Platelet-rich plasma, commonly known as PRP, is a concentrated form of your own blood that contains a high number of platelets. Platelets are tiny blood cells that play a crucial role in the healing process by releasing growth factors. When PRP is injected into areas of hair loss, these growth factors can stimulate hair follicles and promote hair regrowth. In black patients who have undergone PRP treatment, it has shown to be extremely beneficial.  Long-term studies have demonstrated accelerated hair growth and follicular strengthening in African populations.

PRP has been used in medicine for decades to speed up healing in various conditions like tendon injuries, osteoarthritis, and skin rejuvenation. In recent years, it has gained popularity as a treatment for hair loss due to its ability to stimulate dormant hair follicles.

How PRP Works for Hair Loss

PRP works by harnessing the power of your body’s own healing abilities. A small sample of your blood (usually about 20-30mL) is drawn from your arm and then placed in a centrifuge machine. The centrifuge spins the blood at high speed to separate the platelets from other blood components like red blood cells and white blood cells.

This process concentrates the platelets into a plasma that is 3-5 times richer in growth factors compared to regular blood. The platelet-rich plasma is then drawn up into a syringe and injected into the scalp in the areas of hair thinning.

When this platelet-rich plasma is injected into the scalp, it releases a variety of growth factors and cytokines that can:

• Stimulate the growth of new hair follicles
• Increase blood supply to the hair follicles
• Thicken the hair shaft
• Prolong the growing (anagen) phase of the hair cycle
• Decrease inflammation that can contribute to hair loss

Studies have shown PRP to be effective for androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness) which is the most common cause of hair loss. A 2019 study published in the Dermatologic Surgery journal looked specifically at PRP for treating hair loss in African American women.

The study included 15 African American women with androgenetic alopecia who received three PRP treatments spaced one month apart. The researchers evaluated hair density using a HairCheck device before treatment and at 6 months after the last PRP session. They found that PRP significantly increased hair density by an average of 31 hairs per square centimeter. No serious adverse effects were reported. While more research is needed, this study suggests that PRP can be a safe and effective treatment for hair loss in black women.

Combining PRP with FUE Hair Transplant

PRP can be used on its own or in combination with other hair restoration treatments like follicular unit extraction (FUE) hair transplantation. FUE is a minimally invasive hair transplant technique that involves harvesting individual hair follicles from the back and sides of the scalp (donor area) and transplanting them to the areas of hair loss (recipient area).

Adding PRP to an FUE procedure can improve the survival rate of transplanted hair follicles and accelerate healing. The growth factors in PRP help to reduce inflammation, stimulate new blood vessel formation, and provide nourishment to the transplanted follicles.

A 2016 study in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery evaluated FUE with and without PRP in 40 patients, half of whom were African American. The patients were divided into two groups: one group received FUE alone while the other group received FUE plus PRP injections into the recipient area.

The researchers assessed hair density and patient satisfaction at 2, 4, and 8 months after the procedure. They found that all patients had an increase in hair density, but the improvement was significantly greater in the FUE+PRP group compared to the FUE alone group. African American patients in particular had better results with FUE+PRP compared to those who had FUE alone.

The authors concluded that PRP is a safe and effective way to enhance FUE hair transplant outcomes, especially in African American patients who may have more challenging hair characteristics. The combination approach can lead to better graft survival, faster healing, and improved overall results.

Preparing for PRP Treatment

PRP is a quick, in-office procedure that typically takes less than an hour. To prepare for your PRP treatment:

• Avoid blood thinning medications like aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), fish oil, and vitamin E for at least 7-10 days before your procedure. These can increase bleeding and bruising. If you are on prescription blood thinners, talk to your doctor before stopping them.
• Eat a healthy meal and stay well hydrated before your appointment. Avoid caffeine and alcohol on the day of your procedure as they can dehydrate you and increase bleeding.
• Wash your hair thoroughly the morning of your procedure but avoid using any styling products like gels, mousses, or hairspray. These can interfere with the injections.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure if you plan to take an oral sedative to help you relax.

If you are traveling overseas for PRP treatment, there are some additional steps you should take:

• Research the clinic and doctor thoroughly to ensure they have experience treating patients with your hair type and skin tone. Look for reviews from other black patients if possible.
• Communicate with the clinic ahead of time about your medical history, hair loss condition, and treatment goals. Provide photos of your hair from different angles.
• Get any necessary lab tests done before you travel, such as blood work to check your platelet levels and screen for infections. The clinic may have specific requirements.
• Plan your trip so you have enough time before and after the procedure for consultation, treatment, and recovery. Most patients need to stay in the area for at least a day or two.
• Follow all pre and post-procedure instructions provided by the clinic, including avoiding sun exposure and swimming for a period of time after your treatment.

What to Expect During PRP Treatment

On the day of your PRP procedure, you will be taken to a treatment room and your vital signs will be checked. Your scalp will be examined to identify the areas of hair thinning to be targeted with the injections.

Next, a small amount of blood will be drawn from your arm, usually about 20-30mL. This blood is then placed in a centrifuge machine and spun at high speed for about 10 minutes to separate the platelets from the other blood components.

While the PRP is being prepared, your scalp will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution. A topical numbing cream may be applied to minimize discomfort during the injections. In some cases, a local anesthetic may be injected into the scalp for a nerve block.

Once the PRP is ready, it is drawn up into a syringe with a thin, fine needle. The prepared PRP is then injected into multiple sites across your scalp, focusing on the areas of hair thinning. The injections are spaced about half an inch apart and are done at a depth of 2-4mm into the scalp.

The entire PRP procedure usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area. After the injections are completed, a soothing cream may be applied to your scalp.

PRP Aftercare and Recovery

After your PRP procedure, you may experience some mild swelling, redness, or tenderness on your scalp. This is normal and should resolve within 24-48 hours. Some patients may have some minor bleeding or bruising at the injection sites which can last a few days.

Your doctor will provide specific aftercare instructions, but in general you should:

• Avoid washing your hair for at least 12-24 hours after the procedure. When you do shampoo, use a gentle, sulfate-free product and avoid rubbing or scrubbing your scalp vigorously.
• Avoid direct sun exposure and heat (saunas, hot tubs, blow dryers, etc.) for at least 48 hours after treatment. Heat can increase swelling and discomfort.
• Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and bending over for 24-48 hours to minimize the risk of bleeding.
• Do not use any hair products like gels, mousses, or sprays for at least 24 hours.
• Sleep with your head slightly elevated on a pillow to help reduce swelling.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen if needed for discomfort. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Contact your doctor if you have any signs of infection like increasing pain, swelling, redness, or discharge from the injection sites.

Most patients can return to their normal activities within a day or two after PRP treatment. You may be able to see some early improvement in hair thickness or texture within a few weeks, but it typically takes 3-6 months to see measurable results.

For optimal results, a series of 3-4 PRP treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart is usually recommended. Maintenance treatments every 6-12 months can help sustain hair growth long-term.

Benefits of PRP for Black Patients

PRP is a promising treatment option for hair loss in black patients. Benefits include:

• It is drug-free and uses your body’s own growth factors, reducing the risk of side effects or allergic reactions.
• It is minimally invasive with little to no downtime, allowing patients to return to their normal activities quickly.
• It is effective for common causes of hair loss like androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness) and traction alopecia, which are prevalent in the black community.
• It can thicken existing hair and stimulate new growth, improving overall hair density and volume.
• It can enhance FUE hair transplant results by improving graft survival and accelerating healing, particularly in black patients who may have more challenging hair characteristics.
• It is safe for all skin types and hair textures, including kinky, curly, and tightly coiled hair.
• It can be combined with other hair loss treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, or low-level laser therapy for synergistic effects.

The growing body of research and clinical evidence demonstrates that PRP is a safe, effective hair loss solution for black patients. At blackfue.com we specialize in providing state-of-the-art PRP treatments tailored to the unique needs and characteristics of African American hair.

Our team of experienced hair restoration specialists has helped countless black patients achieve thicker, healthier hair with PRP. We use the latest techniques and technologies to maximize treatment efficacy while ensuring patient comfort and safety.

When you choose blacfue.com for your PRP hair restoration, you can expect:

• Comprehensive evaluation of your hair loss condition and goals
• A customized treatment plan based on your specific needs
• Skilled, compassionate care at every step of your hair restoration journey
• Optimal results thanks to our proven PRP protocols and expertise
• Attentive aftercare and ongoing support to maintain your results

If you’re ready to experience the hair regrowth benefits of PRP, we invite you to schedule a consultation at blackfue.com today. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to answer all your questions and help you take the first step toward thicker, fuller hair you’ll love. With our expert PRP treatment and personalized care, you can enjoy a renewed sense of confidence and an enhanced quality of life.