Medically reviewed by Dr. Hootan Zandifar, MD, FACS for the ZMDHair restoration team · 2026-10-16
Quick answer: PRP (platelet-rich plasma) uses your own growth factors to strengthen existing, thinning follicles — it’s non-surgical and best for early-stage thinning, but it can’t regrow hair where follicles are gone. A hair transplant moves real follicles to permanently restore bald areas. For early thinning PRP may be enough; for established loss, a transplant is the answer — and they’re often combined.
What PRP does
PRP concentrates growth factors from your own blood and delivers them to the scalp to strengthen and support existing follicles. It’s non-surgical and best suited to earlier-stage thinning where follicles are still alive.
What a transplant does
A transplant relocates healthy donor follicles into bald or thinning areas for permanent, real hair. It addresses established loss PRP can’t reverse.
How to choose
If your hair is thinning but still present, PRP (often with medical therapy) may hold and improve it. If you have real bald areas, a transplant restores them. The dividing line is whether follicles are still there.
Often combined
Many patients use both — a transplant for coverage plus PRP to support the surrounding native hair. A consultation determines the right mix.
Key points
- PRP: strengthens existing follicles, non-surgical, early-stage
- Transplant: permanently restores bald areas with real follicles
- Choice depends on whether follicles are still present
- Often combined for the best result
Frequently asked questions
Is PRP better than a transplant?
They do different things — PRP supports existing hair; a transplant restores lost hair. It depends on your stage.
Can PRP regrow bald spots?
No — it supports living follicles; bald areas need a transplant.
Can I do both?
Yes — many combine a transplant with PRP for the surrounding hair.
How do I decide?
An exam of your scalp and loss stage determines the right approach.
Related on this site: Hair restoration · does PRP work · transplant candidacy.
Talk to a specialist in Beverly Hills
To find out whether PRP, a transplant, or both fits you, Dr. Zandifar sees patients in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica and reviews your anatomy in person before recommending anything. Request a consultation.
This article is provided by ZMDHair, the hair- and brow-restoration practice of Dr. Hootan Zandifar, MD, FACS. Educational information only, not medical advice; every plan is individualized at a consultation.
