PRP VS Stem Cell Therapy: Which is Best Solution for Hair Loss?

Hair loss can be challenging to deal with - especially with the stereotypes. Turns out, you can overcome this challenge easily with modern regenrative treatments like PRP and stem cell therapies.

Many people wonder if stem cell vs PRP for hair loss works - is it effective, affordable and which option is right for their unique needs?

The following sections help you get the answers for all your questions, from their differences to the cost and which one is better for you.

Read on till the end to know all about both the therapies.

What is PRP Therapy vs Stem Cell Therapy?

PRP therapy includes the extraction of platelet-rich plasma from a patient’s own blood and injecting it in their scalp.

Stem cell therapy uses stem cells often derived from the fat tissue, bone marrow or lab-grown source to regenerate damaged follicles. This promotes new hair growth.

Whereas, stem cell therapy for hair growth includes injecting stem cells into the scalp to stimulate follicles and promote new hair growth.

When comparing PRP vs stem cell therapy, both rejuvenate hair growth naturally, but PRP is minimally invasive and best suited for early-stage hair loss. The stem cell therapy addresses more advanced conditions and creates new follicles.

Difference between PRP and Stem Cell Therapy

The following are some of the areas where the two therapies differ:

• Source: PRP comes from the patient’s blood whereas, stem cells are harvested from fat tissue or bone marrow.

• Mechanism: Stem cell therapy regenerates inactive follicles while PRP strengthens active follicles while PRP strengthens the active follicles and improves blood supply.

• Procedure: PRP is a simple blood draw and injection. Stem cell therapy involves tissue extraction, injection and lab processing.

• Sessions: PRP requires several sessions for results (3-6), stem cell therapy is often longer-lasting after a fewer treatments.

Also Read - GFC vs PRP: Which Is Better for Hair Growth and Thickness

PRP vs Stem Cell - Effectiveness, Pros and Cons

Here’s the difference between the two therapies on aspects like the effectiveness, cost and their pros and cons.

 

Aspect	PRP Therapy	Stem Cell Therapy
Ideal For	Early-stage hair loss	Advanced or aggressive hair loss
Effectiveness	50% improvement in hair growth	29%+ increase in hair density
Recovery	No downtime, minimal discomfort	May have longer recovery if biopsy
Risks	Very low, uses patient’s blood	Higher (tissue extraction, rare infection)​
Cost (per treatment)	$400–$750/session	$3,000–$10,000/session
Sessions Needed	3–6 initial, then maintenance	1–2 usually, longer-lasting

Stem cell vs PRP for hair loss is recommended by experts for two different stages. PRP is suitable for those in early stage, where there’s only early thinning. Stem cell therapy on the other hand, is more impactful for those with unresponsive or advanced hair loss.

Which one is better for hair loss?

Choosing between stem cell vs PRP for hair loss depends on the following factors:

• Severity and pattern of hair loss

• Desired budget and recovery time

• Personal health status

These are some of the important factors that help you decide if you want to get the PRP or stem cell to restore your hair.

PRP is safe, quick and less invasive whereas, stem cell is more advanced and can be costlier. It may be preferred for severe hair thinning or bald patches.

 

Also Read - FUE vs FUT vs DHI Hair Transplant: Which Technique Is Right for You?

Cost of PRP & Stem Cell Therapies

PRP therapy costs between $400 to $750 per session which is on average between $1,500 to $3,500 per full course.

The stem cell therapy can cost between $3,000 to $10,000 per session.

Some clinics offer combination treatments for better results. Stem cell injections plus PRP for a more robust follicle regeneration works best.

Hair Loss Reversed Minimally

Both PRP and stem cell therapy are modern solutions for hair restoration for two different stages of hair loss. The key difference between these two are the target and the procedure.

Early intervention calls for PRP and stem cell therapy is suitable for advanced hair loss. It can lead to superior and long-lasting results. Always consult an experienced provider to determine the best approach for your situation.