How to Prepare for Your Hair Restoration PRP Appointment

Hair restoration PRP is a relatively new way to combat a thinning scalp or overall hair loss. During the procedure, blood is extracted from the patient and is spun in a special machine called a centrifuge. The purpose of this machine is to separate the platelets from the red blood cells to create a rich plasma.

This ‘Platelet Rich Plasma’ or PRP is then injected back into the scalp to help stimulate the dead and/or damaged hair follicles. This can create new growth or create healthier, thicker growth – depending on what the exact hair loss issue is.

The reason this works so well is that the platelets help immediately begin “healing” the damage done by the cooccurring punctures a patient will receive. These two things will cause the body to heal itself, thus rebuilding collagen and natural hair follicles simultaneously.

Preparing for Your Appointment

If you’ve decided to try hair restoration PRP to help your thinning hair or balding scalp it is important you be well informed on what is needed before the procedure. This will both keep you safe, allow you to heal effectively, and help see the most positive results.

To help you better prepare for your appointment, we’ve created a short listing of the most common questions regarding preparations for hair restoration PRP.

Can I color my hair before the procedure?

Yes. You can color your hair up to three days before your procedure but should avoid it in the one to two days before.

Can I continue taking natural supplements before my procedure, or are there adverse reactions with them?

That depends. Anything that thins the blood should be discontinued at least one week before your treatment, but preferably ten days. This includes multivitamins, as well as any supplements containing vitamin’s E or A, ginko, cod liver, flax, garlic, or essential fatty acids. You can, however, continue taking iron and vitamin D supplements.  

Can I drink?

You should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages at least three days before your appointment.

Can I smoke?

If possible, we suggest limiting your smoking habits for three days before the procedure. It is preferred you stop smoking altogether but limiting is more helpful than nothing.

Can I shampoo my hair the day before?

Yes. You can even shampoo the morning of your appointment.

Can I use other hair loss treatments before my procedure?

Yes. It is safe to continue hair replacement therapies.

Is there anything else I should know?

Yes. There are a few things you should do in the day or two before your procedure. These are as follows:

• Ensure you are adequately hydrated the day before. This includes a minimum of six glasses of water, spaced out throughout the day. You should also have one bottle of water directly before your session.
• Eat a normal breakfast or lunch the day of your procedure, as this helps keep blood sugars stable.
• Please avoid any anti-inflammatory medications for a minimum of three days before your session. This includes Motrin, Ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, Advil, and voltaren, among others. You may, however, use Tylenol as necessary for pain or discomfort.