PRP Hair Treatment
What to Avoid After PRP Hair Treatment (The Essential Aftercare Protocol)
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) hair treatment has become an increasingly popular option for individuals in London exploring non-surgical approaches to hair thinning and scalp health. After investing time and effort into a course of PRP sessions, it is natural to want to ensure the treatment has a supportive environment in which to work.
Understanding what to avoid after PRP hair treatment is just as important as the procedure itself. The post-treatment period is a delicate phase during which the scalp is in an active recovery and regeneration process. Certain activities, products, and habits can potentially interfere with this process if not managed thoughtfully.
How Does PRP Work? The Science Explained
PRP hair treatment introduces a high concentration of platelets and growth factors — including PDGF, VEGF, and IGF — into the scalp environment. These growth factors interact with cells in the follicular region, potentially stimulating dormant or weakened follicle cells, supporting increased blood supply to the scalp, encouraging a prolonged anagen (growth) phase, and promoting tissue repair following the injection process itself.
Following treatment, the scalp enters a period of active biological activity. This is precisely why the immediate post-treatment period is significant, and why certain activities or exposures can potentially disrupt these early-stage processes.
What to Avoid After PRP Hair Treatment: In the First 24–48 Hours
Washing the hair: it is commonly advised to avoid washing the hair or wetting the scalp for at least 24 hours following treatment. This helps to avoid disturbing the micro-injection sites and allows the platelets to remain in contact with the treatment area.
Heat styling and hair dryers: applying direct heat to the scalp should generally be avoided in the first 24–48 hours. Vigorous exercise that generates significant sweating should also typically be avoided in the first 24 hours. Touching, rubbing, or scratching the scalp should be avoided. Alcohol consumption is also generally advised against for at least 24 hours as it can act as a vasodilator and may increase post-treatment swelling.
What to Avoid in the First Week Following Treatment
Chemical hair treatments — including colouring, bleaching, perming, or relaxing — should typically be avoided for at least one week. For a comprehensive overview of PRP hair treatment recovery time and returning to normal activities, see our dedicated guide. Strong shampoos, styling products containing alcohol, or medicated anti-dandruff shampoos may be best avoided temporarily; gentle, sulphate-free products are generally preferable.
Swimming pools and hot tubs should be avoided for approximately one week. Saunas and steam rooms should also be avoided. Direct, prolonged sun exposure to the scalp can cause irritation; wearing a hat or using appropriate SPF protection is advisable.
Medications and Supplements to Discuss With Your Practitioner
Certain medications and supplements may affect the efficacy of PRP or increase the risk of bruising and bleeding at injection sites. These include NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin, blood-thinning medications, high-dose fish oil or vitamin E supplements, and some herbal supplements.
Always inform your practitioner of any medications or supplements you are taking before your treatment. Do not stop prescribed medications without consulting your GP or prescribing clinician.
What You Can Do to Support Recovery
Stay well hydrated — drinking adequate water in the days following treatment is a simple positive step. Eat a balanced diet rich in iron, biotin, vitamin D, zinc, and protein, which are important for hair and scalp health.
Once the initial 24-hour period has passed, gentle hair washing with a mild shampoo is generally appropriate. Avoid scrubbing the scalp vigorously and use lukewarm rather than hot water. Follow your practitioner's specific guidance, which may differ from general educational advice.
Potential Benefits, Realistic Expectations, and Limitations
Some individuals who undergo a course of PRP hair treatment may notice improvements in scalp health, hair texture, and hair density over time. For a data-informed view of outcomes, see our guide on PRP hair treatment success rates. PRP is not a hair restoration surgery and cannot replace lost follicles. It is generally considered a supportive treatment rather than a definitive solution to hair loss.
PRP hair treatment may not be appropriate for all types of hair loss. Patients with certain medical conditions, advanced hair loss with significant follicle loss, or specific contraindications may not be suitable candidates. For a full picture of what to expect, see our guide on PRP hair treatment side effects. Response to PRP varies significantly between individuals — no practitioner can guarantee specific results.
Key Points to Remember
What to avoid after PRP hair treatment includes washing the scalp for 24 hours, vigorous exercise, alcohol, heat styling, and chemical hair treatments in the first week. The post-treatment period is a biologically active phase; thoughtful aftercare helps to support the treatment process.
Realistic expectations are essential — results are gradual, individual, and cannot be guaranteed. Personalised aftercare guidance from your treating practitioner is always more relevant than general advice. If you experience unexpected symptoms following treatment, consult your practitioner promptly.
Frequently asked questions
How long after PRP hair treatment should I avoid washing my hair?+
Most practitioners advise avoiding washing the hair for at least 24 hours following PRP hair treatment. This allows the micro-injection sites to settle and helps ensure that the concentrated platelets remain in contact with the treatment area during the initial phase. After this period, gentle washing with a mild, sulphate-free shampoo using lukewarm water is generally appropriate. Your treating practitioner should provide specific guidance tailored to your individual treatment.
Is it normal to experience soreness or redness after PRP scalp injections?+
Mild soreness, tenderness, and temporary redness at the injection sites are relatively common following PRP scalp treatment and typically resolve within a few days. Some patients may also experience minor swelling or a sensation of tightness. If you experience significant swelling, prolonged pain, signs of infection, or symptoms that concern you, it is important to contact your treating practitioner for professional assessment.
Can I exercise after PRP hair treatment?+
It is generally advised to avoid vigorous, high-intensity exercise for the first 24 hours following PRP hair treatment. Strenuous physical activity can increase blood flow to the scalp and cause sweating at the injection sites. After the initial 24-hour period, light activity can usually be gradually reintroduced. Always follow the specific guidance provided by your practitioner.
How many PRP hair treatment sessions will I need?+
PRP hair treatment is typically delivered as a course of sessions rather than a single appointment. Our guide on how many PRP sessions are needed for hair loss results covers timelines in detail. Most practitioners recommend an initial course of three to four sessions, often spaced four to six weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions at intervals determined by individual response.
Are there any people for whom PRP hair treatment may not be suitable?+
PRP hair treatment may not be appropriate for everyone. Potential contraindications can include certain blood disorders, active scalp infections or skin conditions, specific autoimmune conditions, pregnancy, and some medications that affect platelet function or blood clotting. Patients with very advanced hair loss where follicles are no longer viable may also not be ideal candidates. Individual suitability is always assessed during a professional consultation with a GDC or GMC-registered practitioner at a CQC-regulated clinic.
How soon might I see results from PRP hair treatment?+
Results from PRP hair treatment are gradual and typically begin to become noticeable over a period of months following a course of sessions. Most patients who respond to treatment report that changes in hair texture, thickness, or shedding rates become more apparent three to six months after beginning their course. No practitioner can predict with certainty how any individual will respond, and maintaining realistic expectations is an essential part of the process.
Written by Dr. Shilan Mirian
Lead Aesthetic Practitioner, Pantaleo
Rejuvenation
Interested in PRP Injections?
Book a complimentary, no-pressure consultation with our GDC-registered practitioner to find out whether this treatment is right for you.