PRP is a volume of blood plasma which is concentrated ( >1 million platelets/μL ) with platelets. It is rich in growth factors contained in platelet alpha and dense granules.

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These include:

• Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)

• Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)

• Epidermal growth factor (EGF)

• Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)

These growth factors bind to their receptors at the bulb area of the hair follicle, in turn helping to activate the proliferative phase of hair growth. The use of PRP is recommended as a co-adjuvant treatment for androgenic alopecia as well as other types of alopecia where hair follicles are still present. Patients are encouraged to continue topical and/or oral therapies (such as minoxidil, spironolactone, and finasteride), as PRP does not suppress the hormonal component of androgenic alopecia.