PDGF vs. PRP for Hair Loss: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve researched hair restoration, you’ve probably heard of PRP. PDGF is newer to many patients, and the two are often confused.
Here is how Candice Roberts, NP, explains PDGF vs. PRP for hair loss at our Houma, LA office, and why our 90-Day Hair Reset is built around PDGF.
Both use growth factors to support the hair follicle environment, but they come from different places. PRP uses growth factors collected from your own blood. PDGF uses a concentrated, standardized growth factor formulation, so it doesn’t rely on what can be collected from your blood on a given day.
Candice Roberts, NP, on PDGF vs. PRP.
Your Blood, or a Standardized Formula
“You may have heard of PRP for hair restoration,” Candice says. “That’s where we draw your blood, we spin it down, and we inject your own growth factors back into your scalp.”
“But PDGF is a little different. We’re using a concentrated, standardized growth factor formulation rather than relying on the growth factors that we can collect from your own blood.”
PDGF vs. PRP
| PRP | PDGF | |
|---|---|---|
| Source of growth factors | Your own blood, drawn and spun down | A concentrated, standardized formulation |
| Blood draw needed? | Yes | No |
| Consistency | Depends on what can be collected from your blood that day | Standardized |
| Goal | Support the follicle environment | Support the follicle environment and encourage healthier growth |
| Learn more | PRP / PRF | Hair restoration |
“The goal is to support the environment around your hair follicles and encourage healthier hair growth.”Candice Roberts, NP
The 90-Day Hair Reset
Our 90-Day Hair Reset pairs PDGF injection sessions with a complete at-home hair care system, because in-office treatment and daily care work best together. See our hair restoration page for what’s included.
Remember that hair grows in cycles, so results build over months. More in How Long Does Hair Restoration Take?
Wondering whether PDGF is right for your hair?
Schedule a ConsultationWho May Not Be Ready
Growth factor treatments aren’t right for everyone. You may want to wait if:
Your hair loss is sudden or patchy
Sudden shedding or patchy loss deserves a medical evaluation to find the cause before cosmetic treatment.
You expect results in a few weeks
Hair grows in cycles that take months. Improvement continues well beyond the first 90 days.
You can’t keep up with at-home care
In-office treatment works best paired with consistent daily care at home.
You’re pregnant or breastfeeding
Some treatments and products are typically postponed. We’ll talk through what’s appropriate.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the difference between PDGF vs PRP for hair loss?
In PDGF vs PRP for hair loss, the difference is the source of growth factors. PRP uses growth factors collected from your own blood. PDGF uses a concentrated, standardized growth factor formulation, so no blood draw is needed.
Does PDGF require a blood draw?
No. PDGF uses a standardized formulation instead of growth factors collected from your blood.
Is PDGF better than PRP?
They’re different approaches. PDGF offers a standardized formulation, while PRP relies on what can be collected from your blood. Your provider will recommend what fits your situation.
What does PDGF do for hair?
The goal is to support the environment around your hair follicles and encourage healthier hair growth. Results vary and build over months.
What is the 90-Day Hair Reset?
It’s our hair restoration program pairing PDGF injection sessions with an at-home hair care system. Details are on our hair restoration page.
How many sessions will I need?
The 90-Day Hair Reset includes a set series of PDGF sessions. Your provider will review whether more is recommended based on your response.
Support Your Hair From the Follicle Up.
Come in for a hair restoration consultation at our Houma office, and we’ll explain which approach fits you.
Prefer to talk first? Call or text 985-247-0115