In short: PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and GFC (growth factor concentrate) are clinic treatments that use your own blood to make an injection for the scalp. PRP has moderate evidence for pattern hair loss, especially alongside minoxidil. GFC has less. Results vary a lot between clinics because methods differ, and both need repeat sessions, so costs add up.
How they work
| PRP | GFC | |
|---|---|---|
| What's injected | Plasma with concentrated platelets | Growth factors released from your activated platelets |
| How it's made | Blood drawn, spun in a centrifuge; platelet-rich layer separated | Blood drawn into special tubes; growth factors extracted |
| Claimed advantage | Established; more studies | Fewer red cells, less inflammation, may be less painful |
| Evidence | Moderate (several small randomised trials; meta-analyses show benefit) | Early (few small studies) |
Does it work?
- Meta-analyses suggest PRP increases hair density and thickness in pattern hair loss compared with placebo, but studies are small and methods vary.
- It seems to work best combined with minoxidil (and finasteride for men), not on its own.
- For alopecia areata, PRP is being studied but isn't first-line. → Alopecia treatments
- It won't regrow completely bald areas.
A typical course
| Phase | Sessions |
|---|---|
| Initial | 3–4 sessions, about 4 weeks apart |
| Maintenance | One session every 3–6 months |
| Judge results | 3–6 months after the first session; photos before each session |
Cost in India
| Per session | Initial course (3–4) | Per year incl. maintenance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRP | price being updated | price being updated | price being updated |
| GFC | price being updated | price being updated | price being updated |
| Prices vary by city, clinic and kit. Compare with generic minoxidil: price being updated a year. → Minoxidil prices |
Side effects
Usually mild and short-lived: pain during injections, soreness, swelling, headache, small bruises, and sometimes temporary shedding. Rare: infection. Not suitable with platelet or bleeding disorders, blood thinners (check with your doctor), active scalp infection, cancer under treatment, or pregnancy.
8 questions to ask a clinic before you pay
- Who does the procedure? A qualified dermatologist, or a technician?
- What kit and method? Which tubes, a single or double spin, and any activation?
- What platelet concentration do you achieve? (Many clinics can't say.)
- How many sessions, and what's the total cost, including maintenance?
- What numbing do you use?
- What results do you expect for my stage? Ask to see before/after photos taken in the same lighting.
- Do you recommend minoxidil/finasteride alongside? (A good clinic will.)
- What's your refund or stop policy if I don't see results after the first course?
Red flags: "guaranteed regrowth", pressure to buy large packages upfront, no doctor involved, or no discussion of medicines.
PRP vs minoxidil
→ Minoxidil vs natural alternatives, PRP and GFC
Coming next: clinics by city
Our phase 2 guide will compare clinics in Delhi NCR, Chandigarh and Hyderabad first, with verified prices and photos. → Hair transplant and clinic guide
See a doctor soon if you have: round bald patches that appear suddenly · hair coming out in clumps · redness, pain, pus, scaling or scarring on the scalp · hair loss with fever, weight loss, irregular periods, acne or new facial hair · eyebrow or eyelash loss · hair loss in a child.
Medical review pending: not yet reviewed by a dermatologist. Medical disclaimer
Discussion
Share your experience or ask a question. New members' posts are reviewed before they appear.