PRP vs Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil Combo

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Man applying topical finasteride and minoxidil combo

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Hair loss affects millions of people worldwide. With several medical treatment options available, it can be challenging to determine which approach is most effective. Two popular, non-surgical treatments, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and topical finasteride/minoxidil spray, combat male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). But which one is better for restoring hair? In this post, we compare the efficacy, safety, cost, and suitability of PRP versus topical finasteride and minoxidil.

Overview

  • Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil combination spray is a clinically proven hair loss medication that reduces scalp DHT levels and stimulates hair growth. It’s easy to apply, cost-effective, and perfect for treating the early stages of pattern hair loss.
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are designed to increase the thickness and density of your hair by using the platelets in your blood. This treatment is ideal for patients experiencing early-to-mid-stage androgenetic alopecia or those who want to avoid taking medication.
  • Clinical research into both treatments shows them to be effective at slowing hair loss and increasing hair growth.

First Things First: What Hair Loss Conditions Do PRP Therapy and Topical Finasteride/Minoxidil Treat?

Both Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and topical finasteride/minoxidil spray are designed to combat the hair loss condition of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). Pattern baldness is a hereditary form of hair loss which we inherit from our parents.

Around 50% of men aged 50 will be affected by male pattern hair loss, but it can affect men in their late teens and early 20s. Androgenic Alopecia typically follows a predictable pattern, affecting the hairline/temples and crown area. Pattern hair loss is measured using the Hamilton-Norwood Scale.

Male pattern baldness causes hair loss through a biological process called follicular miniaturisation driven by our hormones and genetics. It genetically predisposes sufferers to be sensitive to the male sex hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which has been shown to cause hair loss.

PRP therapy and Topical hair loss medications are designed to slow the progression of hair loss from androgenetic alopecia while also stimulating hair growth in existing hair follicles. The same is also true of oral finasteride!

What are Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil Spray?

man using topical hair loss medicationTopical finasteride and minoxidil are a combination therapy designed to combat male pattern hair loss. It is a liquid solution which is applied directly to the scalp once a day. It is intended to prevent DHT-related hair loss and stimulate hair growth.

Topical finasteride is a DHT-blocking medication. By targeting DHT locally on the scalp, it helps reduce hair follicle miniaturisation. Minoxidil, on the other hand, is a vasodilator that boosts blood flow and prolongs the growth phase of hair follicles. This treatment works by addressing the root cause of hair loss and stimulating the growth of existing hair follicles.

This hair loss treatment is also minimally invasive (compared to PRP therapy) and produces minimal side effects (compared to oral finasteride). So, it’s a safe, effective, and convenient solution for your hair loss.

How Effective is Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil at Combatting Male Pattern Baldness?

Topical minoxidil and finasteride are highly effective medications for slowing the early stages of pattern baldness (up to Stage 3V on the Hamilton-Norwood Scale). It can help slow signs of temple recession and visibly thicken thinning hair on the crown.

In a study conducted by Lee et al. (2018), topical finasteride spray solution was shown to significantly reduce scalp DHT levels by 68% (vs 65% for oral finasteride). As such, participants showed an increased hair count and density when taking topical finasteride, suggesting it to be an effective hair loss medication.

In a review (Suchonwanit, 2021) of several clinical trials on topical finasteride and minoxidil (administered separately and in combination), the results consistently showed that topical finasteride, alone or in combination with minoxidil, improves hair density and reduces hair shedding. Furthermore, topical finasteride/minoxidil is particularly effective in men who have experienced side effects from oral finasteride.

What is PRP Therapy?

man doing prp on head for hair lossPRP works by rejuvenating dormant or weakened hair follicles. It increases blood supply to the scalp, activates follicular stem cells, prolongs the hair growth (anagen) phase, and improves the overall health and thickness of hair strands. While it does not block DHT—the hormone responsible for male pattern baldness—it can significantly enhance hair density and growth in early to moderate stages of hair loss.

This therapy is most effective for conditions like androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium (temporary shedding), and post-transplant recovery. It may also benefit some individuals with early alopecia areata, though it’s less effective for scarring alopecias or completely bald areas where follicles have become inactive.

What Happens During a PRP Therapy Session?

The procedure begins with a simple blood draw, usually from your arm. Once blood has been taken, numbing cream/spray is then applied to the patient’s scalp. This is to help minimise pain and discomfort during the procedure itself.

The collected blood is then placed in a centrifuge, which spins it at high speed to separate its components. The resulting platelet-rich plasma—high in growth factors and healing proteins—is extracted and carefully injected into areas of the scalp affected by thinning or shedding hair.

Each PRP session typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes, and most patients require an initial course of 3 to 6 treatments spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart. Results are usually noticeable within 3 to 6 months, with many people experiencing increased thickness and reduced shedding.

After the initial course, maintenance sessions once or twice per year are recommended to sustain results. Just like hair loss medications, once you stop doing PRP therapy, your hair loss will continue to progress.

How Effective is PRP Therapy?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) Therapy is supported by scientific research and has been shown to have good clinical efficacy in treating androgenetic alopecia.

In a randomised and controlled trial by Gentile (2015), 20 male patients with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia were tested to assess the efficacy of PRP. Half the group received PRP injections, while the other half received a placebo (saline).

Over a 3-month treatment course, the PRP group showed a significant increase in hair count (an average of 33.6 more hairs per cm²) as well as greater follicle thickness. Histological analysis also confirmed increased epidermal thickness and activation of dermal papilla cells, suggesting that PRP encourages hair growth at both the surface and cellular levels.

Furthermore, a meta-analysis of 10 studies by Gupta (2019), results showed that PRP was not only more effective than placebo but, in some cases, outperformed topical minoxidil in terms of hair density and patient satisfaction. The researchers concluded that PRP is a promising treatment for patients who prefer a natural approach or cannot tolerate the side effects of medications like finasteride.

What Are the Costs of Both Treatments?

One of the key factors determining which treatment patients choose is affordability and convenience. While clinical evidence may show PRP treatment to have a slight edge in treating more medium-stage cases of pattern baldness, hair loss medication is broadly seen as cheaper, less invasive and more convenient.

In the UK, topical hair loss medication will usually cost a patient between £75 and £100 for 3 months’ worth of prescription medication. Combined treatments (topical finasteride/minoxidil) tend to be slightly costlier than single medications but are also somewhat more effective.

Comparatively, a PRP treatment in the UK typically costs the patient around £350-£400 per treatment. Patients will usually pay for a 3 or 6-month treatment plan (generally costing £1,000 or £2,000, respectively).

So, in the same period, hair loss medications often work out at around 1/10 of the price of PRP therapy. Medication is generally more convenient as you do not have to take a couple of hours in the afternoon to visit a hair regrowth clinic for a PRP treatment.

What Are the Positives and Negatives of Both Treatments?

The decision to go with topical hair loss medication or PRP treatment is largely down to personal preference. What exactly is it that you want from your treatment, and how much are you willing to pay to slow signs of hair loss?

The main benefit of PRP injections, when compared to topical finasteride/minoxidil, is that it enables the patient to remain drug-free while also increasing the thickness and density of their hair follicles. Furthermore, if you are the sort of person who prefers taking a day off work once a month for an appointment rather than having to remember to take medication every day, then PRP injections are probably the way to go for you.

That being said, PRP treatments require a considerable financial outlay (usually around £1,000 or £2,000) for a 3 or 6-treatment bundle. Results are quite varied and not always guaranteed. PRP can also be quite a painful procedure for many patients. Many patients often report soreness, bruising, and inflammation for around 72 hours after their treatment.

On the other hand, topical finasteride and minoxidil have also been clinically proven to reduce hair loss and promote hair regrowth. At the same time, it is easy to apply and doesn’t require a visit to a hair regrowth clinic. It’s cheap and minimally invasive.

However, if you’re prone to forgetting about taking/applying medications, then you may be better off opting for PRP injections.

What Types of Hair Loss Will Not See a Benefit From PRP or Topical Hair Medications?

There are three significant instances where these hair loss treatments will not provide an effective solution. These are:

  1. Patients looking to “reverse” or “restore” their hairline.
  2. Patients with extensive pattern hair loss (Hamilton-Norwood Stage 4 and beyond)
  3. Patients who do not have androgenetic alopecia

While PRP and topical hair loss medications are great options for combating thinning hair, they will not reverse the signs of temple recession. If you are looking to restore hair in your temples or lower your hairline, then a hair transplant is the only viable option.

The same is true for patients with extensive hair loss on the top of the head. If too many hair follicles have become dormant, the only way to restore hair is to take hair from the back and sides of the head (donor area) and implant them into the large area of hair loss (recipient site).

Comparatively, conditions such as traction alopecia, alopecia areata, diffuse hair loss, and telogen effluvium are unlikely to see improvement from PRP or topical minoxidil and finasteride.

Conclusion

Both PRP therapy and topical finasteride/minoxidil spray offer clinically supported results for tackling male pattern baldness. The best treatment for you depends on your stage of hair loss, budget, lifestyle, and how comfortable you are with medication or injections.

Topical finasteride/minoxidil is ideal for individuals with early-stage hair loss who are seeking a cost-effective, daily-use solution with fewer side effects compared to oral finasteride. Meanwhile, PRP therapy is a regenerative, drug-free option that may suit patients seeking a more natural alternative—or those who haven’t responded well to topical or oral treatments.

References

  • Gentile, P., Garcovich, S., Bielli, A., Scioli, M.G., Orlandi, A. and Cervelli, V., 2015. The effect of platelet-rich plasma in hair regrowth: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Stem Cells Translational Medicine, 4(11), pp.1317–1323 <https://doi.org/10.5966/sctm.2015-0107>.
  • Gupta, A.K., Carviel, J. and Abramovits, W., 2019. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study of the efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma therapy for androgenetic alopecia. Dermatologic Surgery, 45(10), pp.1262–1270 <https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000001841>.
  • Lee, S.W., Juhasz, M., Mobasher, P. and Ekelem, C., 2018. A comparative study of the efficacy and safety of topical vs oral finasteride in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 17(9), pp.1016–1022.Lee.
  • Suchonwanit, P., Rojhirunsakool, S. and Herndon, J.H., 2021. A review of the efficacy and safety of topical finasteride and minoxidil combination therapy for androgenetic alopecia. Drugs in Context, 10, pp.1–10.

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