Thanks to its ability to stimulate follicle growth and increase hair-shaft thickness, many people experiencing hair loss are now opting for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments targeted to the scalp. But though this buzzy procedure comes with some impressive before and after images showing off thicker hair, it has a few downsides as well—one being its potential to irritate the scalp’s skin. We spoke to three dermatologists about how PRP works and the products they recommend to their patients to soothe the treated areas afterward. (Bonus: almost all their picks are under $10.)
What is a PRP treatment, and how does it work?
PRP is a nonsurgical treatment in which platelets extracted from one’s own blood—are injected into areas of the scalp with thinning hair. “We do not yet understand the exact mechanism, but we do know that platelets release growth factors and that the growth factors cultivate the development of follicular structures and blood supply that are necessary for hair regrowth,” explains Dr. Melissa Chiang, a board-certified dermatologist in Houston. “PRP may also work by lengthening the hair growth phase of the hair cycle, allowing miniaturized hairs to become more cosmetically viable,” she says. While PRP can work wonders in encouraging hair growth, the release of growth factors may cause additional swelling at the site of injury and may stimulate nerves and cause discomfort, Dr. Chiang adds.
Because of this newfound sensitivity, Dr. Marguerite Germain, a board-certified dermatologist in Charleston, South Carolina, recommends her patients wait 24 hours after treatment before washing their hair. “When choosing a shampoo, I tell them to look for gentle formulas that are safe for everyday use, as these are less harsh and unlikely to cause further irritation.”
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What ingredients should you avoid post-treatment?
When purchasing a shampoo post PRP treatment, Dr. Jeffrey Rapaport, a board-certified dermatologist in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, suggests avoiding ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, ammonium lauryl sulfate, and sodium myreth sulfate. “Sulfates are foaming agents that act as detergents and degreasers, but they can be stripping and cause irritation or reactions in skin that is sensitive [like after treatment with PRP],” says Dr. Germain. She agrees that it’s safest to stick with sulfate-free formulas.
The 6 recommended products to use
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo ($42)
Dr. Rapaport loves this exfoliating shampoo because “it’s cooling [and] calming and reduces irritation,” and it contains natural ingredients like charcoal, peppermint, spearmint, and tea tree oil. Not only is this pick sulfate-free, but it’s also formulated without gluten, silicones, or synthetic dyes.
Cleure Hypoallergenic Volumizing Shampoo for Sensitive Skin ($15)
Ideal for those with skin that’s easily irritated, this vegan shampoo recommended by Dr. Rapaport is unscented and free of common irritants like parabens, salicylate, gluten, and sulfates. It’s also a volumizing product, helping hair look fuller after use.
Related: I Tried PRFM Injections for Hair Loss—and Am Feeling Hopeful for the First Time in Years
Free & Clear Hair Shampoo ($10)
This option is free from dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, parabens, lanolin, formaldehyde, formaldehyde releasers, and other preservatives, and it’s made by the same company as Vanicream—a highly recommended no-frills moisturizer for those with reactive skin.
Pantene Nutrient Blends Miracle Moisture Boost Rose Water Shampoo ($8)
A new launch from Pantene, this sulfate- and paraben-free formula is infused with rose water and vitamins, to nourish and calm the scalp, and comes recommended by Dr. Germain.
L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo ($5)
Dr. Germain loves this sulfate-free option from L’Oréal—which happens to be the least expensive on the list. With no salts or surfactants that can strip the hair and scalp of their natural oils, this shampoo is ideal for those with color-treated hair.
Aveeno Active Naturals Pure Renewal Shampoo ($6)
“This shampoo is another good option [because it] contains seaweed extract to moisturize dry, brittle hair,” says Dr. Germain. Another easy and affordable find at the drugstore, it gently cleanses to lift away impurities without stripping the scalp.
