The evidence behind platelet-rich plasma as a hair loss treatment

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), also commonly referred to as Dracula therapy, vampire facial, vampire facelift, S3, self-stimulated serum, liquid gold or vampire therapy, is not a new procedure. It has been around for many years but was catapulted into the media spotlight by Kim Kardashian when she famously had this procedure done and was featured on her reality TV show. The photos of her face covered in red blood cells raised discussions around the globe, but this is not a true representation of PRP.

Growth factors were first discovered by Stanley Cohen and Rita Levi-Montalcini in the 1950s, when their research opened the door for PRP. Subsequently, they were awarded a Nobel Prize for their work in 1986 (Villela et al, 2010).

Essentially, PRP allows the body to heal faster and more efficiently. It stimulates DNA repair, heals scars and makes dry, lacklustre skin look and feel younger (Ibrahim et al, 2015). Not only is it an effective anti-ageing treatment, but it also has wider uses within the medical profession, including treating hair loss and sports injuries (Amgar and Bouhanna, 2013).