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What is more effective for hair loss – laser therapy or PRP treatment?

Writer's picture: Adam WhatleyAdam Whatley
What is more effective for hair loss – laser therapy or PRP treatment?

Here at Dynamic Regenerative Medicine, our hair loss clinics in Birmingham and Warwickshire regularly gets asked the question what is the most effective treatment for hair loss Laser Therapy or Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy? Below we would like to give you an insight.


Both PRP therapy and Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) are utilised to treat hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss). Overall, currently clinical evidence does provide detail that PRP can offer an advantage over laser therapy in promoting hair regrowth.


One 2022 study comparing PRP and laser therapy treatments found that PRP led to a more significant improvement in hair thickness and density. Patients treated with PRP also showed higher satisfaction levels, and these positive outcomes were sustained during a 12-week follow-up period. Study can be found here – OAMJMS.


Another 2022 study evaluated the efficacy of PRP and a 1550 nm fractional erbium-glass laser, both individually and in combination, for androgenetic alopecia. While all patients experienced hair density improvement, those receiving combination therapy had greater enhancement. This suggests that combining treatments may yield better results than either modality alone. Study can be found here –PubMed.


Additionally, a 2022 systematic review reported that PRP was significantly more effective compared to various treatments, in increasing hair count. This indicates that while PRP is generally effective, laser also can hold some additional benefits. Study can be found here – American Academy of Family Physicians.



Ultimately, both PRP therapy and low-level laser therapy have shown effectiveness in treating hair loss, but their comparative efficacy depends on factors like patient needs, treatment frequency, and cost.



PRP or laser for hair loss?



Efficacy

PRP involves injecting concentrated platelets to release growth factors that stimulate hair follicles. Studies indicate a significant increase in hair density and thickness with PRP, with outcomes often improving after multiple sessions. A recent meta-analysis reported a mean increase of 27.9 hairs/cm² after PRP treatments, though results may vary depending on preparation and patient characteristics.


Laser hair loss therapy works by stimulating cellular activity through light therapy, promoting hair growth via increased ATP production and improved follicular function. Some evidence suggests it is comparably effective to PRP for improving hair density, though direct comparisons show less favourable results. However, combining both treatments have shown highest success rates (80% of patients showing improvement).



Side Effects

PRP side effects are primarily related to injections, such as mild pain, swelling, or bruising. However, these are very mild, and short lived. Laser therapy has minimal risks aside from possible scalp sensitivity.


Cost

Laser therapy is generally more cost-effective over time, particularly with home-use devices. However, it is more time consuming.


Combination Therapy

Using both treatments together may yield better results. A recent study on androgenetic alopecia suggested that PRP combined with laser therapy improved hair density and quality more effectively than either therapy alone.



Comparative evidence for the effectiveness of PRP therapy versus low-level laser therapy LLLT for hair loss highlights differences in outcomes based on clinical trials and systematic reviews. Some of these reports are mentioned below:



1. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

A systematic review in 2022 of 13 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) including 343 participants found PRP significantly increased hair density compared to placebo, with a mean difference of 30.4 hairs/cm² at follow-up. Variability in preparation and injection protocols contributed to study heterogeneity, but the results consistently favoured PRP over controls. (Study).


Another 2022 meta-analysis of 30 studies involving 687 participants reported that PRP improved hair density and thickness compared to placebo or standard treatments. (Study).


A 2024 study reported PRP combined with topical minoxidil showed synergistic benefits compared to minoxidil alone, with improved hair density observed in pooled results. (Study).



2. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Studies generally describe laser therapy as safe and occasionally effective, particularly for androgenetic alopecia, with minimal adverse effects.




Key Takeaways:


PRP: Offers substantial improvements in hair density and thickness, supported by multiple randomised control trials.

LLLT: Provides a noninvasive effective alternative, especially for individuals preferring an at-home option. There is no point visiting a clinic for laser therapy as it is far more convenient to buy a laser helmet and do it in your comfort.

• Both methods have demonstrated safety and efficacy, but PRP can offer faster results due to its regenerative potential, while laser requires consistent long-term use for optimal outcomes.




In conclusion, clinical evidence suggests that PRP therapy appears to be more effective than laser therapy in treating hair loss, particularly in improving hair thickness and density. However, combining both treatments might offer enhanced results.




Additional information sources:












Get in touch to find out more or schedule a free consultation. We have hair loss clinics in Birmingham and Warwickshire providing a range of different treatments that may be able to assist you on your hair loss journey.



Dynamic Regenerative Medicine

01564 330773





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