What does PRP do?
PRP is non-surgical: it uses growth factors from your own blood, injected into the scalp, to support existing follicles and encourage healthier growth. It works best where there's still hair to preserve and strengthen — i.e. earlier-stage thinning. It doesn't create new hair where follicles are gone; it supports what's there. Results are gradual and need maintenance.
What does a hair transplant do?
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that moves healthy follicles (usually from the back of the scalp) to thinning or bald areas. It physically adds hair to areas that have lost it — so it can address more advanced loss that PRP alone can't. As surgery, it involves a procedure, recovery, and careful post-transplant care. (Note: a transplant is performed by the appropriate specialist; the clinic supports diagnosis, planning and aftercare.)
How do they compare?
PRP Hair transplant Type Non-surgical Surgical What it does Supports existing hair Relocates follicles to thinning areas Best for Earlier-stage thinning More advanced loss / restoring a hairline Hair where there's none No Yes Downtime Minimal Recovery period Maintenance Ongoing sessions Often combined with ongoing care General guide — your suitability is assessed individually.
Why they're often used together
This is the key point many people miss: PRP and transplants aren't rivals. PRP is frequently used to support the existing hair around a transplant and the general scalp health, helping protect your remaining hair while the transplant addresses the bald areas. A good plan often combines surgical and non-surgical approaches, alongside treating any underlying cause. It's rarely a simple "either/or."
Which is right for you?
It comes down to your diagnosis and stage: Earlier thinning, hair still present → PRP (± medical treatment) may be enough Advanced loss / bald areas, want density restored → a transplant may be needed, often with PRP to protect surrounding hair A receding hairline you want rebuilt → typically transplant territory A dermatologist-led assessment — including diagnosing why you're losing hair — determines the right path. A trustworthy clinic won't push surgery on someone who doesn't need it, or PRP on someone who does. Individual results vary.