Both platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) are natural, autologous treatments for hair loss.
That means they use your own blood to support healing and cellular regeneration in the skin and scalp, rather than relying on synthetic products or medications.
Because both treatments are drawn from your own body, they are well tolerated and work alongside your natural healing processes.
The main difference comes down to how the blood is processed.
PRF is spun at a slower centrifuge speed, which allows it to hold onto stem cells and a fibrin matrix. This fibrin matrix supports a slower, longer release of growth factors over time, whereas PRP releases its growth factors more quickly.
At FUE Clinics, we offer PRP rather than PRF. We have included information on both here so you can understand the options and how they differ.
What is PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)?
Platelet-rich plasma is one of the most established autologous hair treatments.
A small sample of the patient’s blood is taken and placed in a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins quickly to separate the blood and produce concentrated platelet-rich plasma.
This concentrated layer is rich in platelets and growth factors, with the red blood cells removed.
PRP usually involves a faster, more aggressive spin, and an anticoagulant is often added to stop the blood from clotting during preparation. The result is a liquid that can be applied across larger areas of the scalp.
PRP treatments are also widely used in skin care for overall texture and skin health. If you would like a closer look at the process, our blog explains what PRP hair treatment involves in more detail.
What is PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin)?
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a newer generation of the same idea.
The key difference starts in the centrifuge. PRF uses a slower, gentler spin, and no additives or anticoagulants are used.
Because of this, PRF retains more of the blood’s natural healing components, including:
- White blood cells
- Stem cells
- A fibrin matrix
The fibrin forms a spongy fibrin matrix that acts like a natural scaffold.
This scaffold traps platelets and growth factors and allows a slow, sustained release over several days, often cited as around 7 to 10 days.
PRF has a thicker, gel-like consistency rather than a liquid. This makes PRF treatments well suited to targeted, localised areas.
Please note that PRF is not a treatment we currently offer at FUE Clinics.
How PRP and PRF May Support Hair Growth
Growth factors play a role in the body’s natural healing processes.
They are involved in the wound healing process, tissue repair, tissue regeneration, and cell growth throughout the body. When concentrated platelets and growth factors are applied to the scalp, the aim is to support the local environment around the hair follicles.
The intention is to help nourish thinning hair and encourage healthier hair follicles, which may support hair regrowth and hair density over time.
PRF takes this a step further. Because the fibrin matrix releases growth factors in a sustained manner, it may extend how long these regenerative cells stay active in the treated area. The same growth factors are also linked to collagen production and new cell growth, which is part of why platelet therapies are used in both hair and skin contexts.
It is important to be realistic. Results vary from person to person, and these treatments are not a guaranteed solution for hair loss. Most patients begin to notice changes gradually, often over a few weeks to months, rather than straight away.
Treatments like these tend to work best as part of a broader plan for hair health rather than as a single quick fix.
PRP vs PRF: Key Differences at a Glance
Here is how the two treatments compare:
| Feature | Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) | Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) |
| How established it is | Well-established, widely used treatment | Newer treatment |
| Spin speed | Quick, efficient spin | Slower spin |
| What it contains | Concentrated platelets and growth factors | Platelets, white blood cells, stem cells and a fibrin matrix |
| Growth factor release | Immediate, fast-acting release | Slower release over several days |
| Consistency | Liquid spreads easily across the scalp | Gel-like, stays in one area |
| Best suited to | Larger scalp areas are also used in skin treatments | Smaller, targeted areas |
| Available at FUE Clinics | Yes | No |
The key differences between PRP and PRF are not about one being better than the other.
Each has its own characteristics, and the most suitable option depends on your individual circumstances.
PRF offers a higher concentration of healing components and a more prolonged release of growth factors, which is why it may be considered in some treatment plans.
PRP is a well-established treatment and can be useful for addressing larger areas in a single session. Both treatments start from the same foundation: your own blood and its natural healing potential.
Which approach is appropriate will vary from person to person, and a qualified practitioner can assess your situation and discuss the most suitable option for you.
Which Treatment Is the Most Suitable Option?
The right choice depends on the individual patient, not a one-size-fits-all rule.
A doctor such as Dr TJ will consider several things, including:
- Your hair loss pattern and how advanced it is
- Your goals and the areas you want to treat
- Your medical history and overall hair health
As a general guide:
- PRP can be a strong option for covering larger areas of the scalp and may suit a classic scalp treatment approach.
- PRF hair treatments may be preferred where a targeted, sustained release is the goal, thanks to its spongy fibrin matrix.
Conditions such as androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and telogen effluvium are all assessed individually.
Each has a different cause and a different likely response, so the same treatment will not suit every type of hair loss. In some cases, PRP or PRF may be suggested alongside other approaches rather than on their own.
The most suitable treatment option, and any treatment plan, should always be decided with professional guidance after a proper assessment.
What to Expect: Sessions and Downtime
Both PRP and PRF are minimally invasive and use the patient’s own blood.
This means there is no synthetic product introduced, and most people experience only minimal downtime.
A typical session involves a quick blood draw, a short time in the centrifuge, and then the treatment being applied to the scalp.
The whole process is usually completed in one appointment, and most people return to their normal day soon after. Because results develop gradually, a course of sessions is usually planned rather than a single visit.
Early sessions are often spaced fairly close together, with maintenance sessions less frequent once the initial course is complete. The number of sessions and the spacing between them depend on your situation and are set during your consultation.
For more details on planning, we also cover how many PRP sessions may be needed for hair loss.
Discover PRP Hair Treatments with FUE Clinics in Perth Today!
PRP and PRF both offer a natural approach to supporting hair growth using your own blood.
The difference comes down to how each is prepared and how the growth factors are released, which is why the most suitable option is best decided one-on-one.
If you are noticing thinning hair and want to understand your choices, a proper assessment is the right first step.
To learn more or to ask whether PRP could be right for you, explore PRP hair treatment at FUE Clinics and book a consultation with the team in Perth today!