PRP vs Exosome Hair Treatment in London: How They Compare

Reviewed by Dr Salinda Johnson MD FSCD

Quick answer: PRP (platelet-rich plasma) uses concentrated platelets from your own blood, injected into the scalp to encourage hair follicles. Exosome therapy uses tiny cell-free particles released by stem cells for a similar purpose. PRP has the longer research record, while the evidence for exosomes in hair is still emerging. Neither suits every cause of hair loss, so finding the cause comes first.

First, why is your hair thinning?

Hair loss has many causes, and the right treatment depends on which one you have. Common ones include inherited pattern hair loss, temporary shedding after illness, stress, childbirth or a crash diet, hormonal changes, and low iron or thyroid problems. Some medicines can also thin hair.

Many people notice more hair in the brush in autumn. A temporary rise in shedding can happen for several reasons, and it often settles by itself. But shedding that continues for months, bald patches, or thinning in a clear pattern should be looked at. The NHS advises speaking to a GP if you’re worried about hair loss, and a GP can check for treatable causes such as iron or thyroid problems. We offer GP consultations and health screens at the clinic if you’d like tests before starting a treatment.

How does PRP hair treatment work?

A small sample of your blood is taken and spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets in the plasma. The platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the scalp, usually in the areas that are thinning. Platelets release growth factors that are thought to stimulate hair follicles and the blood supply around them. PRP is also used to support hair growth after a hair transplant.

Studies suggest PRP can improve hair density in some people with pattern hair loss, but results vary, protocols differ between clinics, and it isn’t a cure. You can read more on our PRP hair page and our guide to PRP for hair growth.

How does exosome therapy work?

Exosomes are tiny particles released by cells, including stem cells, that carry signalling molecules between cells. Exosome treatments are used in clinics for skin and hair, with the idea that these signals encourage tissue repair and calm inflammation. Our exosome therapy page describes how we use them.

The research on exosomes for hair is much newer than for PRP, with fewer good-quality human studies. Be cautious about any claim that exosomes are far more powerful than PRP, because there is limited head-to-head evidence. Ask any clinic what product they use, where it comes from and what evidence supports it.

PRP vs exosomes at a glance

Who may benefit?

• People with early or moderate thinning, such as inherited pattern hair loss.
• People whose shedding has settled and who want to support regrowth once the cause has been addressed.
• People who want to support hair growth after a transplant.

Treatments like these are less likely to help in advanced baldness, or in scarring hair loss where follicles have been destroyed, and some conditions need a specialist dermatology opinion. Read our page on alopecia treatment if you have patchy hair loss.

What to expect

1. Consultation. The doctor examines your scalp, asks about your health and medicines, and may suggest blood tests.
2. Treatment. For PRP, a blood sample is taken and processed, then the plasma is injected into the scalp. Treatment is performed by an experienced cosmetic doctor.
3. Afterwards. Some tenderness is possible, and most people carry on with their day.
4. Results. Hair growth is gradual, so judge the effect over months rather than weeks. Repeat sessions are usually needed, and there is no guarantee of results.

Which is better for you?

There’s no single best answer. If you want the treatment with the longer research record, PRP is the more established option. Exosomes may appeal if you want to avoid a blood draw, but you should weigh that against the thinner evidence. The most useful step is a proper assessment, so that you’re treated for the cause of your hair loss. For more advanced loss, a transplant may be worth considering, and our article explains why hair transplants are so popular in London. We also look at how scalp health, PRP and gut health connect.

Frequently asked questions