PRP vs GFC for hair loss: which is actually better?

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and GFC (Growth Factor Concentrate) are two hair loss treatments that both use your own blood. Patients ask me every week which is better. The honest answer: they're similar in effectiveness, but differ in process, cost, and convenience.

What is PRP?

PRP involves drawing about 20–30ml of your blood, centrifuging it to separate the platelet-rich plasma, and injecting it into your scalp. The platelets release growth factors that stimulate dormant hair follicles. PRP has been used for 15+ years and has good clinical evidence behind it.

What is GFC?

GFC is a newer technique. We draw a smaller amount of blood (about 10–16ml), use a special kit to extract a concentrated growth factor solution, and inject it. The key difference: GFC removes red and white blood cells (which can cause inflammation) and delivers a higher concentration of pure growth factors.

The comparison

Effectiveness: Both work. Studies show 30–40% improvement in hair density after 3–4 sessions of either. GFC may have a slight edge in hair calibre (thickness) but the difference is not dramatic. Anyone claiming one is dramatically better than the other is selling you something.

Sessions: Both require 3–4 initial sessions, spaced 3–4 weeks apart, then maintenance every 6 months.

Process time: PRP takes about 45 minutes. GFC takes about 60 minutes (the kit processing takes longer).

Cost: PRP is NPR 8,000 per session. GFC is NPR 6,000 per session — it's slightly cheaper because the kit is more efficient with less blood.

Pain: Both involve scalp injections with a very fine needle. We use numbing cream. Most patients describe it as mild discomfort.

Which should you choose?

If cost is your concern: GFC is slightly cheaper and equally effective.

If you want the most-established treatment: PRP has 15+ years of evidence; GFC is newer (5–6 years).

If you have a low pain tolerance: GFC uses fewer injections (smaller volume).

If your hair loss is early-stage: either works. We usually start with GFC and switch to PRP if response is slow.

What neither will do

Neither PRP nor GFC will regrow hair in completely bald areas. They stimulate thinning follicles — they don't create new ones. If you have a smooth bald spot (no vellus hair), the only option is a hair transplant.

Both treatments also need to be combined with medical therapy (finasteride/minoxidil) for best results. Injections alone won't stop the underlying hormone-driven hair loss.

Book a consultation and we'll tell you honestly which (if either) is right for your specific case.