughout. If a particular area is uncomfortable, say so. The practitioner can adjust technique or give the numbing agent additional time where needed.

What does your scalp look like immediately after?

It’s normal to leave the clinic with mild redness and some swelling or tenderness at the injection sites. This is a normal inflammatory response and typically resolves within a few hours to 24 hours for most patients.

Your practitioner will review aftercare instructions with you before you leave. The key points for the first 24 hours:

• Avoid strenuous exercise and activities that cause sweating
• Stay out of direct sunlight and avoid swimming
• Don’t apply styling products, dry shampoo, or chemical treatments to the scalp
• Avoid alcohol
• Gently rinse the scalp with cool water if needed, but don’t scrub

For the full aftercare guide, see PRP Aftercare: How to Look After Your Scalp Post Treatment.

Can you go straight back to work?

Most patients can, yes. The redness is mild enough that it doesn’t prevent a return to normal activities for most people. If your work involves heavy physical exertion or you’re in a customer-facing role where visible redness would be a concern, it’s worth scheduling your appointment for a time when you have some flexibility in the hours that follow.

What should you expect after your first session?

No dramatic change is expected after a single session. PRP is a cumulative treatment, and the response develops across a full initial course of three to four sessions. The first session is also partly diagnostic: your practitioner can observe how your scalp responds and adjust the plan if needed at your next appointment.

Changes that some patients notice in the weeks after a completed course include reduced shedding and the appearance of finer new hairs in treated areas. Results vary between individuals. For a realistic picture of timelines, see How Long Does It Take to See Results from PRP Hair Treatment? and How Long Does PRP Last?

Quick checklist: before your PRP appointment

• Drink water consistently in the 24 hours prior
• Eat a light meal 1-2 hours before the appointment
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior
• Check with your practitioner about any medications or supplements to pause
• Wear comfortable clothing with easy sleeve access for the blood draw
• Arrive with clean hair, free of styling products
• Bring a list of your current medications if you haven’t already provided them

Knowing what to expect takes most of the uncertainty out of a first appointment. Book your free consultation at Hair and Skin Science to confirm your suitability and get a personalised treatment plan before your first session.