PRP vs Minoxidil: Complete Comparison
Quick Verdict
Minoxidil (Grade A) is a proven, affordable topical treatment you apply daily at home. PRP (Grade B-C) involves in-office injections of your own platelet-rich plasma, with promising but inconsistent evidence. Minoxidil is the gold standard for accessibility and proven effectiveness. PRP is more expensive, requires clinic visits, but avoids daily applications and may work for minoxidil non-responders. Some combine both for synergistic effects.
Written by
Dr. Jane Smith, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Last updated: January 29, 2026
View author profileSide-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Minoxidil (Rogaine) | PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence Grade | A·Strong Evidence | B·Moderate Evidence |
| Type | Topical solution/foam (self-applied) | Injectable procedure (in-office) |
| FDA Approval | FDA-approved for hair loss | Not FDA-approved (off-label) |
| Prescription Required | Over-the-counter | Medical procedure (consultation required) |
| Mechanism | Stimulates follicles, prolongs growth phase | Growth factors stimulate healing and follicle regeneration |
| Application Frequency | Daily (1-2x) at home | Every 4-6 weeks (3-6 sessions initially) |
| Time to Results | 4-6 months | 3-6 months |
| Initial Cost | $10-30/month | $500-2,000 per session (× 3-6 sessions) |
| Maintenance Cost | $10-30/month (ongoing) | $500-1,000 every 6-12 months |
| Pain/Discomfort | None (possible scalp irritation) | Moderate (needle injections, numbing available) |
| Effectiveness | 40-60% see regrowth (proven in large trials) | 50-70% see improvement (smaller studies, variable protocols) |
| For Men & Women | Yes (both approved) | Yes (used for both) |
Effectiveness
Minoxidil (Grade A)
- ✓ 40-60% of users see noticeable regrowth
- ✓ 80-90% slow or stop hair loss progression
- ✓ Decades of research backing effectiveness
- ✓ Works best on crown, moderate on frontal hairline
- ✓ 5% solution more effective than 2%
- ✓ Results maintained with continued use
- ⚠ Hair loss resumes if stopped
PRP (Grade B)
- ✓ 50-70% see improvement in studies
- ✓ Increases hair density and thickness
- ✓ May work for minoxidil non-responders
- ✓ Effective on crown and frontal areas
- ⚠ Results vary by preparation method
- ⚠ Limited large-scale clinical trials
- ⚠ No standardized protocol yet
- ⚠ Requires maintenance sessions
PRP Evidence Variability
PRP studies show inconsistent results due to different preparation methods, platelet concentrations, injection techniques, and treatment schedules. Choose providers with documented protocols and before/after photos. Minoxidil has more standardized, reproducible results.
Mechanism of Action
Minoxidil
The exact mechanism isn't fully understood, but minoxidil is believed to:
- • Opens potassium channels in follicles
- • Increases blood flow to hair follicles
- • Prolongs the anagen (growth) phase
- • Stimulates follicle stem cells
- • Prevents miniaturization of follicles
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
Your blood is drawn, spun to concentrate platelets, then injected into the scalp. Platelets release:
- • Growth factors (PDGF, VEGF, EGF, FGF)
- • Stimulates stem cells in follicles
- • Increases blood supply to follicles
- • Promotes hair follicle regeneration
- • May reverse miniaturization
- • Natural healing response
Advantages & Disadvantages
Minoxidil Advantages
- ✓ FDA-approved with proven effectiveness
- ✓ Very affordable ($10-30/month)
- ✓ Over-the-counter (no prescription)
- ✓ Apply at home (no clinic visits)
- ✓ Decades of safety data
- ✓ No needles or pain
- ✓ Works for men and women
- ✓ Standardized formulation
Minoxidil Disadvantages
- ✗ Daily application required (1-2x)
- ✗ Scalp irritation, itching (common)
- ✗ Unwanted facial/body hair growth (especially women)
- ✗ Greasy or flaky scalp with some formulations
- ✗ Initial shedding phase (2-8 weeks)
- ✗ Must continue indefinitely (hair loss resumes if stopped)
- ✗ Not as effective on frontal hairline
PRP Advantages
- ✓ No daily application needed
- ✓ Natural (uses your own blood)
- ✓ Minimal side effects or allergic reactions
- ✓ May work for non-responders to other treatments
- ✓ Can be combined with other treatments
- ✓ Good for both men and women
- ✓ No systemic medication effects
- ✓ May improve hair quality and thickness
PRP Disadvantages
- ✗ Very expensive ($1,500-6,000+ for initial series)
- ✗ Requires clinic visits and procedure time
- ✗ Painful (scalp injections, even with numbing)
- ✗ Not FDA-approved for hair loss
- ✗ Inconsistent protocols and results
- ✗ Limited large-scale studies
- ✗ Requires maintenance sessions (ongoing cost)
- ✗ Not covered by insurance
- ✗ Quality varies by provider
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Minoxidil if:
- ✓ You want a proven, FDA-approved treatment
- ✓ Budget is a concern
- ✓ You prefer at-home treatment
- ✓ You're okay with daily applications
- ✓ You're starting treatment for the first time
- ✓ You want the most accessible option
- ✓ You have mild to moderate hair loss
Consider PRP if:
- ✓ You've tried minoxidil without adequate results
- ✓ You cannot tolerate minoxidil (irritation, unwanted hair growth)
- ✓ You prefer periodic treatments over daily applications
- ✓ Budget is not a primary concern ($3,000-6,000 first year)
- ✓ You want to avoid topical medications
- ✓ You're willing to try emerging treatments
- ✓ You have access to a reputable provider with documented results
Combine Both if:
- ✓ You want maximum results (synergistic effect)
- ✓ You have moderate to advanced hair loss
- ✓ You can commit to both regimens
- ✓ Budget allows for comprehensive treatment
- ✓ Your provider recommends combination therapy
Note: Some studies suggest PRP + minoxidil produces better results than either alone. PRP may enhance minoxidil absorption and effectiveness.
Can You Use Both Together?
Yes — and it may enhance results!
Many dermatologists offer combination therapy: PRP injections every 4-6 weeks along with daily minoxidil use. The growth factors from PRP may enhance minoxidil's effectiveness, and minoxidil provides consistent daily stimulation between PRP sessions.
Typical Protocol: Start minoxidil daily, then add PRP sessions (3-6 initially, then maintenance every 6-12 months). Some providers apply minoxidil immediately after PRP to enhance absorption.
Cost consideration: Combining both increases total cost significantly, but may provide better results than either alone for those who can afford it.
Total Cost Analysis
Minoxidil
- First year: $120-360
- Ongoing (annual): $120-360
- 5-year cost: $600-1,800
- Very affordable long-term
- No consultation or procedure fees
- Generic options widely available
PRP
- First year: $3,000-6,000 (3-6 sessions)
- Ongoing (annual): $1,000-2,000 (maintenance)
- 5-year cost: $7,000-14,000
- Significant upfront investment
- Plus consultation fees
- Not covered by insurance
Value Consideration: Minoxidil provides proven results at a fraction of PRP's cost. PRP's higher cost may be worth it if minoxidil doesn't work for you or causes intolerable side effects. Always start with minoxidil unless there's a specific reason not to.
Treatment Timeline
Minoxidil Timeline
- Week 1: Start daily applications
- Weeks 2-8: Possible shedding (normal, temporary)
- Month 3-4: Initial new growth visible
- Month 6: Noticeable improvements
- Month 12: Maximum results
- Ongoing: Continue indefinitely to maintain
PRP Timeline
- Session 1: Initial treatment (baseline photos)
- Weeks 4-6: Session 2
- Weeks 8-12: Session 3
- Month 3-4: Possible early improvements
- Month 6: Assess results, photos
- Month 9-12: Maintenance session if needed
- Ongoing: Maintenance every 6-12 months