{"id":13680,"date":"2020-02-27T15:12:42","date_gmt":"2020-02-27T23:12:42","guid":{"rendered":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/?p=13680"},"modified":"2023-10-17T16:11:22","modified_gmt":"2023-10-17T23:11:22","slug":"best-shampoos-after-prp-scalp-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/best-shampoos-after-prp-scalp-treatment","title":{"rendered":"The Best Shampoos to Use After Your PRP Scalp Treatment, According to Dermatologists"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thanks to its ability to stimulate follicle growth and increase hair-shaft thickness, many people experiencing hair loss<\/a> are now opting for platelet-rich plasma<\/a> (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.)<\/p>

Interested in PRP for hair loss?<\/small><\/div>Find Doctors Near You<\/a><\/div>

What is a PRP treatment, and how does it work?<\/strong><\/h2>

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>, 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. <\/p>

Because of this newfound sensitivity, Dr. Marguerite Germain<\/a>, 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.”<\/p>

Related: Kourtney Kardashian Visits Facial Plastic Surgeon for Hair Loss Treatment<\/a><\/em><\/p>

What ingredients should you avoid post-treatment?<\/strong><\/h2>

When purchasing a shampoo post PRP treatment, Dr. Jeffrey Rapaport,<\/a> 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. <\/p>

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