PRP and Hair Color

[Carlos Wesley, MD]

Much is still being discovered regarding the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on human hair follicles. In our practice, we have observed that, when used as a holding solution, PRP can help increase the survival rate and caliber of transplanted grafts. We've also seen trends towards earlier transplanted hair growth when PRP is used as a graft holding solution.

An additional finding that has also been observed by other practices throughout the world is that PRP can help return some of the original hair color to follicles. PRP appears to stimulate melanocytes in hair follicles which, in turn, may help bring back some of the color to hairs that have become almost transparent over time.

Below, an example of a patient who underwent PRP mesotherapy in our office and a few of the hairs in this image are colorless prior to his treatments and then have more of their original brown coloration about 6 months later.

[jamesst11]

With all due respect, you are posting this on a forum filled with skeptics, especially when it comes to PRP... So, do you have any statistics to back up the claim that PRP influences graft survival? It would be appreciated! We are all very curious about this.

[Carlos Wesley, MD]

Hi, Jamesst11. Here, is a link to one of the first studies focused on PRP and transplanted graft survival that was published in a peer-review journal in 2005.

Dr. Carlos Ubel in 2005 studied 23 patients of hair transplant after enriching the hair root grafts with PRP and without PRP. Two areas (2.5 cm2) each were marked on the scalp and planted with 20 grafts/cm2. After 1 year, the area implanted with the PRP-enriched grafts demonstrated a yield of 18.7 FU/cm2 versus 16.4 FU/cm2 of that without PRP, an increase in follicular density of 15.7%.

[Inthemix]

Jamesst11- I've read a number of threads where you've commented and you seem real bitter. Try taking a deep breath and relax.

[otisjame]

The claim that PRP can help restore some slope game of the original hair color to follicles is interesting but requires further scientific investigation to establish its validity and mechanisms.

[Nadia Eira]

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