Thinning hair no longer has to mean committing immediately to transplant surgery or medicated foams. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF)—a second-generation concentrate of your own blood platelets—has emerged as a powerful, drug-free option to stimulate new growth and revive dormant follicles. Below, we break down what PRF is, how it differs from the better-known PRP, and why dermatologists and hair-restoration specialists are increasingly recommending it for both men and women.
What exactly is PRF?
PRF is created by drawing a small vial of your blood and spinning it in a low-speed centrifuge.
- No anticoagulants: Because spin speed stays below 1,200 rpm, the sample doesn’t require additives to keep it from clotting.
- Fibrin matrix: The slower spin preserves white cells and a concentrated fibrin scaffold, forming a gel-like matrix once injected.
- Slow, sustained release: Trapped platelets leak growth factors (PDGF, VEGF, TGF-β) over 5-7 days—far longer than the 24–48 hours typical for PRP.
PRF vs. PRP: Key Differences
| Feature | PRP | PRF |
| Spin speed | High (≈ 3,000 rpm) | Low (≈ 1,200 rpm) |
| Additives | Anticoagulant & sometimes activator | None |
| Cell content | Platelets only | Platelets + leukocytes + |
| stem cells | ||
| Release window | ~48 hours | ~7 days |
| Consistency | Liquid | Fibrin gel |
Takeaway: PRF provides a richer cellular mix and longer growth-factor delivery, making each injection potentially more potent.
How PRF Stimulates Hair Growth
- Angiogenesis Boost
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) sparks micro-capillary formation around miniaturized follicles, improving nutrient supply. - Stem-Cell Activation
The fibrin matrix traps cytokines that signal dermal papilla stem cells to re-enter the growth (anagen) phase. - Inflammation Modulation
Leukocytes in PRF release anti-inflammatory cytokines that may counteract hormone-driven follicle shrinkage linked to androgenetic alopecia. - Collagen & Extracellular Matrix Support
TGF-β promotes collagen remodeling, thickening the surrounding scalp tissue and producing a healthier anchor for new hair shafts.
Why PRF Is Gaining Popularity
| Reason | Benefit to Patients |
| Drug-free & autologous | Eliminates risk of allergic reaction or systemic side-effects found with minoxidil/finasteride. |
| Short appointments | Blood draw + injections take ~45 minutes; minimal downtime (small pin-prick redness). |
| Fewer sessions | Most protocols call for 3 initial treatments, spaced 4–6 weeks apart—often fewer than PRP. |
| Synergy with other treatments | PRF pairs well with low-level-laser therapy, topical minoxidil, or hair-transplant surgery to speed graft survival. |
| Early study data | Pilot trials show up to 30 % increase in hair count and shaft thickness 4 months after final session. |
Candidacy Checklist
You may be a strong candidate for PRF if you:
- Notice diffuse thinning but still have active follicles (visible miniaturized hairs).
- Prefer natural, needle-based therapy over daily medication.
- Are postpartum or perimenopausal and experiencing hormonal shedding.
- Seek to enhance transplant graft take-rate or camouflage early recession.
Contra-indications: active scalp infection, uncontrolled autoimmune disease, platelet disorders, or recent use of high-dose NSAIDs/anticoagulants.
What to Expect—Step by Step
- Consultation & Baseline Photos
Scalp exam with trichoscopy to map density and miniaturization. - Blood Draw & Spin
10–20 ml of blood is centrifuged for ~10 minutes at low speed. - Topical Numbing & Optional ProNox®
A lidocaine cream reduces sting; patients anxious about needles can add laughing-gas analgesia. - Micro-Bolus Injections
0.1 ml aliquots are placed 1 cm apart across thinning zones using a 30-gauge needle or mesotherapy device. - Post-Care
Skip harsh shampoos for 12 hours; resume normal routine next day—no extended downtime.
Timeline & Results
| Week | What You’ll Notice |
| 0–2 | Minimal shedding; scalp may feel “tight” for 24 hrs. |
| 4–6 | Early “vellus” hairs sprout; itching is common (sign of regrowth). |
| 12+ | Visible thickening, improved volume, less scalp show-through. |
| 6 months | Final evaluation; maintenance booster recommended every 6–12 months depending on genetic risk and hormone profile. |
FAQs
How many PRF sessions do I really need?
Most protocols call for 3 visits, but severe androgenetic alopecia may require 4–5.
Does it hurt?
Discomfort is mild (2–3/10) with numbing cream; gel consistency reduces post-injection drip common in PRP.
Can PRF replace finasteride?
It can reduce reliance but is best used alongside DHT-blocking strategies in male-pattern baldness.
Final Thoughts
PRF offers a compelling balance between natural therapy and robust biological activity. By delivering a slow-release cocktail of growth factors within a fibrin scaffold, it addresses the micro-environmental deficits that starve follicles in hereditary and hormonal hair loss. If you’re exploring nonsurgical options—or looking to maximize the outcomes of a future transplant—speaking with a provider experienced in platelet-rich fibrin could be your next smart step.
Ready to see if PRF is right for you? Schedule a consultation with our hair-restoration team to map your scalp health and build a personalized growth plan.
Call (919) 929-6006or click here to book your consultation.