Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Your own platelets, for thinning hair
Think of it as your own blood, concentrated and put back to work.
Here's what actually happens. A small sample of your blood is drawn and spun in a medical centrifuge, which separates out the platelets and concentrates them. Platelets carry hundreds of proteins and signaling molecules involved in tissue repair, and the growth factors among them help stimulate collagen production, blood vessel formation and hair follicle activity. That concentrate is injected into the scalp, around follicles that have started to weaken.
We often compare it to going to the gym. One session does something, a program does more, and consistency beats the occasional heroic effort every time.
Your scalp and your history are assessed first, and whether PRP is the right answer is decided then. The blood draw is around 60 mL. It is processed on the EmCyte PurePRP dual-spin system, and the concentrated PRP is injected into the areas of the scalp that need it. The visit generally takes about an hour, and most clients go back to their day straight afterward. Results develop gradually over several months, as follicles move through their normal growth cycle.
If PRP is the right treatment for you, we'll tell you. If it isn't, we'll tell you that too.
What is PRP, and what does it do for hair?
PRP is made from a small sample of your own blood, and the visit takes about an hour. It is rarely the whole answer, and works best alongside:
Topical DHT blockers (in shampoos or scalp serums)
Oral medications when appropriate (can be finasteride, dutasteride, minoxidil, spironolactone, etc.)
Low-level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Nutritional optimization
Scalp health treatments
PRP for Hair Loss
When hair follicles begin to weaken they rarely disappear overnight. They shrink by degrees, producing thinner, shorter and weaker hairs each cycle. PRP delivers concentrated growth factors directly around those follicles, and the goal is to support the ones that are still alive but starting to struggle.
Timing is the whole conversation. A follicle that has thinned can be supported. A follicle that is gone cannot be brought back by PRP or by anything else, which is why the earlier treatment begins, the more there is to work with. Where you sit on that line is a clinical call, and it gets made at your assessment.
The system
Riviera prepares PRP on the EmCyte PurePRP dual-spin system, a platform designed to recover a high concentration of platelets while keeping unwanted red blood cells out of the final preparation. It is medical equipment, run by trained providers.
How your blood is spun decides what gets injected
One of the biggest misconceptions about PRP is that all treatments are the same. The quality of the final PRP depends almost entirely on how it is prepared.
Different centrifuge systems produce very different concentrations of platelets and growth factors from the same tube of blood, and the concentration is what gets injected.
Riviera prepares PRP on the EmCyte PurePRP dual-spin system. A dual spin separates the platelets in two stages, which is designed to recover more of them and leave more of the red blood cells behind. One split-scalp study, with double-spin PRP on one half of each scalp and single-spin on the other, found higher terminal hair density on the double-spin side.
Preparing PRP that way costs more: the equipment, the collection systems, and providers trained to run them, which is why we do not offer a cheaper version. If we are going to inject your own biology back into your scalp, we want the most concentrated preparation we can make.
The other half of the argument is who decides. Riviera is owned by a certified trichologist with decades of work in hair replacement behind it, so the recommendation is built around what helps you most, PRP or otherwise.
How many treatments will you need?
Three treatments to start, four to six weeks apart, then maintenance every three to six months.
What one treatment starts, and what it feels like
Reduced shedding
Increased hair density
Improved hair thickness
Better hair quality
A healthier scalp, with less inflammation
Straight after treatment you may have mild tenderness or soreness on the scalp for a day or two, like after a minor bump or a hard workout. Most clients go back to their normal day immediately.
Hair grows slowly. Less shedding tends to show within several weeks, and changes in density and thickness over three to six months.
What the course is building
Most clients begin with three treatments, four to six weeks apart, then maintenance every three to six months, depending on your hair loss pattern and your goals.
Kept up, that is what shifts density and thickness. Hair loss is ongoing, and maintenance is how the change holds.
What PRP will not do
Straight answers, because the wrong treatment is worse than no treatment. PRP supports follicles that are alive and weakening. For the right person that is a real result, and it is the reason to book. It also draws a line, and you should know where it sits before you commit.
It does not bring back follicles that no longer exist
Where the scalp has extensive shiny bald areas with no remaining follicles, there is nothing for PRP to support. No treatment revives a follicle that is gone, and we will say so and talk through the alternatives.
It is not a treatment for hair loss with a medical cause
Hair loss driven by an untreated medical condition, an active inflammatory scalp disease, certain blood disorders, or impaired platelet function needs the underlying problem addressed first, and that is a physician's job before it is ours.
One thing worth knowing if you are having chemotherapy
We do not usually recommend PRP during active chemotherapy. The drugs target rapidly dividing cells, follicle cells included, and the follicles are often unable to respond while treatment is under way. Your oncology team may advise against elective procedures.
After chemotherapy, once your oncologist confirms it is safe, PRP may be an option if your hair is slow to recover.
Who is a good candidate?
Anyone whose follicles are still alive, which is the honest answer and the least useful one. PRP can be an option for:
Early androgenetic alopecia, the common pattern hair loss
Diffuse thinning across the scalp
Women with pattern hair loss
Men with early pattern hair loss
Telogen effluvium, once the acute shedding phase has passed
Support around a hair transplant
Keeping the hair you have
Who may not be?
Some things mean we won't treat you, or not yet:
Extensive shiny bald areas with no remaining hair follicles
Hair loss caused by an untreated medical condition
Active inflammatory scalp disease
Certain blood disorders
Impaired platelet function
Active chemotherapy, until your oncologist has cleared you
The earlier treatment begins, the more healthy follicles there are to preserve, and what we recommend gets decided at your scalp assessment. Some medications, blood conditions and scalp conditions change the plan and leave the appointment where it is: a scalp condition may need treating first, and chemotherapy sets the timing. So tell us what you take, what has been diagnosed and what you have tried. If we don't believe PRP is likely to help you, we will tell you before treatment begins, and we will talk through what might.
What to expect during and after your treatment
The treatment uses very fine needles, and most clients describe mild discomfort.
The visit starts with a blood draw of around 60 mL, the same as a routine blood test. Then your blood is processed while you wait, which takes the longest part of the hour and asks nothing of you.
The injections are the part you'll feel. The scalp is naturally sensitive, so there is brief pinching or pressure as each one goes in, and this part typically takes only a few minutes. If you are nervous about discomfort, or you have had an unpleasant experience with PRP injections somewhere else, tell us. We will take the time to make you as comfortable as we can, and numbing and other pain management options can be discussed at your consultation.
Afterward
Most clients go straight back to their normal day.
Mild tenderness or soreness on the scalp for a day or two is common, similar to how it feels after a minor bump or a hard workout, and it settles on its own. As with any injection, temporary swelling or bruising at the sites can happen.
Downtime is minimal. Scalp sensitivity usually resolves within a day or two.
The science of PRP
One of the most common questions we get is: does it work? Some clients have tried PRP before with moderate success, and results do not arrive overnight, so it is a fair question.
The short answer is yes, with conditions.
It holds if you are the right candidate, if the preparation is high quality, and if you follow a full treatment protocol of at least 4 to 6 months.
"A split scalp prospective comparative clinical study included 15 females with AGA [androgenetic alopecia] was performed by intradermal injection of double-spin prepared PRP into the right half of the scalp and single-spin prepared PRP into the left half of the scalp of each patient for three treatment sessions, 3 weeks apart.
Results showed clinical improvement in both sides of scalp while hair density measured by trichoscan revealed that the right half of the scalp was significantly higher in median terminal hair density than the left half (P = 0.031), which illustrated that double-spin method could yield better results than single-spin method."
Source: A. Paichitrojjana (2022): Platelet Rich Plasma and Its Use in Hair Regrowth: A Review.
"Results: A total of 21 studies comprising 628 participants were included in the analysis. PRP treatment was found to significantly enhance hair density and thickness. Additionally, there was a significant reduction in the number of hairs pulled in the PRP group. Adverse effects were generally mild and transient, with no notable difference in pain or discomfort between the PRP and control groups (risk ratio: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.87-1.18)."
Conclusion: PRP therapy effectively enhances hair density and thickness in women with hair loss, with a favorable safety profile. However, the effects of PRP on hair density and thickness vary with dosage, injection duration, and ethnicity, indicating the need for tailored treatment protocols.
“The majority of studies demonstrated that PRP is effective in increasing hair density and thickness in patients with AGA. There was a general consensus on the positive effects of PRP, although results varied due to differences in preparation protocols, platelet concentration, and delivery methods.
Additionally, combining PRP with other treatments, such as microneedling or topical medications like minoxidil, showed enhanced efficacy in several studies. While some studies reported conflicting outcomes, the overall evidence supports PRP as a promising treatment for AGA. In conclusion, PRP is a viable therapeutic option for AGA, particularly for increasing hair density and thickness. However, the variability in treatment protocols highlights the need for standardized PRP preparation and application methods.”
Case study: shedding after weight loss
GLP-1 medications have helped a lot of people lose a lot of weight, and for some of them the journey includes hair shedding they did not expect.
In this short video we explain why it happens, when it is usually temporary, and how treatments such as PRP may help support healthier regrowth as part of a personalized plan.
Frequently asked questions
Science and safety
What is PRP?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a regenerative treatment created from your own blood. After a small blood sample is drawn, it is processed in a specialized centrifuge to concentrate platelets rich in growth factors.
These growth factors help support tissue repair, improve blood supply, and stimulate natural healing processes.
For hair restoration, PRP is injected into the scalp to support weakened hair follicles and encourage healthier hair growth.
How does PRP work for hair loss?
Hair follicles are living structures that require a healthy blood supply and complex biological signaling to produce thick, healthy hair.
PRP delivers a concentrated dose of your body's own growth factors around these follicles. Rather than creating new hair follicles, PRP aims to improve the function of follicles that are still alive but becoming weaker.
The goal is to reduce shedding, improve hair thickness, increase density, and help preserve existing hair.
Is PRP scientifically proven?
PRP is among the most researched regenerative treatments available today.
Numerous clinical studies have shown positive results for appropriately selected patients with androgenetic alopecia and certain other types of hair loss.
Like many medical treatments, results vary between individuals. Success depends on choosing the right patients, using high-quality PRP preparation, and following an appropriate treatment protocol.
We believe in presenting realistic expectations—not miracle claims.
Is PRP safe?
PRP is considered very safe because it uses your own blood.
Since the treatment is entirely autologous, there is essentially no risk of allergic reactions or immune rejection.
As with any injection procedure, temporary tenderness, swelling, or bruising can occur.
Can I have PRP if I am undergoing chemotherapy?
In general, we do not recommend PRP while you are actively receiving chemotherapy. Chemotherapy works by targeting rapidly dividing cells—including hair follicle cells—and during active treatment the follicles are often unable to respond effectively to regenerative therapies such as PRP. In addition, your oncology team may advise against elective procedures depending on your blood counts and overall health.
However, PRP may be a valuable option after chemotherapy has been completed, particularly if your hair is slow to recover or if chemotherapy has unmasked an underlying tendency toward androgenetic (pattern) hair loss. Once your oncologist has confirmed that it is safe to proceed, PRP can sometimes help support healthier hair regrowth by stimulating follicles that remain viable.
At Riviera Aesthetic, we work with many individuals experiencing medical hair loss, and we have many natural-looking options to conceal your temporary hair loss from chemotherapy.
Quality and our approach
Is all PRP the same?
No!
One of the biggest misconceptions is that every clinic provides the same PRP treatment.
The quality of PRP depends heavily on the equipment used, how the blood is processed, and the concentration of viable platelets and growth factors that are ultimately delivered.
At Riviera Aesthetic we use the EmCyte PurePRP® system because it is specifically designed to maximize platelet recovery while minimizing unwanted red blood cells.
Higher-quality preparation helps us deliver more consistent treatments.
Why don't you offer cheaper PRP?
Because quality matters.
Preparing PRP correctly requires specialized equipment, trained providers, and high-quality collection systems.
Our philosophy is simple: if we're going to inject your own biology back into your scalp, we want to make sure we're delivering the highest quality PRP possible.
Who is a good candidate?
Ok, so the quality is good but am I a good candidate?
PRP only works for patients who still have active hair follicles.
Examples include:
- Early male pattern hair loss
- Female pattern hair loss
- Diffuse thinning
- Telogen effluvium after the acute shedding phase
- Hair transplant support
- Long-term maintenance of existing hair.
The earlier treatment begins, the better the opportunity to preserve healthy follicles.
Who may not benefit from PRP?
PRP is unlikely to restore hair where follicles are no longer present.
Patients with extensive shiny bald areas, untreated medical conditions affecting hair growth, certain blood disorders, or active scalp inflammation may not be ideal candidates.
If we don't believe PRP is likely to help you, we'll explain why and discuss alternative options.
Is it a permanent solution?
No.
Hair loss is usually an ongoing biological process.
PRP helps support healthier follicles, but maintenance treatments are necessary to preserve results.
We often compare PRP to going to the gym: consistency produces better long-term outcomes than occasional treatment.
Results and what to expect
What happens during a PRP appointment?
It starts with what you tell us: what you take, anything affecting your blood or clotting, any scalp condition, and whether you have had PRP before and how it went.Your appointment typically includes:
- Consultation and scalp assessment
- Blood draw (approximately 60 mL)
- Processing your blood in our EmCyte centrifuge
- Preparation of concentrated PRP
- Precise injections into targeted areas of the scalp.
The visit generally takes about one hour.
Is PRP painful?
Less than most people expect. The needles are very fine, and the injections take only a few minutes. Numbing and other pain management options can be discussed at your consultation.
Is there any downtime?
Downtime is minimal.
Most patients return to normal daily activities immediately after treatment. Mild soreness or scalp sensitivity usually resolves within a day or two.
How many treatments will I need?
Most patients begin with an initial series of three treatments spaced approximately four to six weeks apart.
Maintenance treatments are then recommended every three to six months depending on your hair loss pattern and treatment goals.
Hair grows slowly. Most patients begin noticing reduced shedding within several weeks, while visible improvements in density and thickness often develop over three to six months.
Maximum improvement usually requires multiple treatments.
Can PRP be combined with other treatments?
Absolutely—and in many cases, it should be.
PRP often works best as part of a comprehensive hair restoration plan.
Depending on your diagnosis, this may include:
- Topical DHT inhibitors
- Minoxidil
- Oral medications when appropriate
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
- Nutritional optimization
- Medical scalp care.
We are owned by a certified trichologist and have a decades long legacy in hair replacement, so our focus is always on what helps the individual client the most, not on any one single therapy or treatment modality.
Why don't you promise dramatic hair growth like I see elsewhere?
Because medicine should be honest. There is far too much misinformation in the hair restoration industry. Some clinics promise unrealistic transformations regardless of diagnosis.
Our philosophy is different.
We evaluate every patient individually, recommend treatments supported by scientific evidence, and only suggest PRP when we believe there is a reasonable likelihood of benefit.
Our goal is not simply to sell treatments—it is to help you make informed decisions about your hair health.
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