Hair loss can feel like a daunting journey. As the first signs of thinning or receding appear, many people turn to Google looking for answers – and two treatments rise to the top: PRP therapy and hair transplants.
Both promise a path to healthier, thicker hair. But they’re very different solutions. So how do you decide which is right for you?
At Zenvité, we provide doctor-led PRP hair restoration treatments in our HIW and CQC-registered clinic, serving patients across North Wales, Chester, Wrexham, and the Wirral. Here’s what you need to know about PRP vs hair transplants – from how they work, to results, costs, and recovery.
🧬 What Is PRP for Hair Loss?
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy uses your own blood to promote natural hair regrowth. A small blood sample is taken, spun in a medical-grade centrifuge to isolate plasma rich in growth factors, and then injected into areas of thinning on the scalp.
This concentrated plasma stimulates dormant hair follicles, improves blood supply, and supports a healthier scalp environment – encouraging thicker, stronger hair growth over time.
Because it uses your body’s own healing mechanisms, PRP is a non-surgical, natural approach to hair restoration.
🔪 What Is a Hair Transplant?
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that moves healthy hair follicles from one part of your scalp (usually the back or sides) to areas where hair is thinning or absent.
There are two main techniques:
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FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation): A strip of scalp is removed and individual follicles are transplanted.
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FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction): Individual follicles are harvested and transplanted directly.
Transplants can provide dramatic results for people with more advanced hair loss, but they are invasive, require downtime, and come with surgical risks.
⚖️ PRP vs Hair Transplant: The Key Differences
| Feature | PRP Therapy | Hair Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Non-surgical, injections only | Surgical procedure |
| Downtime | Minimal – return to daily life same day | 7–14 days recovery time |
| Pain Level | Mild discomfort (with numbing if needed) | Local anaesthesia + post-op discomfort |
| Results Timeline | Gradual over 3–6 months | Initial results in 6–12 months |
| Cost | £995–£1,895 for 3–6 sessions | £4,000–£12,000 depending on extent |
| Ideal Candidates | Early-stage thinning | Advanced hair loss |
👩⚕️ Who Is PRP Best For?
PRP is ideal for:
✔️ Men and women with early-stage hair thinning
✔️ Those noticing increased shedding or reduced density
✔️ Postpartum or stress-related hair loss
✔️ Patients seeking a natural, non-surgical approach
At Zenvité, our doctors often recommend PRP for patients who still have active follicles and want to preserve and thicken their existing hair.
🏥 Who Is a Hair Transplant Best For?
Hair transplants are often best suited to:
✔️ People with significant hair loss or bald patches
✔️ Patients who have exhausted non-surgical options
✔️ Those seeking permanent coverage in specific areas
However, transplants are a bigger commitment, requiring downtime and careful post-op care.
🔥 Can PRP and Hair Transplants Be Combined?
Yes – and in fact, many surgeons recommend PRP as a complement to transplants.
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Before surgery: PRP can improve scalp health and prepare follicles.
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After surgery: PRP may support healing and boost graft survival.
At Zenvité, we focus on PRP as a standalone treatment for early to moderate hair loss, but we’re always honest if we think a transplant is a better fit for your needs.
💸 Cost Comparison: PRP vs Hair Transplant
| Treatment | Average Cost (UK) |
|---|---|
| PRP Therapy | £995–£1,895 (3–6 sessions) |
| Hair Transplant | £4,000–£12,000 |
PRP is significantly more affordable than surgical options, especially for those at the early stages of hair loss.
⏳ Recovery and Results
PRP Recovery:
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Mild tenderness or redness for 24–48 hours
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Return to work and daily activities immediately
Hair Transplant Recovery:
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Scabbing and swelling for 1–2 weeks
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Restricted activity for up to 14 days
📍 PRP Hair Restoration in North Wales
At Zenvité, we provide discreet, doctor-led PRP treatments from our clinic near Mold – ideal for patients in Wrexham, Chester, Llandudno, and the Wirral. Our CQC-registered environment ensures clinical safety and high-quality care.
✨ Final Thoughts: Which Is Right for You?
If you’re in the early stages of hair thinning and prefer a non-surgical approach, PRP could be an excellent option to preserve and enhance your hair.
For those with more advanced hair loss, a transplant may be the better route – but PRP can still play a role in supporting results.
Book a consultation with Zenvité today to discuss your options with one of our doctors.
