PRP for Hair Loss in Women – Pre & Post Treatment Care Guide
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for hair loss can significantly improve hair thickness and scalp health when combined with proper care. To ensure you get the best results and a smooth recovery, please follow these pre- and post-treatment guidelines. At Opal Radiant, all PRP sessions are performed by trained medical professionals under Dr Punit’s direct supervision, with protocols customised to each woman’s hair and scalp condition .
Pre-Treatment: How to Prepare for Your PRP Session
7 Days Before: Discontinue any supplements or medications that can thin your blood at least one week prior to treatment. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and other NSAIDs, as well as vitamin E, fish oil, garlic, Ginkgo Biloba, and other herbal supplements . These substances can impair platelet function and increase bruising or bleeding during the procedure . (You may take acetaminophen/paracetamol if you need a pain reliever, as it does not affect platelets .) If you are on prescription blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, inform Dr. Punit’s team in advance for guidance.
2–3 Days Before: Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours before your session . Alcohol (especially red wine) can dilate blood vessels and promote bruising, so it’s best to be alcohol-free in the days leading up to PRP. If possible, cut down on smoking as well – smoking can impair circulation and healing. There’s no need to stop other hair loss therapies you may be using, such as minoxidil, laser therapy, or hormone-blocking medications, prior to PRP; these can be continued normally until the day before treatment . (If you are unsure about any specific medication or supplement, please check with our dermatologist beforehand.) It’s also fine to color or style your hair up to about 5–7 days before the procedure, but we recommend not doing any harsh chemical treatments on the scalp in the immediate 3 days pre-treatment to avoid scalp irritation .
Day of Treatment: Come with clean, product-free hair. On the morning of your PRP appointment, shampoo your hair thoroughly to remove oils and debris . Do not apply any styling products like hairspray, gel, mousse, or dry shampoo after washing . If you wear a wig, extensions, or a hairpiece, please remove it before washing and do not wear it to the clinic – we need full access to your scalp. Have a normal, light meal a few hours before your session (don’t come on an empty stomach) and avoid excessive caffeine intake that day . Staying well-nourished and calm will help prevent any lightheadedness during the blood draw. Hydration is key – drink plenty of water the evening before and the day of your treatment (for example, a couple of extra glasses the day before, and at least 500 mL of water within 2 hours of your session) . Being well-hydrated makes it easier for us to draw your blood and prepare the PRP. Wear comfortable clothing and consider a front-open top, since we may apply a numbing cream on your scalp and you’ll want to avoid pulling a tight top off over your head afterward.
Medications & Health: Continue to take any essential prescription medications (for example, for blood pressure, thyroid, etc.) as directed by your physician – do not stop your regular meds without advice . If you happen to feel unwell (e.g. feverish or an active scalp infection) on the day of treatment, please call to reschedule. PRP is a safe procedure for most women, but it is not performed if you are pregnant . If you are breastfeeding or trying to conceive, let our staff know so we can time your treatment appropriately.
Post-Treatment: Aftercare for Your Scalp and Hair
Immediately After (First 24 Hours): You can go home or back to routine activities right after PRP, but treat your scalp gently. Do not wet or wash your hair for at least 24 hours after the treatment . The tiny injection sites need to close and we want the platelets to remain in the scalp tissue initially. Avoid touching, scratching, or rubbing your scalp where it was treated for the first day – no head massages or headbands, and try not to lean on those areas. It’s normal to have some mild soreness, tenderness or a feeling of tightness in the scalp once the anesthetic wears off. You may also notice slight redness or pinpoint swelling at injection sites, and possibly a mild headache. These effects are typically mild and should subside within a couple of days . If you feel discomfort, you may take acetaminophen (paracetamol) as needed, since it doesn’t interfere with PRP’s action . Do not take any NSAID pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin for 2–3 days after PRP – these anti-inflammatories could reduce the beneficial inflammation that PRP induces in your follicles . Also avoid applying ice directly to the scalp unless absolutely needed; a cool damp cloth is okay for soothing, but ice packs can diminish the PRP’s activity by overly constricting blood flow .
First 2–3 Days After: For the next couple of days, continue to keep your scalp clean and avoid anything that could irritate it. Refrain from heavy sweating and vigorous exercise for 48 hours (e.g. no intense gym workouts or yoga inversions for two days) . Excess heat and sweat could increase swelling or risk infection in those first healing days. Similarly, avoid swimming, hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms for at least 2–3 days post-treatment– you want to keep the scalp environment clean and not expose it to chlorinated water, excessive heat, or public water sources right away. When 24 hours have passed, you may gently wash your hair with a mild, pH-balanced shampoo. Use lukewarm water and fingertips (not nails) to lightly cleanse the scalp on the second day after PRP . Pat dry with a clean towel. Do not use dry shampoo or any leave-in products yet. After washing, continue to avoid styling products (hair spray, gels, foams) for the first 48-72 hours post-treatment. Let your hair air-dry if possible, or use a cool setting on the dryer; avoid high heat styling tools for a few days. If you normally use minoxidil (Rogaine or other topical solutions), wait for 48-72 hours before resuming it on your scalp . Introducing minoxidil too soon could irritate the injection sites – giving it a couple of days ensures your scalp has started healing. (Oral hair loss medications like vitamin supplements or prescribed tablets can be continued as normal.) Continue to sleep on a clean pillowcase and keep your scalp protected from dust or dirt. Wearing a loose, clean cap or scarf is fine after the first day if you need to be outside, but avoid anything too tight on the scalp for the first 3 days.
Days 3–7 (Rest of First Week): By day 3 post-treatment, most pinpoint soreness or redness should be greatly improved. You can gradually return to your normal hair care routine at this point. If everything feels fine, you may resume gentle use of your regular shampoos and conditioners and start using your usual hair serums or oils on the lengths (still being gentle on the scalp). After 3 days, you can also go back to using minoxidil or other topical hair medications on the scalp as prescribed . However, hold off on any chemical treatments or intense styling a bit longer – we recommend avoiding hair coloring, perms, chemical straightening, or keratin treatments for about 1 week after PRP to be safe . These processes can be harsh on the scalp, and it’s best to let the injection sites fully heal before applying dyes or chemicals. Likewise, hold off on tight hairstyles or heavy extensions for the first week (tugging on the healing areas may cause discomfort). After one week, you can typically color or style your hair as usual. If you are due for a coloring touch-up or salon treatment, plan it for 7+ days post-PRP.
General Do’s & Don’ts: In the week after your PRP session, continue to avoid NSAIDs (if possible) for up to 5-7 days post-treatment . Use only acetaminophen for pain or ask us if you need an alternative. It’s also wise to avoid smoking and limit alcohol for a few days after PRP – smoking in particular can impair healing and results. Stay well-hydrated and maintain a nutritious diet to support your hair recovery (adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals help hair growth). There is little to no downtime with PRP, so you can resume work and normal daily activities right away – just be mindful of the above restrictions to protect your scalp. Most women feel fine to return to routine immediately, aside from mild scalp tenderness. If you had any sedative or numbing injections (rare, usually we use only topical numbing), follow any additional instructions given by our staff. We will also schedule your next PRP session (if you are doing a series) – typically sessions are spaced about 4–6 weeks apart, and a full course may be around 3–6 sessions for optimal results . Consistency is key, so try to stick to the schedule your dermatologist provides. You can continue any other hair loss treatments (like nutritional supplements, anti-androgen medications, or low-level laser therapy) between PRP sessions as advised – PRP often works best in combination with these supportive therapies .
Expected Side Effects: It is normal to experience some mild side effects in the treated area, which should be temporary. Commonly, women report minor swelling, redness, or a bruise-like tenderness on parts of the scalp for 1–3 days. You might see a small bruise where blood was drawn from your arm as well. Mild itching or tingling as the PRP activates in the scalp can also occur . These are all normal treatment effects and usually resolve quickly on their own . Severe reactions are very rare because PRP comes from your own blood (allergic reactions are extremely unlikely) . If you had significant swelling from the injections, sleeping with an extra pillow to elevate your head for the first night or two can help reduce it . You can also use a cold compress gently on the forehead or back of the neck if needed, but again avoid direct ice on the injected scalp. In most cases, any tenderness will be much improved by the third day, and you’ll start to notice reduced shedding or texture improvements in the weeks following your session as the PRP begins to work .
When to Contact the Clinic: Your provider will give you a quick check before you leave, but please be vigilant about your healing at home. Contact us immediately if you experience any concerning symptoms, such as: signs of infection (increasing warmth, spreading redness, or yellow/green discharge at the injection sites), a fever over 101°F in the days after treatment, or severe pain that does not improve with recommended pain relievers . These issues are highly uncommon with PRP, but it’s important to rule out infection or other complications promptly. Also let us know if redness or swelling on the scalp persists longer than about a week or seems to worsen instead of improving . We may ask you to come in for a check-up in such cases. Your safety is our priority – don’t hesitate to call Dr. Punit’s team with any questions or concerns during your recovery. We’ll also follow up as needed and guide you on when to proceed with your next session or any adjunct treatments.
Additional Considerations for Female Clients
Menstrual Cycle: You can safely undergo PRP during your period – being on your menstrual cycle does notreduce the treatment’s effectiveness or your platelet quality . Our clinic is women-only, so we understand and accommodate female health needs. The main consideration with scheduling PRP around menstruation is your comfort. Some women find they have a lower pain threshold, feel fatigued, or are a bit more prone to bruising during their period due to hormonal changes . PRP involves multiple small injections, so if you tend to experience severe cramps or discomfort during menstruation, you might choose to schedule your session for a different week when you’ll feel more at ease. However, this is purely personal preference – medically, there is no contraindication to having PRP while on your period . Many of our patients comfortably go through PRP treatments during their cycle. If you do decide to proceed while menstruating, just ensure you are well-hydrated and have eaten (as noted above) to avoid any lightheadedness. We want you to be as comfortable as possible, so feel free to discuss timing with us.
Hormonal Factors & Hair Loss Patterns: Female hair loss often has a hormonal component – for example, postpartum shedding, PCOS-related hair thinning, or age-related hormonal changes. Our team will take into account your specific hair loss pattern and any underlying conditions when planning your PRP treatments. In fact, our PRP protocols are tailored for women dealing with these situations, whether it’s recent hair fall after pregnancy, diffuse thinning from polycystic ovary syndrome, or stress-induced shedding . PRP works by nourishing and reviving weakened follicles, and it can be an excellent complement to other treatments you may be undertaking for hormonal balance. You should continue any doctor-prescribed hormonal treatments (e.g. thyroid medication, PCOS medications, or birth control pills) as directed – PRP will work alongside these to improve your hair density. Many women also combine PRP with topical minoxidil or oral supplements; as noted, you don’t need to stop these long-term therapies, just pause topical applications for a couple of days around the session. Addressing the internal causes of hair loss (like correcting iron levels, treating hormonal imbalances, or reducing stress) will enhance the results of PRP and help you maintain them. Dr. Punit will ensure a holistic approach to your hair loss – focusing not just on the PRP procedure but also on optimizing your overall scalp and hormonal health as a woman.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: For safety reasons, we do not perform PRP hair treatments during pregnancy . Although PRP uses your own blood, the procedure has not been well-studied in pregnant women, so as a precaution we postpone treatment until after delivery. If you become pregnant in the middle of a PRP treatment course, just let us know – we will pause your sessions and can resume afterward. If you are breastfeeding, PRP is generally considered safe since nothing foreign is injected, but we still evaluate on a case-by-case basis. Many new mothers choose PRP to combat postpartum hair shedding (which typically peaks around 3-4 months after childbirth); we can customize the timing of your treatments to be effective yet convenient for you and your baby’s schedule. Always inform Dr. Punit’s team if you are pregnant, nursing, or planning to conceive, so we can give you the best advice and timing for therapy.
By following these pre- and post-care instructions, you will maximize the benefits of your PRP hair restoration treatments while minimizing any risks or discomfort. Our dermatologist-led staff is here to support you at every step – from preparing you before the session to ensuring you have a smooth recovery afterward. PRP therapy at Opal Radiant is personalized for each woman’s needs and performed under expert supervision, so you can feel confident about your care . If you have any questions about these guidelines or your treatment plan, please reach out to us. We’re committed to helping you achieve healthier, fuller hair in the safest and most comfortable way possible. Here’s to radiant, resilient hair growth!
