Best At-Home Skincare Routine After PRP Hair Treatment

Step 1: Manage Discomfort Safely

After your PRP treatment, it’s common to experience mild tenderness or warmth on the scalp. These signs indicate that your body’s healing response is active.

Avoid NSAIDs:
Refrain from using pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen for at least seven days. These medicines can interfere with platelet activity and reduce the benefits of PRP.

Choose safer pain relief:
If you experience discomfort, you can use acetaminophen (paracetamol). It effectively relieves pain without affecting the healing properties of the plasma.

Step 2: Support Healing Through Diet

What you eat after PRP treatment directly affects how well your body recovers.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine:
Stay away from alcohol and caffeinated beverages for at least 48 hours. Both cause dehydration, which can slow the healing process and reduce treatment efficacy.

Cut down on processed foods:
Limit sugary snacks, fried foods, and refined carbohydrates. These can trigger inflammation in the body and delay healing.

Focus on anti-inflammatory foods:
Add foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds. Fresh fruits, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains provide essential antioxidants that promote cell repair and support your skin’s recovery.

Stay hydrated:
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Hydration improves circulation, supports tissue regeneration, and helps your skin and scalp remain supple.

Step 3: Protect Your Skin and Scalp

After PRP, your skin and scalp become slightly more sensitive. Proper protection helps prevent irritation and infection.

Avoid direct sun exposure:
For one to two weeks, avoid strong sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. When going outdoors, wear a hat or scarf and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to exposed skin.

Stay away from heat and sweat:
Avoid saunas, hot showers, steam rooms, and intense workouts for at least 48 hours. Heat and sweat can increase inflammation and cause irritation or redness.

Skip hair styling tools temporarily:
For the first week, avoid using hairdryers, straighteners, or curling irons. Allow your scalp to rest and breathe.

Step 4: Adjust Your Skincare Routine

The days following PRP treatment are a time for gentle care. Avoid harsh or active skincare ingredients that might irritate the treated areas.

Use mild cleansers:
Clean your face and scalp with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Do not scrub or rub. Instead, pat dry with a soft towel.

Moisturize regularly:
Apply a light, soothing moisturizer that is free of fragrance and alcohol. Hydration helps calm the skin, minimize flaking, and reduce tightness.

Avoid active ingredients:
Do not use products containing retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, or benzoyl peroxide for at least five to seven days. These ingredients can irritate your skin and slow down recovery.

Skip exfoliation:
Avoid physical scrubs and chemical exfoliants for one week. Your skin is already undergoing renewal from within; additional exfoliation can cause micro-tears and sensitivity.

Limit makeup use: 

Avoid heavy foundation, concealer, or powders for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. If makeup is necessary, use minimal, non-comedogenic products that allow your skin to breathe.

Step 5: Practice Scalp Hygiene Gently

The scalp after PRP needs minimal interference.

• Avoid touching or scratching the treated area.
• Do not wash your hair for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
• When you resume washing, use a sulfate-free, mild shampoo and avoid strong water pressure.
• Do not apply hair oils, sprays, or styling gels for at least a week unless recommended by your specialist.

Step 6: Avoid Strain During Healing

Your scalp and skin need calm conditions to heal properly.

No smoking:
Smoking restricts blood flow and reduces oxygen supply to tissues, delaying healing and reducing treatment benefits. If possible, avoid smoking entirely during your recovery phase.

Avoid other cosmetic treatments:
Do not undergo chemical peels, facials, microdermabrasion, or laser sessions for at least 2 to 4 weeks after PRP. These procedures may irritate the skin and disrupt healing.

Limit stress:
High stress increases cortisol levels, which can slow repair and weaken hair follicles. Practice mindfulness, deep breathing, or gentle stretching to support recovery.

Step 7: Follow-Up and Observation

Your PRP journey doesn’t end after the session. Continuous observation and follow-up ensure you achieve lasting results.

Attend all scheduled appointments:
Your practitioner will assess healing, review hair regrowth progress, and recommend if any additional sessions are needed.

Report unusual symptoms:
If you notice excessive redness, prolonged swelling, or signs of infection such as pus or fever, contact your provider promptly. Early care prevents complications and ensures smooth healing.

Step 8: Gradually Return to Normal Routine

Most patients can resume regular activities within one to two days, but it’s important to listen to your body. Gradually reintroduce workouts, hair products, and makeup only after the initial healing phase (about one week).

Within a few weeks, your scalp will begin to feel stronger and healthier. You may notice improved hair texture and density over time as PRP’s natural growth factors continue to work beneath the surface.