PRP Hair Restoration

PRP is widely regarded as a low-risk procedure because it is autologous — the injected material comes from your own body, eliminating the risk of allergic reaction or foreign-body response. That said, as with any injection-based treatment, there are real considerations to discuss.

Common, expected reactions (typically resolve within 24–72 hours):

• Scalp tenderness or sensitivity at injection sites
• Mild swelling or redness
• Temporary itching
• Minor bruising

Less common:

• Temporary increased shedding in the weeks following treatment (a normal part of the follicular cycle reset)
• Headache on the day of treatment

Contraindications — patients who are generally not candidates:

• Active scalp infection or skin condition at the treatment site
• Platelet dysfunction disorders or active anticoagulant therapy
• Active cancer or recent chemotherapy
• Pregnancy
• Severe anemia or low platelet count

A 2019 letter published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology identified minor adverse effects including scalp itching, temporary telogen effluvium, and lymphadenopathy as the most commonly reported events — all of which resolved without intervention. ↗

Important: PRP is not FDA-approved specifically for hair restoration. The FDA has cleared centrifuge devices used in PRP preparation for general blood processing. The use of PRP for hair loss is an established off-label application supported by peer-reviewed clinical evidence. Our on-staff Medical Director reviews all treatment protocols in accordance with current clinical standards.

Many patients researching PRP hair restoration have also looked into topical and oral options. Here is a neutral comparison to help you understand where each approach fits.

The most important distinction is that PRP works biologically — it delivers growth factors directly to the follicle — while topical and oral options work pharmacologically through different mechanisms. Neither approach is universally superior; the right choice depends on your hair loss pattern, stage, and health history.

PRP Scalp Therapy

An autologous, in-office procedure performed 3–4 times in the initial series, then maintained every 6–12 months. Works by delivering concentrated growth factors to the follicle. No daily compliance required. Best suited for early-to-moderate androgenetic alopecia with active follicles. Results typically begin to appear at 3–6 months. No systemic drug exposure.

Topical & Oral Options

Topical minoxidil (OTC) and oral finasteride (prescription) are the two FDA-approved pharmacological treatments for androgenetic alopecia. Both require daily, ongoing use — results typically diminish if treatment is stopped. Finasteride carries a prescribing label with sexual side effect disclosures. Some patients use PRP alongside these options as part of a comprehensive plan; candidacy is discussed at consultation.

Note: Maison Zolara does not prescribe or dispense topical or oral hair loss medications. The comparison above is provided for educational context only.

A note on stem cell hair restoration: Patients sometimes ask whether PRP is the same as "stem cell hair restoration." It is not. PRP uses growth factors from your own platelets. Stem cell therapies involve different biological mechanisms and are largely still in research phases. According to a frequently searched question — does stem cell hair restoration work? — the honest answer is that the evidence base for stem cell-specific hair treatments is far less established than for PRP, which has multiple randomized controlled trials supporting its use in androgenetic alopecia.

PRP is not the right treatment for every patient — and we believe honest candidacy guidance is part of providing excellent care. The following framework will help you understand whether it may be appropriate for you.

Good Candidates

• Early-to-moderate androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern)
• Active follicles still present in thinning areas
• Patients seeking a non-surgical, non-pharmacological option
• Those who have not responded fully to topical treatments
• Patients looking to complement a hair transplant or other treatment
• Generally healthy adults with no contraindicated conditions
• Patients committed to completing the initial series of sessions

Not a Good Fit

• Complete follicle loss in the treatment area (no viable follicles remain)
• Active scalp infection or inflammatory skin condition
• Platelet dysfunction disorders or active anticoagulant therapy
• Active cancer or recent chemotherapy/radiation
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Severe anemia or thrombocytopenia
• Patients expecting results after a single session

If you're unsure whether you're a candidate, the best next step is a complimentary consultation. Our licensed RN clinicians will review your history and give you an honest assessment — including whether a different treatment may serve you better.

PRP therapy begins with a small blood draw — typically 20–60 mL — taken from your arm in our treatment suite. That sample is placed in a centrifuge, which spins at high speed to separate the blood into its components. The resulting platelet-rich layer is concentrated and then prepared for scalp injection.

Platelets are best known for their role in clotting, but they also carry a dense payload of growth factors — including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). When injected into the scalp at the level of the hair follicle, these growth factors are understood to:

• Stimulate cell proliferation and angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation)
• Prolong the anagen (active growth) phase of the hair cycle
• Reduce follicular inflammation
• Support collagen synthesis around the follicle

The entire in-office procedure typically takes 45–60 minutes from blood draw to completion. Because the plasma comes from your own body, the risk of allergic reaction or rejection is extremely low.

Why "autologous" matters: Because PRP is derived from your own blood, it carries none of the immunogenic risks associated with synthetic injectables. This is a meaningful safety distinction — and one reason the treatment has been studied extensively in peer-reviewed literature.

Here is a step-by-step overview of the PRP experience at Maison Zolara, from your first consultation through your maintenance phase.

Before Your Treatment

Your journey begins with a complimentary consultation. Our licensed RN clinicians will assess your hair loss pattern, review your medical history, and confirm candidacy. We'll discuss your goals, explain the protocol, and answer every question before scheduling your first session. Please arrive well-hydrated on treatment day and avoid blood-thinning supplements (such as fish oil, aspirin, or vitamin E) for 5–7 days prior, as directed at your consultation.

During Treatment

On treatment day, a small blood draw is performed — similar to a standard lab draw. The sample is centrifuged to isolate the platelet-rich plasma. A topical numbing agent is applied to the scalp to maximize comfort. Our RN clinician then delivers the PRP via a series of fine injections across the thinning areas. Most patients describe the sensation as mild pressure or a light pinching. The full procedure takes approximately 45–60 minutes.

After Treatment

You may experience mild scalp tenderness, redness, or swelling for 24–48 hours — this is normal and expected. Most patients return to their regular activities the same day. Avoid washing your hair for 6–8 hours post-treatment, and avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, or direct sun exposure for 24 hours. A standard initial protocol consists of 3–4 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions every 6–12 months. Results are gradual — most patients begin to notice changes at 3–6 months, with optimal results visible at 6–12 months.

Proper aftercare in the days following each session supports the best possible outcome and minimizes the chance of complications. The following guidelines apply after each PRP treatment.

Do

• Keep the scalp clean and dry for the first 6–8 hours
• Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo when you resume washing
• Stay well-hydrated in the days following treatment
• Sleep with your head slightly elevated the first night if you experience swelling
• Attend all scheduled sessions in your initial series — consistency matters
• Contact us if you experience unexpected symptoms

Avoid

• Washing hair for at least 6–8 hours post-treatment
• Strenuous exercise, saunas, or steam rooms for 24 hours
• Direct sun exposure to the scalp for 24 hours
• Blood-thinning supplements (fish oil, aspirin, vitamin E) for 5–7 days before each session
• Alcohol for 24 hours post-treatment
• Applying hair products (sprays, dry shampoo, styling products) for 6–8 hours

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Scalp Therapy at Maison Zolara is priced From $699 per session. Most patients complete an initial series of 3–4 sessions; package pricing is available and confirmed at your consultation.

Maison Circle members receive member pricing on PRP Hair Restoration and can track their treatment journey in the Zolara Care app (available on the App Store).

Final pricing is always confirmed at your complimentary consultation, where our team will assess your hair loss pattern and recommend the appropriate session frequency for your goals.

This page covers everything you need to know: how it works, who it's right for, what the research says, what to expect at your appointment, and how it compares to topical and oral alternatives. Pricing starts From $699 per session; final pricing is confirmed at your consultation.

Our treatment is delivered as PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Scalp Therapy — a fully autologous protocol performed by our licensed registered nurse (RN) clinicians under the clinical oversight of our on-staff Medical Director.

Autologous Protocol

The plasma used in every session is drawn from the patient's own blood that same day. Nothing external is introduced into the scalp — the treatment works entirely with your body's own biology.

Precision Scalp Injection

Growth-factor-rich plasma is delivered via fine-gauge injections at the level of the dermal papilla — the structure at the base of each follicle responsible for directing hair growth. Injection depth and distribution are mapped to the patient's specific thinning pattern.

Centrifugation & Concentration

Our centrifugation process concentrates the platelet layer to a therapeutic level. Platelet concentration is a key variable in PRP outcomes; the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) has noted that platelet concentration ranges of 150–450 mcL are associated with the clinical results documented in published research.

MD-Supervised Safety

Every PRP treatment at Maison Zolara is performed within a physician-supervised practice framework. Our on-staff Medical Director provides clinical oversight of all injectable and procedural treatments. Contraindications are reviewed at your consultation before any treatment is scheduled.

Maison Zolara is located at 4820 W Saginaw Hwy in west Lansing — conveniently accessible from across the greater mid-Michigan region. We serve patients from East Lansing, Okemos, Holt, DeWitt, Grand Ledge, Mason, Williamston, Charlotte, St. Johns, and communities throughout the 30-mile radius.

Our clinic is open 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Monday through Friday and 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Saturdays. Complimentary consultations for PRP Hair Restoration are available by appointment.

Whether you're coming from the Michigan State University corridor in East Lansing, the DeWitt Township area, or further west toward Grand Ledge, our west Lansing location on W Saginaw Hwy is a straightforward drive with ample parking.

Book your free consultation →

1. Gentile P, Garcovich S, Bielli A, Scioli MG, Orlandi A, Cervelli V. The effect of platelet-rich plasma in hair regrowth: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Stem Cells Translational Medicine. 2015;4(11):1317–1323. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4622412/

2. Tawfik AA, Osman MAR. The effect of autologous activated platelet-rich plasma injection on female pattern hair loss: A randomized placebo-controlled study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2018;17(1):47–53. Cited in: Platelet-rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia — PMC/NIH systematic review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6374694/

3. Gupta AK, Renaud HJ, Bamimore M. Platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PMC/NIH. 2023. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9918380/

4. Adverse effects of platelet-rich plasma and microneedling. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2019. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(19)32554-X/fulltext

5. International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS). PRP for Hair Loss — Clinical Overview. https://www.ishrs.org

Page Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical references are sourced from peer-reviewed research and named institutions as cited below. Individual results vary. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any treatment.

The Medical Director provides clinical oversight of treatments performed at this practice. The Medical Director does not author, review, or endorse website content.