Quick answer: PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and GFC (Growth Factor Concentrate) both use your own blood to deliver growth factors into the scalp, and both aim to improve hair density in pattern hair loss. The difference is what ends up in the syringe. PRP delivers concentrated platelets that release growth factors after injection. GFC activates the platelets first, so what is injected is a largely cell-free concentrate of the growth factors themselves. GFC generally offers higher and more consistent growth factor levels with less post-treatment soreness. PRP has the longer and larger published evidence base.
But the more important answer: neither will do much if the reason you are losing hair is low ferritin, an untreated thyroid problem, PCOS, or a telogen effluvium that will resolve on its own. Roughly speaking, the most common reason these treatments disappoint is not the treatment. It is that nobody established the cause first. Before you spend on any course, get the blood work in the next section done.
This guide is written to help you make a good decision, including the parts that might mean you do not need treatment from us at all.
First: find out why you are losing hair
Hair fall is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Several very different conditions produce what looks like the same problem, and they need completely different treatment.
Condition
What it looks like
What it usually needs
Androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss)
Gradual thinning at the crown and temples in men, widening of the parting in women, hair becoming finer
Long term management. PRP or GFC can genuinely help here
Telogen effluvium
Sudden, diffuse shedding across the whole scalp, usually 2 to 4 months after a trigger such as illness, surgery, childbirth, crash dieting or severe stress
Treating the trigger. Often resolves on its own in 6 to 12 months
Iron deficiency
Diffuse thinning, often with fatigue
Correcting ferritin. Extremely common in Indian women
Thyroid disorder
Diffuse thinning, changes in hair texture
Endocrine management
PCOS
Thinning at the crown, often with irregular cycles, acne or unwanted facial hair
Hormonal and metabolic management
Vitamin D or B12 deficiency
Diffuse thinning
Correcting the deficiency. Both are common in India, B12 especially in vegetarians
Alopecia areata
Sudden, sharply defined round bald patches
Dermatologist. This is autoimmune
Traction alopecia
Thinning at the hairline and temples, linked to tight hairstyles
Changing hair practices, ideally early
Scarring alopecias
Patches with a smooth, shiny scalp, sometimes itching, burning or tenderness
See a dermatologist promptly. Follicles can be permanently destroyed and time matters
Please read this part carefully. If your scalp is itching, burning, painful or tender, if you see redness or scaling, or if patches of scalp look smooth and shiny with no visible follicle openings, do not book a cosmetic hair treatment. See a dermatologist first. Scarring alopecias can permanently destroy follicles, and the window to intervene is limited. No amount of PRP or GFC helps once a follicle is gone.
Similarly, sudden patchy hair loss in defined circles is likely alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune condition needing medical management, not an aesthetic treatment.
We would rather tell you this and lose the booking than take money for something that will not help you.
The blood tests to do before you spend anything
This is the single highest value thing you can do. A basic panel costs a fraction of a treatment course and frequently changes the plan entirely.
Ask your doctor about:
Test
Why it matters
Serum ferritin
The most useful single marker for hair. Low ferritin causes diffuse shedding even when haemoglobin is normal
Complete blood count
Screens for anaemia and general health
TSH (and T3, T4 if indicated)
Both underactive and overactive thyroid cause hair loss
Vitamin D
Deficiency is very common in India, including in Delhi NCR
Vitamin B12
Especially relevant for vegetarians and vegans
Blood sugar / HbA1c
Metabolic health affects hair
Additionally, for women with irregular cycles, acne or unwanted facial hair, ask about: testosterone, DHEAS and prolactin, to assess for PCOS or other hormonal causes.
What to do with the results. If something is out of range, correct it first and give it time. Hair responds slowly, and you will not know whether a treatment worked if you changed three things at once. Correcting a genuine deficiency sometimes resolves the problem without any procedure.
If your panel is normal and the pattern fits androgenetic alopecia, that is when PRP or GFC becomes a sensible conversation.
What PRP actually is
PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma. It is autologous, meaning it comes from your own body.
How it is prepared:
A small volume of your blood is drawn, much like a routine blood test
It is spun in a centrifuge, which separates it by density into red cells, a platelet-rich layer, and plasma
The platelet-rich fraction is collected
It is injected into the scalp at the level of the follicles
The idea behind it. Platelets are not only involved in clotting. They carry a range of growth factors including PDGF, VEGF, EGF, TGF-beta and IGF-1. These are signalling molecules involved in tissue repair, blood vessel formation and cell proliferation. The theory is that concentrating them at the follicle supports follicles that are miniaturising but still alive, improving the diameter and quality of the hair they produce.
What the evidence broadly suggests. Multiple clinical studies and pooled analyses have reported improvements in hair density and thickness in androgenetic alopecia following PRP. This is the most studied of the two treatments discussed here.
The honest caveat. Preparation methods vary enormously between providers. Spin speed, spin time, whether the platelets are activated, the final platelet concentration and the injection protocol all differ. This variability is a well recognised limitation in the research literature and it is also why results differ between providers. Two people can both say they had PRP and have received meaningfully different treatments.
What GFC actually is
GFC stands for Growth Factor Concentrate. It is also autologous and starts the same way, with your own blood.
How it differs:
Blood is drawn as with PRP
The platelets are activated before injection, causing them to release their growth factors
The preparation is then processed so that what remains is a concentrate of the released growth factors, largely free of cells
This concentrate is injected into the scalp
Why that difference matters. In PRP, the platelets are injected intact and release their growth factors afterwards, at a rate that varies. In GFC, the release has already happened, so the growth factor content of what is injected is higher and more predictable. Because most red and white cells are removed, there is typically less inflammatory response, which usually means less soreness afterwards.
The honest caveat. GFC is newer. The published evidence base is smaller and younger than for PRP. The mechanistic rationale is sound and early results are encouraging, but anyone presenting GFC as definitively proven superior is going beyond what the current literature supports. What can be said fairly is that GFC delivers a more concentrated and more consistent growth factor dose with generally better comfort.
PRP vs GFC: an honest comparison
PRP
GFC
Source
Your own blood
Your own blood
What is injected
Concentrated platelets, plus some white and red cells
Released growth factors, largely cell-free
Growth factor delivery
Released gradually after injection, variable
Higher and more consistent at the point of injection
Consistency between sessions
Varies with preparation method and your own platelet count on the day
More standardised
Comfort during and after
More post-treatment soreness reported, due to cellular and inflammatory content
Generally better tolerated
Evidence base
Larger, longer, more studies
Smaller and newer, promising
Cost
Generally lower
Generally higher
Typical initial course
Around 3 to 6 sessions, roughly 4 weeks apart
Often 3 to 4 sessions, roughly 4 weeks apart
Maintenance
Needed
Needed
How we would actually advise. Neither is universally better. GFC tends to suit people who want fewer sessions, better comfort and more predictable dosing, and who are comfortable with the higher cost. PRP remains a reasonable, well studied and more accessible option. What matters far more than which of the two you choose is whether the underlying cause was correctly identified, whether the protocol is properly followed, and whether you complete the course and maintain it.
A poorly executed GFC will underperform a well executed PRP every time.
Who these treatments work well for
Realistically, you are a good candidate if:
You have early to moderate pattern hair loss, where hair is thinning and becoming finer rather than gone
Follicles are still present, even if producing weak hair
Your blood work is normal, or any deficiency has been corrected
You have no active scalp disease
You are willing to complete a full course, not one or two sessions
You accept that this is ongoing management, not a one-time fix
You are willing to combine it with other measures where appropriate
The best results are generally seen in people who start early. The follicle that is thinning today is far easier to support than the one that has stopped producing entirely.
Who they will not work for
This section matters more than the previous one, and most clinics leave it out.
These treatments will not meaningfully help if:
The area is completely bald and shiny, with no follicular openings. The follicles are gone and growth factors cannot regenerate what does not exist
You have advanced pattern baldness across large areas. Hair transplantation is the appropriate conversation
Your hair loss is caused by an untreated thyroid disorder, iron deficiency, PCOS or B12 deficiency. Treat the cause
You have a scarring alopecia. See a dermatologist
You have alopecia areata. This is autoimmune and needs medical management
You are experiencing telogen effluvium from a recent identifiable trigger. This commonly recovers on its own within 6 to 12 months. Spending on a treatment course during natural recovery makes it impossible to know what helped
You expect to do one session and see a change
You will not maintain the result
Also be honest with yourself about expectations. These treatments improve density and hair quality in follicles that are still functioning. They do not create new follicles. If you are hoping to restore a hairline you had fifteen years ago, that expectation cannot be met by any injectable treatment, and any provider who suggests otherwise is not being straight with you.
Realistic timelines and results
Hair biology is slow. Here is a realistic timeline.
Period
What to expect
Weeks 1 to 4
Nothing visible. Some people notice reduced shedding. This is not a reliable signal yet
Weeks 4 to 8
Shedding often reduces more noticeably. Still no visible density change
Months 3 to 4
Early signs of finer new growth may appear. Often more visible to you in the mirror than in photographs
Months 5 to 6
The point at which meaningful change is usually assessable
Beyond 6 months
Maintenance determines whether gains hold
Two practical points.
First, take standardised photographs. Same lighting, same angle, same parting, same distance, at baseline and every four weeks. Memory is unreliable and gradual change is nearly invisible day to day. Photographs are the only honest record of whether something is working.
Second, maintenance is not an upsell. Pattern hair loss is a progressive condition driven by genetics and hormones. These treatments support follicles against that process. They do not switch it off. When treatment stops, the underlying process continues. Typical maintenance is a session every four to six months, though this varies.
Anyone who tells you the result is permanent after one course is not describing pattern hair loss accurately.
Safety, side effects and who should not have this
Because these treatments use your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction to the material itself is very low. That does not make them risk-free.
Common and expected:
Soreness, tenderness or mild swelling of the scalp for a day or two, more common with PRP than GFC
Small pinpoint marks at injection sites
Occasional mild headache after the session
Temporary redness
Less common but possible:
Bruising
Infection at injection sites, which is why sterile technique is not negotiable
Temporary increase in shedding in the first few weeks
You should discuss with a doctor before considering these treatments if you:
Have a platelet or bleeding disorder
Take anticoagulants or antiplatelet medication
Have an active infection, on the scalp or systemically
Have a history of certain cancers, particularly haematological
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have an autoimmune condition affecting the scalp
Are on medication that affects platelet function, including regular NSAIDs
On safety and qualifications, said plainly. These are procedures involving blood draw and injection. They require sterile technique, appropriate handling of blood products, safe disposal, and a clear plan for managing an adverse reaction. Ask any provider directly who performs the blood draw and the injections, what their medical qualification is, and what happens if you have a reaction. A provider who answers that clearly and without defensiveness is one you can trust. Anyone who deflects the question is telling you something.
This article is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified medical practitioner who has examined your scalp and reviewed your history.
Why combination treatment outperforms any single approach
Pattern hair loss is driven by multiple mechanisms, so single-modality treatment tends to underperform.
An evidence-informed approach usually involves several elements working together:
Correcting deficiencies, established by blood work rather than guessed at
Topical or medical therapy where clinically appropriate, discussed with a doctor. Options such as topical minoxidil have a substantial evidence base, and for some patients oral medication is appropriate. These decisions belong with a medical practitioner
Growth factor treatment, PRP or GFC, to support existing follicles
Scalp health, addressing dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis or excessive oiliness, since an inflamed scalp is a poor environment for hair
Nutrition and protein intake, which is frequently inadequate in Indian diets, particularly for vegetarian women
Sleep and stress management, which sound like generic advice but genuinely influence the hair cycle
Gentler hair practices, reducing tight styles, excessive heat and harsh chemical treatments
The realistic view is that growth factor treatment is one component of a plan, not the whole plan. Providers who present it as a standalone solution tend to produce disappointed clients.
Does Delhi's pollution and water actually cause hair fall?
You will see this claimed constantly in Delhi NCR marketing. Here is a more measured view.
Air pollution. There is emerging research suggesting that particulate matter may affect the cells of the hair follicle, and the proposed mechanisms are biologically plausible. However, the evidence linking ambient pollution to clinically significant hair loss in humans is still limited and largely preliminary. It is reasonable to consider pollution a possible contributing factor. It is not reasonable to present it as an established primary cause, and it is very unlikely to be the explanation for pattern hair loss, which is genetic and hormonal.
Hard water. Groundwater across much of Delhi NCR has high mineral content. Hard water can affect the feel and manageability of hair and may contribute to scalp buildup and breakage. Evidence that it causes hair loss from the root is weak. If your hair feels rough, tangles more, and breaks along the shaft, hard water may be part of it, and a filter or a chelating shampoo may help the feel of your hair. That is different from losing hair from the follicle.
Seasonal shedding. Many people shed more in certain months. Some degree of seasonal variation in shedding is a recognised phenomenon. It is usually temporary.
Why we are telling you this. Because if you are told pollution is the cause, you may buy a treatment aimed at the wrong target while an actual cause such as low ferritin or a thyroid issue goes unaddressed. Environmental factors in Delhi NCR are worth managing. They are rarely the whole story.
Questions to ask any provider before booking
Take this list to every consultation, including ours.
What do you think is causing my hair loss, and what makes you say that?
Have you looked at my scalp closely, ideally with magnification?
What blood tests should I have before starting, and will you wait for the results?
Do you recommend PRP or GFC for me specifically, and why that one?
What preparation method and protocol do you use?
Who performs the blood draw and the injections, and what is their medical qualification?
How many sessions, at what interval, and what is the total cost of the full course?
What maintenance will I need, and what will that cost each year?
What results are realistic in my case, and by when?
What would make you say this treatment is not right for me?
Will you take standardised photographs at baseline and through the course?
What happens if I have an adverse reaction, and who do I contact?
Are there other treatments I should consider first or alongside?
Can I speak to someone with hair loss similar to mine whom you have treated?
The most revealing question is number 10. A provider who can immediately describe the cases they turn away has clinical judgment and is thinking about outcomes. A provider who says this treatment is suitable for everyone is selling.
FAQs
What is the difference between PRP and GFC hair treatment?
Both use your own blood. PRP injects concentrated platelets, which then release growth factors gradually. GFC activates the platelets first and injects a largely cell-free concentrate of the released growth factors. GFC generally delivers a higher and more consistent growth factor dose with less post-treatment soreness. PRP has a larger and longer-established evidence base.
Which is better, PRP or GFC?
Neither is universally better. GFC suits those wanting fewer sessions, more predictable dosing and better comfort, at a higher cost. PRP is well studied and more accessible. What matters more is correct diagnosis, a properly followed protocol, and completing the course with maintenance.
How many sessions of PRP or GFC do I need for hair fall?
Typically around 3 to 6 sessions for PRP and 3 to 4 for GFC, roughly four weeks apart, followed by maintenance every four to six months. The exact protocol should be set after assessment, not quoted before anyone has examined your scalp.
How long before I see results from PRP or GFC?
Reduced shedding is sometimes noticed within 4 to 8 weeks. Visible density change usually takes 3 to 6 months, because hair grows slowly. Assess at the six month mark using standardised photographs rather than memory.
Does PRP work for completely bald areas?
No. PRP and GFC support follicles that still exist but are producing weaker hair. They do not create new follicles. Areas that are completely bald with smooth, shiny scalp and no visible follicular openings will not respond, and hair transplantation is the appropriate conversation.
What blood tests should I do before hair fall treatment?
Discuss with your doctor: serum ferritin, complete blood count, TSH, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and blood sugar or HbA1c. For women with irregular cycles, acne or unwanted facial hair, also testosterone, DHEAS and prolactin. Correcting a genuine deficiency sometimes resolves hair fall without any procedure.
Is PRP hair treatment painful?
There is discomfort during scalp injections and typically soreness or tenderness for a day or two afterwards. GFC is generally reported as more comfortable, as most cellular and inflammatory components are removed. Numbing measures are commonly used.
Are the results of PRP or GFC permanent?
No. Pattern hair loss is a progressive, genetically and hormonally driven condition. These treatments support follicles against that process rather than stopping it. Maintenance sessions are needed to hold results. Any provider describing the outcome as permanent is not describing the condition accurately.
Who should not have PRP or GFC?
Discuss with a doctor first if you have a platelet or bleeding disorder, take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication, have an active infection, have a history of certain cancers particularly haematological, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have an autoimmune condition affecting the scalp.
Can hair fall from stress be treated with PRP?
Sudden diffuse shedding after a stressful event, illness, surgery, childbirth or crash dieting is usually telogen effluvium, which commonly resolves on its own within 6 to 12 months once the trigger is addressed. Starting a treatment course during natural recovery makes it impossible to tell what actually helped. Assessment first is the sensible route.
Does Delhi pollution cause hair fall?
Research on particulate matter and hair follicles is emerging and biologically plausible, but evidence linking ambient pollution to clinically significant hair loss remains limited. Treat it as a possible contributing factor rather than an established primary cause. Pattern hair loss is driven by genetics and hormones, not air quality.
Should I see a dermatologist or a cosmetologist for hair fall?
If you have scalp itching, burning, pain, redness, scaling, sudden patchy loss, or areas of smooth shiny scalp, see a dermatologist first, as these can indicate conditions needing medical management. For established pattern hair loss with a normal scalp and normal blood work, aesthetic growth factor treatment can be an appropriate part of a plan.
Book a consultation
If you want a straight assessment of whether PRP or GFC makes sense for your hair, or whether something else should come first, that is what a consultation is for. We will tell you if we think a treatment course is not the right next step for you.
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Call or WhatsApp +91 97735 79126, or email info@skinsbysrishti.com. Serving Delhi NCR with at-home appointments.