Evaluation of Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Androgenetic Alopecia: A Multimodal Assessment Using Trichoscopy, Histopathology, and CD34 Immunohistochemical Assay

January 2026 in “ Clinical Dermatology Review ”

Ambresh Badad, R N Ankitha, Namrata S. Patil

platelet-rich plasma androgenetic alopecia trichoscopy histopathology CD34 immunohistochemical assay hair density hair thickness follicular health angiogenesis stem cell activation minoxidil finasteride erythema tenderness headaches PRP AGA Rogaine Propecia

TLDR Platelet-rich plasma therapy improves hair growth and health in androgenetic alopecia better than some FDA-approved treatments.

This study evaluated the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in 35 participants using a split-scalp, placebo-controlled design. The PRP-treated side showed significant improvements in hair density, thickness, and follicular health compared to the placebo side, with hair density increasing by 17.34 ± 7.68 in the PRP group versus 2.79 ± 6.94 in the placebo group. PRP therapy was found to be more effective than FDA-approved treatments like minoxidil and finasteride, promoting angiogenesis and stem cell activation. Most participants experienced no side effects, though some reported mild erythema, tenderness, or headaches. Despite promising results, the study's short follow-up period and variability in PRP preparation protocols were noted as limitations, highlighting the need for standardized protocols and larger trials to assess long-term efficacy.

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Research cited in this study

15 / 15 results

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research Comparative Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of PRP Therapy, Minoxidil, and Their Combination with Immunohistochemical Study of the Dynamics of Cell Proliferation in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

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Platelet-rich plasma shows potential for hair loss and skin rejuvenation but needs more research for widespread use.

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39 citations , March 2019 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

PRP therapy increases hair density for androgenetic alopecia.

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8 citations , January 2019 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Early diagnosis and a combination of treatments, including minoxidil and finasteride, are recommended for managing hair loss in India.

research A Study to Compare the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Minoxidil Therapy for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

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183 citations , January 2014 in “BioMed Research International”

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