Could PRP therapy be the answer to reverse severe hair loss in men?

Owing to hormonal patterns, it’s tougher for men to manage hair fall. We ask medical experts if PRP therapy is a solution with merit

If you have observed that the men in your family or friend circles begin to shed worrisome amounts of hair much earlier in life, the phenomenon is more common than you think. According to a report, 96 per cent of men will experience hair fall to some degree across their lifetime. However, gone are the times when hair loss would surface later in the 50s and 60s; about 42 per cent of men come across moderate to extensive hair loss in the age group of 18 to 49. Men do have the propensity to become susceptible to embryonic hair loss and pattern-based balding almost, as soon as they walk into their early 30s.

From a receding hairline to bald spots and patches, different men may experience different forms of hair loss, possibly attributed to genetic to lifestyle-related factors, among others. The biggest plight? Male hair loss has a bad reputation for being mulishly irreversible and often refuses to respond to topical anti-hair loss/hair fall products. Does the supposedly providential in-office treatment, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), make for a beneficial solution? We ask medical professionals to weigh in. 

What are the causes of hair loss in men?

The most common cause of hair loss in men is androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness. It is a hereditary condition caused by a combination of genetics and hormones, apprises Dr Sravya Tipirneni, cosmetologist and trichologist at Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru. While hormonal fluctuations vary from person to person, genetics account for up to 80 per cent of a man’s predisposition to baldness. Mumbai-based celebrity dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad informs that male pattern baldness can be triggered by intrinsic and extrinsic factors or both. 

“Nutritional deficiencies like that of iron (anaemia), vitamins A, B12, C, D3, biotin, calcium, zinc, magnesium and chromium; infections; certain medical conditions’ and medications, as well as stress, pollution, crash diets or starvation, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can promote rapid and accelerated hair loss,” explains Sharad. A competitive or sedentary lifestyle, poor eating habits (including irregular timings and wrong food choices), lack of sleep and an increased intake of protein supplements and processed sugary foods and antibiotics in meat are also possible causes, adds Dr Madhuri Agarwal, a celebrity dermatologist and founder, Yavana Aesthetics.

Why is male hair loss more stubborn to tackle?

If you happen to be aware of male pattern baldness, or hair loss among men, even at a surface level, you would have, perhaps, fathomed that it is considerably different from the hair loss that most women experience. While biotin supplements, potent topical scalp solutions and some in-clinic treatments prescribed by a trichologist or dermatologist can be of help for most women, men might find these courses of action rather futile. Could that mean that male pattern baldness is more exigent, in a way? Experts say yes. 

“Androgens are hormones produced in our body across genders, but males produce more of them—testosterone is the most common androgen. This, in turn, increases the activity of certain cell receptors in the hair follicles. These receptors then respond to androgens like dihydrotestosterone/DHT (a byproduct of testosterone), which shrinks hair follicles,” explains Sharad. “Since men produce more testosterone, and constantly throughout their lives, they are also constantly making DHT, and hence, more likely to experience recalcitrant or stubborn hair fall as compared to women.” Thus, serums and other products that help women with hair loss, which typically contain ingredients that block DHT or stimulate hair growth, may not be as effective for men because of the higher levels of DHT already present in their bodies, says Tipirneni.

While hair loss is caused by the hypersensitivity to testosterone’s by-product DHT in the case of men, in women it is mainly due to the oestrogen hormone and various other hormonal changes like the phases of pregnancy or menopause, cites Agarwal. “Since the cause is different, the same products may not provide equally promising results. Also, the awareness and care towards hair fall is lower among men as compared to women, so they often start taking corrective measures much later, leading to poorer results.” According to the dermatologist, the appearance of the symptoms/patterns also differs between men and women. “Hair loss in men usually starts from the frontal hairline, sides of the hairline and eventually leads to the crown of the hair, whereas in women, hair thinning starts from the middle partition and gradually spreads to the sides.”

Is PRP a bankable solution?

In simple terms, PRP refers to the concentrated platelet-rich plasma protein derived from whole blood, says Sharad. PRP therapy “involves the collection of one’s own blood, centrifugation and collection of platelet-rich plasma.” PRP therapy has been widely used across the globe, in the form of ‘vampire facials’—popularised by Kim Kardashian—to achieve clearer, smoother and younger-looking skin. However, recently the therapy’s potential to reverse hair loss and stimulate hair growth has propagated, making it a go-to solution for even the worst degree of hair fall. “The concentrated platelet-rich component has abundant amounts of growth factors, cytokines and platelets, accelerating healing and encouraging hair growth. This platelet-rich plasma is injected into the bald patches on the scalp. Usually, 6-8 sessions are prescribed at monthly intervals for hair regrowth. It is a safe, lunchtime procedure,” shares Sharad. 

Shedding light on the other benefits of PRP therapy, Sharad adds, “PRP promotes the growth phase of the hair cycle and can also prolong the life of existing hair. Hence, in medical circles, PRP fluid is also known as ‘liquid gold’. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for individuals with hair loss caused or exacerbated by inflammation, such as certain forms of alopecia.” Additionally, Agarwal talks about how PRP therapy can also be an answer for fine, lifeless and unhealthy hair. “Studies show that PRP, especially the growth factor concentrate (GFC), helps in controlling hair loss. But, there is also an increase in the hair’s thickness which has thinned out in men, leading to improved hair density. This is why it is used before a hair transplant treatment to increase the nourishment to the hair and improve the donor area; it is also used after the treatment to enhance the results.”

Other bookmark-worthy tips 

While PRP therapy does stand as one of the most effective treatments for men facing recurring hair fall, it’s not the ultimate one-and-done solution. “Hair loss is always a multifactorial problem,” begins Agarwal, “and only one kind of treatment will not take care of it. PRP can help with hair loss in men and improve hair growth; however, undoing hair fall or male pattern baldness requires multiple approaches like medical therapy, PRP and lifestyle management.” Additionally, selecting the candidate for PRP after thorough assessments is crucial, as not everyone facing hair loss problems will necessarily benefit from it. “The correct PRP technique and procedure protocols with a qualified dermatologist are also important to get good results,” mentions Agarwal.

“In some cases, hair follicles may be less responsive to treatment, especially if the hair loss is more advanced,” informs Sharad. “A combination approach including minoxidil, peptides, redensyl and capixyl along with monthly sessions of PRP may be advised by your dermatologist depending upon the cause, pattern and extent of your hair loss.”

Hair loss, especially male pattern baldness, requires a long-term management plan chalked out after a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist. Agarwal suggests maintaining a consistent exercise routine with some meditation as that helps to destress and release happy hormones like endorphins and serotonin, that balance elevated cortisol levels. She also recommends a balanced diet that endows macronutrients and micronutrients. Sharad, on the other hand, highlights the significance of scalp hygiene. “Sweat and sebum on the scalp will attract more dust, dirt and grime, thereby making the scalp more susceptible to infections. Infections can, in turn, be a cause of hair loss. So, patients with oily scalp or those who sweat excessively on the scalp should shampoo daily (as opposed  to the myth that daily hair wash will cause more hair fall).” She also encourages the intake of supplements such as vitamins A, B, C and E, biotin, zinc, calcium, magnesium, chromium, selenium and Omega-3 fatty acids.

Contrary to popular perception, it is possible to tackle hair loss in men as well, particularly in the early stages, provided you take all the required measures with consistency and accuracy. “It is better to be preventive when there is still hope for hair growth,” concludes Agarwal.

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